Dénia, Spain, is heaven for foodies and one of the most charming places at Costa Blanca
Dénia is located on part of Spain’s Costa Blanca. Just over 100 km south of Valencia, it has lots of beautiful beaches. However, my best reason to visit Dénia is the food! There are lots of charming little streets in the old town. Furthermore, Dénia is known as a city of gastronomy in Spain. The roots of its culinary heritage lay in the traditional local fishing industry. Good to know, that it is almost impossible to get bad food in Dénia!
Heaven for foodies
The best place to start exploring Dénia’s food offerings is the historic old town. It is full of tapas bars and restaurants. You can find them in buildings mostly built in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The pedestrian street “Carrer de Loreto” is lined with one restaurant after another. For the real treat, try one of those places with a bar, where you can enjoy tapas and drinks.
The old fishing district of Baix la Mar
From the old town it’s just a short walk to the old fishing district of Baix la Mar. It’s located between the castle and the El Portet marina and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city with many nice restaurants. It’s just another 10 minutes walk to the El Portet de Denia marina. The marina is quite modern. Besides, the marina is a charming contrast to the old town. For instance, I like to go there for a coffee and/or an aperetif. Besides, the marina is my perfect spot to take a few pictures of the castle.
Helpful information about Dénia, its food festivals and events: Click here
Three reasons why Dénia is a foodie place:
Ruta de Tapas – you don’t want to miss it
Firstly, if you really want to make the most out of the best tapas in the city, you should definitely visit the event ‘tapas route’ (“Ruta de Tapas”). In autumn (usually end of October until mid of November) the Ruta de Tapas is organized by round about 40 local restaurants with the collaboration of the tourist office. All participating restaurants and bars serve a special tapas they have created for this route with one glass of wine, beer or vermouth for an unbelievable price of 3 euros.
Contest of Creative Cuisine of the Red Gamba
Secondly, the Contest of Creative Cuisine of the Red Gamba of Dénia is highly recommended. It usually takes place at the end of February. The cooking competiton is held in the municipal market of Dénia and aimes at professional chefs, who are paying tribute to the Red Prawn of Dénia and are committed to creative cuisine. It’s a lot of fun to watch the chefs preparing fancy red shrimp dishes.
Paella Valenciana
Thirdly, you should try a very popular and delicious Spanish dish you will find in a lot of restaurants in the area: Paella. Even if it’s true, that there is no seafood in the original Paella. For me as a vegetarian (to be precise: Pescatarians) sea food Paella is really heaven. Especially the ‘Socarrat’ – the rice that sticks to the bottom of the pan that gets toasty (not burnt) as the broth is absorbed, is extremly delicious. It’s leaving a caramelized texture and incredible flavour.
