Costa Blanca home of Paella

The word "paella" does not actually refer to the dish itself, but to the pan in which it is made and served. Over the years, however, the name has been synonymous with the dish as a whole. It is said that paella was originally created in the small town of Perelló, close to the city of Valencia. The special location of the town, between freshwater lakes and the salty sea provided the locals with everything they needed. The main ingredient – rice – is plentiful in the area, which is actually one of the largest rice-growing regions in the world outside South-East Asia!

If you holiday or live on the Costa Blanca, you will soon recognise the pride that the local population takes in its regional speciality. It is available at restaurants everywhere, and apart from the classic seafood version – paella de marisco – there are around 30 other flavours to choose from. In other words, there is no risk of you tiring of it! However, if you would like to try something else for a while, all kinds of other culinary delights await you.

For wine connoisseurs
All the major cities on the Costa Blanca – Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja – have very popular restaurant sections where you can enjoy delights from the sea or meat-based specialities from farther inland. The region is also famous for producing a variety of simple and popular wines. If you set your sights a little higher, we recommend the Utiel-Requena Region, which is a few miles in from the coast. Real wine connoisseurs can go on special guided wine trips through this region.

Eating out in Spain

• Make the very most of the slower pace! Spaniards often devote a couple of hours to lunch (usually from 13.00 to 15.00), after which they take their world-famous siesta while the sun is at its strongest.

• Remember that dinner is eaten late in Spain, usually at around 21.00–23.00. It is in that period that you will experience the real "restaurant rush-hour". If you follow the standard North European meal times, the restaurants will often be a lot quieter.

• It is customary to tip in Spain. Many restaurants include a service charge in the bill, but you are always welcome to add a little extra in recognition of particularly good service. At cafés and bars, it is sufficient to leave a few coins.
  

• You can drink water from the taps in most parts of Spain, even though it may taste a little unusual. However, if you want to make sure to avoid stomach problems it is best to purchase bottled water, which is available from all grocery shops.
  

• Make the most of the opportunity to visit small local shops, where you can buy charcuterie, cheeses and bread. You could even become a "regular" at some of the shops close to your home, which may mean extra service and good value ...
  

• Dare to ask! There is so much more to Spanish cuisine than the classic "tourist menus". Try new specialities and ask which wine/food combinations are recommended.