Spain’s diversity makes it a cultural powerhouse. It is Western Europe’s second-largest country (after France) in terms of area and the world’s third-largest exporter of wine, fruits and vegetables. The incredible diversity of its people and passions holds the key to understanding Spain’s eternal appeal.
Gastronomy in particular has become the new ´goose that lays golden eggs´ of the Spanish economy, and hundreds of young chefs are filling cooking schools, turning gastronomy into a mainstay of the country. Spain’s cuisine attracted 7.4 million international tourists in 2013 alone according to Turespaña, representing a delicious 32% increase on 2012.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey Espana, comments,
“Fine food and wine are insurance for our culture. It is very hard for tourists to not get hooked on our huge range of gastronomic offerings, which are often a key part of their desire to make their sojourn in Spain a more permanent arrangement.
“Gastronomy in Spain is different; it is authentic and sets us apart competitively from otherdestinations. Spanish food is currently the second most preferred food of Europeans, finding itself second only to Italian, according to the National Report on Trips and Gastronomy completed by TripAdvisor among continental users.
“With such a range of gastronomic delights on offer, it’s no wonder that we have experienced a whopping increase in sales this year already, with second home buyers coming from all over the world.”
It may only be two hours by plane from the UK but Spain offers a completely different dining experience for budding master chefs. The immensely varied landscape is home to a huge range of livestock and a multitude of seafood in the waters that lap the shores, from the Mediterranean to the Cantabrian Sea.
Those looking to make their stay in foodie heaven more permanent in exclusive Mediterranean surroundings need look no further than Taylor Wimpey España’s brand new beachfront La Vila Paradís apartments on the Costa Blanca, offering direct access to Paraíso beach in the stunning Villajoyosa area.
Beautiful sea views are complemented by carefully landscaped communal gardens and a delightful pool with a range of unique, high quality two and three bedroom apartments boasting large terraces perfect for al fresco dining. Prices start at just €259,500.
The Costa Blanca is well known for its fine choice of restaurants, where diners can enjoy a vast array of tapas, including regional specialities including red prawns from Denia, the world’s best artichokes from Amoradi and delightful local wines from Jalon. For those with a sweet tooth, the delicate, crumbly turron from Jijona – along with turron ice cream – are an absolute must.
