One of the most exciting parts of visiting a new place is having the opportunity to try the local cuisine. The Spanish coastal town of Javea is a haven for authentic local dishes, with the added benefit of having beautiful beaches, warm summer weather and exciting tourist attractions.
If you have a holiday in Javea planned, prepare to be impressed by the delicious culinary options. No Spanish holiday is complete without trying the local paella and when you’re staying on the coast, fresh seafood is a must! We’ve listed our five favourite local dishes to indulge in for the ultimate foodie experience in Javea.
Paella
Spain’s most famous dish is paella, which originates from Valencia, 100 kms north of Javea along Spain’s eastern coast. It is believed that the dish was first introduced around the 16th century. The dish has evolved from using rabbit, duck and vegetables with rice and saffron, to using local seafood (known as Paella de Marisco). In Javea, you can try authentic paella or sample the more contemporary versions, which include lobster and other luxurious options.
When dining as a family or group, sharing a paella is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic local dishes together. There are plenty of great restaurants serving paella in Javea, and our favourites include Restaurante Posidonia, where you can choose from an extensive paella menu. The Iberian secret paella and Valencian paella are our personal recommendations!
Arroz a Banda
Valencia also gifted the culinary world with arroz a banda, which is another rice-based dish that you have to try during your visit to Javea. Arroz a banda is cooked using fish broth, providing a distinct flavour. Paella uses saffron seasoning to provide a yellow colour, while arroz a banda is usually seasoned with paprika and tomato, to give it a red colour. Typically, seafood ingredients are added to the dish and we think Casa Grau is one of the best places in the area to try their variation, which includes cuttlefish and prawns.
Fideuà
When in Javea, another unmissable dish is fideuà, which is similar to paella but includes noodles rather than rice. You can expect the same delicious ingredients and variety of meats, vegetables and seafood in this traditional Spanish cuisine. We love Cala Bandida and La Casita de Paco for authentic fideuà with options including tempura prawns, crayfish and duck. The Cala Bandida also has fantastic views over the sea.
Cocas
Perhaps the less well-known of the Spanish dishes (at least outside of the region), cocas are flatbreads topped with a range of delicious Mediterranean ingredients such as roasted red peppers, sauteed spinach with pine nuts, onions and tomatoes. Cocas are Spain’s twist on pizza, with many Javea restaurants offering wood-fired cocas to enjoy as a lighter meal, as a side dish or to have with tapas.
La Coqueteria del Mercat specialises in cocas, with a huge offering of amazing cocas ingredients, including avocado, egg and ham, goats cheese and many other choices. You can also order your cocas to take away, perfect for filling up before a fun day at one of Javea’s fantastic beaches.
Gambas al Ajillo
If you love garlic dishes, you are spoilt for choice in Javea, Gambas al ajillo is a garlic shrimp dish, typically served with a touch of chilli. You can order gambas al ajillo as a tapas dish or try it with a delicious coca to dip into the sauce! Visit La Fontana, Cala Bandida or Restaurante Pepe y Estrella for the best gambas al ajillo and other exceptional authentic tapas in Javea.
Choose Prestige Villas Spain for Your Javea Holiday
If you want to plan the perfect holiday to Javea, you will need to find accommodation that is close to all the best restaurants, as well as stunning beaches and other amenities. Our Spanish villas to rent, place you close to all the highlights of Javea.
You also have the option to choose a villa with all the facilities you need for your ideal stay. From private pools, to secluded, outdoor havens to enjoy the Spanish weather, Prestige Villas Spain offers every type of villa for a comfortable and unforgettable stay.
Our Spanish holiday villas provide you with the combination of being close to places to explore for exciting days out, while allowing you to relax in idyllic tranquillity. Choose from a large Spanish villa with ample space for large groups or a more intimate beachfront villa for a romantic getaway.
Not sure which location will be the best place for your favourite type of holiday? Get in touch with us and we can customise your holiday around your preferences. We can recommend the best location for visiting top restaurants, villas in Javea with easy access to the top beaches or if you want to escape into a peaceful hideaway that is off the beaten track, just let us know and we’ll do the rest!