5 gastronomic destinations in Spain for this summer

Publicado por administrador on 31 July, 2025

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1. BASQUE COUNTRY

We begin in the north, specifically in the Basque Country. Rich in culture and gastronomy, it attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to enjoy its delicious cuisine. Marmitako, all kinds of pintxos, bacalao al pil-pil, hake in green sauce, txangurro a la Donostiarra, besugo a la bilbaína, grilled txuleta, goxua, Basque cake... The Basque regions offer a wide variety of dishes that are sure to delight every palate.

2. GALICIA

If you head to Galicia, you’ll discover an essential gastronomic destination for those seeking authentic flavors and tradition in every dish. From the iconic pulpo a la gallega to the juicy tortilla de Betanzos, Galician cuisine blends simplicity with excellence. Taste the quality of the sea with grilled zamburiñas or percebes, while the land provides classics such as lacón con grelos and Padrón peppers. And don’t miss the region’s amazing desserts, like tarta de Santiago or homemade filloas, best enjoyed with a glass of Albariño or Ribeiro wine—symbols of Galician viticulture.

3. CATALONIA

Catalonia offers a cuisine full of contrasts, where sea meets mountains, and tradition blends with creativity. Dishes like pa amb tomàquet open the way to delights such as escalivada or esqueixada de bacallà, which reflect the Mediterranean essence. Among the stews, suquet de peix and fricandó stand out, and traditional recipes like botifarra amb mongetes or canelons a la catalana, typical during festive seasons, are also must-tries. For dessert lovers, crema catalana or mel i mató are the perfect finishing touch. All of this makes Catalonia a culinary destination you shouldn’t miss this summer.

4. ASTURIAS

Also in the north, Asturias is a land where traditional, bold flavors define its gastronomy. You must try the iconic fabada asturiana and cachopo, two of the region’s signature dishes. Asturias also shines for its top-quality cheeses—strong varieties like Cabrales or Gamonéu—and hearty spoon dishes like pote asturiano. From the sea come specialties like pastel de cabracho or pixín a la asturiana. For dessert, don’t miss frixuelos or carballones. Everything is best enjoyed with Asturian cider, a true symbol of hospitality and local culture.

5. ANDALUSIA

Andalusia is a region of unmistakable and intense flavors. On hot days, nothing is more refreshing than a chilled gazpacho, salmorejo, or ajoblanco. From the sea come Andalusian delights such as pescaíto frito, tortillitas de camarones, or sardine espetos—perfect for a summer afternoon. Hearty dishes like rabo de toro or flamenquín reflect a home-cooked cuisine full of identity. And to accompany the food, nothing beats a rebujito or a tinto de verano, symbols of Andalusia’s joyful spirit.

More regions, more dishes to discover

Beyond these five must-visit destinations, the rest of Spain’s autonomous communities also offer culinary treasures waiting to be discovered this summer. In the north and inland, the Valencian Community wins hearts with its seaside rice dishes, such as paella or arroz a banda. Castilla y León impresses with its roast suckling lamb and artisanal cured meats, while in La Rioja, it’s not just the wine that shines—dishes like patatas a la riojana are also standouts. In Aragón, ternasco (young lamb) and seasonal Calanda peaches are culinary highlights, while Navarra’s fertile lands provide delights like asparagus and piquillo peppers. Murcia brings you zarangollo and caldero del Mar Menor; Cantabria offers Santoña anchovies and sobaos pasiegos; and in Castilla-La Mancha, pisto manchego and artisanal cheeses are big hits. Extremadura wins hearts with its acorn-fed Iberian ham, Torta del Casar, and migas extremeñas.

In the south, the islands, and the autonomous cities, flavor diversity also takes center stage. The Balearic Islands feature unique dishes like sobrasada, tumbet, and ensaïmada, while the Canary Islands showcase culinary identity with mojo sauces, papas arrugadas, and gofio. In Madrid, traditional cuisine lives side-by-side with a vibrant contemporary food scene, where callos, fried calamari sandwiches, and innovative chef-driven dishes all coexist. And if you venture to North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla will surprise you with a fusion cuisine that blends Andalusian, Moroccan, and Mediterranean influences—offering a unique and character-filled gastronomic experience. Because in every corner of Spain, there’s a bite worth discovering this summer.