Spain is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and of course, its exquisite cuisine. Among the most celebrated aspects of Spanish culinary tradition is the concept of tapas – small, flavourful dishes that offer a delightful way to sample a variety of tastes and textures. Whether you’re enjoying a casual evening out with friends or simply looking to explore Spanish gastronomy, tapas provide a perfect introduction to the country's culinary diversity.

In this guide, we’ll embark on a tantalising journey through 20 popular and highly recommended tapas you must try when you visit Spain. Each dish is a testament to the country's vibrant food culture, reflecting regional ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

1. Tortilla Española

A cornerstone of Spanish cuisine, the Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelette, typically comprises eggs, potatoes, and olive oil. Often enjoyed as a "pincho" (a small portion), this dish is commonly enhanced with onions for additional flavour. The simplicity of its ingredients belies its deliciousness and versatility, making it a favourite across Spain.

2. Patatas Bravas and Patatas Alioli

These are fried potato cubes served with tantalising sauces. The brava sauce is known for its spiciness, while the alioli is a garlicky, olive oil-based concoction. Both versions offer distinct tastes, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of zing with their crispy potatoes.

3. Jamón

Particularly the Jamón Ibérico, is a staple in Spanish tapas. This cured ham is often served on small slices of bread or with "picos" – small, crunchy breadsticks native to Spain. The rich, savoury flavour of high-quality Iberian ham is adored by locals and visitors alike.

4. Queso

Spain boasts numerous cheese varieties, each with unique regional significance. Manchego from Castilla-La Mancha, Idiazabal from the Basque Country, Roncal from Navarra, Mahón from the Balearic Islands, and Majorero from the Canary Islands are just a few examples. Sampling local cheeses provides an excellent way to appreciate the country's diverse dairy offerings.

5. Olivas

Olives, or "olivas," often find their way into tapas menus, typically served pickled. They come in many varieties, including stuffed (commonly with anchovies or peppers) or marinated. Olives and other pickled veg create a refreshing and tangy addition to any tapas spread.

6. Calamares

Breaded and fried calamari rings are a beloved tapas in Spain. Often served hot, these crispy delights are particularly popular in coastal regions. The addition of a squeeze of lemon or a dip in a spicy sauce can elevate the experience even further.

7. Croquetas

Croquettes are another staple of Spanish tapas, with fillings that traditionally include jamón. However, modern variations see a plethora of ingredients like mushrooms, crab, calamari, shrimps, cod, or strong-tasting cheeses like Cabrales. Their crunchy exterior and creamy interior make them a crowd-pleaser.

8. Mejillones

Mussels, primarily steamed, are usually presented with lemon or alongside finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers. They offer a burst of maritime flavour that pairs splendidly with bread for sopping up any remaining juice.

9. Pan Tumaca

Originating from Catalonia, Pan Tumaca consists of bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, an optional touch of garlic, and salt. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with additions like ham, various sausages, tortillas, or cheeses.

10. Morcillas and Chorizos

Blood sausage (morcilla) and chorizo are two of the most famous pork-derived products used in tapas. Morcilla is often rice-stuffed, while chorizos can be barbecued or cooked in cider, offering rich, spicy flavours that are unmistakably Spanish. Additionally, dishes like "picadillo" (seasoned ground meat), "chicharrones" (pork cracklings), and "torreznos" (fried pork belly) offer hearty accompaniments.

11. Gilda

A pincho consisting of anchovy, olive, and chili pepper popular in the Basque Country. The Gilda is a testament to the region’s love for bold, salty, and spicy flavours, served with a small skewer or toothpick.

12. Huevos Rotos

Also known as "huevos estrellados," this dish consists of fried eggs with runny yolks broken over a bed of ham and fried potatoes. Alternatively, eggs might be paired with baby eels, shrimps, or other pork-based products, with bread used to soak up the gooey yolk.

13. Sepia

Grilled and typically accompanied by a dipping sauce such as mayonnaise or alioli. Smaller varieties, known as "chopitos" or "puntillitas" in Andalusia, are often fried and serve as a fantastic seafood tapas option.

14. Paella

While traditionally more of a main course, paella can also be found in tapas-sized portions. This iconic dish from the Valencia region features rice cooked with vegetables, meats, or seafood. Its vibrant saffron-infused flavour is a quintessential representation of Spanish cuisine.

15. Pulpo a Feira

Hailing from Galicia, this "pulpo," or octopus, is cooked and cut into pieces, then dusted with salt and paprika, and drizzled with olive oil. Served on wooden plates, Pulpo a Feira is also known as Pulpo a la Gallega, embodying rustic yet refined flavours.

16. Papas Arrugadas

Particularly prominent in the Canary Islands, these "wrinkled potatoes" are prepared with local small potatoes cooked in heavily salted water. They are often served with “mojo” sauces – green (cilantro-based) and red (pepper-based), both intense in flavour.

17. Pescaito Frito

A speciality of Andalusia, this "fried fish" is typically coated in a light batter and fried to perfection in olive oil. It is usually served in paper cones with a sprinkle of seasoning, making it a delightful seaside snack.

18. Ensaladilla

This cold salad typically includes cooked potatoes, mayonnaise, tuna, eggs, and finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. Ensaladilla is a refreshing and creamy tapas, often served as an appetiser.

19. Migas

Consists of crumbled, fried bread seasoned with ingredients such as chorizo, pancetta, peppers, garlic, and onions. Various regional versions exist, with some adding grapes and others substituting meat for fish like cod. This is a hearty, rustic dish that has its roots in shepherd’s fare.

20. Salmorejo and Gazpacho

These cold soups, particularly popular in the summer, are traditional to Andalusia. Both have tomatoes and olive oil as their primary ingredients. Gazpacho also includes cucumbers, peppers, and onions, offering a refreshing, chilled option that brightens up any tapas spread.

Beverages to Complement Tapas

No tapas experience is complete without the perfect drink. Cerveza (beer) and vino (wine) are the staples. Spain’s most famous wine, Rioja, is well-known, but regions all over Spain produce excellent wines with designation of origin labels, such as Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, Montilla-Moriles, and Penedès. Additionally, cider, vermouth, and sangría—though more touristy—can greatly complement the wide array of tapas dishes.

Granada, a city steeped in Moorish history and Spanish charm, offers a unique experience that will transport you back in time: the Arab Baths. Imagine stepping into an oasis of tranquillity, with soothing pools of different temperatures, massages, and an evocative atmosphere that whispers tales of ancient traditions.

These baths, known as hammams, were once a cornerstone of social life in Moorish Granada. Today, they offer a respite from the every day, a rejuvenating experience that combines history, relaxation and cultural immersion.

Why Arab Baths Are Perfect for Retirees

• Gentle Relaxation: The hammam's warm waters and calming atmosphere are ideal for those seeking a gentle and restorative experience. It's a perfect way to unwind and de-stress after a lifetime of work.

• Health Benefits: The varying temperatures of the pools can help improve circulation, soothe aching muscles and joints, and promote well-being. It's like a spa day explicitly designed for your needs!

• Cultural Immersion: Experience a unique part of Granada's Moorish heritage and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Al-Andalus. It's a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

• Social Connection: Many hammams offer a tranquil space for conversation and relaxation, providing an opportunity to connect with others and share travel stories.

But why should you visit an Arab bath in Granada?

• Escape the Ordinary: Retirement is the perfect time to embrace new experiences and discover hidden gems. The Arab baths offer a unique and unforgettable adventure.

• Indulge in Self-Care: You've worked hard all your life. Now is the time to prioritise your wellbeing and treat yourself.

• Embrace a Slower Pace: The hammam encourages a slower, more mindful approach to life, allowing you to truly relax and savour the moment.

• Create Lasting Memories: This experience you'll cherish forever, a unique travel memory to share with friends and family back home.

A Sensory Journey Awaits:

Prepare to be enchanted by the serene ambience of a traditional hammam. Soft lighting, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, the gentle sounds of water and Andalusian music create an atmosphere of tranquillity. The journey through the different pools, each with varying temperatures, allows your body to acclimate and fully benefit from the therapeutic waters.

• Cold Room: Revitalise your senses and refresh your skin.

• Warm Room: Relax your muscles and prepare your body for the heat.

• Hot Room: Unwind as your pores open, releasing toxins and promoting deep relaxation.

In addition to the thermal circuit, many Arab baths offer a range of massages and treatments, such as exfoliation with a traditional Kessa glove, clay wraps, and aromatherapy massages.

Top-rated Arab Baths in Granada:

• Hammam Al Ándalus: Located at the foot of the Alhambra, this hammam faithfully recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Arab bath. It offers various thermal circuits, massages and beauty rituals.

• Baños Elvira: Situated in the historic centre, these baths are known for their beautiful Nasrid décor and intimate atmosphere.

• Al-Haram Hammam Baños Árabes Granada: With a prime location in the Albaicín, this hammam offers an authentic experience in a historic building.

Tips for your visit:

• Book in advance: To avoid disappointment, especially during peak season, it's advisable to book your hammam experience in advance.

• Bring your swimsuit: Although some baths offer rentals, bringing your own is best.

• Stay hydrated: Remember to drink water before, during and after your visit to stay hydrated.

• Enjoy the experience: Put your phone away and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.

Visiting an Arab bath in Granada is an unforgettable experience connecting you with the city's rich history and culture while providing a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating escape. Don't miss the opportunity to add this unique experience to your next holiday in Spain.

It is one of the most visited monuments in the whole of Navarre and as soon as you enter Olite it is like walking directly into a fairy tale. With just a glance, the palace takes you back to the Middle Ages. Its turrets and passageways will delight anyone who loves art, architecture or history. After so many years I decided to revisit on my way to France. We stayed the night at the Parador in the village and then visited the palace the following morning before heading off on route again. It is an ideal stop-off if you are travelling up to France via Madrid.

The palace has spectacular lookout points which afford views of the Mediaeval town of Olite. Here are ten curious historical facts that will give you more than enough reasons for visiting this fine example of Spanish history.

1. It was a "real" royal whim.

The palace is the masterpiece of the reign of Carlos III “The Noble”. The project was of such magnitude that people used to say it had as many rooms as the days in a year. The work was an economic extravagance for the period. Charles III wanted his castle to be admired by his guests and he achieved this. It was a real royal whim.

 2. Among the most luxurious of the era

When it was built, it was considered one of the most luxurious medieval castles in Europe. It was so beautiful that, in the 15th century, a German traveller wrote in his diary (which is preserved in the British Museum, in London): “I am sure there is no king with a more beautiful palace or castle, and with so many golden rooms.”

3. It is two palaces in one

Actually, it is really two palaces, one built next to the other. The first, used today as the Parador Hotel where we stayed, dates back to the 12th-13th century and only its walls and towers remain. The second, from the 14th-15th century, is considered the ‘New Palace’ and was completely rebuilt during the 20th century.  The Parador is very reasonably priced and a lovely hotel right in the heart of the village. (seen below)

4. It had famous hanging gardens

One of the most admired features of the palace were its famous hanging gardens which, like the legendary gardens of Babylon, were suspended up to 20 metres above the ground, abounding in plants and flowers from all over the world. So that the courtyard would not buckle under the weight of the large plant pots, orders were given for an underground arcade to be built to act as a buttress. It is the Sala de Los Arcos (Room of Arches) or Sala de Los Murciélagos (Bats).

5. It was a royal zoo

It was traditional for European courts to keep game or exotic animals inside their castles. Carlos III's grandson, Prince of Viana, took this hobby even further and included all sorts of animals until he had created a small zoo, with giraffes, lions, camels and all types of birds. Today you can still see the remains of the aviary in the Patio de la Pajarera (aviary courtyard).

6.  La Torre del Homenaje has exceptional views

The royal chamber is one of the most impressive rooms in the whole architectural complex. It is in the keep, which is nearly 40 metres tall; to reach the top, you need to climb 133 steps. The keep affords exceptional views of Olite and the surrounding land.

7. It has a royal fridge

From the Ochavada Tower, you can see the ice well, or 'the egg', as the locals call it. It is the place where they stored the layers of snow that were used to preserve food. The egg-shaped lid covers a well that has a depth of about eight metres.

8. It came back from the ashes

In 1813, during the War of Independence, the palace was practically destroyed by a fire started by General Espoz y Mina to prevent the French troops from making forts inside the castle.  In 1913 it was bought by the Regional Government of Navarre and 25 years later, a meticulous restoration began, which made the palace look like it does today.
        

9. Bécquer was greatly impressed

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer was one of the tourists who was greatly impressed by this palace.  It was at the end of the 19th century when the poet visited Olite; when he saw the castle's deplorable state, he dedicated an essay in which he evoked the glorious days of this architectural complex.

10. A mediaeval market takes you back in time

Every year, just for two days, Olite holds its mediaeval market; it lets everyone relive the palace's bygone days of splendour. During the festival, all kinds of traditional products are sold and activities are organised that take you back to the Middle Ages, with hawkers, peddlers and minstrels included.