Every spring, Castalla becomes the food capital of this corner of inland Alicante with the Encuentros Gastronómicos de Castalla, the town’s gastronomic gatherings: a week-long food festival held in its restaurants. It is an invitation to a week of eating well, where tradition and modern cooking come together in dishes that showcase the best of the local kitchen.
Organised by Castalla Town Council and SEHUNICA, the local hospitality association, the festival is a good excuse to explore the culture and the cooking of the area, with set menus that pair native ingredients with more inventive ideas.
Here is everything you need to know about it, and how to make the trip even easier with a stay at Casa Rural Castalla.
What the Encuentros Gastronómicos are all about
During this food week, the best-known restaurants in Castalla serve menus created specially for the occasion. From the celebrated gazpachos de Castalla — nothing whatsoever to do with the chilled Andalusian soup of the same name, but a substantial stew of rabbit and snails scented with pebrella, a local wild herb, and served on sheets of unleavened flatbread — to traditional rice dishes and pairings with local wines, every plate celebrates the culinary identity of the area.
Six of the town’s restaurants take part, reaffirming their commitment to the traditional and the contemporary cooking of the area alike. Some also work with zero-kilometre produce and recipes handed down through the generations, which is where the character of this food really comes from.
The participating restaurants include:
- Hotel Don José: made for a long, unhurried evening.
- Restaurante La Vizcaya: specialists in the classic local recipes.
- Restaurante Cassana: traditional Mediterranean cooking, with a special menu for the occasion.
- Casa Paqui: family cooking with decades of history behind it.
- Restaurante Nou Trinquet: dishes that blend the classic with the inventive.
- Asador Izaskun: currently open only for private events, weddings and celebrations, with no service to the general public.
The Encuentros are usually held over two consecutive weekends, Thursday to Saturday, which spreads out the crowds and makes life easier for the restaurants taking part.
Each restaurant puts on its own experience, taking the traditional flavours of Castalla and giving them a twist for the occasion. There are also pairings with local wines, and the chance to meet the chefs behind the menus.
The Mayor of Castalla has underlined how much the initiative does for the town and its food culture, inviting locals and visitors alike to discover the best of the local kitchen. The Encuentros Gastronómicos are a chance to taste the range of what is cooked here, and another step in establishing Castalla as a food destination in inland Alicante.
Each restaurant hosts one day of the programme, with menus meant to please even the most demanding palate. Places are limited, so booking your table in advance is essential.
Make a weekend of it: stay at Casa Rural Castalla
To get the most out of the Encuentros Gastronómicos de Castalla, we suggest staying at Casa Rural Castalla, right in the historic centre. The house brings together the old and the comfortable in a way that suits groups and families looking for somewhere genuine to come back to after dinner.
Why stay at Casa Rural Castalla:
- An unbeatable location: a few minutes on foot from the participating restaurants.
- Room for everyone: up to 10 guests (14-15 with extra beds), ideal for groups.
- The area on your doorstep: close to Castalla Castle and to the walking routes, so there is more to the weekend than the table.
The team at Casa Rural Castalla can also help you arrange accompanied walks, at no extra cost and always subject to the guide’s availability, along with other activities in the area.
Beyond the food: what else to do in Castalla
There is more to fill a weekend here than the menus. Castalla offers a good spread of cultural and outdoor plans: climb up to the imposing Castalla Castle, follow one of the walking routes, or simply let the old streets do the work.
Looking for something more tailored? Casa Rural Castalla can point you in the right direction so you make the most of your stay.
Book now and enjoy the Encuentros Gastronómicos de Castalla
Do not let this one pass you by. Reserve your table at the participating restaurants and stay at Casa Rural Castalla, the perfect base for exploring this pocket of inland Alicante.
The house stands out for its careful design, mixing modern and traditional touches into something genuinely welcoming. The generous shared spaces work equally well for getting everyone together and for doing nothing at all, while details such as the rustic decoration and the handmade furniture make it a memorable place to stay in the heart of Castalla.
Come to Castalla and see why its food, its landscape and its hospitality make it worth the journey.
The town is about a 30-minute drive from Alicante and its airport, and 35 minutes from the beach: get in touch to check dates and give yourself a few days in the Foia de Castalla, the wide inland basin the town looks out over.
Ready to experience inland Alicante?
Book your stay at Casa Rural Castalla and take your time discovering places like Plascaves, Castalla Castle and the Sierra del Maigmó. Your inland Alicante getaway starts here.
