Alicante stands out as a fantastic destination for food lovers, thanks to its lively markets, sunny tapas bars, and proximity to renowned wineries. The city’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling Central Market or savoring authentic paella in quiet alleyways, Alicante offers a wealth of gastronomic experiences. We particularly like tours that combine tasting with cultural insights, like the Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour for its local flavor and small-business support, or the Wine Tour, Wineries, Food, and Transfer Included that pairs picturesque vineyards with regional snacks.
This list features a variety of food tours designed to suit different interests and schedules. From quick two-hour explorations to full-day trips, each offers a genuine taste of Alicante’s culinary delights. Whether you prefer walking through historic markets, sampling tapas in cozy bars, or exploring vineyards, these tours provide authentic bites and stories behind the local dishes. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these experiences unique.
1. Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour
This tasting tour takes you through Alicante’s local food scene with a focus on small businesses that have helped define the city’s culinary identity. For around $33, you’ll follow a local guide to some of the best tapas and snack spots, primarily around the vibrant Mercado Central. The tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy a variety of regional aromas and flavors. Guides like Francisco and Nadia make the experience both informative and fun, with reviews highlighting their engaging personalities and attention to detail.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on supporting local producers and exploring Alicante’s culinary traditions in a relaxed setting. Visitors rave about the delicious tastings and wine, as well as the guide’s knowledge—Isaac, for example, was praised for explaining Alicante’s food culture and history. It’s ideal for travelers who want a light, authentic introduction to the city’s flavors without feeling rushed. The tour’s focus on the local market and small eateries offers great value and insight into what makes Alicante’s cuisine unique.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for foodies eager to taste a broad spectrum of Alicante’s flavors while supporting small businesses. It’s casual, educational, and best suited for those who love exploring markets on foot.
2. Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide
For about $33.60, this two-hour tour offers a deep dive into Alicante’s culinary culture with a focus on traditional snacks and regional flavors. Led by a lively local guide, it takes you through the historic market—over 100 years old—where you’ll sample fresh fruits, cheeses, and handmade dishes. The guide’s storytelling about each product’s history enhances the tasting experience, making it more than just a snack stop.
This tour’s strength lies in its central location and intimate group size, allowing for personalized attention and relaxed conversations. The reviews emphasize how informative and entertaining the guide is—Isaac, in particular, was praised for his enthusiasm and knowledge about Alicante’s food customs. It’s well-suited for visitors who enjoy market-based excursions combined with local tales and want to taste authentic regional produce.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a short, immersive food experience that pairs market exploration with delicious bites and local stories.
3. Alicante; Wine Tour, Wineries, Food, and Transfer Included
At number 3, this full three-hour wine tour offers a taste of Alicante’s renowned wine region—the Alicante PDO—plus local tapas. For around the price listed, you’ll enjoy visits to charming wineries with guided tastings of local wines, accompanied by regional snacks. It’s notable because the tour includes all transfers, making it a hassle-free way to explore without worrying about driving.
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 8 people, which fosters a more personalized experience. Guides speak multiple languages—Spanish, French, and English—broadening its appeal. The itinerary involves pickup from various locations, a visit to the wineries, and tastings of both wine and tapa pairings. Reviewers highlight the value for money and the knowledgeable guide who shares insights into the wine-making process and regional food pairing traditions.
This experience suits wine enthusiasts who want to combine culinary delights with a scenic drive through Alicante’s countryside. The inclusion of tapas and full transportation adds convenience and value, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine lovers who want a comprehensive, guided winery visit with local snacks included, ideal for small groups and those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day.
4. Alicante: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas
This 3-hour guided walk takes you from Alicante’s bustling food market to three authentic tapas bars, with wine tastings at each stop. Priced at $153 per person, it’s a more premium experience designed for those wanting an immersive, multi-stop tasting. The tour begins at Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya and includes visits to Casa Carbonell, the Central Market, and several traditional tapas bars, with plenty of regional wines and local dishes.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local life away from tourist traps. The itinerary is carefully curated to introduce you to Alicante’s culinary heritage, from market stalls with fresh produce to cozy bars serving authentic tapas. The reviews highlight how the guide’s storytelling adds depth to each tasting, making it more than just eating. Guests particularly enjoy learning about Alicante’s food culture through the guide’s insights.
This tour is best for visitors who are comfortable walking for three hours and want a comprehensive taste of Alicante’s food scene, paired with wine. It’s an excellent choice for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a luxury experience.
Bottom Line: A high-end, in-depth food and wine tour for those who want to sample Alicante’s culinary highlights in a single outing, with plenty of time for conversation and discovery.
5. Eat Paella and Discover Alicante Tour
At number 5, this 3-hour tour is perfect for lovers of paella and local cuisine. For around $106.72, you’ll visit three different tasting locations, learning the stories behind each dish. It begins with a walk around Alicante’s streets, where your guide shares insights into the city’s architecture and history, making the food part of a broader cultural experience.
The tour features three key paellas—saffron rice, arroz a la banda, and arroz negro—each served with a different story and technique. The guide’s storytelling and the chance to taste these regional specialties make it stand out. Reviewers comment on how the tour offers personalized insights and great value, especially since the tapas and drinks are included.
Best suited for those eager to learn about Alicante’s culinary history while tasting its most iconic dishes, this tour combines walking, storytelling, and food in a relaxed manner.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers wanting to connect food with culture, particularly if paella is a must-try for your trip.
6. Alicante Food Tour
This small-group tour lasts about 2.5 hours and costs $83.08. It offers a broad introduction to Alicante’s local products, starting at the Central Market. Here, your guide helps you sample cured ham, seasonal fruit, and other local produce, making it a true culinary sampler.
After the market, the tour visits two local tapas bars, with drinks and snacks included. The focus is on learning about Alicante’s food culture through direct tasting and conversation. The reviews praise the guide’s friendly approach and the variety of tastings, which provide a well-rounded glimpse of regional flavors.
This tour is ideal for those who prefer a shorter, more intimate experience that balances market exploration with social bites. It suits travelers who want a taste of Alicante without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: An excellent, value-packed option for those seeking a quick, authentic introduction to Alicante’s culinary scene.
7. Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included
This private experience offers 10 tastings over about three hours, meticulously curated by your local host. For $161.41, your personalized tour includes visits to the Mercado Central and other iconic spots like Barri Vell Santa Cruz and Plaza Portal de Elche, with a focus on local favorites like Turron de Alicante and Jamon Iberico.
What makes this tour unique is the customized approach—your guide tailors the experience to your preferences, ensuring a deeper connection with Alicante’s food culture. Reviews mention how the guide’s passion and insider knowledge elevate the experience, making it feel like visiting a friend’s kitchen.
Best for private groups or couples looking for a personalized culinary journey, this tour offers an excellent balance of local bites and storytelling. It’s a bit pricier but worth it if exclusivity and tailored experiences matter.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a bespoke, intimate tasting adventure in Alicante, with a focus on authentic local specialties.
8. Alicante: Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars
This 2.5-hour tour for $79 takes you through Alicante’s central market and two tapas bars. It’s designed for travelers who want a guided, in-depth experience of the city’s food scene, with stops at key local spots like Mercado Central and nearby tapas bars.
The tour emphasizes regional foods and includes tastings of typical snacks, drinks, and small plates. The guide helps interpret the market’s offerings and provides cultural context. The reviews note how the tour offers a delicious, educational experience with a friendly guide.
Ideal for those who prefer a structured, comprehensive tasting experience that combines market exploration with bar-hopping, this tour is practical and engaging.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for foodies who want a guided, balanced introduction to Alicante’s local cuisine within a comfortable timeframe.
9. Full day trip Altea, Moraira, Javea. Boat trip and food included
This full-day excursion offers not just food but a full coastal experience, including visits to whitewashed villages, a boat trip, and a mediterranean picnic. For $323.27, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day with excellent food and cultural sights.
The trip includes stops in Altea for walking and shopping, Moraira for snorkeling, and Javea for a scenic seaside lunch. The boat adventure and the included local food make it a well-rounded day out. Reviewers mention Alfonso’s expert guiding and the personalized, small-group atmosphere.
It’s ideal for those who want more than just food—a blend of stunning scenery, local culture, and good eating, all in one day.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want an all-in-one coastal experience with food, scenery, and small-group comfort.
10. Alicante: Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
Concluding our list is this 3-hour street food adventure at about $ per person. Led by a local guide, you’ll wander through Alicante’s lively streets, sampling hidden culinary treasures and classic street eats.
Stops include iconic streets like Calle Castaños and Santa Cruz, with tastings of local snacks, traditional dishes, and street food stalls. The guide’s insights help you discover less obvious but delicious spots, making it perfect for travelers interested in authentic, everyday cuisine.
This tour is recommended for those who want a dynamic, walking-focused experience and enjoy discovering hidden gems in a city’s everyday life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who love street eats, culture, and exploring Alicante’s local neighborhoods.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Alicante
When selecting your ideal culinary adventure, think about what excites you most—market visits, wine pairings, or street food. For a comprehensive market and tapas experience, Alicante: Central Market Guided Food Tour offers a great balance. If wine tasting is your passion, the Wineries and Food Tour provides scenic vineyard visits paired with regional snacks. For those craving an intimate, private experience, the Private Food Tour allows personalized tastings tailored to your preferences.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter tours like Alicante Food and Tapas, which still pack in plenty of flavor. For a full day, the coastal Altea, Moraira, Javea trip combines sightseeing, boat rides, and excellent meals.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure spots on these popular tours. Consider your fitness level and interests—if walking isn’t your thing, tours with transportation included might suit you better.
Final Thoughts
From intimate market walks to full-day coastal adventures, Alicante offers a diverse range of food tours tailored to different tastes and schedules. For those seeking authentic local bites and meaningful stories, tours like Alicante: Secret Flavors and the private 10 Tastings shine. If you love wine, the vineyard visits provide beautiful scenery along with exceptional tastings, while street food fans will enjoy discovering the city’s everyday eats during the Street Food Tour.
Whatever your style, booking one of these tours guarantees a richer appreciation of Alicante’s culinary culture. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, these experiences will deepen your understanding of local life—and leave you craving more. So pick your favorite, reserve ahead, and prepare for a delicious journey through Alicante’s food scene.
