If you are planning a trip to Spain, or if you already live here but have decided to get to know this country much better than you do, you are in the right place. Because at Sazón The Folk Cook we are going to give you a few travel tips for Spain. From our experience, from the traditions we have grown up with. And because we have loved our land and learnt all the beautiful things it has to offer since we were children. For all these reasons, today we want to share it with you in the form of travel tips in Spain. Will you join us on this genuine journey?
Travel Tips Spain
1. Plan your trip but leave place for spontaneity too
Yes, it goes without saying that travel planning is an essential aspect. And it is crucial to know where and when we are going and what we are visiting, so that we can arrange our leisure agenda during our days off.
However, it is also a good idea to leave some room for spontaneity and freedom. To go, see or do whatever we feel like doing at any given moment. For example, you may feel like eating at a local’s house instead of going to a typical restaurant in the centre of Madrid. For sure, Mila’s gastronomic proposal will make you change your plans: Manchego cheese with dates and Cabrales cheese, a tasty salmorejo, Iberian pork cheeks, and a delicious nougat mousse. Sounds good!
2. Try to adapt to Spanish culture
Continuing with our travel tips for Spain, we now advise you to put aside your sightseer role and immerse yourself in the destination’s culture. To do it, it is rather advisable to know a few interesting facts that may be useful. Let’s start with the timing in Spain. Keep in mind that mealtimes are probably quite different to what you are used to. So normally lunch time starts at 1:30 P.M., and dinner does not start before 8 or 8:30P.M., and if it is summer, maybe even after 10 P.M. So be aware that between the main meals it can be difficult to find open kitchens in most restaurants. By the way, tip is not compulsory but it will be appreciated.
More useful facts? Tap water can be drinkable but not everywhere, so always ask local people. And one more thing: not everything is paella, so pay attention to what you order. Or eat the true paella and a few more versions at our local cooks’ houses. You’ll love it!
3. Do your best to communicate in Spanish
Of course, one of our most recommended tips for Spain is to try to communicate in the local language. So depending where you’re travelling, you should know that there are five co-official languages in Spain but Spanish is spoken in all the territory. Nowadays it is quite easy to communicate in an essential way with the help of your mobile phone, but you have to be careful with automatic translations! So we advise you to get a mini-guide with the essentials and, if you can, practise your Spanish with the locals. Joining Sazón you will have the opportunity to do so!
4. Interact with the locals
The best experiences are usually the least touristy ones. Because they are the most authentic and the ones that will really surprise you. And the best way to find those experiences is by interacting with the local people. At Sázon The Folk Cook we propose a fun way to do this: eating in their own homes. For example, trying the delicious menu prepared by Carmen & Carmen. Andalusian starters, noodles with clams, oxtail in a wine sauce and digestive lemon sorbet to end! Can you find a better way to interact with the locals?
5. Big cities but country landscapes too
Another of our travel tips for Spain is not to be captivated exclusively by its cities. They are very interesting, we know, but you should not underestimate the wealth of heritage that the rural world of this country has to offer. For example, our local cooks, Marcos & Aurora, live in a charming countryside house near Mijas, in Malaga. An amazing place that won’t leave you indifferent. And if we talk about their cuisine, then get ready for a unique culinary experience: cheese and sweet wine from Malaga, papas aliñás (seasoned potatoes), migas (fried breadcrumbs) and rice pudding. Yummy!
6. Go for the less touristic spots as well
Of course, as we said before, not always the most touristic places are the most interesting ones. So if you visit, for example, Granada, you can’t miss the Alhambra, of course, but you also have to go to the Silla del Moro viewpoint, or visit La Cartuja, among others. Less popular places but full of magic. And also, don’t miss the little shops, the traditional bars and the delicious tapas…
7. Treat yourself to a tapas experience
You know how famous Spanish tapas are all over the world. And how delicious they are. That’s why, wherever you go, be sure to try them, always following the advice of the locals. Like, for example, the delicious tapas prepared by Nacho, one of our hosts, at his home in Malaga. Ajo blanco malagueño, porra antequerana, sausage tartar… Do not use the dictionary in this case, just try them! You’ll adore!
8. Enjoy the variety of traditional Spanish fiestas and events
One of the best ways to have a unique experience in Spain is to enjoy one of its many festivals, traditional celebrations, neighbourhood festivities, ferias and events. Throughout the year you can find all kinds of happenings in a multitude of places. Find out more before you visit your destination and you will see how your trip changes… For the better.
9. Use public transport
One more travel tip for Spain is using public transport. Whenever possible, use it or the available ride-sharing options. You’ll feel better because you’ll be taking a little more care of the planet, but also because you’ll see places and spots you might never have discovered with your car. The communications network is excellent throughout almost all the territory. Make the most of it.
10. Do not miss the opportunity to eat true traditional food
The last of our travel tips for Spain is to experience the true traditional Spanish dishes. And there is no better way to do that than eating at the local people’s houses. Look at what Luz will prepare for you in her pretty house in Altea, Alicante. Typical bread with ali-oli, Spanish omelette and ham croquettes, meatballs in a traditional sauce and a delicious rice pudding as dessert. Tempting, isn’t it?
ººº
