6 things you absolutely must eat in Spain — and where to eat them

You’ve made it to Spain and probably worked up a mighty appetite in the process.

Good thing this country is packed with absolutely amazing food. But where to get your best foodie fix?

Here are some (just some!) of Spain’s top foodie destinations, and what you should get your stomach prepared for at each stop.

SEE ALSO: I took advantage of the strong US dollar to spend 11 days touring Spain — and it was completely worth it

Galica

Pulpo

To experience Galicia— its rugged coastal beauty and lush rain-saturated landscapes — is to appreciate its hearty cuisine. And there’s no better way to do that than by digging into one of its fresh-from-the-sea dishes such as berberechos (steamed cockles often served with nothing more than lemon) and, of course, pulpo a la gallega, perfectly tender slices of octopus flavored with paprika, salt, olive oil, and accompanied by slices of potato. The list of seafood dishes goes on, but other foods to try include empanadas, savory pies (not fried like the Argentine counterpart) which usually come with decadent fillings of tuna, cod or meat. Then there are the famous pimientos de padrón, tiny, green peppers lightly fried and salted and, occasionally, super spicy (usually one or two in a batch will make your lips smack!). Finally, no Galician meal would be complete without a grand finale of Tarta de Santiago, a surprisingly light-tasting, almond-based cake named after the region’s most beloved saint.

Granada

Tapas

Okay, let’s start by clarifying that Granada’s food itself isn’t what makes it an amazing foodie destination, but rather the experience of eating its food. That’s because Granada is famous for its super giant and free tapas. Free because when you order a drink (usually alcoholic), it will typically come with a fat plate of free food. Order another drink from the same establishment, and expect a different dish of grub. We’re talking everything from paella to pasta and patatas bravas. Get your fill, then move on to the next spot to see what your drink order brings. Is the food amazing? Most often, probably not. But the experience is, as you’ll get the chance to try popular tapas bars and sample surprise plates of food, all without spending much. If it’s quality eats you’re after, however, skip the surprise free dishes and opt for a Granada Tapas Walking Tour.

Seville

Gazpacho

Granada may have its giant tapas, but it’s probably Seville that wins in the tapas-hopping culture department. Indeed, Sevillanos know how to thoroughly enjoy the art of snacking on something tasty while sipping on a beer or glass of locally popular and produced Manzanilla wine. What to eat in Seville? Well, tapas, naturally — from traditional to modern takes on the form. And don’t leave town without sampling Seville classics such as jamón ibérico (cured, acorn-fed ham, and really a whole-country classic), gazpacho or salmorejo (chilled, tomato-based soups), and, of course, some of that aforementioned Manzanilla.