The Gastronomic Village

Culinary treasures
of the town

The Gastronomic Village

Gastronomy

It is one of the elements that define the cultural identity of La Vila Joiosa, but it is also, without a doubt, a key asset for the local economy and a winning formula as a tourist attraction. Based on these premises and to highlight the municipality’s rich gastronomy, the La Vila Joiosa City Council created the brand “La Vila Gastronómica” (The Gastronomic Village). This label encompasses the various events and promotional activities for La Vila Joiosa’s cuisine, especially its three fundamental pillars: fishing, 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.

Villajoyosa, our colorful town, is also the “fish town” and the “chocolate town.” Fishing and the chocolate industry are essential parts of our gastronomy, our lifestyle, and our identity as a tourist destination. In 2025, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of La Vila Gastronómica, an initiative that has positioned us as a benchmark for haute cuisine nationwide.

Throughout this quarter of a century, La Vila Gastronómica has featured the participation of great chefs such as Ferran Adrià, Joan Roca, Susi Díaz, Quique Dacosta, Ricard Camarena and many others, who have highlighted our culinary tradition and our local products.

With the celebration of this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to continue growing as a quality gastronomic destination and to keep our culinary legacy alive.

Flavors of the Mediterranean

Gastronomy and chocolate tradition

Promises competition

Competition aimed at young chefs who want to showcase Mediterranean cuisine and local products from La Vila Joiosa

Wine and Fish

Gastronomic event featuring wine and fish within La Vila Gastronómica.

Mostra cuina

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

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.

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.”

Xocolatissima

The event, which pays tribute to this star product of the town, aims to show citizens and visitors the tradition and history of chocolate.