Alicante — How to Retire to Spain

Right up a quaint side street from one of what we consider one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes, is a hidden gem for of all things, French food! Cafe de la Bourse is run by this larger than life frenchmen and his obliging staff. On a good day sitting outside is awesome, but the small inside is great too. Make a reservation and make a day or night of seeing and dining in this area. The french soup and escargot is to die for, but don’t, there’s still to much to see and do.

If you like the beach scene, or even if you don’t, you will love the ancient and historic Casa Montana! Located deep within the El Cabanyal beachside neighborhood, this landmark which has been around forever shows it, with its smokey wood interiors and the best Spanish food with an epicurean edge. Make sure to reserve whether its lunch or dinner. We prefer the bar, but we always do! I would suggest something to order, but it is all amazing…

While still at the beach, which you can easily get to by bike, we always make sure to stop and drop at the Valencia Marina Beach Club restaurant and party place. During the day and evenings it’s a wonderful outdoor/indoor restaurant with great food such as their sushi, with great views of the beach at a reasonable price. It then transforms into a late night party place, but for either happening make a reservation. As you can tell by my wife’s photo, imbibing a bit too much is typical when you’re there!

It may sound contrite, but Maui Chicken has the best frickin’ chicken fingers I have ever had! And humus, and everything else. Hidden away on a cut through street going from Russafa to the En Corts neighborhood, it is simply irresistible. Robert Palmer song reference aside, make a reservation because this place gets packed, because it is good and it is cheap!!!!