Spain, a culinary journey.

Spain has risen to the top of food lovers’ bucket lists in recent years. Its cuisine is incredibly diverse thanks to its varied landscape and provincial identities, but also its dramatic history. We’re constantly evolving as world explorers and have developed a strong appreciation for our past, most notably through culinary traditions. Food is synonymous with culture, it is engrained in history and it is a part of identity.  From Moorish invasions to the Reconquista, the Spanish conquistadores and the colonial empire, each and every one of Spain’s regions have a story to tell, especially through their food.

Particularly in Andalucía, Spanish cuisine can pinpoint major moments in history. Consider the Muslim invasion of 711 AD and the culinary impacts of Al Andalus or delve deeper and consider Jewish legacies and the traditional Sabbath dishes that form part of Spain’s culinary repertoire. Up North, examine the ingredients brought over from the New World and watch history in the making as you witness the sensational number of fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in destinations like San Sebastian.

We have visited Spain countless times and are always left hungry for more. Our Spain specialists call on their deep-rooted connections and expert food knowledge to take you to the core of some of the most exceptional spots. Today, we’re sharing some of our favourite culinary hotspots in Spain, perfect for luxury culinary holidays.

Andalucía’s cuisine is hugely influenced by its Jewish communities and the Muslim invasion of 711AD. Travelling throughout Andalucía, particularly in Granada and Seville, discover the momentous Moorish and Jewish legacies left behind. Experience the culinary impacts of Al Andalus, from Moorish dishes like albondigas and escabeche to the staple ingredients that were brought over to Spain during the Muslim invasion, like rice, saffron and dried fruits. The largest producer of olive oil in the world, Andalucía specialises in dishes of crispy fried fish and vegetables as well as mouth-watering churros everywhere you go. Other Andalusian delights include deliciously fresh gazpacho, an ambassador of Andalusian cuisine, wafer-thin serrano ham from the mountains of Granada and artisanal sheep and goat cheeses, drizzled in Grazalema’s fresh honey.

Separated from the rest of the mainland by towering mountains, Galicia was fairly isolated until recently. Nowadays, it is celebrated for its rugged terrain and wild Atlantic seas, giving way to its appellation of Spain’s seafood capital. Octopus spearheads the cuisine, with Galician octopus found on menus throughout the country and in the summer months, natives travel long distances to appreciate the Galician cuisine. Helpings of catch-of-the-day seafood along with Pimientos de Padro, peppers brought over from the New World by Franciscan monks, and empanadas Gallega are washed down with the region’s home-grown Albariño white wine. Finish with a slice of tarta de Santiago, a dessert of Jewish origin which was consumed at Passover.

Basque Country may be small, but its global reputation in the culinary world is huge. An essential destination for food lovers, Basque Country is a stand-alone region on the borders of France and Spain. The region maintains an exclusive culture and an awe-inspiring mountainous landscape of luxuriant greenery tumbling into coastal beauty, although food is where Basque Country really excels, combining both French and Spanish inspired specialities for an unmatched cuisine. San Sebastián, a culinary world capital, is the home of Michelin maestros like Arzak, Berasategui and Eneko Atxa and has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. The beating heart of Spain’s food scene, from fine dining to causal pintxos paired with the homegrown Sargado (cider), experience remarkable traditions and meet the masters of Basque cuisine.

Where all regions bring together their offerings in the celebrated restaurants and historic food markets, feel like a true Madrileño as you experience the very best of Spain cuisine. Start with a Mallorcan ensaimada at a local bakery, enjoy a caña and aperitivo at the market and enjoy sharing tapas and local wines at one of the city’s best restaurants at night. The capital city’s love of food is something special. A market-wanderer’s heaven, Madrid’s mercados entice passers-by with hanging legs of Iberian ham, overflowing trays of fresh produce and colourful sweet treats. The city’s hundred-year-old market, Mercado de San Miguel, oozes character and wonderful bakeries are at every turn, offering delicious almond tuiles and napolitana de chocolate. Leave the city for Spain’s less discovered heartlands, a wonderfully rewarding destination where medieval hilltop cities and protected heritage towns crop up through the landscape. Amid the country estates and olive groves, you’ll find food that is gloriously authentic.

We’ve got the guides and the partnerships in all of the right places to introduce you to this complex country and its culinary identity. Our partner offices mean that we can provide you with up to date restaurant recommendations and we are happy to reserve tables wherever you wish to dine. We can’t wait to curate your perfect culinary journey through Spain.