Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour

Exploring Alicante through its food offers a fantastic window into the city’s culture, history, and vibrant local life. The Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour promises a curated experience of the city’s culinary highlights, blending tasting stops with stories behind each dish. With a 5.0 rating based on 19 reviews, it’s clear that travelers leave feeling satisfied and enriched.

What truly makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic local flavors — from traditional tapas and Valencian paellas to refreshing horchata. We love how it combines delicious food with cultural insights, making each stop more than just a tasting, but a story about Alicante’s history and culinary roots.

One potential consideration is the group size and timing — at around 3 hours, it’s a relatively short experience, but the tour can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. That said, it’s usually booked well in advance (about 94 days), which shows how popular it is among those wanting a taste of Alicante’s food scene.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a guided, authentic look into Alicante’s gastronomy. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, intimate group setting where they can learn and taste without rushing.

Key Points

• Authentic Food & Drinks: Tastes include tapas, three types of paella, and traditional horchata.
• Cultural Stories: Learn about Alicante’s history, architecture, and food culture from your passionate local guide.
• Small Group Experience: Up to 20 travelers, making it intimate and personalized.
• Good Value: With a price of about $107, the experience offers a well-rounded taste of local cuisine along with cultural insights.
• Flexibility for Dietary Needs: The tour is designed to accommodate various dietary requirements.
• Duration & Convenience: A 3-hour walk through Alicante’s streets, ending conveniently near the main attractions.

Introduction & Meeting Point

The adventure begins at C. del Teatro, 27, a central spot in Alicante that’s easy to reach via public transportation. From the moment you meet your guide, you’re greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable local who sets the tone for an engaging experience. The guide, Flor, is praised for her warmth and storytelling skills — making the tour feel more like a friendly walk with a knowledgeable friend than a formal guide.

What makes this initial part memorable is the way Flor introduces the city’s streets and history as you stroll, giving you a context for what you’ll taste later. The pace is relaxed, and your small group allows for plenty of interaction.

First Stop: Rambla Mendez Nunez

The tour kicks off with a visit to a local spot along Rambla Mendez Nunez, one of Alicante’s most lively streets. Here, you get to sample Spanish tapas paired with a glass of wine or vermouth. The tapas are described as typical regional favorites, offering a glimpse into everyday Spanish cuisine.

Reviewers like Milda appreciated the storytelling here, noting how each location “told us a beautiful story about Alicante, its cuisine and how it was shaped.” The inclusion of vermouth or wine enhances the tasting experience, offering a true taste of local drinking customs.

Expect to spend about an hour at this stop, which balances tasting with storytelling. The setting is casual but lively, giving you a feel for local social life.

Second Stop: Calle de Las Setas – Valencian Paellas

The highlight for many is the chance to try three different kinds of paella at a restaurant on Calle de Las Setas. This part of the tour is especially educational, as your guide explains the differences between the dishes and the techniques behind each.

The three types include:

• Paella Cantina: Made with saffron rice, red peppers, chicken, and shellfish — a true Valencian classic.
• Arroz a la Banda: Rice stewed in fish stock, served separately from seafood to highlight its distinctive flavor.
• Arroz Negro: A striking black paella made with squid cooked in its own ink, offering a rich, seafood-forward taste.

One guest, Kartik, shared how the tour became almost private because of group size, which allowed for personalized interactions and deeper learning. The admission tickets are included, and you’ll leave with not just a full belly but a better understanding of regional rice dishes.

This stop takes about an hour, giving ample time to savor each dish and absorb the culinary differences. Flor’s explanations help you appreciate the nuances of the ingredients and techniques.

Final Stop: Plaza de Toros Alicante & Horchata

The last tasting takes place at one of Alicante’s oldest Horchaterías, where you’ll sample the traditional horchata, a sweet, milk-like drink made from tiger nuts. It’s a perfect refreshment after the hearty paellas, especially on warm days.

The experience is rounded off with a tasting of Turrón, the famous Spanish nougat, while Flor shares stories about its origins. This final stop, lasting around 30 minutes, provides a sweet ending and a chance to relax and reflect on everything you’ve learned and tasted.

Reviewers like Mary_O enjoyed how the horchata was “refreshing and authentic,” and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere to chat about Alicante’s sweets and drinks.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour price of approximately $106.72 per person is quite reasonable considering the three tasting stops, the guided experience, and the included alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and turron. It covers all your food and drinks at the three locations, making it easy to budget without worrying about extra costs.

However, private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll rely on walking between stops, which actually allows you to see more of Alicante’s streets and architecture. If you prefer an easier experience, wearing comfortable shoes is recommended because the tour involves walking around the city streets.

Practicalities & Tips

• The tour lasts about 3 hours, starting at 7 pm, making it ideal for those who want an evening activity.
• The group is small (maximum 20), so interactions with your guide are personal and engaging.
• Most travelers book their spot 94 days in advance, highlighting how popular it is.
• The tour is suited for most travelers, including those with dietary restrictions, thanks to its inclusive design.
• Alcoholic beverages are served only to those over 18, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with minors.

This Alicante food tour offers a balanced mix of flavor, culture, and local stories, making it a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in authentic Valencian cuisine. The emphasis on paella varieties and local drinks like vermouth and horchata** provides a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary identity**.

The small group size and passionate guide ensure personalized attention, making it more than just a tasting — it’s a cultural journey with plenty of stories and insights. The included food and drink are of high quality, and the varied stops keep the experience lively and engaging.

While the tour isn’t ideal for those who dislike walking or have very limited mobility, it’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic, and educational intro to Alicante’s food scene. It also suits those who enjoy a mix of historical context, local culture, and good food in a friendly setting.

In short, if you’re after a well-organized, tasty, and insightful look into Alicante’s culinary traditions, this tour delivers. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening, especially if you’re keen to learn about regional dishes and enjoy a few laughs along the way.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 7 pm and ending near the main entrance of Plaza de Toros.

What is included in the price?
You get to visit three tasting locations with a hand-selected menu, including alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and turron. All tasting tickets are included.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate various dietary requirements, making it accessible for most travelers.

Do I need to prepare for walking?
Yes, the tour involves walking around Alicante’s streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel if needed?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is group size a concern?
The maximum group size is 20, which allows for a personalized experience and more interaction with your guide.

This guided food journey through Alicante is a fantastic way to combine tasting with storytelling, offering a genuine taste of local life. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or a curious traveler, it’s a memorable experience that captures the essence of Alicante’s culinary soul.