The history of tapas and four of the best spots to try it
Go beyond the small plates of southern Spain’s most popular meal and discover the origins, meanings, and traditions behind tapas.
Spain is known for a great many things, not least its culinary delights, and one of its most popular exports simply must be tapas. Rooted in tradition, this Iberian meal embodies the welcoming atmosphere of the country’s rural communities and is perfect for a slower-paced dining experience, which showcases the best of Spanish culture. While it may be a familiar sight in any modern Spanish eatery, though, what are tapas and where do they actually come from?
What does 'tapas' mean?
Loosely translating as ‘cover’, tapas are appetisers or snacks that have truly humble origins, with some believing it stems from bartenders using small plates to cover drinks to protect them from flies and dust. Nowadays, tapas is a staple of Andalusian cuisine and can be found at virtually any bar or restaurant along Spain’s south coast. As far as what tapas actually is, it’s a bit trickier to pin down.
Tapas itself isn’t so much a particular food as it is a way of eating, with what’s included varying by region. That being said, you can usually expect to find Spanish classics such as croquetas (potato cakes), jamón (cured ham) and baked seafood. In its simplest form, it’s a collection of smaller, starter-sized plates which can be shared as part of a main meal.
Where did it originate?
We’d love to say we have a definitive answer, but this one’s up for debate. Some historians say that King Alfonso X, who didn’t have much of an appetite in his later years due to his deteriorating health, popularised the meal to aid his recovery. Others contend that covering wine glasses with small plates or pieces of food was simply a convenient way for bartenders to keep their patrons’ drinks fresh.
Whichever story you believe, there’s no doubt tapas has evolved far beyond its humble roots and is the perfect introduction to life in Spain - but which destinations do it best?
Which Spanish cities are best for tapas?
Granada – for bites that don’t break the bank
One of the crown jewels of Andalucía, Granada’s Moorish palaces aren’t the only things it’s known for. Despite being one of the most popular cities for tourism, you might be surprised to know it’s actually one of the cheapest places in Spain to enjoy traditional tapas. As a general rule, many bars in the city offer small tapas plates for free with every glass of wine or drink, meaning you can get an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine without breaking the bank.
Our recommended tour – Seville, Granada & Classic Spain
Seville – for traditional Andalucían flavours
Widely regarded as the spiritual home of tapas, Seville is one of the best places for a traditional dining experience. Comprising several unique, locally sourced delicacies, from gazpacho (cold soup) to fresh pescado frito (fried fish), the flavours are quintessentially Andalusian. Better yet, the atmospheric barrios in the city’s old town provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely tapas crawl.
Our recommended tour – The Majestic Cities of Andalucía – Premier Collection
Bilbao – for a Basque take on tapas
Positioned on the north coast, Bilbao is one of Northern Spain’s finest foodie hotspots, and it’s certainly made its own mark on tapas. Taking the form of pintxos (smaller dishes served on bread), tapas in Bilbao has a distinctly Basque feel to it, and these bite-sized morsels can be found lining the counters of most bars and restaurants in the city. While many spots stand out for their , we highly recommend checking out Bilbao’s old town, Casco Viejo, for the most authentic introduction to the Basque Country’s culinary heritage.
Our recommended tour – Historic Paradors of Hidden Spain – Premier Collection
Madrid – for the bustle of the capital city
Though it may not be as traditional as the brand of tapas offered in the South, cosmopolitan Madrid remains a must-visit for foodies and casual explorers alike. Tapas in the Spanish capital is as diverse as the city itself, with modern Basque-inspired pintxos bars standing side by side with traditional barrios. Though it takes inspiration from the north and south, Madrid has its own regional specialities which simply must be tried once, including bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwiches) and the ever-popular patatas bravas. For the best experience, head to the La Latina district or nearby Malasaña, a bohemian neighbourhood which is renowned for its diverse range of dining options.
Our recommended tour – Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca
Get a taste for Spain’s tapas tradition with Newmarket Holidays
If reading up on tapas has teased your taste buds, we’ve got a wide array of award-winning Iberian tours which are perfect for sampling the best of Spain’s local delicacies. To get the ball rolling on your next escape, or for more information on our featured itineraries, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart is set on somewhere else in the world, you can also find our entire collection of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.
