The city formerly known as Augusta Emerita was founded in 25 B.C. byâwait for itâRoman Emperor Augustus. The name âEmerita,â is derived from the Latin word for âretiredâ because it was here where many Roman soldiers came to live out their post-working days. Augusta Emerita was one of the most important cities in all of […]
The Denomination of Origin in Spain: What is it & Why it Matters
Youâve fallen in love with the rich, smoky flavors of Spanish chorizos, bean stews, and callos. The scarlet secretâSpanish paprika or PimentĂłn de la Veraâis now a must-have in your spice cabinet. As you browse the market, you’re faced with a variety of charming tin cans of this essential ingredient. Which one do you choose? […]
Everything You Need to Know About Spanish Piquillo Peppers
Just a stone’s throw awayâless than a two-hour driveâfrom the culinary haven of San Sebastian, nestled among lush mountains and the famous Ebro River, is a town devoted entirely to one delectable delight: Spanish piquillo peppers. Whether stuffed with creamy bĂ©chamel and bacalao or served as the perfect accompaniment to a juicy solomillo, piquillo peppers […]
5 Reasons to Add La Rioja to Your Travel Plans in Spain
Mention âRiojaâ to many people and luscious red wine is the first thing they may think of. Itâs true that the region of La Rioja, located in northeastern Spain, produces some of the best wine on the planet. Visiting some of the 500 wineries that produce vino here is reason enough to put the region […]
Barcelona Shore Excursions: Three Ideas From Port
Stopping in Barcelona on your cruise? Lucky you! The Catalan capital is one of the most exciting cities in the Mediterranean, and you won’t even have one foot off the boat before seeing why. From the buzzing beaches of Barceloneta to the beautiful modernist buildings decorating the streets, you’ll want to experience it, so make […]
Sunday Bites: Where to Eat in Barcelona on Sundays
Sundays in Barcelona are beautiful. Quiet streets, relaxing vibes and locals enjoying their day of rest. It makes perfect sense, then, that so many things are closed. But if you find yourself in Barcelona on a Sunday, fear not. We love eating out every day of the week, including Sundays, so we have compiled a […]
How to Drink Wine in Barcelona Like a Local
One of the most beautiful aspects of Spanish culture is the relationship locals have with wine. If you really want to know how to drink wine in Barcelona like a local… read on! When it comes to wine in Spain, snobbery is nowhere in sight. Great wine is accessible to everyone. Barcelona of course is […]
Ins & Outs of Spanish Saffron: All You Need to Know About AzafrĂĄn
Known as the âred goldâ of Spain, azafrĂĄn or saffron is one of Spainâs most prized ingredients, present in a wide range of dishes and culinary traditions. Today, there are many regions worldwide that produce this luxurious red spice, however, Spanish saffron is considered to be some of the best there is. But what exactly […]
How to Order Drinks in Spanish Like a Local
Your bags are packed, your tickets are booked, and youâre counting down the days until you arrive in Spain. Now, all thatâs left to do is brush up on those important Spanish phrasesâand no, weâre not talking about âÂżDĂłnde estĂĄ el baño?â Serious matters onlyâyou want to be sure you know how to order drinks […]
Best Spanish Wines to Try in Spain: An Intro to Amazing Vino
Here in Spain, we’re wine lovers (…though we do have a special spot in our hearts for some cerveza, too). Luckily for us (and for you), Spain is one of the best places in the world to drink wine. Whether you’re a wine-curious newbie or a budding sommelier, this guide to the best Spanish wines […]
Best-Ever (+ Simple!) Crema Catalana Recipe
Crema catalana is Europe’s lesser-known custard dessert, and we’re here to make sure it gets the credit it deserves! It’s easy to compare crema catalana and its French counterpart, creme brĂ»lĂ©e. Both are quite similar to one another, but with some notable differences. And then there’s the matter of their originsâto this day, people still debate about who […]
Romantic Barcelona: 5 Things to Do With Your Special Someone
From the mysterious Gothic Quarter to the countless beautiful views of the city from above, Barcelona is easy to fall in love withâand in. To really explore the best of this city with someone special, we’ve put together a few of our favorite romantic Barcelona sights and experiences. Five things to do in romantic Barcelona […]
5 Essential Items for Every Spanish Kitchen
This blog post was originally posted on March 5, 2015, and was updated on January 28, 2021. Dreaming of that perfect Spanish kitchen? Make sure you stock it with the essentials! Spanish cuisine is based on simple, fresh ingredients, with some of its best signature dishes using ingredients as basic as an egg to create […]
Calçots in Barcelona (& Why We’re Obsessed With Calçotadas)
Come winter, calçots are the undisputed kings of Catalan cuisine. The calçot, a cross between a spring onion and leek, is by and large one of the region’s most beloved products. For more than a century, they’ve been an integral part of Catalan cuisine every winter.
Warm Up This Winter With This Traditional Spanish Hot Chocolate Recipe
This blog post was originally posted on December 12, 2017 and was updated on January 25, 2021. Some customs, traditions and foodie favorites never go out of style, and Spanish hot chocolate recipe is one of them. Few things in life can compare to the pleasure of ducking into a cozy cafe to escape the […]
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Spain Lovers
Spain is the kind of place that sticks with you. It’s the kind of place that, as soon as you leave, you find yourself yearning to come back to. In the meantime, you’ll likely find yourself scouring your local wine shop for bottles of Rioja, attempting to recreate some of your favorite tapas recipes […]
7 Most Popular Tapas in Barcelona: Bombas, Bravas, Buñuelos & More
If you come to Barcelona craving tapas, you’re not alone. Tapas are a way of life here in Spain, and have gained popularity abroad for good reason. Though often considered to be small plates, doing tapas in Spain is less about the food itself and more about the social experience of sharing it with others. […]
9 Michelin Star Restaurants in Barcelona for the Meal of a Lifetime
Few experiences are more prized in the foodie world than dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. These are the kinds of places where you’ll never have the same meal twice, thanks to their constant innovation and focus on seasonal products. In Barcelona, many of them draw from the same source of inspiration: the humble Catalan kitchens […]
Where to Eat in Barcelona: The Essential Guide, by Neighborhood
>Wondering where to eat in Barcelona? In a city with options ranging from rustic, traditional Catalan fare to sleek fusion spots, there’s no short answer. Barcelona is a food lover’s city. And even with up to six meals a day, as we often eat here in Spain, that’s still not enough time to truly grasp […]
Where to Rent Bikes in Barcelona and What to Know Before You Ride
If you’re wondering if you can rent bikes in Barcelona easily, and how easy is it to ride around the city to make the best out of your visit, you have come to the right place. Of course, public transportation in Barcelona is cheap, easy, and efficient. But as a visitor, you probably want to […]
