A Taste of Spain
Savor the country’s best bites on a Windstar Cruise.
SOME MIGHT SAY THAT TO TRULY EXPERIENCE A new country, you must immerse yourself in the culture. Whether that means exploring historical sights, mingling with the locals, or shopping for authentic souvenirs, to many it means simply: Let’s eat.
On a recent sailing aboard Windstar Cruises’ 212-guest Star Legend, I set out to do just that. The Spanish Serenade itinerary would make a semi- circle around the country from Barcelona to Lisbon, Portugal, calling on some of Spain’s most mustsee cities along the way, as well as Gibraltar and Portimao, Portugal.
The best part about my culinary mission is that Windstar clearly recognizes that travel and cuisine go hand-in-hand, so the line makes it a point to not only serve the finest cuisine on board, but also offer a host of shore excursions to satiate these cravings on shore.
BARCELONA
_ Our cruise embarked in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most intriguing cities and the perfect place to add on a few days pre- cruise. With plenty of time to explore, days were spent exploring must-see sites — from Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church to Park Güell — while evenings brought time to unwind with tapas and wine.
Barcelona’s Catalan cuisine goes back centuries, but still revolves around seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced from th e sea, the mountains, and the produce of the region. There are plenty of places to sample culinary specialties, from renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to casual, traditional, and creative tapas and tasting platters, paired, of course, with a quality regional wine. In fact, 12 Designation of Origin (DO) areas guarantee the geographical origins and quality white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines made in Catalonia.
Another foodie favorite is to explore some of Barcelona’s 39 food markets, which are brimming with bustling, lively atmospheres. Stroll the stalls and you’ll find olives, seafood, fruit, meats, cheeses, and much more. One of Barcelona’s best-known markets, The Boqueria Market on La Rambla, has become a major landmark and after spending some time there, it’s easy to see why.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca brings architectural highlights such as the Gothic-style Bellver Castle and the massive La Seu Cathedral, as well as a thriving arts scene and a lively café culture. A picturesque stroll of the seafront brings visitors to the historic center, complete with an abundance of eateries in the La Llonja and Santa Catalina areas.
Mallorcan cuisine is based on pork, fish, and vegetables prepared with plenty of garlic and olive oil, and while dishes are still steeped in tradition, restaurants are becoming increasingly more inventive with their cuisine and making use of the local produce from lemons to olives.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Mallorca’s famous Coca de Patata, individual sweet cakes made with potatoes that are served plain or topped with confectioner’s sugar. Enjoy one with a coffee or a thick hot chocolate and you’ll see why it’s a favorite treat among locals.
ALMERIA ( GRANADA)
_ For a taste of Almeria, we explored the Alpujarra region, one full of orange groves, olive trees, and vineyards of Almeria grapes. Like other seaside regions of Spain, the cuisine here centers around fresh, local ingredients, and the topography, geology, and climate of Andalusia are all also ideal for the cultivation of vines. Therefore, the area produces a wide variety of prestigious wines that the most sophisticated of palates will appreciate.
In fact, with such a focus on high-quality wine production, more than 70 percent of Andalusian vineyards are run under the auspices of one of the six Denominations of Origin, which were set up and monitored by their respective Regulatory Councils. And since wine tourism is on the rise, numerous haciendas, estates, and bodegas open their doors for guided visits and tastings. If time allows, opt for a Wine Routes in Andalusia tour, which combines the oenological, cultural, historical, and traditional aspects of the villages, towns, and areas the tours pass through.
MALAGA
_ Located in the center of the Costa del Sol, Malaga may often be associated with its Pablo Picasso connection — the artist was born in Malaga in 1881 and its Picasso Museum consists of a collection of 233 of his works — but it also boasts culinary excellence worth digging into.
Dishes are made with simple, classic Mediterranean ingredients including vegetables, meat, fish, and fruit. In Malaga, you’ll find some of the highest-quality olive oil, an essential ingredient in most recipes. There are hundreds of restaurants that offer the chance to savor this regional cuisine with a long history.
The city’s pleasant climate often entices locals and visitors alike to take to the streets for tapas with a glass of fine wine. This custom has stimulated the growth of a large number of wine bars and taverns complete with outdoor terraces full of patrons relaxing and enjoying the day.
To take your wine enthusiasm one step further, the Museo de Vino ( Wine Museum) provides the opportunity to taste some of the fabulous wines of the region while sampling local meats and cheeses.
SEVILLE
_ The capital city of Andalusia, Seville may be known for flamenco dancing, but it’s also a gourmet’s paradise. From local, colorful markets selling the finest olive oils, ham, sherry, and wines of Europe to the city’s innovative tapas bars and restaurants, you’ll find a taste of Seville around every corner.
Lucky for foodies, Seville features several cooking schools located in the heart of the city that offer plenty of opportunities to sign up for a private hands-on class. Led by friendly local instructors, classes range from preparing traditional Spanish dishes to tapas and wine tasting to market tours. Don an apron and dig in, as this is not only a fun, one-of-a-kind experience, but you’ll also discover valuable insights into Spanish culture and cuisine.