Spanish people love good cooking, and Spain is full of destinations perfect for the discerning foodie — places worth visiting for their culinary traditions and signature dishes alone. Beyond the delicious tapas you’ll find everywhere, here are some standout food lovers’ getaways.
Wine tasting in La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa
Wines from this northern region are among the most appreciated worldwide, so a tasting at a local winery is a must. From small family-run bodegas to striking avant-garde icons such as Marqués de Riscal or Ysios, there’s plenty to explore. Wine culture runs deep here, and beyond tastings, you can also enjoy experiences like vineyard yoga, stargazing, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, or Segway tours.
A volcano in your glass?
Yes, from the vineyards of La Geria in Lanzarote. Here, vines grow in hollows carved into volcanic gravel, producing distinctive white and sweet wines, including award-winning Malvasía varieties. Fun fact: Shakespeare mentioned this wine in several of his plays.
Let’s go to market
Spain’s historic food markets are being reinvented as gourmet hubs. In central Barcelona, explore La Boquería, officially opened in 1840 and dating back to at least the 13th century. Today it offers fresh produce, restaurants, and even cooking classes.
In Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel, opened in 1916, charms visitors with its iron architecture and more than 30 stalls serving top-quality products from artisanal ice cream to traditional tapas. Truly a gastronomic temple!
Manchego cheese
If you visit Castile-La Mancha, it’s hard to leave without some Manchego. This sheep’s milk cheese matures from one month to two years and comes in soft, semi-cured, and cured varieties. Visiting a local cheesemaker is the best way to discover its character.
A sea of olive groves in Jaén
With over 60 million olive trees, Jaén produces around 20% of the world’s olive oil. This shapes its landscapes, cuisine, and culture. Visitors can tour oil mills, taste and pair oils with food and wine, explore museums, hike through groves, and stay in countryside estates.
A Galician spell to keep evil at bay
In Galicia, the queimada is more than a drink — it’s a ritual. Made with marc and set alight, it’s stirred while a spell is recited to ward off evil spirits. Many local bars offer the experience. And don’t miss Galicia’s iconic dish: pulpo á feira — tender octopus with paprika, olive oil, and boiled potatoes.
