La Vila Joiosa is known for its charming, colorfully painted houses in the historic center. Fishing and chocolate making are integral parts of this town’s distinctive character.
This week marks the 24th edition of La Vila Gastronómica, crowned by the presence of a prestigious godmother and renowned chef Susi Díaz, from the La Finca restaurant in Elche.
The opening highlight is the Mostra de Cuina Marinera, running from March 8 to 15. Ten restaurants present enticing menus that showcase the prawn, a star ingredient, in a range from comforting classics to modern innovations. Diners can explore offerings at Hogar del Pescador, El Pòsit, Ca Marta, Made, Club Náutico, El Nàutic, Droca, Restó René, Taberna Tres.14, and El Trébol, all crafted with fresh, local products. The menus wrap up with a sweet note from chocolate brands Valor, Pérez, Clavileño, Marcos Tonda, and Carremi.
Mostra de Cuina Marinera goes beyond food, presenting experiences that connect cuisine with culture. The event features conferences and tastings of Alicante wines, as well as a meetup for women winemakers. A gathering of netters takes place on the 14th and 15th, while the documentary Poble de peix, created by two local residents, will be shown. Free guided visits to the fish market and Vilamuseu are also scheduled.
Vila Joiosa can be visited and enjoyed all year round
The La Vila Gastronómica calendar continues into spring with Con G de Tapas, a sequence of tapas days hosted by bars from May 24 to June 2, featuring traditional and inventive tapas prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
As summer approaches, the Pebrereta competition takes the stage, highlighting one of Vila’s signature dishes and inviting participating restaurants to showcase it. This dish remains a staple on many menus during the warmer months.
Autumn brings wine lovers to Mostra del Vi Mediterrani, while Setmana de l’Arròs runs from October 18 to 27, celebrating rice as a regional staple and culinary star.
With winter near, the city makes room for chocolate lovers at Xocolatíssima, a festival from November 18 to 24 that centers on tastings, workshops, and chocolate-focused presentations—sure to delight attendees of all ages.
La Vila Joiosa’s chocolate heritage spans more than two centuries. In addition to housing several chocolate factories, the town hosts the Valor Valencian Chocolate Museum, one of Spain’s most visited museums, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year. A visit to the Chocolate Valor and Chocolate Pérez museums is considered essential for any traveler.
Menus and further details are available on the town’s official site.