A table full of seafood tapas and paella on a Spanish coastal terrace, with sea views and wine glasses — perfect foodie stop on a road trip.

Spain’s Coastal Foodie Tour – Where to Eat & Drive

Ready to eat your way down the coast of Spain? This road trip is all about flavor, tradition, and unforgettable seaside meals. From fresh paella in Valencia to beachside sardines in Málaga, we’re serving up the ultimate coastal foodie drive — and every bite is better with a sea view.

Here are the must-stop food towns and what to eat in each, from the Costa Blanca to the Costa del Sol.

🥘 1. Valencia – The Home of Paella

Start your foodie journey in the birthplace of Spain’s most iconic dish: paella. But here, it’s not just any paella — it’s the original Paella Valenciana, made with chicken, rabbit, and local beans.

Where to eat:

  • La Pepica – Legendary beachfront paella since 1898

  • Casa Carmela – Cooked the traditional way over wood fire

Try also: Horchata and fartons (a local sweet drink/snack combo)

🐟 2. Dénia – Seafood Capital with Michelin Flair

Drive south and stop in Dénia, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Here, seafood is king — especially red shrimp (gamba roja) and local rice dishes.

Where to eat:

  • Quique Dacosta – 3 Michelin stars and completely worth it

  • El Baret de Miquel Ruiz – Authentic, creative, and fun

Tip: Book ahead — this town is a foodie magnet!

🍤 3. Calp – Fresh Fish with a View

Arrive in Calp around lunch and you’ll be greeted by seafood restaurants lining the marina. This is the place for grilled octopus, fried baby squid, and seafood paella with a view of the Peñón de Ifach.

Local secret: Pick a place where the locals eat — most touristy spots display their catch out front.

🧀 4. Altea – Tapas & Artisan Touches

Altea is quieter, more artistic — and so is its food. Think cozy tapas bars, boutique wine shops, and restaurants that put a creative spin on classics.

Try this:

  • Tosta de sobrasada with honey

  • Goat cheese croquettes

  • Pair everything with a glass of Alicante DO wine

🐚 5. Málaga – Sardines on the Beach (Espetos!)

On the Costa del Sol, no foodie trip is complete without stopping in Málaga for espetos de sardinas — fresh sardines grilled over olive wood, served right on the sand.

Where to eat:

  • El Tintero – Unique beachside auction-style seafood

  • Pedregalejo Beach – Dozens of authentic chiringuitos

Bonus: Málaga is also great for sweet wines and tapas hopping.

🧭 How to Plan Your Foodie Drive

  • Take the N-332 along the Costa Blanca or A-7/AP-7 on the Costa del Sol

  • Travel outside July/August for easier reservations

  • Stay in towns with walkable historic centers and tapas bars

  • Plan 1 long lunch stop per day — then drive while full and happy

✅ Final Thoughts

A Spanish coastal road trip is about more than views — it’s about flavors that tell stories, passed down from abuelas and perfected by chefs. You’ll leave full, inspired, and probably planning your next bite before your next stop.

Buen provecho — and buen viaje!

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