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Gastronomy

Gastronomy is one of the most outstanding elements of the rich intangible heritage of La Vila Joiosa.

The Village of Flavors

Gastronomy

It is one of the most outstanding elements of La Vila Joiosa’s rich intangible heritage. Fishing has been, and continues to be, one of the city’s main economic activities, making the sea the traditional larder for the town’s kitchens. The incredibly fresh fish that arrives at the fish market every afternoon are the ingredients of an authentic seafood cuisine, passed down from generation to generation. This cuisine finds its roots in the stews that the fishermen themselves prepared at sea: caldero, rice dishes, and other stews.

But the gastronomy of La Vila Joiosa is not only nourished by the sea. The local orchards have also supplied the kitchens with unique products that have given rise to delicious traditional recipes: pebrereta (a type of pepper salad), savory and sweet cocas (flatbreads) with almonds, arròs amb ceba i carabassa (rice with onions and pumpkin)…

A quick taste of other flavors in Villajoyosa’s gastronomy leads us to enjoy chocolate, traditional pastries, artisanal ice creams, and popular cocktails with granitas, among which “El Nardo” (absinthe and coffee granita) stands out. A stimulating and refreshing drink that leaves no one indifferent.

In addition to locally sourced ingredients and a wide array of traditional recipes, the town boasts exceptional chefs who keep our culinary heritage alive in their bars and restaurants. These highly skilled professionals offer diners the opportunity to savor tradition while also discovering new culinary experiences with modern, cutting-edge cuisine. Product, tradition, and professionalism are the three ingredients that have made Villajoyosa’s gastronomy a benchmark and one of the Costa Blanca’s main tourist attractions.

Gastronomía
Cookbook

Listen up, kitchen!

The fishing tradition, local produce, and the chocolate industry have given La Vila Joiosa a vast array of traditional dishes that you can sample at some of the town’s restaurants and bars. But since we want you to continue savoring the flavors of this fishing village even after you return home, we’ve selected some of the most representative dishes.

Tapas, rice dishes, stews, and desserts that delight even the most discerning palates—and, in some cases, through them, we’ll discover some of the traditions of this town on the Costa Blanca, brimming with color, tradition, and flavor.

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Pebreta

Summer invites us to share wonderful evenings and dinners outdoors with friends and family on terraces, beaches… And in La Vila Joiosa, pebrereta is a must at these nighttime gatherings. It's the quintessential dish of La Vila Joiosa, and its main ingredient is the "Villa Joiosa pumpkin."

In the early 1990s, the festival committee of the traditional Poble Nou neighborhood decided to include a contest featuring this traditional dish in its program of events. Over time, this Pebrereta Contest, which takes place in early June, has become one of the most popular culinary competitions in the municipality and has earned its place in “La Vila Gastronómica.”

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Rice Week

There are dry ones, creamy ones, and soupy ones. There are meat, vegetable, and/or fish ones. There are traditional and modern ones. There are…a thousand varieties and something for everyone, or almost everyone. Besides its many preparation possibilities, rice, and rice culture, is very much present in the popular recipes of La Vila Joiosa.

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Seafood Cooking Demonstration

A leading gastronomic event where restaurants in the municipality offer special menus linked to local fish and seafood, combining tradition and innovation.

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Pebrereta Contest

The Pebrereta Contest is one of Villajoyosa’s most traditional culinary events. This event brings together chefs and food enthusiasts to pay tribute to the pebrereta, Villajoyosa’s signature dish. The contest is part of the program for La Vila Gastronòmica and highlights the town’s seafood cuisine and traditional recipes.

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Wine & Fish

Gastronomic event featuring wine and fish within La Vila Gastronómica.

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Xocolatíssima

This event, which pays tribute to the town's flagship product, aims to showcase the tradition and history of chocolate to residents and visitors alike.

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Fish and seafood cuisine linked to the port and the fish market

Fishing and the fish market as the basis of the seafood cuisine of La Vila Joiosa.

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Chocolate and nougat

A tour of the chocolate and nougat tradition of La Vila Joiosa.

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La Vila Market

Central food market and gastronomic space of reference in La Vila Joiosa.

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