Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas

Planning a trip to Alicante and looking for a way to truly dive into its local culinary scene? This guided Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s flavors and traditions. It’s a popular choice among travelers, boasting a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 27 reviews, which suggests most guests leave genuinely satisfied.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines delicious food, local drinks, and cultural insights into just three hours—making it a manageable but memorable addition to your visit. Plus, it takes you away from the usual touristy spots, delivering a more genuine look at Alicante’s vibrant food scene. The small group setting (limited to 10 participants) ensures a relaxed, personable atmosphere where you can ask questions and really connect with your guide.

However, a potential consideration is the market availability—it runs from Tuesday to Saturday until 2:30 pm, with Sundays and Mondays replacing the market visit with local bars or restaurants. If your schedule is tight or you’re visiting on a Sunday, that’s something to keep in mind. Also, it’s not a tailored tour for families with very young children, but older kids or teens interested in food might find it enjoyable.

This tour is perfect for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Alicante’s culinary traditions. If you enjoy tasting local wines and tapas, learning about regional ingredients, and exploring by foot, this experience could fit the bill nicely.

Key Points

• Authentic culinary experience that steers clear of tourist trap restaurants
• Knowledgeable local guides who share insights about Alicante’s food culture
• Visit to a lively food market with fresh local products
• Wine and tapas tastings in intimate settings
• Small group size for a more personalized experience
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Alicante Food Walking Tour

If you’re someone who loves to explore a city through its flavors, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Alicante’s culinary identity. It’s designed to be more than just a food sampling—it’s about understanding the local customs, ingredients, and traditions that make Alicante special. We’ll break down what you can expect at each stop, why it’s worth your time, and some of the things that previous travelers have raved about.

Starting Point: Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya, 1

Your journey begins at the main entrance of Casa Carbonell, a landmark building in Alicante’s bustling seafront area. Meeting here sets the stage for what’s to come—an inviting walk through the city’s streets, with sights and sounds that immediately make you feel connected to local life.

Stop 1: Casa Carbonell – Introduction to Local Gastronomy

The tour kicks off with a friendly welcome at a local bar where you’ll receive your first taste of Alicante’s gastronomy. This is more than just a quick drink; it’s an opportunity to learn about local customs, traditional words, and drinking habits. Expect to taste your first glass of white wine paired with tapas—a simple yet delightful way to get your palate ready for what’s ahead. Travelers have praised guides like Silvina for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, making the experience feel personal and warm.

Stop 2: Alicante Food Market – A Feast for the Senses

Next, the tour takes you inside the lively food market—a true hub of local activity. Here, you’ll marvel at the fresh seafood, almonds, fruits, and vegetables, all of which are staples in Alicante cuisine. The market visit lasts about 45 minutes and offers plenty of chances to see, smell, and even touch local products.

According to reviews, this part of the tour is particularly appreciated because it gives you an authentic taste of daily life in Alicante. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with insights from the guide, helps you understand the ingredients that make regional dishes special. Keep in mind that the market is only open Tuesday to Saturday until 2:30 pm, so if you’re visiting on a Sunday or Monday, the itinerary will be adapted to include other local bars or restaurants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 3: Tapas Bar within the Market – Seafood & Local Flavors

Within the market itself, you’ll stop at a local tapas bar. This is where the real indulgence begins—sampling seafood tapas, fresh salads, and Monastrell red wine from Alicante. Many reviews highlight that the food quality is excellent, with travelers noting they’ve tried some of the best seafood they’ve ever had. Sharing these bites in a lively atmosphere makes the experience feel truly local.

This part of the tour is praised for pairing wine with the food, enhancing flavors and making each sip and bite more memorable. If you enjoy seafood or wines, you’ll find this stop particularly satisfying.

Stop 4: Plaça de Quijano – A Final Toast

The journey continues with a visit to Plaça de Quijano, a charming square where you can enjoy an aperitif, beer, or wine paired with more local tastings. It’s a laid-back spot that allows you to soak in the ambiance of Alicante while sampling regional delicacies.

Travelers have mentioned that the guide’s explanations made the experience educational and fun, especially as they learned about local drinking customs and how they tie into the city’s culture.

Stop 5: Portal de Elche – Cheese & Liquor

The tour wraps up at Portal de Elche, where you’ll indulge in cheese tastings and make a final toast with a local liquor. Here, you’ll get to savor some regional cheeses, completing your sensory journey through Alicante’s flavors.

Many guests, including one who described the tour as “well-organized and perfectly done”, found this last stop to be a sweet and satisfying finale.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of market visits, local eateries, and wine tastings offers a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just eating. You’re learning about ingredients, regional specialties, and cultural customs, which help turn a simple meal into a meaningful connection with Alicante.

The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides, often praised as friendly and professional, make all the difference. Many reviews mention how guides like Silvina made the experience informative, fun, and memorable.

The price of $153 per person might seem like a bit of an investment, but considering the variety of tastings, guiding, and local insights, it offers good value—especially if you’re keen on authentic experiences.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The tour lasts about 3 hours, which is a manageable chunk of time, especially if you’re just starting your day or looking for an immersive afternoon.
• It starts at Casa Carbonell and ends back at the same point, making logistics simple.
• Drinks—including wine, beer, and local liquors—are included, so no need to worry about extra costs.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around narrow streets and markets.
• The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.
• Dietary restrictions like vegetarian options are accommodated, but it’s best to notify the organizers in advance.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers and curious travelers eager to learn about Alicante’s regional cuisine and culture. It’s an excellent choice if you want a guided, intimate, and educational way to explore the city’s food scene.

While not explicitly designed for families with young children, older children or teenagers interested in food and wine may find it enjoyable—especially if they’re receptive to trying new flavors and learning about local customs. The tour’s pace and variety keep it engaging, but it’s not geared toward those looking for a lengthy or highly physically demanding activity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic taste of Alicante that balances delicious food, local drinks, and cultural insights, this guided food tour ticks all the boxes. The small groups and knowledgeable guides make it a warm, engaging experience—perfect for those who want to see the city through a culinary lens.

While the price might be a consideration for some, the quality of the food, wine, and authentic atmosphere make it a worthwhile splurge. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy good company, lively markets, and regional specialties, making the most of a few hours to connect with Alicante’s true flavor.

For anyone who values a mix of sightseeing and gastronomic discovery, this tour offers a charming, comprehensive way to understand what makes Alicante’s cuisine so special.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions if notified in advance. It’s best to let the organizers know beforehand.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 3 hours, covering several stops and tastings.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the main entrance of Casa Carbonell and ends back at the same spot, making it easy to plan your day.

Are drinks included?
Yes, wine, beer, and local liquors are included at various stops along the way.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking on narrow streets and markets.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Check availability for your preferred time—morning or early afternoon, depending on the season—and remember that the market operates Tuesday to Saturday until 2:30 pm.

If you’re eager to explore Alicante’s local flavors and enjoy a friendly, immersive experience, this guided food walk is a solid choice. It’s a great way to taste, learn, and soak up the city’s authentic culinary vibe—definitely worth considering for your trip planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: