A chiringuito with a story

El Cranc has been around since 1982, when a local family opened a simple beach bar on Playa de la Olla, on the north side of Altea.

The name (“the crab” in Valencian) comes from the crabs that used to crawl out of the sea onto the terrace during a full moon.

More than 40 years later, it has become one of the most famous spots on the Costa Blanca, but its location remains the same: right on the beach, with your feet almost in the water.

What You Must Try Here

El Cranc ‘s cuisine revolves around fresh fish, seafood, and, above all, rice. Think of:

• Arroz negro: black rice with squid, full of flavor;

• Arroz del senyoret: a “lazy” paella with monkfish, shrimp, and squid, where all the fish and shellfish have already been peeled for you;

• Grilled baby squid: delicately grilled baby squid, just the way it should be;

• Salazones: dishes made with salted fish, such as the tomato and salted fish salad or aspencat;

• Homemade ice cream and desserts: finish your meal with one of the artisanal ice cream flavors (such as nougat or chocolate) or classics like the homemade cheesecake or almond custard.

A full-course meal costs an average of around €50 per person, including drinks.

Practical tips for your visit

• Location: Playa de la Olla, s/n, Altea. A quiet stretch of (pebble) beach outside the town center, with private parking for guests;

• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season, as tables right by the sea are in high demand. Call ahead or make a reservation through the website.

This is how El Cranc was chosen

The title “best beach restaurant in Spain” comes from GastroActitud, a gastronomic platform founded by José Carlos Capel (chairman of the Madrid Fusión culinary festival), in collaboration with foodservice wholesaler Makro.

The list was compiled by nine experts who literally divided Spain into regions where they know their way around best. They looked for restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal for less than 100 euros, without it necessarily having to be an expensive Michelin-starred restaurant.

All the nominated restaurants were divided into 10 groups (such as beach bars or grill restaurants), and after extensive deliberation, the 100 very best establishments were ultimately selected. From each group, they then chose the absolute number one.

In the beach restaurant category, the top prize went to Chirinquito El Cranc. Its peaceful atmosphere and surroundings also make El Cranc one of my favorites in Altea. The coastline to the north and south of this chirinquito is perfect for a walk with beautiful views.

Tip! Read more about the best chirinquitos on the Costa Blanca

The best bar on the Costa Blanca

Another place to keep in mind: in the same guide, Nou Manolín in Alicante was voted the best bar in Spain.

Source: GastroActitud

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