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The flavours of the Valencian Community: more than just paellaCulture & Lifestyle

The flavours of the Valencian Community: more than just paella

If you ask someone about typical Valencian food, chances are you'll get ‘paella’ as an answer. Understandable, because this world-famous rice dish originates from the region around Valencia. But if you look beyond the classic tourist menus, you'll discover a culinary tradition that is richer, more varied and more surprising than you might think.

By José den Herder·February 12, 2026
9 min read
Soft Pink Blossom and Sweet Traditions: Almonds on the Costa BlancaFiestas & Events

Soft Pink Blossom and Sweet Traditions: Almonds on the Costa Blanca

Anyone visiting the northern Costa Blanca in winter and early spring cannot fail to notice it: hills and valleys turn white and soft pink with almond blossom. Around villages such as Jalón, Alcalalí and Benissa, the landscape resembles a fairy tale and marks the beginning of one of the region’s most characteristic products: the almond.

By José den Herder·February 11, 2026
7 min read
The golden elixir of the Costa Blanca – olive oil!Culture & Lifestyle

The golden elixir of the Costa Blanca – olive oil!

If you live on the northern Costa Blanca or are on holiday there, you can't miss them: olive trees. They are everywhere – from the valleys around Jalón and Llíber to the hills near Altea and Dénia. And all these trees together produce one of the region's most typical products: extra virgin olive oil, with its many health benefits. The oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, contains monounsaturated fats and is good for the heart and blood vessels. This makes it part of the Mediterranean diet,

By José den Herder·August 8, 2025
8 min read
Golf on the Costa Blanca: where your swing is just as important as your sunglassesCulture & Lifestyle

Golf on the Costa Blanca: where your swing is just as important as your sunglasses

The Costa Blanca North is known for sun, sea and... sand wedges. In addition to beaches and tapas, this region is also a serious hotspot for golfers. You can play here practically all year round, in short sleeves, with views of mountains, palm trees or even the Mediterranean Sea. From Oliva to Alicante, golf courses are scattered like well-placed bunkers: sometimes challenging, sometimes forgiving, but always well maintained and with excellent facilities. Whether you are a seasoned single handic

By José den Herder·August 4, 2025
8 min read
Mediterranean honey: the sweet, full flavour of sun, sea and flowersCulture & Lifestyle

Mediterranean honey: the sweet, full flavour of sun, sea and flowers

Along the roads of the northern Costa Blanca, olive and almond groves alternate, while bees buzz among wild rosemary, thyme and orange blossom. Honey has been produced in this Mediterranean landscape for centuries – a craft that has remained very much alive. Bees play an indispensable role in pollinating crops and provide a regional product that captures the flavours of nature: honey full of Mediterranean character.

By José den Herder·July 31, 2025
8 min read
Pádel: The sport taking Spain by storm (and not just Spain)Culture & Lifestyle

Pádel: The sport taking Spain by storm (and not just Spain)

If you've ever been on holiday along the Northern Costa Blanca — in places like Jávea, Moraira, Altea, La Nucía, or Dénia — you’ve probably seen them: glass-walled courts where men and women enthusiastically swing what look like perforated tennis rackets. Welcome to the world of pádel! Pádel has become so big in Spain that it's now even more popular than tennis. And that’s no surprise — it’s easy to pick up, quick to learn, and above all, very social. Whether you're having a friendly match with

By José den Herder·June 5, 2025
5 min read
Costa Blanca North markets - an overviewCulture & Lifestyle

Costa Blanca North markets - an overview

The Markets of the Costa Blanca North The Costa Blanca North is known for its beautiful coastline and charming villages such as Dénia, Jávea, Moraira, Calpe, Benitachell, Altea and Benidorm. But in addition to sun, sea and sand, this region has much more to offer. One of the best ways to experience the real Spain is to visit the many weekly markets, the covered market halls, flea markets or medieval markets. Whether you are looking for fresh local produce for your daily shopping, a unique local

By José den Herder·May 13, 2025
8 min read
Inspiration guide for creating a Mediterranean garden in SpainTips & Tricks

Inspiration guide for creating a Mediterranean garden in Spain

Spain is the ideal country for those who love the outdoors. The Mediterranean climate with lots of sun, high temperatures and long periods without rain offers numerous possibilities to get the most out of your garden and terrace. In contrast to Northern Europe (such as the Netherlands and Belgium), where the climate is often more moderate and changeable, Spain has specific challenges that influence your garden design. Holiday homes in particular, where the garden is often an extension of the hou

By José den Herder·May 12, 2025
14 min read
Tips for creating a Mediterranean interiorTips & Tricks

Tips for creating a Mediterranean interior

When you think of an idyllic holiday home, images of sun-drenched days, crystal-clear turquoise water and a relaxed atmosphere quickly come to mind. A Mediterranean or Ibiza-style holiday home offers exactly that: an oasis of calm that reflects the essence of the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The interior design plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. In this blog you will discover the core principles of designing a holiday home in these two popular styles.

By José den Herder·April 24, 2025
9 min read
Dog beaches on the Costa BlancaCulture & Lifestyle

Dog beaches on the Costa Blanca

As a dog owner and lover of beach walks, I am over the moon when I can take my four-legged friends to the beach with me. The sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the sound of the waves and my dogs happily barking as they dash through the sand and fetch balls from the water – that is the perfect day for me. Fortunately, I don't have to look too far to make such a day a reality. The Costa Blanca offers - especially outside the high season - countless possibilities for a wonderful day at the beach

By José den Herder·March 5, 2025
11 min read
Healthcare in Spain: Seguridad Social and/or Private InsuranceEmigration & Integration

Healthcare in Spain: Seguridad Social and/or Private Insurance

Spain is known for its good healthcare system, which is both accessible and affordable for residents and foreigners alike. Whether you are a resident of Spain or staying in the country temporarily, it is important to understand how the Spanish healthcare system works and what choices you have in terms of health insurance. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the Seguridad Social, the public healthcare system, and the option of private insurance.

By Patrick Lamoral·January 3, 2025
7 min read
Top restaurants with Michelin stars on the Costa BlancaCulture & Lifestyle

Top restaurants with Michelin stars on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca North is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque villages and Mediterranean climate, but certainly also for its rich culinary traditions. For gourmets and lovers of haute cuisine, this area is a real treasure trove, with several restaurants awarded prestigious Michelin stars. In this blog, we give you an overview of Michelin-starred restaurants on the Costa Blanca North, where even for the gourmets among us, every dish will be an unforgettable experience.

By Patrick Lamoral·August 30, 2024
13 min read
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