Oliva's Don Giacomo: An Italian Escape on the Costa Blanca

A Slice of Italy on Spain's Mediterranean Coast

Travelers exploring the Costa Blanca have another compelling reason to stop in Oliva, a laid-back coastal town nestled between Valencia and Alicante. According to Euro Weekly News, Don Giacomo, a Mediterranean-style trattoria, has quietly built a reputation as one of the area's standout dining destinations, offering visitors and residents a genuine Italian culinary experience without leaving Spain.

Why Oliva Deserves a Detour

Often overshadowed by better-known neighbours like Denia and Gandia, Oliva combines long sandy beaches, an atmospheric old town, and a slower rhythm that appeals to travelers seeking something more relaxed than the busier Costa Blanca resorts. The addition of well-regarded independent restaurants like Don Giacomo strengthens the town's growing appeal as a food destination in its own right.

For those road-tripping the AP-7 corridor or basing themselves in Valencia, Oliva makes a rewarding half-day or overnight stop. The town is easily reached by car in under an hour from Valencia airport, and regional buses connect it with Gandia, which has train links to the wider network.

What Travelers Can Expect

Trattorias in the Mediterranean tradition typically emphasise fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal ingredients — a natural fit for the Costa Blanca's produce-rich larder. As reported by Euro Giacomo has earned praise for delivering authentic Italian flavours in a coastal Spanish setting, making it a good choice for diners who want a change of pace from the usual paella and tapas circuit.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Book ahead in summer: Oliva's population swells considerably between June and September, and popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
• Combine with a beach day: Playa de Oliva stretches for several kilometres and remains one of the least crowded blue-flag beaches on the Costa Blanca.
• Explore the old quarter: The hillside historic centre, with its whitewashed streets and Moorish heritage, rewards a pre-dinner wander.

For expats and long-stay visitors, discoveries like Don Giacomo are a reminder that some of Spain's best dining is found well away from the tourist hotspots — often in towns that many travelers pass through without stopping.