Alicante is a foodie paradise with its lively markets, charming tapas bars, and seaside restaurants perfectly blending traditional Valencian flavors with local ingredients. Unlike many tourist spots, Alicante’s Food Tours offer genuine, hands-on experiences that deepen your appreciation for regional cuisine. We particularly like the Secret Flavors Food Tour for its focus on small businesses and the authentic aromas wafting from local snack spots—an excellent way to support local producers while tasting the true taste of Alicante. For someone craving a comprehensive look at both market culture and regional delicacies, the Food Walking Tour with Tastings is a top pick, especially with its focus on local vendors and regional wines.
If you’re after a more immersive, all-inclusive experience, the Wine Tour with Wineries, Food, and Transportation combines tastings of the region’s best wines with delicious tapas, showcasing the area’s oenological reputation. Whether you’re a casual food lover or a dedicated gourmand, Alicante’s diverse tours guarantee memorable bites and lively stories behind every dish.
1. Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour delivers a genuine taste of Alicante’s local food scene. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour takes you through the city’s best tapas and snack spots, led by a friendly local guide. The tour’s focus on supporting small businesses—like family-run snack bars and local producers—sets it apart, allowing you to taste regional specialties while learning their stories.
Guests rave about the lively guides, especially Francisco and Nadia, who make the experience fun and informative. The tour emphasizes the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean diet, with stops that highlight Alicante’s traditional snacks and regional wine pairings. Many reviewers mention how this tour deepened their appreciation for Valencian cuisine, with one noting how they returned the next day to buy some of the market’s produce for dinner.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed experience that combines food, culture, and community. It’s affordable at $33 per person and offers a great way to support small businesses. The only caveat: be prepared for the lively market atmosphere and some walking.
Bottom Line: A fantastic introduction to Alicante’s local flavors, especially suited for those wanting a balance of tradition, casual atmosphere, and good value.
2. Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide
Holding a perfect 5-star rating from 366 reviews, this Alicante Food and Tapas Tour is a standout. Over approximately two hours, your guide will lead you through the city’s vibrant market and its surrounding eateries, offering a deep dive into regional flavors. The highlight is sampling traditional snacks and tapas in the heart of Alicante, including cheeses, sweets, fruits, and vegetables, all with stories about their history.
What makes this tour special is the intimate setting—small groups make it easy to ask questions and truly get to know local customs. The 100-year-old market is a lively hub, and your guide’s enthusiasm makes exploring it a joy. Many reviewers mention how the guide’s passion and knowledge made the experience memorable, with one stating, “The food and wine was all beautiful from the market and Francisco’s knowledge was really appreciated.”
This tour suits those looking for a quick but rich culture with a focus on local ingredients and stories. It’s a bit on the shorter side but packed with flavor and insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, lively introduction to Alicante’s culinary traditions, especially if time is limited.
3. Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas
For around $153, the Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas offers a more comprehensive, three-hour exploration of Alicante’s flavors. It takes you off the beaten path with stops at a food market and three authentic tapas bars, giving you a taste of traditional Alicante cuisine. The tour includes visits to iconic spots like Casa Carbonell and central food markets, where you’ll sample regional wines, cheeses, and other local delicacies.
This tour stands out for its depth—covering food, drink, and culture—plus the opportunity to learn about Alicante’s culinary heritage directly from a knowledgeable local guide. Guests highlight the variety of tastings and how the guide’s stories add context and depth. A reviewer notes, “Silvina was lovely, friendly, and knowledgeable about the area and local customs. The tour was informative and the tapas and wine were incredibly delicious.”
Ideal for those wanting a longer, richer experience blending food, wine, and local history, this tour is a good value for a three-hour deep dive into Alicante’s culinary scene. It’s best suited for travelers prepared to walk and eager to learn.
Bottom Line: Best for food lovers wanting an in-depth, multi-sensory experience of Alicante’s culinary and cultural life.
4. Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour
The Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour is a 3-hour journey into the heart of Valencian cuisine. Perfect for fans of the iconic dish, this tour introduces you to three local tasting locations, each with its own twist on traditional paella or related dishes. Starting at Rambla Mendez Nunez, you’ll enjoy tapas and a glass of wine or vermouth, then move on to Calle de Las Setas for a deeper look into Alicante’s rice dishes—like saffron rice, Arroz a la Banda, and black rice with squid ink.
Guided by a friendly local, you’ll hear stories about Alicante’s history and architecture along the way. The highlight? Tasting authentic paellas in a setting that feels like cooking with friends. The reviews praise the tour’s mix of cultural insights and flavorful bites, with one saying, “Each stop told us a beautiful story about Alicante and its cuisine.”
This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, food-focused walk with a focus on paella, the region’s signature dish. It’s priced at $106.72, offering good value considering the culinary depth.
Bottom Line: A fun, relaxed way to learn about Valencian rice dishes while enjoying authentic local flavors.
5. Alicante Food Tour
Combining a visit to the Central Market with stops at two local tapas bars, this Alicante Food Tour offers a well-rounded introduction for about $83.08 per person. It lasts around 2.5 hours and focuses on local produce and tapas, providing insight into Alicante’s eating habits and traditions. Your guide leads you through stalls with cured ham, seasonal fruits, and regional cheeses, then takes you to two nearby bars to sample bites and drinks.
The tour’s advantage is its small-group setting, allowing more personal interactions and tailored tasting. Reviewers praise the guide’s storytelling and the quality of the food, emphasizing how it helped them understand the city’s culinary culture. One said, “The food, of course, was amazing, but having someone so knowledgeable to show us around made this tour memorable.”
Suitable for travelers who enjoy market visits, casual tastings, and learning the stories behind the food, this tour offers good value for its duration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an immersive, taste-rich introduction to Alicante’s everyday cuisine.
6. Alicante; Wine Tour Wineries, Food, and Transportation Included
The Alicante Wine Tour offers a well-structured 3-hour visit to local wineries in the Alicante PDO, with wine tastings paired with tapas. This tour stands out because it includes transportation, making it easier to visit multiple wineries without the hassle of self-driving. The tour departs from four pickup points, including Santa Pola and Gran Alacant, and includes guided visits to wine cellars where you sample regional reds and whites along with local snacks.
Guests appreciate the all-inclusive approach—wine, tapas, and transport are covered—and highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides. One reviewer mentions, “We got to taste three wines and various tapas, and the guide was very informative.” The tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts interested in the Alicante PDO region and those who want a relaxed, guided experience.
It’s best suited for travelers wanting to combine culture with wine tasting, especially if wine is your thing. The main drawback might be the limited duration—some wish it was longer to explore more wineries.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for wine lovers who want an organized, all-in-one day trip with tastings and insights.
7. Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Tastings
This short, 1.5-hour Alicante Food Walking Tour with Tastings is perfect for a quick, flavor-packed overview. Led by Silvina, the tour explores the Mercat Central d’Alacant, where you’ll sample local products and chat with vendors about their specialties. The experience includes a visit to a market, tasting regional cheeses, and enjoying local wines.
Guests love Silvina’s friendly demeanor and her wealth of knowledge about local ingredients and culinary traditions. One reviewer notes, “She filled us in on the history of Alicante and the origins of the foods we tried, making the experience both fun and educational.” It’s an excellent choice for those short on time but eager to get a sense of Alicante’s food scene.
This tour’s focus on market culture and local vendors makes it especially appealing for travelers who enjoy spontaneous interactions and authentic tastes.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a concise yet insightful introduction to Alicante’s market and culinary scene.
8. Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included
For a personalized experience, the Alicante Private Food Tour offers 10 hand-picked tastings tailored to your preferences. Costing around $161, this three-hour adventure includes visits to markets and local eateries, with your host carefully selecting each stop. The tour covers everything from Turron de Alicante to Jamon Iberico, providing a comprehensive tasting experience.
The private format makes it ideal for couples or small groups seeking a customized tour. Reviewers mention the friendliness and knowledge of their hosts, and how the tour offers a relaxed atmosphere to explore Alicante’s culinary delights. It’s perfect for foodies who want an intimate, flexible experience.
The main advantage? The personalized attention and flexibility. The potential downside is the price, but if you value exclusivity and tailored experiences, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a private, deep dive into Alicante’s food scene with personalized attention.
9. Alicante: Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars
Rounding out our list, this Central Market Guided Food Tour is a 2.5-hour journey through Alicante’s bustling market and two tapas bars. Led by a local guide, you’ll taste regional snacks, regional food, and drinks while walking through the vibrant stalls. This tour emphasizes the local culture and is ideal for those wanting to combine market exploration with relaxed dining.
Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere and the guide’s in-depth knowledge, which brings the city’s culinary traditions to life. One reviewer says, “We ate a lot of local foods and experienced the culture firsthand.” It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a taste of authentic day-to-day Alicante life.
This tour is particularly good for those wanting a balanced mix of market culture and tapas sampling. It’s shorter but rich in local flavor.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a lively, interactive experience in Alicante’s community food scene.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Alicante
The right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. For an authentic, relaxed experience that supports small businesses, the Secret Flavors Food Tour is excellent. If you want a deep dive into local ingredients and market culture, consider the Food Walking Tour with Tastings. For wine lovers, the Wineries, Food, and Transportation Tour combines wine tasting with tapas in a guided setting.
Travelers on a tight schedule might prefer the Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Tastings, while those seeking a personalized experience should consider the Private Food Tour. Budget-conscious travelers will find value in shorter tours like the Tapas and Market Tour, whereas dedicated gourmets might enjoy the comprehensive Paella and Cultural Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. All these tours offer a glimpse into Alicante’s rich culinary scene—choose one that suits your curiosity and appetite.
Alicante’s food scene is a lively mix of market flavors, traditional dishes, and regional wines. Whether you’re craving a quick market walk, a multi-course wine pairing, or an immersive tapas experience, these tours guarantee authentic tastes and stories. For most travelers, the Secret Flavors Food Tour offers the best overall value, but each option has its own charm. Be sure to book early and enjoy the flavors of Alicante—your taste buds will thank you.