Alicante - The Sunny Central Coast of Spain


Traveling Through Alicante:

Perhaps some of the most picturesque beaches in all of Spain lie along the Costa Blanca, spanning from Valencia in the north and La Manga in the south. This beautiful stretch of beaches is centered upon Alicante, and is quite honestly our favorite part of Spain. Upon our first visit, we fell head-over-heals in love with the smooth beaches, towering mountains, fertile valleys, and charming people. In fact, Lolita, owner of HotPaella.com loved it so much that she bought a home in the village of Javea and spends about half the year there! She is not alone with her love of the Costa Blanca, fashion designers Hugo Boss and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as singers Enya and Julio Iglesias call it home.


View from the bay of Javea Formed in 1833 from parts of the historical provinces of Valencia and Murcia, Alicante is a tourist mecca today, an active part of the Spanish economy, and producer of countless fine products. The fertile river valleys, humid sea air, and sheltering rugged mountains provides Alicante with ideal growing conditions. The hillsides are full of almonds trees, citrus groves, and cattle ranches but to name a few. Did you know that all of our turron products come from Alicante, as do our pimenton and olives?


The bustling city of Benidorm For those in search of action, Benidorm boasts perhaps the most vibrant and exciting activities of all of Spain. The Manhattan-like skyline is filled with highrises so close to the beach, it is as if they are rising out of the Mediterranean themselves. The beaches are so packed and the nightlife so festive, that one can’t help but wonder if all of Europe has chosen this spot for vacationing.


The sleepy village of Guadalest In stark contrast, a mere 40 minute drive from Benidorm is the remote village of Guadalest. Last year we had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant El Rincon de Pepe where we shared a marvelous meal of ternera de bisteca (grilled thin-sliced steak) alongside sautéed mountain greens. To top the meal off they offer an unbelievable Honey liquor infused with local herbs that is truly out of this world. (Yes, we would have loved to bring some back for sale, but Raul’s grandfather only makes about 15 liters a year!) If you ever make it out to that part of Spain we highly recommend a venture up the mountain to Guadalest. The ruined castles, the museum-like palaces, and the charming shops will certainly make an impression.


The thing that we love most about Alicante (other than the turron, of course) is the stark contrast of mountain and sea, sprawling city and sleepy village, fertile valley and arid hillside. The radical difference of Benidorm, where quiet means a 25th floor apartment, to that of Guadalest, where the stone portico to enter the city is a mere 4 feet wide. The opposition of lush citrus groves on mountain terraces to that of the arid mountain peaks above where not even a blade of grass grows is truly what gives Alicante so much to offer.

Foods from Alicante:

Masia El Altet Extra virgin Olive Oil - OO026
Rich, buttery, and full bodied, and not too peppery, the flavor is reminiscent of artichoke with hints of tropical fruit. 2018 Best of Class and Gold Medal Winner, LA International Olive Oil Competition.
Size: 16.9fl.oz/500mL
Origin: Alcoy, Spain
Details - Masia El Altet Extra virgin Olive Oil - OO026
Sweet Paprika Tin - SP001
Pimenton Dulce, known as mild or sweet paprika in the USA, is earthy and rich, with almost no spiciness, and perfect for all cooking needs.
Size: 2.64oz/75g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Sweet Paprika Tin - SP001
Hot Paprika Tin - SP003
Pimenton Picante - Lightly smoked and blended with medium-hot varieties, this paprika slightly sweet-Smokey but with a kick. Use this to add a little wow! to your cooking.
Size: 2.64oz/74.8g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Hot Paprika Tin - SP003
Smoked Paprika Tin - SP004
Pimenton Ahumado - Rich and complex with Smokey overtones, this paprika is the foundation for many Spanish dishes. Use this paprika to develop rich flavors on meat and seafood dishes.
Size: 2.64oz/74.8g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Smoked Paprika Tin - SP004
Crushed Nora Peppers in Shaker - SP023
Perfect for a fideua, Spanish rice, and all your Spanish cooking. These Noras have been cleaned, dried, chopped and packed in a convenient glass spice shaker.
Size: 1.4oz/40g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Crushed Nora Peppers in Shaker - SP023
Paella Seasoning in Shaker - SP024
Sazonador de Paella con Azafran - Ready-to-use paella seasoning in a glass shaker, made with pure Spanish Saffron from La Mancha.
Size: 1.5oz/42g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Paella Seasoning in Shaker - SP024
La Explanada Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Anchovy - OL017
Manzanilla olives stuffed with anchovies create a combination that is simply irresistible. Extra-Large and stuffed with the perfect amount of anchovy to make the flavor pop!
Size: 12.7oz/350g net, 5.3oz/150g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - La Explanada Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Anchovy - OL017
Almond Stuffed Manzanilla Olives in Glass Jar - OL019
Handmade gourmet manzanilla olives stuffed with crunchy almonds - A delectable combination that will bring you back for more.
Size: 12.3oz/350g net, 7.06oz/200g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Almond Stuffed Manzanilla Olives in Glass Jar - OL019
Anchovy Stuffed Manzanilla Olives - OL016
These fine Manzanilla olives stuffed with anchovies are a delicious addition to your tapas, salad or martini!
Size: 12.35oz/350g net, 5.29oz/150g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Anchovy Stuffed Manzanilla Olives - OL016
Pitted Green Gordal Olives in Glass Jar - OL020
Our gourmet gordal olives have a firm, meaty texture and mild flavor. They will be an excellent addition to your table.
Size: 12.3oz/350g net, 5.64oz/160g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Pitted Green Gordal Olives in Glass Jar - OL020