Alicante, with its sun-soaked beaches, charming streets, and vibrant culinary scene, is a haven for those seeking delightful gastronomic experiences. While the city is known for its tapas and seafood, dessert lovers are in for a real treat. Alicante offers a variety of indulgent sweet escapes, from traditional Spanish pastries to modern dessert innovations. Whether you’re craving something rich and chocolatey, light and fruity, or traditional and authentic, Alicante has a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Turrón: A Taste of Tradition
No visit to Alicante would be complete without sampling turrón, a local specialty that has been a part of the region’s culinary heritage for centuries. Turrón is a type of nougat made with almonds, honey, and egg whites, and it comes in two main varieties: Turrón de Alicante, which is crunchy, and Turrón de Jijona, which is soft and chewy.
You can find this delicacy in numerous shops across the city, but for a truly authentic experience, head to Antigua Casa de Turrón. Located in the heart of Alicante, this historic shop offers an incredible selection of turrón, perfect for gifting or indulging in yourself. It’s especially popular around the Christmas season, but locals and tourists enjoy it year-round.
- Where to go: Antigua Casa de Turrón
- Must-try: Turrón de Jijona (soft nougat) for its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Horchata & Fartons: A Refreshing Combination
On a hot day in Alicante, cool off with a glass of horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made from tigernuts. It has a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fartons, a soft, elongated pastry dusted with powdered sugar. These light, sweet treats are often dipped into horchata for the perfect bite.
For an authentic horchata experience, head to Horchatería Azul, a beloved spot among locals for its refreshing drinks and freshly baked fartons. The combination is perfect for a light afternoon snack or a refreshing break as you explore the city.
- Where to go: Horchatería Azul
- Must-try: Horchata with a side of warm fartons for dipping.
Churros with Chocolate: A Spanish Staple
Few desserts are as iconic in Spain as churros con chocolate. These crispy, golden dough sticks are fried to perfection and traditionally served with a rich, thick cup of hot chocolate for dipping. The churros are slightly crispy on the outside but light and airy on the inside, making them the perfect vessel for soaking up the velvety chocolate.
For some of the best churros in Alicante, visit Valor Chocolatería, a historic spot that has been serving chocolate lovers since 1881. Their churros are freshly made, and the chocolate is rich, thick, and indulgent. Enjoy this classic treat in the cozy café or take it to go and enjoy it while strolling through Alicante’s beautiful streets.
- Where to go: Valor Chocolatería
- Must-try: Classic churros with a side of dark, velvety chocolate for dipping.
4. Helado Artesano: The Art of Gelato
Alicante is not just about traditional desserts; the city also boasts some of the best gelato in Spain. Made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, gelato in Alicante is rich, creamy, and available in a wide variety of flavors. From classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic choices like turrón, mango, or fig, the gelato shops here will delight your taste buds.
Heladería Borgonesse is a must-visit for gelato lovers. Located near the bustling Explanada de España, this family-run gelato shop serves up artisanal flavors using traditional methods. Their gelato is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for cooling off during Alicante’s warm afternoons.
- Where to go: Heladería Borgonesse
- Must-try: Turrón-flavored gelato for a fusion of traditional nougat and creamy ice cream.
Postre de Nísperos: A Unique Local Delight
For a truly unique taste of Alicante, try the Postre de Nísperos, a dessert made from nísperos (loquats), a fruit native to the region. This dessert showcases the natural sweetness of the loquats, often served poached or in a compote with cream or custard. Its sweet yet slightly tart flavor makes for a refreshing end to a meal.
The best place to try this dessert is at La Taberna del Gourmet, one of Alicante’s top-rated restaurants. Known for its innovative takes on traditional Spanish cuisine, the restaurant offers this seasonal dessert when loquats are in harvest.
- Where to go: La Taberna del Gourmet
- Must-try: Postre de Nísperos for a sweet and tangy local specialty.
Pastel de Gloria: Almond and Sweet Potato Heaven
Pastel de Gloria is a delicious dessert that combines the richness of marzipan with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Originating from convent kitchens, this traditional dessert is a staple in Alicante’s pastry shops. The outer marzipan layer is smooth and almond-flavored, while the filling is a creamy sweet potato mixture, creating a delightful contrast.
Stop by Pastelería El Portal to sample these delicate pastries. Their take on this classic dessert will transport you to another era, where the recipes were closely guarded secrets passed down through generations.
- Where to go: Pastelería El Portal
- Must-try: Pastel de Gloria, a perfect balance of almond and sweet potato goodness.
Arroz con Leche: Spanish Rice Pudding
Simple yet satisfying, Arroz con Leche is Spain’s version of rice pudding. This creamy dessert is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. It’s a classic in Spanish households and restaurants alike, often enjoyed after a long meal.
For the best arroz con leche in Alicante, visit Casa Julio, a family-run restaurant that has been serving authentic Spanish dishes for decades. Their rice pudding is rich, creamy, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
- Where to go: Casa Julio
- Must-try: Traditional arroz con leche, a comforting Spanish dessert.
Alicante is a city that caters to every sweet craving, whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing like gelato or craving the rich indulgence of churros dipped in chocolate. With its mix of traditional desserts and modern interpretations, the dessert scene in Alicante is as vibrant as its culture. So next time you’re exploring this coastal gem, make sure to stop by some of these sweet spots and treat yourself to the best desserts the city has to offer.