Did you know that in Alicante you can enjoy places as special as the Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa? This beautiful town is found on the Costa Blanca, specifically in the Marina Baja region, a short distance from Benidorm.
It is known that its first settlers appeared in the Bronze Age and that it was inhabited by various Iberian peoples during the Roman domination. Later, in the 16th century, it played an essential role in the defence of the coast against the continuous attacks from Barbary pirates. The walls and towers built then are still standing so you can see them in all their splendour. Today, it is synonymous with fishing glamour, beautiful colourful houses and quiet tourism, ideal for couples or families.
So if you have already decided and are wondering what museums to visit in Villajoyosa, we recommend that you start with this emblematic site. You won’t find anything like it!
Chocolate Museum of Villajoyosa
The Valor Chocolate Museum was inaugurated in 1998 and is attached to a Valor factory, a brand originally from Villajoyosa. In 2008 it was recognised by the Generalitat Valenciana as a Valencian chocolate museum.
It is built in a beautiful 19th century house, which housed the old family factory. As soon as you arrive, you will be intoxicated by the exquisite smell of freshly made chocolate exuding from every corner.
Useful information for your visits
There is no need to book in advance unless you are with a group of 15 or more people. If there are fewer of you, you can simply stand at the gate and wait for the factory to open its doors. There you will find a ticket dispenser, since the maximum capacity is 50 people. Admission is free.
Visits take place on the dot, every hour and consist of 3 shifts in the morning (at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and 3 in the afternoon (5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.) from Monday to Friday. The visit is also offered in English at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturday visits are at 10:00 a.m. (in English) and at 11:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. (in Spanish).
What to see at the Chocolate Museum?
Thanks to a dynamic journey through time, you will discover the history of chocolate and the different manufacturing processes carried out by Valor’s master chocolatiers. Nothing more and nothing less than 500 years of delicious chronology!
Circuit
In the Exhibition Hall you will learn about the origins of cocoa and the mythology related to it. Through a series of explanatory panels, you will explore its varieties, its introduction in Spain, the different preparation methods since primitive times and the objects used at each moment. In fact, did you know that it has one of the best collections of industrial chocolate machinery?
In this first stage, you will be able to see and smell the raw materials used to make the various types of chocolate (beans, cocoa butter, almonds, vanilla, etc.). Is your mouth watering yet? Well, hang on in there because there’s still a lot to see!
You will then be immersed in a cinematic experience where you will witness the history of Valor from its beginnings in Villajoyosa in 1881. However, you should know that the chocolate tradition began in the town in the 17th century due to the influx of ships arriving from America.
Afterwards, you will have a sightseeing tour of the old family factory and see the machinery used at that time in the production of their famous chocolate. You will learn about the different processes and the evolution carried out by 5 generations of master chocolatiers. You will also discover the actual factory from the inside and taste a delicious selection of Valor products. As if you could say no!
How to get there
From Benidorm take the N-332 road and drive along it for 15 kilometres. Then, come off via the CV-770 to arrive directly in Villajoyosa. The museum is located at calle Pianista Gonzalo Soriano, 13.
From Alicante take the N-322 and join the A-70. Drive for about 30 kilometres; take exit 66 and then the road CV-770.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience!
As you can see, the Costa Blanca offers endless possibilities beyond its famous beaches. Without a doubt, the Chocolate Museum is the best response to the question of what to do in Villajoyosa as a couple or with your family. Indulge yourself and let yourself be intoxicated by the delicious aroma of chocolate! Is your mouth watering?