Leave Your Mark, Not Your Footprint: A Guide to Sustainable Travel in Spain

By: Turespaña

It might not come as a surprise that Spain is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world for its vibrant culture, rich history and stunning landscapes. But did you know that Spain is a global leader in sustainable travel innovation? Hop on a reduced-emission train to explore a sustainable Spain – from eco-conscious adventures through protected national parks and stays on organic farms to socially conscious experiences like community cultural exchanges. Ready to leave a positive mark on Spain, while creating memories that will last a lifetime?

Eco-Friendly Hiking Trails

From north to south, Spain is brimming with protected national parks and hiking trails that not only offer opportunities to immerse yourself in stunning nature, but also to learn about its world-class conservation efforts.

Whether it’s a trek into the UNESCO protected mountains of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the north, the coastal cliffs of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in the south, or the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park on the Canary Islands, there is a protected trail for every type of trekker.

Want to travel across the country the way pilgrims have been doing for centuries? The Camino de Santiago is an immersive way to experience Spain’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, this network of pilgrimage routes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the country the way pilgrims once did, while visiting the small rural towns and lesser-traveled cities of today. You can choose to do the journey on foot, bike, or even horse! Pilgrims are encouraged to minimize their footprint with Leave No Trace principles and support local businesses along the way.

Bardenas Reales
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Immersive Experiences: Organic Vineyard Visits, Bike Tours & Sustainable Surfing

Throughout the country, locals are finding ways to showcase their home to visitors in uniquely eco & socially conscious ways.

In La Mancha, organic vineyards offer tours and tastings that showcase sustainable viticulture practices. Visitors can participate in grape harvesting experiences while, of course, trying some of their delicious wines.

In Bardenas Reales Natural Park, biking tours allow travelers to discover otherworldly landscapes on wheels while learning about local conservation efforts to protect the park’s unique ecosystem.

On the Basque coast, the surf schools of Zarautz are inviting students to join in on beach clean-up initiatives, learn about the ocean, and take part in marine conservation projects.

In cities, you can find “intercambios” or language exchanges happening nearly any day of the week, offering a unique opportunity to connect with locals and share your language and culture, while learning theirs.

Travelers looking to dive even deeper into a local community can participate in a cultural exchange program, where they can experience a truly authentic side of Spain by living with a host family, joining in on cultural activities, and volunteering in the local community.

Casa Rural Navarra
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Sustainable Accommodations: From “Casas Rurales” in the Countryside to Eco-Lodges in the Mountains

Trade in the chain hotels for a more authentic stay in Spain’s countryside. Throughout the country, you can find family-owned “casas rurales” that showcase the perfect blend of rural hospitality and sustainable living. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Spain’s rolling hills, visitors can participate in hands-on activities like harvesting fresh produce on organic farms or participating in permaculture workshops.

For a different perspective of Spain’s natural beauty, head into the mountains to unplug in sustainable eco-lodges, found throughout the country. Guided hikes through ancient forests lead to hidden waterfalls and centuries-old chestnut groves, while connecting with local communities to learn about their rural revitalization efforts.

Asturias, Spain
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Now, how to get to all these places? Spain has created low-emission transportation to move within its cities, and across the country.

To cover ground in bigger cities throughout the country, you’ll find local bike sharing apps that allow you to cheaply and easily rent a bike to see the city. You can find bike sharing in capital cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and mid-size cities like Santander, Seville, Zaragoza, and Bilbao – to name a few! Just download the local bike sharing app, hop on a bike, and you’re off.

To zip across the country, jump on a high-speed, low-emission train, generated by 100% electric power.

Another option is to travel with locals on trusted ride-sharing apps that safely connect you with drivers heading to the same destination.

Valencia, Spain
*Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*//Visit Valencia*

Valencia: European Green Capital 2024

Valencia has been recognized as the European Green Capital for 2024, a testament to the city’s dedication to sustainability and environmental innovation. This prestigious title highlights Valencia’s efforts to promote eco-friendly urban living, enhance green spaces, and implement sustainable mobility solutions. Visitors to Valencia can explore its numerous green initiatives, such as extensive bike lanes, eco-friendly public transport, and urban gardens that contribute to the city’s vibrant, sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re strolling through the lush Turia Gardens or enjoying a bike ride along the coast, Valencia offers a shining example of how modern cities can embrace sustainability.

Garajonay National Park
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Discover EDEN Destinations in Spain

Spain is home to several EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) award-winning locations, recognized for their commitment to sustainable tourism. The EDEN award celebrates destinations that have successfully developed a tourism offering based on their local assets while respecting the environment and enhancing the well-being of local communities. Among these, regions like the Sierra de las Nieves in Andalusia and Ribeira Sacra in Galicia stand out for their breathtaking natural beauty and sustainable tourism practices. These destinations offer travelers a chance to explore Spain’s diverse landscapes while ensuring that their visit leaves a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Tenerife, Spain
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Ready to experience sustainable Spain?

Spain has taken massive strides to transform its everyday practices to a sustainable way of life, and locals are proud to share that with visitors. Touching every corner of its culture – from eco-conscious daily practices to socially conscious initiatives – sustainable adventures await in every corner of the country. So, hop on some low-emission wheels and experience firsthand Spain’s commitment to conservation and community – from hiking through protected mountains and surfing on conscious coastlines, to connecting with local communities to learn their way of life and contribute to their community. Now, the only question left for you is, where will you leave your mark?

Savor the Journey: 5 Immersive Culinary Experiences for the Foodie in You

If the thought of learning to cook a delicious dish in a local kitchen makes your taste buds tingle with excitement, this post is for you.

By Dominique Ferrari, Collette

Ever considered donning a chef’s apron on your next vacation? We’ve curated a menu of five immersive culinary experiences that’ll fill your belly (and heart!) and give you the ultimate souvenir to bring home: fantastic local cooking skills for life.

Because there is truly no better way to travel than by diving in, fork-first, to learn the art of traveling by taste.

1. Cook (and taste!) Paella in Spain

Our first stop takes us to the sun-drenched shores of Spain, where we go behind the scenes of one of the country’s most iconic dishes and learn the art of making it. In Spain, paella is more than a meal — it’s an event. From the first grain of rice to the last garnishes, you’ll learn so much about the history of this beloved dish and the cultural importance it holds. Buen provecho!

2. Discover the Magic of Coconut Candy in Costa Rica

Next up: the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, where the vibrant local flavors are as colorful as the country’s diverse ecosystem. Our destination is a small village, once a bustling coconut plantation. And our guide, a local villager, is eager to share the history of his home. Watch as he expertly cracks open a coconut, revealing the treasure within— the foundation for the sweetest local delicacy of all: coconut candy. As you try your hand at making it yourself, the flavor, and the people, will leave you enchanted.

3. Go Truffle Hunting in Croatia

Picture this: You’re in the lush, green forests of Croatia, surrounded by the rustle of leaves and the scent of earth and trees. A troop of eager, friendly dogs are ready to lead you on an adventure unlike any other — truffle hunting. Venture into the forest and become an active participant in a cherished local tradition. Every dig and triumphant discovery of these coveted fungi deepens your connection to this land and its culinary culture.

4. Prepare a Tasteful Toast to Peruvian Fusion

Next, we’re heading to Peru, a land where the fusion of sea and mountain, old and new, all melt together and make for some of the most exciting dishes on the planet. Activate all your senses and step into a local kitchen for an interactive ceviche cooking class. Freshly caught fish, tangy lime, fiery chiles, and aromatic cilantro all come together as you chop, mix, and marinate a sensory explosion that perfectly encapsulates Peru’s coastal spirit. Next, shake things up with a hands-on lesson in making the perfect pisco sour — a refreshing cocktail and testament to the country’s rich viticultural history.

5. Taste Tuscany in a Hands-on Journey into the Heart of Italian Cuisine

Finally, imagine yourself immersed in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where vineyards stretch out as far as the eye can see. Here, under the (ahem) Tuscan sun, we find the quintessential Italian villa. As the aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil envelop you, tie on an apron; because in this family-owned kitchen, you’re not just a guest — you’re part of the famiglia. Each slice, stir, and simmer is an immersion in the art of Italian cooking. And as you sit down to savor the fruits of your labor, surrounded by new friends and sweeping views of the Italian countryside, you’ll realize this is more than a meal. It’s the whole point of travel. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!

About Collette

Since 1918, Collette has been a leader in guided travel. Today, Collette offers tours on all seven continents in a variety of travel styles, plus a comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and unrivaled industry expertise. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through their social responsibility platform.  For more information, visit www.gocollette.com or call 1(800) 340-5158.  

Spain’s Commitment to Tourism Sustainability

By: José Manuel de Juan of The Tourism Office of Spain

Spain is one of the world’s tourism leaders, ranking second among the most visited countries. As part of this leadership role, the Government of Spain has launched an ambitious scheme that seeks to promote the transformation of tourist destinations towards sustainability in three ways: environmental, socioeconomic, and territorial.

UNWTO defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” Therefore, sustainable tourism is not a tourism product but rather a management principle that must be applied to any type of tourism product and destination.

With this concept in mind, the Spanish government plans to invest 1.9 billion euros in the next three years to support Spain’s tourist destinations in their transformation process to integrate environmental, socioeconomic and territorial sustainability into their offer and to develop resilience strategies to face the new challenges in the tourism ecosystem, from climate change to tourism overdemand to health and safety crises.

Specifically:

To diversify the offer of tourist destinations to help generate employment opportunities, redistribute tourism revenue, and promote territorial cohesion while disrupting the concentration of the demand, particularly toward rural areas, as well as to promote arrivals all year round.

To guarantee sustainability by reducing emissions, improving waste and water management, protecting and restoring ecosystems for tourism, and introducing actions to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change.

Any municipality in Spain can present their plans to the Government to get their sustainability plans financed.

The type of plan will depend on the type of destination. Destinations will be divided into categories which will require different actions:

*Photos Courtesy of Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA*)

Sun and beach destinations

Sun and beach destinations are currently facing a profound change, with consumers who are increasingly more informed, more demanding and who have more alternatives, and citizens who demand a better distribution of the socioeconomic benefits of tourism among local populations.

All this requires a strategy that reinforces the diversity of the tourism experience, the participation of the local population in the benefits of tourism, the reduction of its environmental impact, the contribution to energy efficiency, and the recovery of an environment where a wide range of travel experiences can coexist.

Rural destinations

Inland Spain has an enormous cultural heritage and rich natural resources. This endows it with great potential from a tourism standpoint and a wide margin for development.

A better integration of this territory in Spain’s tourism system will contribute to a seasonal adjustment, a disruption of the current concentration, and the distribution of tourism income. Spain’s plan for rural destinations is aimed at improving the quality of life of their residents, generating new job opportunities, revitalizing aged social spaces, improving industries and business, and contributing to the country’s strategy against depopulation.

Urban destinations

Urban tourism represents approximately a quarter of the international tourism demand towards Spain. The cities are also the main points of entry into the country through their airports.

Cities face considerable challenges: the renovation of their cultural and leisure offer and the integration of new pieces in that offer, as well as the need for maintenance and improvement of their historic centers; a balanced approach that takes into consideration the multiplicity of demographic groups that inhabit a given space or neighborhood and the expectation that each group has for that space (living , working, visiting, etc.); the need to expand and diversify areas of interest; and the need for digital tools that allow a better management of tourism flows and contribute to a more efficient management of the different services made available to them.

Independently of the funds that are available to the destinations, the Spanish Government has just announced a 170-million-euros project aimed at financing hotels and other hospitality facilities to become more energy efficient.

This is just a brief summary of Spain’s comprehensive plan for a more sustainable tourism industry, one that the country takes with great enthusiasm as we lead the way into a new era in world travel.

Find your dream vacation to Spain with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/spain

Spain is a destination filled to the brim with hidden gems in nature, culture, and cuisine. Mediterranean beaches, green National Parks, historic towns filled with contemporary art, and fresh seafood paired with world class wine make it a top pick for American travelers.

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Board of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/spain

5 Sustainable Ways to Explore the Great Outdoors of Spain

*Castellfollit de la Roca in Catalonia, Spain*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

Spain is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with 15 national parks, 52 biosphere reserves, 40 designated natural spaces, 15 geoparks, and dozens of starlight reserves. It is a destination that offers sustainable tourism experiences, where travelers can be confident that they are traveling to protected areas and preserving the natural habitat. The landscapes themselves vary from mountainous and rugged to endless expanses of white sand beaches, and even marshy areas teeming with wildlife. Here are five ways to get your sustainable, fresh-air fix in Spain.

1.National Parks

Spain is home to 15 National Parks. Ten of the parks are located on the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, four in the Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, and one in the Balearic Islands, an archipelago off eastern Spain. Plus, four of the parks are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Adventure is abundant at each. At the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park there are more than 200 bodies of water, including streams, rivers, and lakes. Marine and terrestrial wildlife can be found at the pristine beaches of the Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, located in the northwestern community of Galicia. Dozens of ecosystems exist in the Doñana National Park in southern Spain, from marshland to lagoons, pine groves to dunes, and cliffs. Picos de Europa National Park spread across the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León, is home to brown bears and the Iberian wolf, with a skyline of impressive rock formations.

*Roque de los Muchachos Astronomical Observatory. Garafía, La Palma Island (Canary Islands)*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

2. Starlight Reserves

Home to dozens of starlight reserves, Spain is a leading destination for astrotourism. Clear skies and little light pollution result in worthy hours to watch the constellations. Plus, several hotels offer star charts, educational materials, and even have a telescope on hand for visitors. Small towns, like the ones on the Canary Island of La Palma or outside the Sierra Morena mountains in Andalusia, are ideal places for stargazing with zero distractions.

3. Biosphere Reserves

Spain counts 52 Biosphere Reserves, the most out of any country in the world. From the snowy Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve in the Green Spain region to the lakes of the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve south of Madrid, there are endless miles of wide-open spaces teaming with wildlife. Travel by horseback through the Dehesas de la Sierra Morena near Seville or spot native flora and fauna like giant lizards in the La Gomera Biosphere Reserve on the Canary archipelago.

*Fuente de Piedra Lagoon in Andalusia, Spain*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

4. Natural Spaces

Travelers can find businesses and organizations committed to protecting the ecosystem in 40 Natural Spaces accredited by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Travelers with a sustainability mindset can visit these spaces and be confident that they are contributing to the preservation of the natural landscape. A comprehensive list of all the protected rushing rivers, parks, nature reserves, biospheres, and many more, that are invested in having a planet-friendly impact can be found here.

5. Geoparks

Spain’s 15 Geoparks reveal the history of the Earth through spectacular landscapes, fossils, and rock formations that are millions of years old.

The world’s largest collection of jellyfish fossils can be found at the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark in the central region of western Sierra Morena. Several wineries now populate the area around Central Catalunya Geopark in the heart of Catalonia, while guests can eat food cooked by lava at the Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Geopark. Although the northeastern Conca de Tremp Montsec Geopark was once under the sea and later the home of dinosaurs, there is now a sightseeing train that runs through the mountains.

A virtual look at all the nature-based experiences Spain has to offer
Video courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain

Insight Vacations’ nine-day Country Roads of Andalucia offers a bird-watching tour with a naturalist guide for a chance to see rare species in Doñana National Park.

The ten-day Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon itinerary from Europe Express visits multiple parks, including Montserrat Natural Park. Contact your travel advisor to learn more.

*At the top of Montserrat Natural Park with Europe Express*
*Photo courtesy of Europe Express*

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Office of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting www.ustoa.com/dream-vacation/Spain

How to Visit the Picturesque Small White Villages of Spain

*The White Village of Casares in Andalusia, Spain*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

Along Spain’s southern coast is the large region of Andalusia, made up of eight provinces with Seville as the capital city. Two of these provinces, Malaga and Cadiz, are famed for the prettiest historic architecture: Pueblos Blancos, translated to White Villages. Here are the most picturesque places to go in each area.

Malaga

The city of Malaga in the southern coastal province of Malaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Travelers who are soaking up the sun on the Mediterranean beaches and tasting the fresh seafood would be smart to venture inland for a few days. Whitewashed houses occupy the streets of villages further inland from the Costa del Sol, but still within driving distance.

The top small towns outside the city to view these historic homes include Ronda, Frigiliana, and Casares. While Ronda offers a 98-metre-high bridge for breathtaking views, Casares has an Arab castle at the top of its village, historically home to Iberians, Phoenicians, and Romans. Frigiliana still has a view of the Mediterranean while sitting up in the hills, offering narrow streets and passageways that evoke its Moorish past.

Beaches, foods, and white houses along the Mediterranean
Video courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain

Cadiz

In the southwestern province of Cadiz, an entire white villages route takes travelers through 19 different towns in the area. Here’s a full list of the stops: Arcos de la Frontera, Bornos, Espera, Villamartín, Algodonales, El Gastor, Olvera, Torre Alháquime, Setenil de las Bodegas, Alcalá del Valle, Prado del Rey, El Bosque, Ubrique, Benaocaz, Villaluenga del Rosario, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Algar and Puerta Serrano.

There is much more to see than these picturesque homes in each small town. Leather workshops line the streets of Ubrique, while Ronda is known for its organic wine. Popular foods throughout the area include pastries like buñuelos and traditional mollete bread rolls. Artisanal cheese and other handmade goods are always nearby.

This route also takes you through some natural parks in the provinces, including the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Los Alcornocales Natural Park, and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Spend a few days hiking or walking along the ravines in between your city walking tours.

#*SpainWillWait until you can visit the white villages again*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

Feeling inspired? Visit the white-washed houses on Collette’s Spain’s Classics & Portugal 15-day tour of coastal views and citrus groves, historic walking tours and boat rides, and much more. Select departure dates are available between May and November 2021, starting at $3,449 per person.

Or, contact your travel advisor to add a full day sightseeing tour of Ronda and Setenil to your itinerary through Europe Express. This guided walk through the white houses is followed by a visit to a bullfighting museum and then a local winery.

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Office of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting www.ustoa.com/dream-vacation/Spain

Off-the-Beaten Path in the Lush ‘Green’ Spain Region

*The seaside town of Cudillero in Asturias, Spain*
*Photo courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain*

Green Spain is a region in Northern Spain that earned its name for its dense forests, lush pastures, and wet, temperate oceanic climate. Stretching along the Atlantic coast between the borders of Portugal and France, vibrant cities line the green coast.

Four autonomous communities make up the Green Spain region, which include Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country. Here is just a sample of the beaches, foods, museums, and parks that travelers can discover in the area’s smaller historic cities.

CANTABRIA

Santander

In Cantabria, the city of Santander sits on Sardinero beach near the Magdalena Peninsula. Strolling through the city, you might spot penguins playing in a small marine park near the water and small fish markets serving calamari. Historic mansions line the streets and the bay. Enjoy the smell of the ocean by walking on the sand down the coast.

Altamira

Approximately 21 miles from Santander sits the Altamira Cave, which holds some of the most famous prehistoric cave art and charcoal drawings in the world. The Altamira National Museum and Research Center reconstructs the original cave and offers information on the origins. Afterwards, it is a short drive to Santillana del Mar, a beautiful village of medieval towers and Renaissance palaces.

BASQUE COUNTRY

Bilbao

The port city of Bilbao in the Basque Country, the eastern most autonomous community, and home to cobblestone streets, local artists, and small bars serving pinchos. The “Seven Streets” in the old town are the origins of the city with a medieval layout. The streets link the Cathedral of Santiago and the La Ribera Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe.

Famous for its contemporary art and architecture, Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum as well as the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. There are 30 other art galleries that surround the Albia gardens in the heart of the city. Funiculars, like cable cars, take travelers up and down Mount Artxanda for a panoramic view of the city. For a different perspective, there are boat rides that ride along the river for a look at the city’s architecture.

San Sebastián

Located on the Bay of Biscay is the city of San Sebastián, with a seafront promenade, sandy beaches, and vibrantly colorful sunsets. There are several fine dining restaurants credited to its 19 Michelin stars. Popular pinchos, include anchovies, seafood, and mushrooms. Live music, modern bars, and five-star cuisine line the wide streets, along with shops nestled into the 19^th century architecture.

ASTURIAS

Picos de Europa National Park

Although the Picos de Europa National Park spans multiple regions, it is a popular place to visit while in the Asturias area. Here, travelers can visit the two Lakes of Covadonga, which include Lake Enol and Lake La Ercina, and are perfect for hiking.

Oviedo

The churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco in Oviedo are some of the best example of pre-Romanesque Asturian art. Traditional cake shops here serve carbayones or moscovitas, popular and traditional pastries. It is also home to the 9^th-century Foncalada fountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gijón

Spending a few hours in Gijón is worth it for a visit to the small fishing neighborhood of Cimadevilla, with cider houses, traditional foods, and perfect sunsets over the bay. San Lorenzo beach is also a top spot to stop, with historic Roman baths and the Church of San Pedro nearby.

*A local group dinner in Oviedo with Insight Vacations*
*Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations*

GALICIA

Ribeira Sacra

In the farthest western community of Galicia, the area of Ribeira Sacra is home to monasteries dug into rocky mountains across more than 60 miles. Cliffs and trees line the horizon with wineries dotting the countryside. Travelers can even explore the area by taking a catamaran trip down the Sil and Miño rivers or riding in a hot air balloon.

Santiago de Compostela

In Santiago de Compostela, explore the old town and its cathedral before stopping at a restaurant for octopus, empanadas, pork shoulder, or some delicious seafood. The city is home to the Galician Centre of Contemporary Art and the park of San Domingos de Bonaval. Nearby, the Cíes Islands, which the Romans regarded as the islands of the Gods, are accessible by boat each summer.

See each distinct area of Green Spain in this short video…

The ‘Green Spain’ Region
Video courtesy of Tourist Office of Spain

Explore Oviedo and Gijón, on Insight Vacations’ Northern Spain 11-day itinerary filled with fine wine, local produce, and art tours. Departure is available on select dates between April and October 2021 starting at $3,146.

Spain is a destination filled to the brim with hidden gems in nature, culture, and cuisine. Mediterranean beaches, green National Parks, historic towns filled with contemporary art, and fresh seafood paired with world class wine make it a top pick for American travelers. When travel resumes, it is at the top of our bucket list.

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Office of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting www.ustoa.com/dream-vacation/Spain

The 10 Tastiest Dishes and Drinks in Spain

*Paella dish of rice, seafood, vegetables and spices from a Europe Express tour*
*Photo courtesy of Europe Express*

Spain is world-renowned for its wine culture, olive oil farms, and traditional dishes like tapas and paella. Famous Spanish restaurants and chefs are experts when it comes to the healthy Mediterranean diet, and each region boasts its own specialty. Here are ten gastronomic experiences to check off your foodie bucket list on your next trip to Spain.

*A small tour enjoying wine and pintxos in Spain with Europe Express*
*Photo courtesy of Europe Express*

1. Volcanic Wine

While travelers can experience Spain’s distinct wine culture through tastings, tours, and even yoga classes in a vineyard, they can also visit a volcanic winery in the Canary Islands. Farmers have built these vineyards by carving out holes in the volcanic gravel, where the vines flourish and eventually produce sweet and white varieties.

2. Calçots

These long, white, mild onions are barbecued and served with a sauce called salvitxada. It is a culinary tradition in Catalonia to throw on a bib and dig in by eating with your hands. On the last Sunday of January, the Great Calçotada festival takes place in Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia as a sociable and delicious ritual.

3. Queimada

Queimada is a drink based on marc, a liquor distilled from pomace leftover from winemaking, that is accompanied with a ritual preparation. At Galician bars, the bartender will light the liquid on fire while stirring the drink with a wooden spoon and speaking a spell out loud to ward off evil spirits.

*People sharing pintxos on an Insight Vacations trip*
*Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations*

4. Pintxos

Similar to Spanish tapas, pintxos are the types of snacks from Northern Spain, particularly the Basque County, that are eaten as an appetizer before dinner. The difference in pintxos from tapas is that the food is spiked through a skewer, typically with a piece of bread as well. Pintxo translates to “spike” or “skewer” in English. An insider tip: it is pronounced pinchos.

5. Sardines

The best way to try sardines is either on a boat or at a beach bar on the Costa del Sol, where the fish is skewered onto bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. This delicious way of preparing, serving, and eating sardines has been popular since the 19^th century.

6. Manchego

This delicious cheese is made with sheep’s milk and matured over a long period of time, ranging from one month to two years. Local cheesemakers produce it in three varieties: soft, semi-cured, and cured.

7. Olive Oil

The province of Jaén is home to 60 million olive oil trees that produce 20% of the world’s olive oil. Visit an oil mill or a museum, hike through the groves, join a tasting, or even spend the night on an oil estate.

*A paella cooking class on an Insight Vacations tour*
*Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations*

8. Paella

This Spanish rice dish, paella, originated in the city of Valencia. Travelers can grab a seat at a seaside restaurant and taste the seafood, vegetables, and spices. Cooking classes are a fun and interactive way to learn about the dish that often include boat rides and local market visits to find the ingredients yourself.

9. Cocido

The comforting and warm Cocido is a long-simmered stew. Each region has its own twist on the classic recipe, but famously, there are four main ingredients: broth, chickpeas, vegetables, and meat. A celebration of the dish is held throughout Madrid in February and March when restaurants come together to offer an entire Cocido Madrileño Route.

10. Caldereta De Langosta

Also known as a casserole of spiny lobster, the Caldereta De Langosta is a Mediterranean dish that is best found in the village of Fornells, known as the temple of this recipe. It is so popular that making a reservation at a restaurant that serves it is recommended.

Learn to make your own paella on the Collette Spain’s Classics & Portugal, which includes a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home, known as a barraca, for a paella-making demonstration and authentic lunch.

Nadine, a local guide for Collette, takes travelers virtually to a traditional paella lunch
Video courtesy of Collette

Globus offers tapas tastings and wine pairings on their 14-day Spanish Fiesta itinerary, bringing travelers along the Costa Del Sol, through Madrid, and more. Or, go to a traditional paella dinner in Valencia on Globus’ 9-day Best of Spain itinerary from Madrid to Barcelona.

Travelers dine like a local in Torremolinos, Spain with Insight Vacations
Video courtesy of Insight Vacations

Find more travel tips, news, and inspiration by visiting the Tourist Office of Spain.

Plan your visit with a tour operator by visiting www.ustoa.com/dream-vacation/Spain