About Valencia Food

Valencia food can be enjoyed in the city and surrounding areas such as the rice growing area of L’Albufera which is just 12km from the city of Valencia.

One of the best places to eat paella in the Albufera is in the village of El Palmar. The area is also popular with locals for the traditional dish of baby eels, garlic and pepper.

Fresh seafood, vegetables and salads form part of every day life in Spain and the region of Valencia is famous for Valencia oranges and bomba rice.

Although Agua de Valencia is made from orange juice, it’s not made with water as the name suggests but a potent mix of cava, vodka and orange juice.

Birthplace of Paella …

Only 12kms from the center of town is the beautiful nature reserve and freshwater lagoon of l’Albufera.

Separated from the sea by a thin strip of land and full of pine forests, sand dunes and the rice fields of Valencia. This is where you can taste authentic Valencia food.

Tapas and Paella

The best paella and tapas are always made with the freshest and tastiest ingredients.

When in Valencia don’t  forget to go to Mercado Central in the historic center of the city.  A visit to the market is always a great experience and the market in Valencia is amazing.

With over a thousand stalls selling the feshest produce straight from one of the most fertile regions in Spain.

Read More ~ Tapas and Paella >>

Restaurants and hotels use locally sourced produce which is in great abundance.

Parsley, garlic, saffron, cheeses, olives, olive oil and serrano ham – the list is endless.

Fish and seafoods straight from the sea are integral to Valencian cuisine and typical of traditional Spanish food.

For breakfast or a snack we often cut crunchy bread in half, drizzle with olive oil and then rub with garlic and a juicy ripe tomato. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

Eating out in Valencia …

There are manyexcellent  places to eat and some of the best restaurants are along the marina next to the beach.

You can also enjoy tapas and paella in many of the tapas bars in Valencia.

Most restaurants don’t get busy until 9.00pm or even later so you have plenty of time to enjoy the evening in this lovely city.

During the evening the best area to go for nightlife and restaurants is in the Old Quarter in the trendy district of Barrio del Carmen.

Don’t forget to try chocolate y churros and horcharta at one of the many cafes in Valencia.

Horcharta is made from ground ‘chufas’ (tiger nuts) which are grown in the nearby town of Alboraya. Two of the most popular horchaterias in Valencia are in Plaza de la Reina.

The drink is very healthy and good for Vegans and Vegetarians.

Often served with fartons (similar to long iced buns or doughnuts)  which are very yummy.

Other popular pastries include pumpkin bunuelos, ensaïmada, croissants, waffles and rosquilletas.

Paella Valenciana Recipe

Paella is the national dish of Spain and Valencia  is the birthplace of paella.  The locally grown bomba rice was introduced to the region by the Moors  who cultivated and prepared the ground for growing rice.

Valencia has such an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, take a trip to Mercado Central in the old town  and feast your eyes on over a thousand stalls stacked with fresh fruit, veggies and all the ingredients for the paella.

Often prepared for celebrations and Sunday lunches, paella is one of the most versatile rice dishes in Spain and one of the best meals to enjoy with family  and friends.

Paella Valenciana

Ingredients

Easy Spanish Recipes :  Spanish Food

There are so many easy Spanish recipes and tapas and paella are a great introduction to traditional Spanish food.

Serrano ham, boquerones (small fresh anchovies) and cheeses such as Manchego together with olives, garlic and parsley are the basis of many of the famous tapas. The following recipes are very easy to make and we hope you enjoy them.

Easy Spanish Recipes

Empanadillas

These tasty little pastries can be found in tapas bars all over Spain.

With a vareity of fillings which include ham, chorizo sausage, cheese, spinach and many more.

These bite size nibbles are great for parties and children love them.

Recipe >>

Spanish Tortilla

This is one of the most versatile of all traditional Spanish foods.

It  can be eaten hot or cold and served with other Spanish tapas OR as a main meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a salad and crunchy bread.

Recipe >>

Marinated Olives

Marinated olives are always served in tapas bars all over Spain.

They are tasty and very easy to make.

Recipe >>

Fried Calamares

Served fried with batter or with a delicious wine, tomato and onion flavored sauce.

Recipe >>

Anchovies and Red Peppers

One of my favorites is anchovies and red peppers but there are many others.

Recipe >>

Gazpacho Soup

During the hot summer months this is the perfect snack for lunch as it fills you up and cools you down.

A classic chilled soup which originates from the region of Andalucia in the south of Spain.

The workers used to take this into the fields for their lunch as it’s so healthy and filling.

Can be eaten with croutons or crunchy bread.

Recipe >>

Patatas Bravas

Although there are many variations of making Spanish patatas bravas they all have one thing in common.

They’re spicy and very, very tasty – maybe this is how they got their name – brave potatoes!

Recipe >>

Paella Valenciana

Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish eaten by thousands of people in Spain.

Often prepared for family celebrations and Sunday lunches and one of the most versatile rice dishes in Spain.

This tasty dish originates from Valencia. It’s very easy to make as everything is cooked in one pan. The result is truly stunning and perfect for a celebration or Sunday lunch.

Paella Valenciana Recipe >>

You can buy paella pans and  paella  kits and lots more outside Mercado Central in the center of Valencia.

¡Buen Provecho!

Rosquillas de Vino for Navidad / Christmas

Christmas cookies such as polvorone and rosquillas are eaten all over Christmas and the traditional Cava is enjoyed by all.

Very delicious and easy to make!

Recipe  >>

Easy Spanish Recipes ~ Tortilla

Tasty Spanish Tapas

Recipes of Spain Tortilla…

Our Easy Spanish Recipes wouldn’t be complete without the famous Spanish tortilla (Spanish omelette).

Eggs can be used in a variety of ways and one of the most popular ways of using them is for the traditional Spanish omelette.

Recipes of Spain Tortilla

Ingredients

• 4 – 5 large potatoes peeled and thinly sliced and salted.
• 1 large onion finely chopped.
• Olive oil (or oil of your choice) for frying.
• 4 – 5 large eggs

Method

1. Put approx half inch of olive oil in a frying pan and heat
2. Add slices of potatoes and onion and fry for about 5 mins (keep turning so potatoes don’t stick or go brown). When ready cover with a lid or plate and drain off excess oil.
3. Beat eggs together, add seasoning and pour over potatoes and onion mixture. Leave to cook for 5 – 10 mins (depending on size of frying pan).
4. Cover frying pan with a plate, turn frying pan over and slip tortilla onto plate then slide tortilla back into the frying pan – gently pressing down with spatula.
5. Allow to cook for a few more minutes and if you want – flip tortilla over again.
6. To test if it’s ready, insert a knife into the tortilla – if it comes out clean it’s OK.
7. Turn onto a plate and cut into slices.

This is one of the most versatile of all traditional Spanish foods and can be eaten hot or cold,  served with other Spanish tapas OR as a main meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Best eaten with a fresh salad, crunchy bread washed down with a glass of Spanish wine or beer – delicious!

¡Buen Provecho!

Tapas & Paella
Paella

A guide to weather in Valencia, Spain

 Valencia Spain Weather — Year-round climate!

Why is the weather so good? Meteovista recently awarded Valencia the 2014 Best European Weather Award with Alicante second and Athens third and Valencia to host the 2007 America’s Cup (and the 2009 Americas Cup) as sailing conditions and the weather is good for all sports.

This is a city by the sea and also the birthplace of paella. Locally known as the ‘Garden of Spain’, the rich fertile land produces rice fields, nuts, wine, olive, and vast orange groves spreading the length of the sandy beaches of this region of Spain.

Spring in Valencia is warm and sunny and a good time to explore the city and the surrounding area and enjoy festivals such as Las Fallas in March and Easter because the weather is so good.

Summer Valencia Spain Weather 

This is the time for holidays in the sun and enjoying the long wide sandy beaches of Valencia.

Summer can often last well into October, with temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s, so still time to go for a swim and sunbathe.

Autumn Valencia Spain Weather

It sometimes rains, but not very often. If you’re here in October or November, it’s a good idea to pack a small umbrella as you might get caught in a shower.

Other than that, the weather is mild and sunny, with temperatures often in the early 20s.

Winter Valencia Spain Weather

With temperatures often in the early 20s, many people visit during the winter months, and this is also why it’s such a popular year-round destination.

The weather is so good it’s a pleasure to do Christmas shopping in December. You can even enjoy a drink in the sun on the terraces of the Old Quarter and by the beach.

Valencia Travel
Valencia Accommodation
Surrounding Areas

Car Hire Valencia Spain

Car Hire Valencia ~ Renting a car in Valencia is a great way to see the sights and surrounding areas of the Valencia region of Spain.

One of the easiest ways to hire a car is online,  then all you have to do is collect it at  the airport when you arrive.

You can hire a car and discover the surrounding areas of this region of Spain.  There are many lovely beaches and popular resorts to visit along the Costa Azahar and Costa Blanca.

Car Hire Valencia

City Car Parks …

There are many underground car parks and one of the best is in the center of town in Plaza de la Reina.

El Corte Ingles department stores also have clearly signposted underground car parking.

If you decide to book a car online  don’t forget to buy a map of the area.

Just a few kilometers from the city are the picturesque little villages such as Montroy. The villages of Cheste, Chiva, Godelleta and Turís which are all wine growing areas. For motor racing enthusiasts Cheste is where the Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit is located (27 km from the city).

Within 15 minutes of the city is the fishing village and lake of the Albufera national park where the famous bomba rice is grown. This is the birthplace of  paella the traditional dish of Spain

Drive to the north of the city and enjoy the mountains and beaches of Puçol.  This is where you will find the Gran Casino Monte Picayo which offers excellent  views of the surrounding beaches, orange groves and mountains.

Car Hire Valencia 

Drive to Benidorm?

Drive to the south of the region and visit Benidorm  which also has many  wonderful beaches, an excellent nightlife and a lovely old town.

For the kids and the young at heart  the theme parks are a top attraction. Just a few miles away is the city of  Alicante,  second largest city in the region of Valencia.

Ferry & Car to Spain

You can take the ferry and drive through France and Spain to reach the Valencia region of Spain.

Valencia Town Center
Valencia Attractions
Turia Gardens & City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia Restaurants
Valencia Events

Denia Spain

Denia is a small fishing village with a working harbor, a new marina and a narrow railway line running along the coast to Alicante .  The 12 kilometers of beautiful coastline are divided in two parts – Les Marines and Les Rotes.

In the heart of the town is the tree lined Avenida del Marques de Campo overflowing with restaurants, cafes and shops.  Denia is famous for it’s prawns (las gambas),  rice and fish dishes such as arroz a banda and paella.  Not far from the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) is the lovely Iglesia de la Asuncion and Castle.

Ferry to the Balearic Islands

The town also has a lovely port where you can easily take the ferry to the nearby Balearic Island of Ibiza.

There are regular ferries run by various companies and the fast boats only take 2 hours.

A single day ticket can be £50 and there are many deals online. A day return ticket for a foot passenger at the time of writing costs only £47 with a journey time of 3 hours and 30mins.

Ibiza is popular place to visit and you can also take a trip to Majorca which is a little further away.

Book Your Ferry  to Ibiza, Palma, San Antonio …

Find the latest prices and sailing times by using the booking form below.

The Balearic Islands are just off the coast of the Valencia region of Spain and Ibiza is not far away.

This lovely Spanish town is set against a backdrop of the Montgo Mountains.

It boasts a castle and many other exciting places to visit and is half-way between Valencia and Alicante.  There are a selection of  sandy beaches,  sports facilities, tapas bars, cafés and good nightlife.

You can take a day-trip by ferry to the island of Ibiza or visit the nearby exciting resorts of Alicante and Benidorm.

Valencia Ferry to Ibiza and the Balearic Islands >>
Valencia Ferry Services

Where to Stay in Denia?

There are many excellent places to stay to suit all budgets.

Hotel Port Denia is just 50 yards from Denia’s La Marineta Beach and 2 minutes walk from the beach.  Outdoor pools  and  spa featuring a heated indoor pool, sauna and gym.

The family-run Hotel los Angeles is in a great location on the beach.

Stunning views and large terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

More  Hotels >>

Festivals in Denia

A similar and smaller version of Valencia’s Las Fallas is held during the month of March and during the summer there are the festivals of Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos).

Getting Here

As there are no direct trains from Valencia you take the train to Gandia (55 minutes) and then a bus from there. You can also take the bus which will take 1hr 30mins.

El Trenet (Tramvia – Tram)

The narrow-gauge railway  runs between Alicante and Denia and takes approximately 3 hours.

To find out more about times and prices  check out the Tram Website

The bus from Valencia Bus Station  takes about 1hr 30mins.

Address:  Estación de Autobuses
Avenida Menéndez Pidal, 13 (46009)

• Alicante Airport
• Flights to Alicante
• Valencia Airport
• Flights to Valencia

Ferries to Spain / Valencia Hotels
Valencia City

Alicante ~ Denia ~  Benidorm ~  Calpe ~  Javea

Denia Villas on the Costa Blanca

Most Denia Villas are set in an idyllic location against a backdrop of the Montgo Mountains.

• The lively resort of Denia boasts a castle, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters so perfect for a holiday in the sun.

• There are a wide variety of sports facilities and the area is full of tapas bars, cafés and for the evening there are cocktail bars and live music.

You can also  take a day-trip by ferry to the lovely Balearic Islands from the Port of  Denia or visit the nearby exciting resorts of Alicante and Benidorm.

Holiday Houses / Villa in Urb El Palmar, Denia

4.5 km from the centre of Dénia.

Holiday Home in Urb. El Palmar, Dénia

This 4 room terraced house of 80 m2 is on 2 levels with terrace and garden just 400 meters from the sea and 4.5 km from the centre of Dénia.

Features inclued a living/dining room, an open kitchen, a bathroom and 3 bedrooms that accommodate 6 people. Air-conditioning and warm air heating is available in the house.

There are 2 shared swimming pools with a slide and a children’s playground. Supermarket 400 meters away, restaurant, bar, café, bus stop 300 meters.

(A tennis court (middle of June to middle September) (extra) is a available at extra costs).

Rates & Reviews : Holiday Home in Urb. El Palmar, Dénia

Holiday Home El Palma V Dénia
Holiday Home El Palma i Dénia
Holiday Home El Palma iii Dénia

CLICK HERE for more villas in Denia

Valencia Travel
Valencia Airport

Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca …

The popular resort  of Torrevieja (Torrevella in Valenciano)  is situated in the south of the region of Valencia.

Just  50 km south west of  the city of  Alicante and easy to reach if you are driving from Valencia via the N 332 road.

If you are coming from Alicante airport there is an express bus you can take from the airport.

A single ticket to Torrevieja is EUR 6.75 and a return ticket is EUR 13.50.

Bus tickets can be bought from the bus driver or before boarding the bus at the bus stop .

The city watchtowers of La Torre del Moro gave the town its name and the vast salt lakes have for many generations been a major source of salt production.

The transformation from a small fishing village to a major holiday resort is amazing.

Things To Do …

• With a lovely harbor edged with hotels and restaurants and a buzzing nightlife which attracts thousands of people to the resort every year.

• There are lots of excellent restaurants and bars to choose from offering tasty Spanish and European cuisine.

• A central feature is the Esplanade Juan Aparicio which is locally referred to as the Esplanade De Las Rocas as it’s built on rocks.

SANDY BEACHES

The long sandy beaches are a popular attraction. You can sunbathe and for the more adventurous there are a variety of water sports.

GOLF COURSES

This area of Valencia is famous for the golf courses ~  Villa Martin, Las Ramblas, Campoamor, La Marquesa and La Manga.

FISH MARKET

If you enjoy fish then don’t miss the popular fish market which takes place around the harbor which is where many hotels and apartments are located.

HOTELS

Hotel Doña Monse

The hotel is 10 minutes from the beaches of Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa and has a total of 70 rooms.

Features include Bar/Lounge, Fitness Center, Free High-Speed Internet, Free Parking, Restaurant, Room Service and Swimming Pool.

Read More >>

CLICK HERE for more Hotels & Apartments in Torrevieja >>

You can also stay at one of the nearby villas many of which are near the golf courses.

Tourist Information Office

C/ Caballeros de Rodas 27
Tel: 965 706 159

You may also like:

Valencia Travel
Alicante Airport
Flights to Alicante
City of Alicante
Benidorm

Javea Hotels on the Costa Blanca

Javea Hotels in Javea where there are  two main beaches and an Old Town set back from the sea. The  harbour and fish market can be found on one side of the resort and on the other is the sandy Arenal Beach with its palm-lined promenade with shops, bars and restaurants.

Booking.com

2 Star Javea Hotels

Hotel Jávea

This very popular 2 star hotel is in the Port area of Jávea next to the marina and just 100 meters from Javea Beach.

Features include free Wi-Fi and free parking nearby.

A bar with a terrace and continental breakfast and room service is available. The restaurant is on the 5th floor with great views over the bay and port.

Rooms are air-conditioned and heated and come with a TV, minibar and fridge, wooden floors and a safe.

Rates & Reviews: Hotel Javea

2 Star Javea Hotels

Hotel Triskel

Another popular 2 star hotel but this time set in a restored building in the old town which is just 2 kilometers from the beach.

On arriving at the hotel you are given a welcome glass of cava.

Features include free Wi-Fi, free parking nearby, hotel bar and lounge area with fireplace.

Rates & Reviews: Hotel Triskel

3 Star Javea Hotels

Hotel Villa Naranjos

The hotel is located 1.5 km from the center of Javea on the Playa Del Arenal Beach.

Features include free Wi-Fi in all areas, swimming pool, 24-hour reception, sun terrace, terrace, buffet restaurant, bar and snack bar.

Rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen satellite TV,  parquet floors and balconies. Some have views of the beach and mountains.

Rates & Reviews: Hotel Villa Naranjos

4 Star Javea Hotels

El Rodat Hotel Village Spa

The 4 star El Rodat hotel is around four kilometers from the center of Javea.

Facilities include free WiFi in all areas and  free parking.

Restaurant, Bar, Restaurant (à la carte) room service, Business Center, Fitness Center, Suites and swimming pool. The spa offers treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.

Rates & Reviews: El Rodat Hotel Village Spa

4 Star Javea Hotels

Parador de Javea

The Parador de Javea is in a great location on the sea front with a sandy bay.

Facilities include free WiFi, restaurant, room service, suites and swimming pool.

Rooms have balconies overlooking the sea and the restaurant has a terrace with lovely views.

Rates & Reviews: Parador de Javea

CLICK HERE for more Hotels & Apartments in Javea

Back to Costa Blanca Hotels >>

Alicante Airport
Flights to Alicante
Valencia Airport
Cheap Flights to Valencia