My Costa Blanca Favorites

My home for more than 12 years, Costa Blanca is a corner of the world that I’ve felt connected to since I first traveled here. Ever since I was a boy, we took vacations to different places along this coast and I always remember the best souvenirs were the delicious local foods. In 2007, I explored the region more deeply to find a place to live. I immediately fell in love with a small town in between Valencia and Alicante called Dénia, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Costa Blanca has that irresistible combination of delicious cuisine, gorgeous, sunny weather and loads of history and culture… gothic architecture, historic wine cellars and fantastic restaurants in Valencia, Alicante’s baroque buildings and marble plazas and that’s not to mention the bountiful local markets. Local chefs have their pick: juicy tomatoes and some of the best oranges in the world are grown in Valencia, a variety of olives and almonds, Albufera rice and fresh seafood that’s found the length of the coast. There are so many things to do in this corner of Spain, but often the hardest decision – and I know many of you will relate – is deciding where to dine. Below are just a few of the best places to eat in Valencia and the surrounding area.

1. Casa Montaña | When I’m in Valencia, this traditional turn-of-the-century tavern in the Cabañal district is always one of the first places I want to go. They serve delicious boquerones and crostini of bacalao, which is a salted cod with potatoes, onions, tomatoes and olives, and they have top-quality Ibérico de bellota. Their patatas bravas are some of best I’ve ever had and the local wine is quite nice. This is a place I’ve always enjoyed taking friends to – it shows them what a real Valencian restaurant is.



2. Almalibre Açaí House | This lively restaurant in Valencia focuses on vegetarian dishes, including really fantastic vegan burgers, avocado toast, açaí bowls, smoothies and juices. It’s an excellent lunch spot for a fresh and healthy meal – and ingredients are sourced right from Valencia’s Mercado Central. This, by the way, is my favorite market and is also one of the largest covered markets in Europe.



3. Albufera | For a truly typical paella – unlike anything you’ve had before – you must visit Albufera, south of Valencia. This enormous freshwater lagoon is part of Albufera Natural Park, which is surrounded by rice fields and forests. In fact, the area has become legendary for the rice cultivated here. Take your pick of the many waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy stunning views and amazing paella. Afterwards, take a relaxing boat cruise on the lagoon.

Naturally, my all-time favorite place to recommend to you for sampling Spanish favorites is on board our ships when we are cruising the Iberian Peninsula. I can’t wait to see so many of you on board again soon. In the meantime, be sure to take a look at our exciting new Mediterranean voyages from the 2022 Europe & North America Collection – here are a few of my favorites where you can explore my beloved Costa Blanca and beyond:

Regal Iberia: March 28, 2022 | Lisbon to Barcelona, 7 Days
Iberia & The Arts: May 20, 2022 | Barcelona to London, 14 Days
Wines & Western Europe: May 24, 2022 | Rome to London, 12 Days
Romantic Rivieras: May 29, 2022 | Barcelona to Monte Carlo, 7 Days
Colorful Crossing: November 11, 2022 | Rome to Miami, 23 Days

About Corporate Executive Chef Franck Garanger
A bright contemporary culinary personality, Franck Garanger draws upon his wealth of experience and rare culinary artistry as he oversees all culinary operations aboard our small, luxurious ships. Franck’s passion for cuisine started many years ago in his father’s pâtisserie-boulangerie in the Loire Valley, where the discipline and nature of cooking inspired his career at a very early age. He has worked with such culinary greats as Paul Bocuse, Alain Passard and Thierry Marx. Since 2003, Franck has been sharing in our passion for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. His culinary vision reflects a unique personal style that unites the global influences that have inspired him during his many years of travel. In 2008, Franck was awarded membership as a French Master Chef in the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.

Related Content
Chef Garanger’s Passion for Paella + Secret Recipe
Dreaming of Europe: Foodie Explorations, Hidden Treasures & Travel Stories
Made in Spain: A Chef’s Look at Iberian Ingredients On Board
A Local’s Guide to Sevilla