Tapas

Tapas

 Tapas are one Spanish experience that you shouldn't miss.
Tapas are one Spanish experience that you shouldn't miss.

Tapas are more than just snacks in Andalucia. The word means, literally a lid and the term was thought to have come from the habit of having a few nibbles with a drink and the necessity of placing a saucer or tapas on top of a glass to keep the flies out. In the old days tapas were served free with a drink, this happens only occasionally today.

Eating one or two tapas with a glass of sherry or wine will enhance the taste experience and also slow down the effect of the alcohol. You can eat tapas at just one bar, but it is more customary and fun to move from bar to bar sampling their various specialities.

Each tapas is really no more than a bite, so you can either sample two or three before dinner, or you can make a meal of them by ordering larger portions, called raciones. Tapas are generally eaten standing at the bar rather than sitting at a table and the list is generally displayed on a blackboard.

 

 

Andalucia is justifiably famous for its excellent gastronomic scene. Using first-class ingredients grown throughout the region and caught along its extensive coastline, such as jamon iberico,… More →

Go into any bar and observe the clientele, whether standing at the bar or at small shelf-like bars along the walls, each is likely to have a small plate with a few bites of something to eat - a “… More →

Granada is renowned for its amazing tapas and for being one of the few places left in Spain where you can order a drink and be given a free tapa with it. The city is full of tapas bars, from the… More →

Sometimes tapas menus can be confusing, especially when they bad or no English translations. Here is our Ultimate Tapas Guide List of the most common tapas served here in Andalucia:

Tapas a Bite of Spain is filled with scrumptious cold salads, sauces, dips and dressings, bite-sized bits of the best Spanish cured hams and aged cheeses, traditional flavours off the griddle and… More →

Cheryl Gatward is the designer behind a Taste of Spain. Recently Andalucia.com caught up with her to find out what it's like to work with such gorgeous food photography - and great recipes!

Michelle Chaplow has lived and worked in Spain since 1991. Her love of Spanish culture and traditions is evident in her collection of award-winning images of Andalucia. It’s one of the most… More →

After more than 40 years sniffing out recipes across Spain and publishing them in highly successful cookbooks, journalist Janet Mendel has just published her sixth book full of delicious bites… More →

Step out of the Andalusian sunshine. Just follow the crowds through this little doorway, into the cool interior of a typical bodega or wine bar. Multi-coloured tiles line the walls while clay-… More →

Granada is one of the last towns in Spain where you still get a free tapa with every glass of wine or beer. We have our earliest record of this marvellous tradition from King Alfonso 10th "El… More →

Granada is one of the last towns in Spain where you still get a free tapa with every glass of wine or beer. We have our earliest record of this marvellous tradition from King Alfonso 10th "El… More →

Tapas are more than just snacks in Andalucia. The word means, literally a lid and the term was thought to have come from the habit of having a few nibbles with a drink and the necessity of placing… More →

Torremolinos has long been known for its selection of fashionable bars and eateries. Some of the first cafés and bars designed to cater for visiting tourists opened here. See Torremolinos History… More →

Ronda has no shortage when it comes to finding a place to eat. There are restaurants and tapas bars located all around the town, some with terraces that provide an idyllic place to sit and enjoy… More →

Cafes & Tapas Bars in Estepona: Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism. Cafes & Tapas… More →

See and Do

Living in Andalucia