Art of Tapas: A Regional Journey Through Traditional Spanish Tapas

Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, is a great place to start your tapas journey. Known for its wide variety of traditional Spanish tapas, the city offers everything from jamón ibérico (cured ham) to tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet) and patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes).
Madrid is home to numerous tapas bars, especially in the La Latina and Malasaña neighborhoods. These areas are perfect for a tapas crawl, where you can sample different dishes while hopping between bars. One highly recommended way to experience Madrid’s culinary delights is by joining a tour, like the Treasures of Two Spanish Capitals, which combines visits to iconic sites like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum with the opportunity to savor the Spanish cuisine.
While in Madrid, don’t miss out on bacalao (salted cod), often served in croquettes or stews, or the popular callos a la madrileña (Madrid-style tripe), which reflects the city’s humble, rustic roots.

In Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, tapas take on a more modern and creative twist. Here, you’ll find a fusion of traditional ingredients with avant-garde presentation. Barcelona is also home to the pintxo (or pincho), a bite-sized tapa served on a small piece of bread and usually skewered with a toothpick.

Explore the city’s food scene with the Authentic Treasures of Spain, which includes tours of Barcelona’s architectural masterpieces, such as Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. After a day of sightseeing, head to El Born or the Gothic Quarter to savor types of tapas such as pan con tomate (bread with tomato) or escalivada (grilled vegetables, typically eggplant and red peppers).

Don't miss out on bombas—potato croquettes filled with meat and served with a spicy sauce, reflecting the city's passion for bold flavors. For seafood lovers, Barcelona offers incredible tapas like calamares a la romana (fried squid) and boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar), fresh from the Mediterranean.

Travel north to the Basque Country, and you'll enter the world of pintxos, small, artistic bites that are synonymous with the city of San Sebastián. Basque tapas bars are famous for their innovative and beautifully presented dishes, often made from local seafood and seasonal vegetables.

For a truly immersive experience, consider the Marvels of Northern Spain, which combines culinary explorations with visits to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the stunning beaches of San Sebastián. As you stroll through the city’s Old Town, pop into pintxo bars to sample delicacies such as txangurro (spider crab) or gilda (a skewer of olives, anchovies, and peppers).

The Basque Country’s love for fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, from pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) to pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers, some spicy and others not), making San Sebastián a paradise for foodies.

Located along Spain’s southeastern coast, Valencia is known for its sun, beaches, and Mediterranean cuisine. While the city is famous for its paella, Valencia also boasts a variety of tapas that incorporate fresh seafood, rice, and vegetables.

A must-visit dish in Valencia is esgarraet, a tapa made from roasted red peppers, salted cod, and olive oil. For a deeper dive into Valencia’s culinary scene, pair your food exploration with a cultural tour like the Best of Iberian Capitals, which includes a visit to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.

In the bustling Central Market, you can also sample clóchinas (small, flavorful mussels) and buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters), offering a taste of the Mediterranean on every plate.