Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa Gastronomy

Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa exemplifies the kind of wisdom to be found in simplicity and fish and shellfish are usually prepared in uncomplicated yet mouth-watering ways: baked in the oven, hot from the grill, done over charcoal, lightly fried, or cooked in succulent yet simple stews. Despite the increasingly scarcity of certain species, the traditionally hard-working fishing ports along the Mediterranean still bring in fresh catches almost daily, much like they did in the days of the famous beach and fishing paintings by Joaquín Sorolla. This can be seen in a visit to Valencia's modernist Central Market.

Some of the typical fish from which delicious fisherman’s dishes are made include tunny, sardine, hake, red mullet, sole, anglerfish, octopus, swordfish, grey mullet, narrow-mouthed catshark, common pandora, cuttlefish, redfish, mackerels, blue-mouth rock fish, wreck-fish, rays, gilthead, forkbeards and milt.

The so-called sucs and suquets de peix are simply fish stews often made in paella pans using a variety of fish in sauce created by using crushed almonds and garlic. Valencian fish soups are made from morralla, a medley of small fish and shellfish; casseroles or cassolas are made using lightly fried mixtures of tomato, onions and finely chopped garlic over which slices of fish are placed; fish à la sel – a recipe from the ancient Phoenicians – are baked in the oven without any other seasoning than their own juices boxed in by the effect of the salt covering.

Villajoyosa Markets

The markets around Villajoyosa are lively bustling places that are well worth a visit, selling the best fresh fruit and many other food stuffs. Every afternoon is the Villajoyosa fish auction, a tradition which has been preserved in the history of the town. Dont forget to barter - its expected in the markets of Spain - and its also great fun!

Villajoyosa Chocolates

Villajoyosa is also known as the 'chocolate town' and is world famous for its traditional turrón and spanish chocolate delicacies.

The local chocolate industry has a long history behind it. Valor a renowned producer has a museum relating the full history of their tradition, the struggles with their early equipment, and survival thru spain's darkest times.

Local factories around town welcome visits by tourists. Also, the Ethnological Museum located in the Casa de la Cultura shows utensils used by chocolate makers over the centuries.

Today modern equipment is used to accomodate the high demand for the towns produce, both in Spain and abroad, but the love for chocolate, the personal touch from traditional methods and age old recipes, have not left from the founders who began.

At present the plant occupies a total surface area of 22,000 square metres, and has undergone several extensions due to popular demand for the turrón of Villajoyosa.