INCE opening its doors in 2024, The Agency Costa Blanca has redefined what it means to experience real estate on Spain’s most desirable coastline. This isn’t just a brokerage - it’s a curated approach to luxury living, blending world-class service with intimate local knowledge. Led by founding partners Alistair Barton and Leonie Ter Brugge, the team brings a fresh perspective to the Costa Blanca property market, already making an impact in Moraira, Javea, and Benissa Costa.
Backed by one of the world’s most recognised luxury real estate brands, The Agency Costa Blanca offers a bespoke experience rooted in trust, discretion, and market expertise. With a global network spanning 130+ offices across 12 countries and over $80 billion in sales, they’re uniquely positioned to connect the region’s most extraordinary homes with discerning international buyers.
or rowdy, but humming with the quiet rhythm of coastal life. Here, you’ll find the Nautico Club, a hub for sailing enthusiasts, and the Fishermen’s Guild, founded in 1929, which still plays a key role in the town’s economy.
ies of Alicante and Valencia are all within easy reach. But for many, the true appeal is simply staying put - enjoying a morning coffee in the plaza, a stroll through the weekly market, and an evening meal at a clifftop restaurant as the sun sinks into the sea.
As the team expands into Dénia and Altea and takes on representation of exclusive new developments, their focus remains clear: to showcase architectural excellence, lifestyle-driven design, and the best of Mediterranean living.
A short walk away is El Portet, a Blue Flag beach often considered one of the finest along the Costa Blanca. Framed by cliffs and lush vegetation, its crescent-shaped bay and crystal-clear water make it a favourite for snorkelling and paddleboard-
Looking for something quieter? Cala Llebeig, a remote cove carved into the cliffs, offers privacy and stunning views for those willing to hike or boat in. It’s one of many ‘secret spots’ that locals like to keep under wraps. Moraira’s marina is a hive of activity - not loud
Thanks to Moraira’s roots as a fishing port, seafood here is not only fresh but abundant. Restaurants along the waterfront serve up the day’s catchthink grilled octopus, sardines, and rich fish stews - with a glass of local wine and a sea view.
Most visitors, find themselves content to fall into Moraira’s gentle rhythm
The Agency is the world’s most followed real estate brand - and for good reason. With award-winning marketing, a collaborative ethos, and access to a curated network of high-profile clientele, the Costa Blanca office is elevating the standard for luxury property representation in Spain. At The Agency Costa Blanca, real estate is about more than property. It’s about people. With over half their business involving international clients, their approach is tailored, strategic, and always personal.
From high-end campaigns to in-house lifestyle publishing, The Agency Costa Blanca is more than a real estate office - it’s the new benchmark for modern luxury on the Mediterranean.
A base to explore (or not)
For those who do crave the occasional blast of nightlife, Benidorm and its infamous fleshpots are close enough for a wild night out - but far enough to feel like a different world entirely. Most visitors, however, find themselves content to fall into Moraira’s gentle rhythm. It’s the kind of place where doing less feels like doing more. And once you’ve discovered its charms, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered looking elsewhere. vegetation, bay ing. quiand hike keep
Moraira also makes an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Day trips to Javea, the Xalo Valley, or the historic cit-
By P OO LVILLAS
INTREPID: Tackle
Moraira
MORAIRA is a magical place, especially at this time of the year.
Even so, it’s not a town likely to evoke images of snowy forests at the back of wardrobes or talking white rabbits that are forever running late. A secret garden, maybe.
Soon, being the sweet abuela she is, Moraira will shake off her winter skirts and put on her summer smile.
Now, she might not manage a full flamenco, but she’ll fling her arms out wide anyway, and invite thousands of world-weary tourists into them.
It’s Spring. Always a good time of year. For those that live and work here too.
There’s a special kind of light around. It trips and dances its way through the new greens of the tree canopies, pirouettes in and out of shadows, bounces off the wave-tops.
It bewitches our visitors just as graciously as it has done our artists, writers, musicians and poets. It’s magic so powerful, the very air tingles with it.
For those of us in business, it signals that it’s time to prepare.
Like nesting birds, we’ll be sprucing up our stores and getting stock and staff ready, before taking in a little of the sunshine ourselves.
It’s magic is so powerful the very air tingles
Then, like Moraira’s sardine fishwives of old, we’ll sit and wait for our boat to come in. And the tourists will come. Before we know it, there will be people from all parts of the world exploring every corner of our tiny enchanted kingdom. Eventually, they’ll meander all the way along the coast from Cap d’Or and the turquoise waters of El Portet, to the far-flung cliffs at Punta Estrella.
They’ll drift along like feathers, caught up in Moraira’s own brand of magical mystery tour. Who are we to begrudge anyone a two week escape, particularly when our big-hearted abuela has been so hard at work in the kitchen. We all know we are in a very
Magical Moraira
Long time local businesswoman Amanda Bourne of Polly’s Books explains why she loves the town
special place. An Eat Me/Drink Me land with cold beer and cheap vino, fabulous restaurants, fresh fish, fruit and veg. Although sometimes it really is colder indoors than out, we can wear shorts and flip flops all year round, if we’ve a mind to.
To us, Peñon de Ifach peacocking its wild terracottas in a jaw-dropping sunset is just another Tuesday. Nonetheless, in return, we really should make efforts and at least absorb our town’s strange tales with a willingness to share them.
We should recount her stories of pirates and hidden treasure and on those long hot August nights ahead, beguile visiting family and friends with tales of the Moors and our namesake princess. We should tell of that time once long ago when brave Moraira’s tiny castle fortress so bothered the British they cannonballed it into oblivion (Obviously, it’s since been rebuilt.). And we should all know who the great Chester Himes (inset right) was, just because we might get asked.
Moraira is magical, that’s for sure. Even when her skies sit heavy. Even when it pours yellow rain.
We are privileged to be citizens of this fairytale land far far away. This is where the palm trees sing old Spanish lullabies to the pines keeping watch over us from the mountains. Here, is where faith marks the passage of time.
The people will come. They always do. Drawn, like us, the expats, by the utterly spectacular magic of it all. There’s peace and respite here, and its available to all, offered up to the soul by the very fabric of the town, its friendly faces, its sense of humour, its music, its food and generous Spanish hospitality, and its endless, endless supply of sun, sea and sand.
LONG TIME RESIDENT: Amanda Bourne of Polly’s
A SPECIAL PLACE: Scenes from Moraira give a taste of the local life
Vietnam - but she sought out Spain not for its chaos, but for its peace.
Though her villa was located inland from Moraira, she spent significant time in the coastal region, drawn to its dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches.
Gellhorn’s choice to settle in the area reflects not only her enduring affection for Spain, a country she covered fearlessly as a journalist, but also her desire for a contemplative life after a career spent in constant motion.
The town also attracted Latin American voices, such as Salvadoran philosopher and writer Alvaro Alfredo Betancourt Blanco.
After a distinguished career as an educator and thinker in El Salvador, Betancourt chose Moraira as the place to live out his retirement.
described the beaches of Moraira as ‘the ideal destination for anyone who wants to read, write or simply relax’. During a trip in 2020, she wrote a substantial portion of her novel El Tercer País while basking in the sun on Ampolla Beach.
Moraira’s literary ties are not limited to Anglo-American writers.
A prolific writer, Betancourt published works on ethics, humanism, and spiritual introspection. Titles such as Ser Interior and Gotas Morales exemplify his concern with the moral and inner life, themes undoubtedly nourished by the calm and meditative setting of the Costa Blanca.
Even in more recent years, Moraira continues to inspire contemporary authors. Venezuelan journalist and novelist Karina Sainz Borgo, acclaimed for her debut It Would Be Night in Caracas,
Her testimony underscores the town’s timeless ability to stimulate creativity and foster solitude - the key ingredients of the writing life.
Together, these threads - writers in exile, war correspondents seeking peace, Latin American thinkers and contemporary novelists - compose a tapestry of Moraira’s literary identity. Though it may lack the cosmopolitan fame of Paris or the bohemian history of Tangier, Moraira has quietly become a sanctuary for those whose lives are bound up in words.
SCRIBES: Karina, Betancourt (both above), Chester (below) and (far left) Martha with Hemingway
LIVING THE SPANISH DREAM
Why Dream Properties?
• Organise viewings of available properties
• Financial and legal advice
The Dream Properties Group – Your Real Estate Partner in Moraira
• Guidance in construction and renovation
• Certified real estate agent
• We speak your language
Whether you want to sell, buy or build your property in Spain, the Dream Properties Group is your high service partner to contact.
• Reliable partner network
• More than 10 years active in Spain
With our many years of experience and with the help of our network,
Not only do we actively search for your dream home, but thanks to our marketing and extensive client network, we also sell properties quickly to the right buyer. It is our passion and goal to match the right property to the right person. And if your ideal home doesn’t exist yet, we can help you to realise it via our professional architects and experienced construction team. Dream Properties and the important Dutch brand Spaanse Droomhuizen assist you in every step of the buying process, from the first orientation and viewings to legal and financial guidance and far beyond. That way, you can enjoy your new life in Spain without worries.
With many years of experience and hundreds of happy clients we are ready to help you in finding the ideal villa or apartment in Moraira, Jávea or anywhere else in coastal Spain.
Looking for a modern new-build apartment, a rustic house full of character or charming Ibiza-style villa in Moraira?
Do visit us at our office in Moraira! We’re here to help!
�� Visit us in Valencia or Moraira ��
�� Call us on (+34) 965 27 58 70 �� �� Want to know more? �� Check out our websites: www.dreampropertiesinternational.com www.spaansedroomhuizen.com
GIVEN its location next to the town centre and close to the castle, Ampolla is inevitably Moraira’s busiest beach. But the fact that it’s a good beach – gently shelving, family friendly and with a coveted blue flag and full services – is another reason people choose it. This beach really has something for everyone, from sun loungers available for hire for those who want to do nothing, to volleyball nets and a children’s playground for the more energetic.
Dream Properties for sale in Moraira. This is only a small selection. See more on our website or fill out our Property Finder Service!
4
Kimberley Mannion
TSHORE THING
HERE is much more to see in and around Moraira than sea and sand, but it is still the perfect place for a beach holiday. From busy beaches with watersports and tourist activities, toilets and lifeguards, and easy access to bars and restaurants, to private and peaceful little coves tucked into enclaves along the towering cliffs outside the centre, Moraira really does offer the full range of beach experiences.
If you are driving or, especially, hiking to one of the more remote hidden gems, do remember to take everything you need with you and leave nothing behind.
LLEBEIG COVE
TUCKED away, and off the regular tourist trail is Llebeig Cove. Much harder to reach than Moraira’s two central beaches, you’ll need to hike a trail from neighbouring coves, or arrive by sea in a boat or kayak. The hassle of getting there is well worth it to see the hidden gem.
The small idyllic cove feels like a private slice of paradise. Aside from a few old fishermen’s houses, there is nothing here but nature, so take what you need, including shade and water.
Your Real Estate Partner at the Costa Blanca
Whether you want to sell, buy or build your property in Spain, the Dream Properties Group is your high service partner to contact
Why Dream Properties?
• Organise viewings of available properties
• Financial and legal advice
• Guidance in construction and renovation
• Certified real estate agent
• We speak your language
• Reliable partner network
• More than 10 years active in Spain
With our many years of experience and with the help of our network, we guide you through the entire buying, constructing, renovating and selling process.
PLAYA DE L’AMPOLLA
HOME INSPIRATION
BOTH the Javea and Moraira Yorkshire Linen shops are well stocked with new collections coming in weekly to inspire you to transform your home and/or rental or just add some finishing touches.
New beds and bedding can create a whole new look and feel to a room. We sell premium mattresses, bases, sofa beds plus mattress and pillow protectors to ensure your bedding is always in tip-top shape. Bed linen, duvets and reversible duvet sets are available in Single, Double, King and Super King sizes, all with matching pillow cases. Fitted bed sheets are available in an array of colours and fabrics to match as well. Our toppers are also proving to be exceptionally popular by making a hard bed softer and a soft bed more supportive.
We have roller blinds (for light and privacy), a wide choice of UK ready-made curtains and made to measure indoor/outdoor rugs. Bedspreads, pillows, cushions and covers of all sizes, throws, bath and beach towels and more. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you in any way they can.
Moraira has been a sought after place to live for thousands of years
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES
MORAIRA has turned from a sleepy fi shing village into a quiet hiding place for people seeking a retreat from the modern world.
While the heart of the old village is still on the seashore and quiet harbour, the hills
By Dilip Kuner
around the bay have become home to many villas and properties that are much sought after by people desiring the views and tranquility of the Mediterranean.
human habitation dates back thousands of years to the Paleolithic era thanks to its advantageous location.
And there is nothing new in this.
But beneath its modern charm is a rich past that intertwines the stories of ancient civilizations, maritime trade, and cross-cultural interaction.
Evidence of
The region was a popular settlement for many different cultures, including the Roman, Phoenician, and Iberian peoples. Archaeological sites dotting the area including la Cova de la Cendra and the Cueva de las ratas, are proof of the presence of these early settlers, who left their mark on the land.
Romantic Infl uence
Moraira fl ourished as an important centre of trade and commerce during the Roman era and benefi ted from being close to the busy port of Denia. Roman coins, and ceramics have all been discovered in Moraira and serve as physical reminders of a bygone era.
History of Medieval Times: A new chapter in Moraira’s history was written during
the Middle Ages when the Iberian Peninsula was conquered by the Moors only to be taken back by the Christians in the 13th century. This era is marked each year by the town’s Moros y Cristianos festivity, which just passed last week-
In order to fend off pirate incursions, watchtowers and defensive walls were built along the coast and the threat rates continued into
A watch tower was built on Cap D’or in the 16th century, while Moraira’s castle was actually a fairly late addition to the defences, being built in the 18th century.
MARKET: Fishing has remained a constant in Moraira for thousands of years
CHARGE: the wars between Christians and Moors are commemorated each year
CONTAINERS AVAILABLE
Maritime link
For centuries, Moraira’s history has been deeply embedded with its maritime identity. Generations of locals have cast their nets into the Mediterranean in search of an abundant catch, making fi shing a way of life for them. Every year, the town celebrates its fi shing heritage with the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in July, which honors the patron saint of fi shermen. which
This era is marked by the town’s Moros y Cristianos festival
The Modern Renaissance Over the course of the 20th century, Moraira changed from a quaint fi shing village to a popular travel destination for foreigners. The development of contemporary infrastructure, such as roads and facilities, cleared the path for expansion and progress. Moraira now fi nds a balance between welcoming modern conveniences and maintaining its historic charm. This foreign infl uence is refl ected in the fact it has become something of a ha-
ven for artists, and writers from all over the world. The town’s dining scene and cultural events contribute to its international vibe. Through festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions, visitors can fully immerse themselves in local customs. Whether taking a leisurely stroll down the promenade, enjoying freshly caught seafood by the sea, or touring historic ruins, Moraira invites visitors to take a trip back in time and learn the fascinating tale of this Spanish coastal town.
Centro Comercial Montgó
Cap de la Nao Plà 68, Jávea T 966 462 275
Monday to Friday 10.00 – 19.00 Saturday 10.00 – 18.00
Centro Comercial Alaire
Calle Paris 2, Moraira-Benitachell T 965 841 399
Monday to Friday 10.00 – 19.00 Saturday 10.00 – 14.00
