La Vila Gastronómico 2026 Culinary Events

VILLAJOYOSA – Under the name “La Vila Gastronómica,” the municipality of Villajoyosa, together with the local restaurant industry, fishing sector, and chocolate manufacturers, has been showcasing its local cuisine for more than two decades.
Throughout the year, events are held in Villajoyosa centered on the three pillars of its gastronomy: the fishing tradition, the chocolate industry, and the local restaurants.
In 2026, the program will consist of 8 events, spread out from early March through mid-November. It’s a fun way to get to know the restaurants in Villajoyosa.

Author: Rick, more than 10 years active on the Costa Blanca. These texts are written from my own experiences and based on current sources.
Page updated on: 19 June 2026
A year full of the sea, rice, and chocolate
La Vila Gastronómica celebrates Villajoyosa’s fishing tradition, its renowned local chocolate industry, and the quality of the town’s restaurants. The 2026 program was presented in February by Mayor Marcos Zaragoza, along with Councilor for Tourism Rosa Llorca.
A notable new addition this year is the return of the Concurso Carlos Llorca Baus, a historic cooking competition for young chefs that focuses specifically on traditional seafood cuisine and local products. The competition’s final will take place in September during Wine & Fish, featuring a live cooking demonstration.

A List of Events
- Setmana del Perolet (Spoon Dish Week) – March 2 through 8. A series of events dedicated to traditional stews, organized by local restaurants;
- 26th Mostra de Cuina Marinera (Seafood Week) — June 8–14. Twelve restaurants will serve special set menus featuring fresh fish, shellfish, and rice dishes at a fixed price;
- 32nd Concurs de Pebrereta – on June 19. The traditional summer dish made with green bell peppers, pumpkin, tomatoes, and sangatxo will be prepared on the beach at Les Puntes del Moro, with free admission for visitors;
- Wine & Fish— September 14 through 18. A gastronomic tour featuring wine and food pairings at local restaurants, culminating in the finals and a live cooking demonstration of the Concurso Carlos Llorca Baus;
- G de Tapas — October 8 through 12. A tapas tour of bars and restaurants around the city;
- Setmana de l’Arròs (Rice Week) — October 19–25. A week dedicated to rice, one of the most commonly used ingredients in Villajoyosa’s cuisine;
- Xocolatíssima — November 17 through 20. Villajoyosa’s Chocolate Week, featuring the premiere of the documentary *Poble de xocolate* and the second edition of the popular contest for the best local chocolate dessert.
More tips about Villajoyosa
Relevant articles
El Cranc in Altea has been voted the best chirinquito in Spain. Discover the atmosphere, what you should try, and how to book a table.
Villajoyosa will host the 32nd Pebrereta Contest on June 19. Enjoy a delicious traditional dish and the beach atmosphere during this culinary festival.
Benidorm Gastronómico 2026: 6 culinary events from February through November at local restaurants, featuring everything from tapas to cocktails and rice dishes.
Updated on:
19 June 2026
Page updated on: 19 June 2026
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Hi! My name is Rick, initiator of Pure Costa Blanca and the free App. Since 2015 I can be found on the Costa Blanca on a monthly basis.
With this online platform I make as much as possible relevant information and tips about places on the Costa Blanca insightful and clear. The texts are exclusively written by myself. The photos and videos are made by me.
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