How to Plan One Week in Spain That Delights Food-Lovers

One Week in Spain for Foodies

Spain, the land of late-night dining, a vibrant wine culture, and so much glorious jamon, is a food-lovers delight. I visited Spain in the summertime and returned stuffed like an Iberian pig. Now, I’m ready to dish on how to plan your own food-centric one week in Spain. On this journey, we make stops in Barcelona, San Sebastian, Rioja, and Madrid!

We visited in July and got a great deal flying into Barcelona on TAP, connecting in Lisbon (hello pastel de nata!) While it was hot but bearable in Barcelona, Rioja, and Madrid, 75-ish weather in San Sebastian was downright pleasant.

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I am a fanatical Google Map maker. I use them to save all of the places I was intrigued by as I prepare for the trip. Then, I can reference my map when I’m out and about to make on-the-go decisions. Here’s the Adventurous Tastes Guide to Spain complete with the “Adventurous Tastes” stamp of approval on anywhere I actually ate.

Let’s kick off our one week in Spain with Barcelona

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Barcelona: Gaudi & Tapas

Barcelona is a vibrant city that blends history, culture, and amazing food. In just a few days, you can explore the iconic Sagrada Familia, stroll through the colorful Parc Güell, and soak up the atmosphere at La Boqueria market. Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets or indulging in tapas at the city’s many local bars. For an in-depth guide, including the best places to eat and hidden gems, check out my full 3 day Barcelona travel guide.

San Sebastian: A Pintxos Paradise

We’ll start our week-long Spanish adventure in the picturesque coastal city of San Sebastian. Pintxos are king in this lovely seaside city in northern Spain, and every meal is a delightful exploration of flavors.

Accommodations in San Sebastian tend to be expensive. Fortunately, Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites serve as a moderately priced, well-located home base.

You might also consider these San Sebastian hotel options.

What Are Pinxtos?

Ah, pintxos – the Basque Country’s answer to tapas. These bite-sized culinary treasures are not just food; they’re a way of life. The concept of a pintxos crawl is as adventurous as it sounds, and San Sebastian is the ultimate destination for this culinary adventure.

Imagine hopping from one charming bar to another, each offering a unique and delectable selection of pintxos. The playful and exploratory mood of this experience is intoxicating. It had a vibe akin to a more sophisticated spring break for adults. Convivial crowds hop from one restaurant to another, sampling whatever specialties they see lining the bars. Put simply, you walk in, point to something that looks yummy, and eat it standing up. Then, you move on to the next restaurant.

Best Pintxos in San Sebastian

Pintxos in San Sebastian are a must when spending one week in Spain! Consider a pinxtos tour to get the insider scoop on the best bites in town. Let’s dive into the can’t-miss spots and what to savor at each:

La Cepa Bar Restaurant: This spot is known for its sublime Iberian ham and manchego sandwich. Traditional pintxos like croquettes and calamari also beckon.

Gandarias: Be sure to try their Ibérico ham, grilled squid, and Idiazábel cheese served with sweet quince.

La Cuchara de San Telmo: Here pintxos aren’t displayed on the bar as in most places. Instead, ask for their menu and enjoy delicacies like fois gras and veal cheeks.

Atari Gastroteka: Don’t miss wine-braised beef cheeks and torrija, a sublime blend of bread pudding and tres leches cake. Complement your feast with a top-notch gin & tonic for the ultimate tasting experience.

Bar Angel: Specializing exclusively in mushrooms, Bar Angel is a culinary haven. Don’t miss their towering stack of mushrooms on a toothpick, crowned with a tiny shrimp ($1.50).

Bar Lorenzo “Agus Tio”: Bar Lorenzo “Agus Tio” beckons with its exquisite grilled chistorra, a chorizo infused with sweet paprika and garlic, and succulent lamb kebabs.

Bar Soriano: Satisfy your cravings with Bar Soriano’s setas. First, they cook wild mushrooms in garlicky butter. Then, they skewer them with a succulent shrimp. It’s a decadent treat that transports your taste buds to new heights.

Borda Berri: Here “pikaña,” tender beef served with mashed grilled aubergine, takes center stage. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Bar Sport: Bar Sport entices with its incredible Txipis a la plancha. These are grilled baby squid that are tender and packed with flavor.

Before you leave San Sebastian, make sure to visit La Viña. Its iconic “burnt” Basque cheesecake is a dessert that will leave you craving more.

And what better companion for these delightful pintxos than Txakoli white wine? Its crisp and refreshing taste perfectly complements the rich flavors of San Sebastian’s cuisine. You’ll find yourself raising your glass with newfound friends, toasting to the joy of discovery.

In between stuffing your face with pintxos, take a leisurely beach stroll along San Sebastian’s beautiful coastline.

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Exploring Rioja’s Wine Country

Our one-night stay at the Hotel Calle Mayor in Logroño was perfectly situated for exploring the region’s rich wine culture.

Explore other options in Logrono.

Logroño: Wine Tour with Rioja Wine Trips

Prepare your palate for a wine adventure like no other. Logroño, nestled in the Rioja wine region, boasts a rich history of winemaking and is the perfect place to savor Rioja’s finest. To make the most of limited time, I highly recommend a wine tour such as Rioja Wine Trips or one of these tours.

La Cata del Barrio de la Estación: Here, history and wine intertwine along the cobbled streets of Haro, home to an array of venerable wineries. On our tour, we discovered Gomez Cruzado, a winery founded in 1886, nestled in the Barrio de la Estacion. It’s a small, intimate space brimming with personality, where a friendly staff welcomes you. No reservations are needed for a tasting flight, making it an accessible and delightful stop on your wine adventure.

Bodegas Finca La Emperatriz: With an idyllic outdoor seating area and a curated selection of remarkable wines, this winery beckons. It’s a place where you can bask in the warmth of the sun while sipping excellent Rioja wines.

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Zaragoza’s Culinary Gem: La Jamoneria Restaurante y Terraza

During your scenic drive from Barcelona to San Sebastian, we urge you to make a pit stop in Zaragoza at La Jamoneria. It’s a hidden treasure where culinary virtuoso Felix, known for his artful jamon carving, plays the role of a gracious and friendly host. You will be treated to a plate of the finest ham you’ve ever tasted and an incredibly charming atmosphere. While parking might pose a minor challenge, the extraordinary flavors that await you will more than compensate for any inconvenience.

Want to extend your stay in Zaragoza? Consider one of these hotels.

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Madrid: A Must for Food and Art Lovers

Madrid is a dream for foodies and art enthusiasts alike. The stylish Only You was well located to make the most of our time in the city. Start by visiting Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling market full of local delicacies like jamón ibérico and fresh seafood. Nearby, tuck into the renowned tortilla española at Bar Cerveriza. Then, explore the La Latina neighborhood for authentic tapas and a cool vibe. On Sunday, peruse the El Rastro flea market. Afterwards, sample the garlicky snails at the nearby Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles.

Start by savoring the late night tapas scene. If a restaurant is crowded with Madrileños, take it as a good sign! Near Plaza Mayor, Casa Revuelta specalizes in cod fritters If you’re looking to mix it up, try SteetXO for casual Asian cuisine using Spanish ingredients from an award-winning chef. Or visit Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world, for suckling pig.

Of course, there’s more to Madrid than food. For art lovers, the Prado Museum is a must-see featuring masterpieces by Goyal and Velázquez. My personal favorites are the stunning royal portraits.

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Want to extend your one week in Spain?

If you have time, consider extending your foodie vacation with 7-day Portugal Itinerary.

Looking for more European foodie destinations?

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• Craft an Epic Journey to Tuscany with Kids
• Plan an Family Adventure in Rome
• 2-week Croatia Itinerary
• 10 amazing European destinations for families

Adventurous Tastes is reader-supported. This article includes affiliate links, and I may receive a commission for purchases made through them.

Updated September 2024. Originally posted 2023.