DISCOVER

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.

See More Info
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.”

See More Info
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.

See More Info
La Vila Market

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

See More Info
The Gastronomic Village

Gastronomy is one of the elements that define the cultural identity of La Vila Joiosa, but it is also, without a doubt, a major asset for the local economy and a winning draw as a tourist attraction. With this in mind, and to highlight the municipality’s rich culinary heritage, the City Council of La Vila Joiosa created the “La Vila Gastronómica” brand. This label encompasses the various events and initiatives promoting La Vila Joiosa’s cuisine, particularly its three main pillars: seafood, chocolate, and restaurants.

These promotional activities, which take place throughout the year, also reflect the spirit of Villajoyosa's gastronomy, as different times of the year feature recipes, products, and culinary traditions that define our identity. In March we celebrate the Mostra de Cuina Marinera (Seafood Cuisine Fair), the G de Tapas (Tapas Festival) in May, the Concurs de Pebrereta (Pebrereta Pepper Competition) in June, the Mostra del Ví (Wine Fair) in September, Setmana de l’Arròs (Rice Week) in October, and Xocolatíssima (Hot Chocolate Festival) in November.

See More Info
G for Tapas
See More Info
Rice Week

A culinary week dedicated to rice in all its different varieties.

See More Info
Perolet Week

Villajoyosa's Setmana del Perolet is a culinary event that celebrates home-style cooking and hearty stews, featuring special menus at local restaurants based on traditional recipes.

See More Info
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.

See More Info
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.

See More Info