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Altea becomes Costa Blanca’s international food hub with 13 restaurants taking part in cuisine days

Altea / 5 May 2026

The coastal town of Altea is preparing to host the 3rd International Cuisine Days, running from May 8 to May 17, 2026, bringing global flavours, themed menus, and cultural events to the heart of the old town and seafront dining scene.

A global food journey across Altea

Thirteen restaurants across the municipality will take part, each offering specially designed menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, including:

Japan and Nepal (Asian fusion and traditional dishes)
Peru and Argentina (South American grills and ceviches)
Italy (classic Mediterranean cuisine)
Morocco (North African spice-led dishes)
Germany and Austria (Central European comfort food)
Brazil and Serbia (regional specialities and street-food style dishes)
Russia and Ukraine (Eastern European traditional plates)

Local organisers say the goal is to turn Altea into a “walkable world food route” over ten days.

Participating restaurants

This year’s lineup includes:
El Pulpo, E-tika, Tío Ennio, Austriaco, Ombú, La Fornera, Terraza Oliva, Ristorante Zero81, Pinxos i Punt, Boteco del Bustamante, Melitón Jardín, El Tajín de Oro, and Himalaya Tandoori.

Each venue will offer a fixed international menu or themed tasting experience at set prices.

Growing reputation as a food destination

According to organisers from AHEA (host restaurant association), Altea’s dining scene has seen strong growth in recent years, with increasing interest from both tourism and expat communities.

Local officials say events like this strengthen Altea’s position alongside other Costa Blanca gastronomy hotspots such as Benidorm and Alicante city.

More than food: culture and atmosphere

Beyond dining, the event will include:

Live music and cultural performances
Themed tastings and product showcases
Small cultural demonstrations reflecting participating countries

Previous editions have included dance performances, cooking showcases, and artisan product stands.

Prizes and incentives for visitors

Guests taking part in the event can enter prize draws, including restaurant meals, wine packs, and local product baskets.

Organisers say the aim is to encourage visitors to explore multiple venues rather than just one-off dining.

Wider Costa Blanca trend

This event is part of a broader regional push to promote gastronomy-led tourism across the Costa Blanca, where towns increasingly use food festivals to extend the tourist season beyond summer months.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.