Imagine the sun kissing you on your face as you relax in a charming cafe with a view of the Mediterranean. Costa Blanca is a jewel of Spain’s east coast. It’s more than its beautiful beaches and landscapes. This culinary paradise is a magnet for foodies from around the world – helpful hints!
Imagine the excitement of a busy market in Alicante to start your day. The air is filled with the aroma of fresh oranges, ripe tomatoes and other fruits. Vendors shout out their goods in melodic Spanish. They offer everything from plump, juicy olives to fragrant, saffron. You’re not only shopping, but you’re also taking a culinary adventure.
Paella is a dish that has become synonymous with Spanish food. Costa Blanca’s version of this rice classic is a little different from Valencia. Imagine yourself sitting on the beach with your fork, and diving into a plate of seafood paella, bursting with mussels and prawns. Every bite takes you to a different world, where flavors dance across your palate like flamenco dancing dancers.
Hold on to your hats, because the Costa Blanca culinary scene is not limited to paella. Like confetti, tapas bars can be found in towns such as Denia and Javea. Small plates can pack a big punch of flavor. Think gambas al-ajillo with garlic or crispy patatas-bravas drizzled in spicy aioli.
I was lost in Altea’s old town one evening. It was a maze lined with cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes with bougainvilleas cascading like petals down the walls. I was led by my stomach to a bodega in which locals were gathered around barrels of vino tinto and nibbling on thin slices of jamon iberico.
Sweet treats are a favorite of many people (and who could resist them? If you love sweet treats, then churros with chocolate is a must-try! The golden fried doughsticks are served with thick hot chocolate and can be dipped or dunked if you’re honest. They make any morning special without the need for an excuse.
Let’s now take it a step further by visiting Michelin-starred eateries dotted along the sunny coast. These restaurants offer innovative dishes that are inspired by recipes handed down from generation to generation, but with modern twists. Even seasoned gourmets will be left speechless.
Don’t forget local wines from vineyards that are nestled in rolling hills and bathed by generous rays every day. Their bottles capture the sun itself with each sip.
You’ll never forget the delicious seafood you’ll enjoy right off the fishing boats that dock nearby, or the decadent desserts made with time-honored methods handed down through generations.