In this article, we highlight some of the best Spanish cities for foodie travellers that should be on everyone’s travel menu.

Girona

 

Voted the World’s Best Restaurant by the World’s Best Restaurant Academy members, El Cellar de Can Roca in Girona is a must for any foodie. The family owned restaurant boasts a 14 course degustation of the finest Catalan ingredients, and with only 55 seats in the restaurant, you’ll want to plan your visit well in advance. Visit Girona on our Catalonia by Bike trip or take the kids on our Catalonia by Bike for Families trip.

 

San Sebastian

Anyone travelling on our walk in the Picos de Europa, Basque Country Cycle or the Best of the Compostela Trail might want to add a couple of extra days to your trip so you can nip off to San Sebastian to visit two more restaurants featured in the Top 10 World’s Best Restaurant list for 2014. From techno-emotional Spanish to modern basque flavours, Mugaritz and Arzak, listed 6 and 8 respectively, offers diners quite unique experiences, from not offering a menu before you book to unlaid tables. If it sounds shocking, it’s meant to, as Mugaritz chef Andoni Luis Aduriz explains, “We strive to transcend the customs that curtail our freedom.”

 

Santiago 

 

From the Abastos Market, known locally as Santiago’s second temple, to the more refined Galician flavours at the city's only Michelin star restaurant, Casa Marcelo, Santiago is a city known as much for its food options as it is for its churches. Spending an extra day to experience the gastronomy of Santiago is a pilgrimage of its own, as outlined by Andrew Bain in his article "Walk, Pray then Feast”. Experience all of the deliciousness on our Food Lovers Spanish Camino or view all trips that visit Santiago in the Galician region of Spain.

 

Rioja region

While you might be attracted to the Rioja region thanks to its world famous wines, there’s a good chance you’ll want to stay longer because of its fabulous food traditions. One of the many culinary highlights of our Food Lover’s Spanish Camino and Highlights of the Rioja by Bike trip is a much anticipated dinner at the Echaurren Tradición, which is famed for its exceptional interpretation of local Rioja cuisine. This restaurant is run by Marisa Sanchez, who was awarded the national award for the best cuisine chef in 1987 and 2008. Considered the doyenne of Rioja cooking, her passion for the local produce will be evident in the first bite. View all trips that visit Rioja.

Granada

 

If you’re happier with a humble homage to local food over Michelin menus then it really doesn’t matter where you go in Spain. Just grab a drink at any tapas bar and experience the delight of the famous Spanish tapeo. 

 

In some cities you may be need to pay extra for your tapas even if you do buy a drink, but that's not the case in Granada. The city of Granada is well known as the Spanish capital of the free tapas with a huge rivalry between the various bars to produce the most original dishes and provide the most generous portions. Feeling hungry? You'll definitely feel moreish on the Granada & the Alpujarras walk. Or view our full range of active trips in Granada and the wider Andalucia region by clicking here.

 

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What do you think? Are there any cities we missed that should have been on the list? Leave your responses below.