Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour

If you’re looking to combine culinary delights with a touch of local history, the Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour offers a delicious introduction to this vibrant city on Spain’s southeastern coast. Priced at just over $100 per person and lasting around 3 hours, this guided walking experience invites you to explore Alicante’s streets, learn about its culture, and sample some of its most iconic dishes.

What sets this tour apart? First, the carefully curated stops at three different tasting locations give you a well-rounded taste of Alicante’s food scene—from traditional tapas to innovative rice dishes. Second, the small group format ensures personalization, making it easy to ask questions and soak in the local stories. We love the intimate vibe that makes it feel less like a tourist trap and more like visiting friends who want to share their favorite flavors.

One potential consideration: The tour does involve quite a bit of walking through Alicante’s streets, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since the tour includes alcoholic beverages for those over 18, it’s not suitable for those avoiding alcohol or families with very young children.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy authentic food experiences, are curious about local culture, or simply want a fun, relaxed way to see Alicante beyond the usual sights. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just someone eager to taste the city’s best, this tour offers a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Key Points

• Authentic tasting of local Alicante and Valencian cuisine in a small-group setting
• Learn about the history and culture behind each dish and location
• Visit three unique venues, including a traditional tapas bar, a paella specialty restaurant, and a historic horchatería
• Enjoy a variety of flavors—from saffron rice to squid ink paella and tiger nut horchata
• Guided by a passionate local, providing insight and stories that deepen your understanding of Alicante
• Excellent reviews and a consistent 5-star rating highlight its popularity and quality

A Detailed Look at the Alicante Food Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

We meet our guide, Flor, at the lively C. del Teatro, a central spot that hints at Alicante’s vibrant cultural scene. From there, we stroll through the city’s streets, listening to Flor’s stories about Alicante’s history and architecture. Walking at a relaxed pace, the tour feels more like catching up with friends than a formal lesson, which immediately puts everyone at ease.

Stop 1: Rambla Mendez Nunez – Tapas and Wine

Our first stop is a cozy local spot on the Rambla Mendez Nunez, perfect for sampling Spanish tapas alongside a glass of wine or vermouth. Flor explains how tapas are not just snacks but a social ritual deeply ingrained in Spanish culture. The food here? Simple, flavorful, and authentically local. The reviews praise the meal: “The food and drinks were incredible and stopping at each place taught us about the Spanish culture,” says Milda.

This initial taste sets a friendly tone and gives us a chance to chat and get to know fellow travelers. It’s an ideal way to kick off the evening, especially since this stop includes an admission ticket, ensuring a seamless experience.

Stop 2: Calle de Las Setas – Paella and Rice Dishes

Next, we head to a restaurant where the real star of the show is paella. Flor introduces us to three different regional rice dishes, each with its own unique character. You’ll taste:

• Saffron rice with chicken and shellfish, a classic Valencian paella
• Arroz a la Banda, a rice dish cooked in fish stock and served separately
• Arroz Negro, flavored with squid ink, giving it a striking black color and rich taste

Flor shares the secrets of alienation cuisine, a term referring to the rice dishes cooked in Alicante, which makes the experience both educational and delicious. The reviews highlight how this stop offers not just tasting but learning: “You will learn the secrets of Alicante cuisine,” says one traveler.

This segment lasts about an hour, and the inclusion of all admission tickets makes it a smooth part of the journey. We appreciated how each dish showcases the regional variations and culinary techniques unique to Alicante.

Stop 3: Plaza de Toros Alicante – Horchata and Turrón

The final stop takes us to one of Alicante’s oldest Horchaterías. Here, we sample Spanish horchata, a sweet milk-like beverage made from tiger nuts—refreshing and perfect after a hearty rice dish. Flor explains its origins, and we enjoy the contrast between the cool drink and the warm, flavorful meal earlier.

While sipping horchata, we also taste Turrón, a traditional almond-based sweet that’s a staple during holidays but also enjoyed year-round. This charming part of the tour provides a perfect ending and a glimpse into Alicante’s local sweets culture.

The Tour’s Practicalities and Highlights

• The tour covers approximately 3 hours, combining walking, tasting, and storytelling
• It’s designed as a small group, with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring intimacy and interaction
• The price of $106.72 includes all tastings, some drinks, and admission to the venues—offering good value for a curated culinary experience
• The tour ends conveniently at the Plaza de Toros, close to public transportation, making it easy to continue exploring afterward

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Reviewers consistently mention how our guide, Flor, makes the experience special. Comments like “Flor was informative and fun,” and “the personal interactions made it very memorable,” highlight that this isn’t just a food tasting but a cultural exchange.

We loved the way the tour immerses us in local stories, from the origins of horchata to the history behind Alicante’s rice dishes. The stops are carefully selected to showcase regional specialties you might not find on your own, making it perfect for foodies eager to go beyond tourist restaurants.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is highly praised, it’s worth noting that it involves walking through Alicante’s streets, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, alcohol is served only to those over 18, so families with young children may want to plan accordingly. Since the tour operates in the evening, it’s best suited for those looking for a relaxed, social experience rather than a daytime sightseeing walk.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers who want to taste authentic Alicante dishes and hear stories behind them. It’s perfect if you value small-group intimacy and enjoy being part of a lively, friendly atmosphere. Travelers seeking to combine cultural exploration with culinary discovery will find this tour both fun and educational.

If you’re interested in a relaxed way to sample local flavors, learn about regional ingredients, and enjoy Alicante’s charm, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially recommended for those who appreciate authentic family-run venues and want to avoid touristy spots.

Final Thoughts

The Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour offers a well-balanced mix of culinary delights, cultural insights, and local stories. Its high rating — 5 out of 5 based on 19 reviews — speaks to its quality and appeal. With expert guides, thoughtfully selected venues, and a focus on authentic flavors, it’s a memorable way to spend a few hours in Alicante.

For travelers who want to experience the city through its food rather than just its sights, this tour provides genuine value. It’s perfect whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone looking to make your visit to Alicante a little more flavorful.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes tastings at three locations, all admission tickets for those stops, alcoholic beverages (for 18+), soda, bottled water, and a guided walk through Alicante’s streets.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, covering walking, eating, and learning.

What is the meeting point?
You’ll meet Flor at C. del Teatro, 27, Alicante, and the tour finishes at the Plaza de Toros de Alicante, near public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for dietary restrictions?
The tour was designed to accommodate many dietary requirements, but it’s best to notify the provider ahead of time if you have specific needs.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, non-alcoholic options are available, including soda and water.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s suitable for most travelers, the focus on alcohol and the walking pace might make it less ideal for very young children.

In the end, whether you’re tasting paella for the first time or rediscovering an old favorite, this tour offers a taste of Alicante’s culinary soul wrapped in a friendly, approachable package. It’s a great way to turn your sightseeing into a full-flavored adventure.