A Place in the Sun

Hot Properties in Moraira

 

Property in Moraira

Situated between the mountains and the sea, it’s easy to see why Moraira is a sought-after destination for savvy property hunters. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now draws an international crowd seeking an authentic Spanish experience. 

Strict planning laws mean there are no enormous hotel complexes blighting the landscape – most of the properties are detached two-storey villas with private pools nestling in the trees along the coast, or Spanish “pueblo-style” developments with communal pools.

The attractive prices and picturesque location have tempted many Brits, Germans, Dutch and Scandinavians to the area in recent years to make it their home. 

The town itself is a mix of narrow cobbled alleys and wide modern avenues lined with palm trees. Designer clothes shops and the vibrant cafes and bars draw city slickers from Madrid, as well as European families in the summer.

The Friday morning market, held in the town square, offers an array of fresh produce as well as clothes and jewellery and there’s a regular fish market for the locally caught seafood. Those who prefer their meals cooked for them are spoilt for choice with bars and restaurants to suit all budgets and styles, ranging from tapas to Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Moraira has four main beaches – the largest Playa la Ampolla is within walking distance of the town, located just below the castle – and numerous small coves. Just 1km along the coast, El Portet’s sheltered bay boasts the best of the town’s beaches and a pretty promenade lined with bars and restaurants. In the valley, just inland, vineyards flourish in the sheltered conditions, yielding Muscat grapes, perfect for the sweet dessert wine, Muscatel. 

Moraria is easy to reach by air with flights from multiple UK locations, taking between two-and-a-half and three hours to fly to Alicante. Moraira is about an hour’s drive to the north. Alternatively, you can fly to Valencia in two hours and 15 minutes, and then drive the 150km to the town. 

Where to Buy Property in Moraira 

Known as “the jewel in the crown” it’s hardly surprising that Moraria has attracted some famous residents. Chris Eubanks owns a villa here, along with football manager, Sam Allardyce. A stunning 6-bedroomed “Finca” style villa with sea views and a 100m stroll to the beach would set you back €3,500,000 but it does have its own cinema, gym and Jacuzzi.

A more modest 3-bedroomed villa, just 300m from the sea, and close to the shops and restaurants costs a more pocket-friendly €215,000.

Lying in the shadow of Montgo Mountain just 13km from Moraira, Javea’s wide bay is sheltered by two rocky headlands. On a clear day, you can see the island of Ibiza 90km to the east. The beach here is pebbly, but much loved by residents and visitors to the town. Nigella Lawson and Catherine Zeta-Jones were both tempted to buy villas here, and it’s easy to see why.

At the luxury end of the market, a 4-bedroomed detached villa with sea views, an infinity pool, gym, and even a cold room for storing ham and cheeses cost €2,900,000, while a 3-bedroomed bungalow, set in communal gardens with a large swimming pool costs €160,000.

The high-rise nature of architecture in Calpe offers great opportunities to buy flats and townhouses at reasonable prices. A 2-bedroomed apartment just 5 minutes walk from the beach is €149,500 with a 3 bed townhouse costing €168,000.

About half an hour’s drive from Moraira, Denia is currently enjoying a property boom. It has an important harbour and you can catch the ferry to Ibiza from here. Townhouses here cost around €185,000 and villas with a private pool fetch €250,000.