A Food-Lovers Adventure Through Portugal and Spain

Spain and Portugal have become favourites of ours for so many reasons, but none more so than the food! Throughout both countries, each region or city has its own delicacies. These destinations offer delicious dining, colourful cities, fascinating history, breathtaking art, showstopping architecture, stunning coastlines, and gorgeous weather all year round.

With large plazas, Spain acts as a relaxing theatre for people-watching. Each evening, major landmarks are well-lit and bubbling with fun nightlife, locals, food, wine, and music. Over in Portugal, kaleidoscopic terraces line the edges, and this picturesque place has become a favourite for its soothing sunshine, Fado music, and affordability.

So, see our food-lovers guide below or check out our in-depth tour of Spain & Portugal here. The culture and cuisine of Portugal and Spain will stay with you forever.

Barcelona

First stop is Barcelona, the bustling beachside city. Here, you’ll indulge in seafood, sangria, and Catalan dishes. Breakfast like a local in Barcelona involves tantalising cream, coffee, churros, and croissants – yep, dessert before midday is standard. Stroll down La Rambla, the famous promenade and don’t forget to visit Sagrada Familia.

Brimming with history and charm, the Gothic Quarter is our favourite area of this destination for its easy navigation and extraordinary food. Even better, the wine and bars are something to write home about and La Boqueria Food Market is well worth a visit. A major drawcard of this city is also the art scene and dramatic architecture. The remarkable Gaudi sites dotted around the city make this a bucket-list destination to be sure, and the Picasso Museum is a lifetime highlight.

Valencia

Valencia is the historic town known for Paella. If you haven’t devoured an authentic Valencian paella, you haven’t lived. This sizzling dish is traditionally made with chicken and rabbit and encompasses the art of living and sharing. Don’t miss Spain’s best fresh produce market with a huge range of fresh juices, meats, vegetables, and fruit.

Boasting intriguing Gothic Architecture, Spain’s third-largest city is filled with surprises. Here, you’ll walk the beautiful promenade and bake on golden beaches. Marvel at the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences, shop for handmade fans and leather goods at the Central Market and enjoy spectacular views over the city by climbing 200 steps to the top of Valencia Cathedral.

Granada

Tapas lives here. Simple yet deceptively delicious, the cuisine speaks for itself. Think crusty bread, olive oil, potatoes, pork, and migas – hearty and filling. When in Granada, you must try traditional Moroccan tea. This important historic city holds both Catholic and Islamic heritage. Worth visiting is Alhambra, the fortress of the last Islamic dynasty in Western Europe. Plus, stroll through a rainbow of silks and wares at the Alcaiceria Market for its Arabic and Moroccan influence.

Ronda

Ronda is home to mouth-watering dishes such as patatas bravas, tortilla espanola, almond soup, fried aubergine slices with honey, chickpea stew, spinach croquettes, churros, and more. Create special moments, savouring jamon Spanish cured ham as you stop by delightful delis. Peppered with bench chairs, Ronda often reminds you that doing nothing is sometimes the best thing to do. The feeling is calming, charming, and breathtaking all at once.

One of the stunning ‘Pueblos Blancos’ (translating as white villages) in Spain’s southern region, this town is perched on a mountain plateau, making it photo-worthy at every turn. Iconic Puente Nuevo is an 18th-century bridge towering high above the 100-meter-deep Tajo gorge, connecting the new and old towns. You’ve never seen anything like this before.

Seville

Home of olives and oranges – and 3000 tapas bars – Seville’s street food is unmissable. The must-taste menu includes chicharrones (deep-fried pork belly), olives (obviously), orange juice, serranito (signature sandwich), torrijas (sweet French toast), salmorejo (creamy vegetable soup), and vino de Neranja (orange wine).

Surrounded by friendly locals, you’ll experience a fantastic mix of Catholic and Islamic influence. Alcazar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, once a Moorish fort, it became a palace in the 14th Century. Head to Plaza de Espana and to meander and marvel at this stunning square. One of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe is Cathedral of Seville. Be sure to catch a Flamenco show!

Algarve Coast

At the southern tip of Portugal sits Algarve Coast with stunning coastlines and an endless summer. Succulent clams take centre stage in this city, so don’t miss a dish of conquilhas a algarvia. Cataplana de marisco makes the most of the fresh seafood this region has to offer. Petiscos de taberna celebrates the cured sausage. Wash it all down with a cool glass of local brewed cerveja.

Lisbon

Go to Lisbon for the lush seaside setting, cobblestone laneways, pastel buildings, and iconic trams, but stay for the Portuguese tarts and sweets. Renowned for luscious culinary dishes especially seafood, cherry liquor, and Portuguese tarts, foodies will revel in the culinary delights on offer. For lively nightlife, Fado and Bairro Alto boast bars, restaurants and Fado bars. City of the Seven Hills, Lisbon is an absolute must-see.

Porto

The original home of Port. One of Europe’s oldest cities, captivating Porto is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Climb Clerigos Tower for unmatched views over the city, be wowed by the lovely Livraria Lello bookstore and admire the famed Azulejo tiles at Sao Bento Railway Station. Top off your day with a glass of decadent Port wine, of course. The romantic city of bridges, take advantage of the many perspectives as you stroll on foot across this stunning city. Porto will hold a place in your heart.

Salamanca

Devour traditional dishes like potatoes with deep-fried pork, cured meats, and scrambled eggs. A blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, a wander through Salamanca, Spain, is like taking a stroll through history. The ancient Roman Bridge is the entry to the city and was built around the crossover from BC to AD. Visit, Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), a Gothic palace with the shell symbolising St James and the famous pilgrimage through Spain.

Madrid

The food of Madrid is a drool-worthy mix of all the Spanish regions combined. Bustling with markets, Madrid is a vibrant city of excellent eats and even better nightlife. Marked with lush parks, eye-popping squares, world-class art galleries, and elite shopping, you’ll never be short on things to do in Madrid. Stop by The Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace.

Getting There

Unlike other tours, the My Cruises Classic Spain & Portugal tour starts and ends in Barcelona, appreciating the full offerings of this dazzling and unique city. Contact one of our friendly My Cruises experts to book this life-changing journey through Europe’s delectable gems.