Altea’s cuisine is a delicious reflection of its Mediterranean location, with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood plays a central role in many of the town’s traditional dishes, with favorites like “arroz a banda” (a rice dish cooked in fish stock) and “caldero” (a hearty fish stew) being must-try options for visitors. Paella, the famous Valencian rice dish, is also widely available in many of Altea’s restaurants, often with fresh seafood or locally sourced meat and vegetables.
Other regional specialties include “olleta de blat,” a traditional stew made with wheat, beans, and pork, and “coca a la paleta,” a type of savory pastry. Altea’s farmers’ markets are excellent places to sample local produce, including citrus fruits, almonds, and olives, which are used in many traditional recipes.
Visitors will also find an array of excellent dining options, from small, family-run tapas bars to high-end restaurants along the coast. Altea is also known for its vibrant café culture, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the sea, sampling local pastries like “turrón” (a nougat made from almonds and honey) or “pastissets” (sweet pastries filled with pumpkin or sweet potato).