The Best Food Cities in Spain

The Mediterranean´s unique and flavorful cuisine varies as much as the cities spread across the Southern European coastline, highlighting the freshest local ingredients straight from the source. To ensure a thorough culinary tour of the Iberian Peninsula in particular, check out the locales below.

San Sebastian

The Basque country knows how to prepare a pintxo. Their staple snack consists of a piece of baguette with various creative toppings like shrimp, croquetas, meatballs and cheese. Aside from these happy-hour treats, San Sebastian has been named the best food city in the world numerous times and is home to three of Spain´s five Michelin-starred restaurants.

Barcelona

Seafood, sangria and some of the country´s best open-air markets are just a preview of Barcelona´s culinary delights. Shop the markets for fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood caught that day, and then dine on Catalan favorites like montaditos (small sandwiches on baguettes) or its world-famous jamon.

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Valencia

The birthplace of paella boasts some of the country´s best spice and rice. Located on the eastern coast of Spain along the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia´s seafood paella is its specialty.

Seville

The typically toasty capital of Andalusia welcomes warm weather year-round, and with the weather comes refreshing glasses of tinto de verano and cool bowls of orange gazpacho. If the temperatures dip, sample hotter dishes like the famed carrillada de cerdo, or pork cheeks cooked in a wine reduction with cloves, garlic and veggies, or a serranito de lomo, a serrano ham sandwich with peppers and aioli.