From seafood to ice cream to authentic Colombian food, this list has something for every foodie. In a city where finding good restaurants can be a challenge, these ones will not let you down.

#1 Karey: The Best Seafood Spot in Rodadero

The best place for quality seafood is Karey. We would come here at least once a month—and every time family came to visit, this was one of the first places I would take them.

They have a ton of fantastic seafood options. Lobster tail, grilled octopus, fried fish, seafood platters, fantastic paella, coconut shrimp—it’s a seafood-lover’s dream come true. I especially recommend:

• The parrillada de mariscos, a seafood platter with fried calamari, grilled octopus, shrimp, clams, and fried fish. It’s all delicious, and you get to try a little bit of everything.

• The paella is also very authentic, flavorful, and filling. Served with warm bread, this dish is perfectly cooked and packed with seafood.

• For a more traditional Colombian seafood dish, try the mojarra roja, fried fish that comes with coconut rice and fried plantains. This is a costeño favorite (and it’s my husband’s favorite dish).

No matter what you order, promise me you’ll try the limonada de coco. This creamy, frozen coconut-limeade drink defines Santa Marta. And Karey’s is one of the best in the city (and my personal favorite).

Karey is a must-try—in addition to fantastic food, it’s got a prime location right on Rodadero beach. What better way to enjoy seafood than while watching the palm trees sway… and the waves kiss the sand on the beach?

#2 Ouzo: Mediterranean Food in the Center of the City

This place is highly recommended and is both a local and tourist favorite. Smack dab in the middle of the busy historical center of Santa Marta, Ouzo has a fantastic menu of delicious Mediterranean food. They have gyros, pastas, Greek paella, seafood galore, and pizza.

The bruschetta here is the perfect appetizer, and for the main dish, I recommend the Orzo de Mar: delicious, juicy green pesto orzo pasta with octopus, garlic shrimp, pepperoncinis, mussels, and cherry tomatoes piled on top. It’s an explosion of flavor. The perfectly cooked seafood combines fantastically with the risotto.

And the drinks here are divine! We loved the artisanal sodas—a delicious mix of pineapple, strawberry, and basil—and the corozo lemonade (this is a must-try!).

#3 Playa Alta: Burgers With a View

These aren’t just the best burgers in Santa Marta, they’re some of the best burgers in all of Colombia. This place made the winning burger in the 2023 and 2024 Burger Master competition. Playa Alta’s burgers are truly one of a kind. With a unique combination of classic burger ingredients and unique Colombian ingredients, the burgers are surprising, savory, and oh-so delicious.

And, this place has a VIEW. It’s located on a mountainside in Taganga, a small fishing town neighboring Santa Marta, and from this balcony restaurant, you can get a spectacular shot of Taganga bay, the surrounding mountains, and the blue ocean below.

#4 Crepes & Waffles: The Sweet-Treat Favorite

Crepes and Waffles might just be the best chain restaurant in all of Colombia. Their menu is so big you’ll probably need at least 30 minutes to read through it all. With so many fantastic options of both savory and sweet crepes, deciding what to order is a challenge.

These are our favorites:

• Tomatina — This is the best appetizer on the menu. Layers of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and pesto sauce are heated in the oven until soft and warm, then accompanied with arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette. Uff. Delish.

• Pollo al Curry — If you like curry, you’ll love this crepe-with-chicken-curry combination.

• Camarones Rosario — This crepe is served with chipotle sauce, avocado, and shrimp. It’s got a spicy kick, and it’s a popular favorite.

• Baby Doll — If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is for you. This crepe has banana, chocolate, nuts, and whipped cream. It’s simple but fantastic.

As for ice cream, you really can’t go wrong—we love the lemon, brownie, banana, mint, arequipe, and vanilla flavors best. Seasonal flavors like paraiso tropical—with white chocolate, pineapple, and coconut—are absolutely fantastic too. If you just come for ice cream, I won’t judge (we would come for ice cream here at least once a week).

In Santa Marta, there are now two Crepes & Waffles locations, one in Zazue near Playa Tortuga and the other in the Buenavista shopping center.

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#5 Dealer Taqueria: The Best Mexican Food in the City

If you’re looking for fantastic Mexican food (or if you mistakenly thought tacos were served in all of Latin America) well, you’re in luck because Dealer Taqueria has got you covered.

They’ve got classic meats like birria and al pastor, along with familiar favorites like chicken and brisket to choose from. Their menu has all the best: tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fries, or nachos—or the Chuck Norris or Vato Loco combos to try a variety of items. With the best spicy sauces and comfort food, Dealer is the perfect late-night stop.

They even have birria and chicken ramen, churros, bowls, and brisket burgers. Located right in the historic center of Santa Marta, this is a great option while you’re out on the town after dancing the night away.

#6 Pizza & Pasta Rodadero: Authentic Italian Pizzas in Rodadero

I’m the first to admit that sometimes you just need a quality pepperoni pizza (even on vacation). This place checks all the boxes. I was delightfully surprised to find authentic Italian pizza in a small town on the Colombian coast, but I’m all for it.

Their specialty is thin-crust pizza cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven. My all-time favorite is the Quattro Formaggi, a cheesy blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and blue cheese. (Classic pepperoni with the house’s spicy olive oil drizzled on top is a close second.)

The service here is top-notch, and the pizza is absolutely fantastic. It’s only open for dinner (from 5:30 to 10 pm), and they also have a fast delivery option for almost anywhere in Santa Marta.

#7 Quile: The Meat-Lover’s Favorite

If you’re looking for a steak, go to Quile. They have all sorts of meat cuts, traditional Colombian food, and great limonadas de coco (frozen coconut limeades). Quile has a few different locations in Santa Marta—we would always go to the one on Avenida del Ferrocarril, it’s sports bar style and always has soccer on.

They have beef, pork, and chicken options, normally served with fries, a creamy garlic house sauce, and a salad with a really delicious vinaigrette dressing. And, if you come with a big group, they also have great sharing options—with a lot of meat.

#8 Tranquilandia City: Affordable Colombian Caribbean Coast Food

Tranquilandia City is a local favorite that’s super affordable—I’m talking $6-$8 per person for a generous meal. They serve traditional costeño food like sancocho—a soup with corn, potatoes, meat, yuca, and banana—and mojarra frita: fried fish with coconut rice and fried plantains.

This place is always full of locals, since it’s bueno, bonito y barato (good, pretty, and cheap). It doesn’t have air conditioning, so come prepared or order your food to go (they also have great delivery options).

#9 Mil Carnes: Elegant Dining and Huge Portions

An upscale, elegant version of Quile, this restaurant has all the meats, seafood, rice, pasta, and grilled meat combos. This is where I tried my first bandeja paisa (pictured above) in Colombia. And wow—an impressive presentation, huge portion sizes, and lots of flavor (and it was so much food I had to take half of it home).

A very stylish restaurant, this place has something for everyone. If you’re looking to try costeño food and want to do it with a picture-perfect background (and air conditioning), this place is for you.

#10 La Boliseria Nevada: For the Best Colombian Popsicles

Almost every day in Santa Marta is hot and humid, and La Boliseria Nevada has the perfect refreshing treat for hot days. They sell bolis, traditional frozen popsicles packed into a thin, mini plastic bag. To eat them, you bite off a corner to open the plastic and eat the popsicle through the little hole.

This place makes the best bolis—and there’s a ton of flavors to choose from. If you don’t know which to choose, these are my favorites:

• Coco (coconut)—it’s always super creamy, with real coconut pieces!

• Oreo—it tastes just like a frozen oreo milkshake!

• Kola—this pink boli pictured above is a traditional Colombian flavor that’s hard to describe, it’s milky and sweet and really unique!

Colombian Food and More!

If you’re planning on spending a few days in Santa Marta, Colombia, you’re not going to want to skip these highly reccomended restaurants. These are Santa Marta’s best bites—the ones you’ll go home to tell your friends about.

While you’re enjoying the beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring culture in Santa Marta, make sure to try the most famous dishes of the Colombian coast (check out my complete guide to coastal Colombian food here). Enjoy the fresh blend of seafood, tropical fruits, and new flavors during your trip to this unique side of Colombia.

Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, and there are a LOT of hotels and hostels to choose from (get this: in Rodadero alone, there are over 1,100 hotels).

When it comes to destinations like Colombia, choosing the right place to stay will make or break your trip.

Despite being a beach town, parts of Santa Marta are chaotic (to say the least). There are certain parts of the city you definitely want to avoid. Before you book a hotel, there are a few important things you must know.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Where you should stay based on your travel style (beach bum vs. party-the-night-away type vs. nature lover),

• The exact 8 hotels I recommend in and near Santa Marta,

• The pros and cons of staying in Taganga during your trip,

• Areas to avoid to stay safe and have a fantastic vacation.

After living in Colombia for more than two years and finding hotels for friends and family (and staying in multiple hotels myself), these are my top recommendations.

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Imagine biting into a juicy, flavor-packed burger with the perfect amount of crunch and a delcious, savory house sauce. You’re sitting on a rooftop balcony, watching the sun set over one of the most stunning bays on the Colombian Caribbean coast.

No, it’s not a dream. While most people would be surprised such a luxury burger dining experience exists in Colombia, this is no joke.

Welcome to Playa Alta, the best burger on the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Location: Rooftop Balcony With a VIEW.

Playa Alta is perfectly situated on a mountainside in Taganga, a little fishing town right next to Santa Marta. From the rooftop balcony, you get absolutely spectacular views of the green mountains that border the turquoise bay filled with sailing and fishing boats.

Oh, and Santa Marta has the best sunsets in the whole world. Really. So come prepared to snap that perfect photo of your burger, cocktails, and friends with a divine purpley-pink sunset background.

Food: Champion Burgers like La Perla.

The champion of the 2023 Burger Master competition, La Perla is a burger you will dream about—for years to come. On your flight home, you’ll remember this burger and your mouth will water. You’ll book a trip back to Colombia just to eat here one more time.

It’s that good.

Juicy, flavorful, burger meat is just the beginning. This work of art combines Philadelphia cream cheese with crunchy bacon and blue cheese for a creamy base of delicious sabor. Then, it’s topped with sweet uchuva jam—made from exotic yellow-orange cherry fruits. That surprise hit of sweetness combines magically with the salty bacon and meat.

But they didn’t stop there. They added a perfectly toasted parmesan cheese disk to add a little crunch—and then a little more cheese, too. Finally, they topped it off with the special house sauce. That’s a winner—literally.

Oh, and that’s just one of over twenty burgers you can choose from on the menu. All burgers are served with fries. And they’re fantastic too—thick rustic fries with a stunning house sauce that you’ll definitely ask for more of. *drool drips onto keyboard*

Drinks: 10/10

As if creating the perfect burger wasn’t enough, Playa Alta decided to show everyone up with amazing drinks as well. From mocktails to milkshakes, this place has got it all.

I’m particularly keen on the frutos acidos michelada Soda Hatsu. With mango, passion fruit, lime, and spicy tajin, this drink is full of fruity goodness and combines fantastically with any burger.

They also have happy hour from 5-8 pm for their cocktails—get two for 35mil COP, (about $8.00).

Price: Under $40 Dinner for Two

The burgers here all come with fries, and are very reasonably priced, from 30-55 mil COP, or about $7-$13. Add a few drinks and an appetizer or a dessert, and you can easily spend less than $40 for a meal for two.

Playa Alta: Santa Marta’s Best Burger

Now, I know burgers aren’t a traditional dish from the Colombian Caribbean coast. But the combination of uniquely-Colombian ingredients like uchuva jam in La Perla burger, grilled costeño cheese in the Taganga burger, and sweet plantains in the Costeña burger makes this burger joint distinct—and memorable.

Make the trip to Taganga, and after a day of snorkeling, hiking, or relaxing at the beach, this is the burger place you absolutely must enjoy.

But be warned, you might start craving these burgers back and home and have to book a trip back to Colombia just to eat here again.

Playa Alta Burger Information*

Address: Vía Sta. Marta - Taganga, Taganga, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia (click here for the exact Google maps location)

Website: https://playaaltaburger.com/

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 6-11pm, Saturday to Sunday 5-11pm

Average Cost Per Person: $ 15-20

*This information is accurate as of May 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

Special thanks to my friends at Playa Alta Burger for sharing their incredible photos with me!

Disclaimer: The first two photos featured in this article are property of Playa Alta Burger and have been reproduced with permission.

It was at least 100 degrees outside (and probably 80% humidity). I was two blocks from the beach. It was the end of July. And yes, I was eating a bowl of steaming-hot soup. Only a small rotating fan brought a half-second of relief every so often.

I’ll be completely honest with you, I was not impressed.

It was my first week in Colombia—specifically, in the coastal city of Santa Marta. And eating soup on a hot summer day wasn’t exactly a gastronomical delight.

First, a disclaimer: I was at a serious disadvantage.

Now, I moved to Colombia after living in Peru and eating like royalty for an entire six months. Peru is God’s gift to gastronomy, an oasis of flavor, and the Eden of all foodies. Anywhere you eat after living in Peru will be sub-par, at best. It’s culinary anhedonia.

So, I was at a disadvantage (and yes, I did mourn the loss of deliciousness for quite a few months). But comparison is the thief of joy. Eventually—while living in Colombia for more than two years—I started to enjoy the flavors of the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

I discovered tropical combinations and unique ingredients that made the typical Colombian plates I’m going to share with you today really stand out.

What is the Colombian Caribbean Coast?

Colombia is a culturally-rich country internationally recognized for its music, coffee, and emeralds (and drugs, but that’s a story for another time). The Colombian Caribbean Coast stretches from Monteria near the Panama border through Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta all the way up to La Guajira, the country’s northernmost department that borders Venezuela. The coastal culture is vibrant, warm, and energetic.

The Colombian people from these regions—called costeños—are proud of their food, their star soccer player Lucho Diaz, their country, and their most important celebration: El Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of the biggest carnival celebrations in the world.

If you know where to go and what to ask for, you’ll enjoy trying many delicious typical foods during your time in Colombia.

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Here are a few things you must try:

Mojarra Roja: Fried Fish with Coconut Rice and Fried Plantains

You can’t travel to the Colombian Coast without trying this traditional dish—in Spanish, mojarra frita con arroz de coco y patacones. You’ll see it at almost every restaurant you enter. It’s a costeño favorite, and for good reason. It’s divine.

The fried fish of choice is mojarra, similar to dolphinfish or mahi-mahi in Hawaii, which can be found in both freshwater and saltwater. While there are different types of mojarra, the red one (which is actually more pink than red) is hands-down the most delicious.

Colombian chefs season the fish with loads of garlic, then fry it to perfection. It’s served with sweet coconut rice and fried plantains—making for a deliciously fresh combination. The mojarra’s tender, white meat combines with the crunchy and flavorful fried fish skin. Doused with fresh lime, it’s a flavor that’s uniquely costeño.

☝🏼Pro tip: Enjoy this plate at a beachfront restaurant—looking out at the turquoise Caribbean, while sipping on your cold drink of choice. Take it all in, because it really doesn’t get much better than that.

Fried Foods, Colombia’s Specialty

If you’re trying to keep your cholesterol levels in check, this is not for you. Fritos, or fried foods, are extremely popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and all the snacks in between). You can find variations of these fried delicacies all over the country, but most will admit that the best fritos are from the coast.

Empanadas

You’ve probably heard of empanadas before, almost every Latin American country has its own variation—but, spoiler alert… Colombia has the best empanadas. A ground corn dough is formed into little tortillas, filled, then formed into a half-moon shape and fried to crispy-golden perfection.

You’ll find empanadas with all types of meat, cheese, and fillings. From corn to potatoes to Hawaiian-pizza styled empanadas, you could eat a different one every day and still find unique surprises.

The best places to buy empanadas are the street vendors. My favorite—of all time—is in Santa Marta in the Libano neighborhood. You can find it most nights close to the intersection of Carrera 35 and Calle 42, under a blue umbrella.

Deditos

Another fried delicacy, deditos are basically fried cheese sticks (if some unsavory, 3-inch frozen cheese sticks came to mind, I get it, but deditos are next level). They come in small (3-inch) and extra large (7- to 10-inch) versions and have soft, sweet dough that melts in your mouth.

My personal favorites are the bocadillo deditos—inside they have a delicious combination of queso costeño (fresh cheese) and melted guava jelly. The sweet and cheesy combo makes for an unforgettable snack.

Arepa de Huevo

Watching someone make an arepa de huevo is impressive in and of itself—and when you take your first bite, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as well. They start by making an arepa out of ground corn, and forming it into a circle a little smaller than a CD (if you remember what size those used to be).

Then, they fry the dough until it’s crispy, take it out of the oil, make a tiny slit, and crack open an egg that slides in there. They seal it up, then fry it some more until the egg inside is cooked.

This is a favorite breakfast frito and is especially popular in Cartagena. And, you can’t have a frito without dipping it in picante, spicy salsa, or suero costeño, a white dip similar to sour cream. My mouth waters just imagining a delicious fried bite with spicy picante.

Carimañolas

This fried food is unique because its dough is made up of yuca, rather than corn. Yuca, the root of the cassava plant (where tapioca comes from), is a starchy vegetable similar to a potato.

To make a carimañola, first you have to cook yuca and mash it up into a dough. Then, you’ll fill it with cheese or meat, form it into a little oval-like shape, and fry it. The result is a frito with a soft, creamy texture and melted cheese that oozes into your mouth.

There are so many more fritos in Colombia—papa rellena, buñuelos, all different types of arepas, kibes, and so much more. In Cartagena they even have the Festival del Frito, a fair where you can try all the fried Colombian treats your heart desires.

Limonada de Coco: The Best Frozen Coconut Limeade (in the World)

If you like coconut drinks, you’re going to love the limonadas de coco. They’re creamy, sweet, and refreshing. I got my nana hooked on these when she came to visit (I think she had at least one every day she was here).

Each place you try it will add its own unique flair to the recipe—some have more of a milkshake texture, some emphasize the coconut flavor and add dried coconut on top, others are more citric-y and really bring out the lime.

If you’re in Santa Marta, you must try the coconut limeades at La Cocoteria—they’re fantastic (and they have a bunch of other coconut-based treats to try as well… and a super cute, vibey shop to take great pictures in).

But my all-time favorite limonada de coco is from Rodadero, Santa Marta’s most touristy beach town. You’ll want to head straight to Karey, take a beachfront seat, and pair your limonada de coco with a delicious seafood plate. You won’t be disappointed.

The perfect breakfast combo: Scrambled eggs with fried plantains, fresh cheese, and corozo juice.

Huevos pericos con patacones, queso costeño, y jugo de corozo. Colombia’s (upleveled) version of scrambled eggs is huevos pericos: eggs combined with a tangy onion-garlic-tomato mix and paired with fried plantains covered in delicious costeño cheese.

Queso costeño is an essential staple in the Colombian Caribbean Coast gastronomy. This white, salty cheese is used to make many other popular dishes, like mote de queso, and is an indispensable topping for dishes like salchipapa, and cayeye.

This delicious breakfast just wouldn’t be complete without jugo de corozo, a delicious juice made from the corozo fruit, a small, purple-red, cherry-like fruit that’s native to Colombia. This exotic tropical fruit drink is one of my all-time favorites!

And Yes, Sancocho—Hot Soup For a Hot Day

The Colombian Caribbean coast is always hot and constantly humid—except for two minutes of cool after it rains, occasionally (if it rains during certain times of the year, sometimes it’s even hotter after it stops raining).

But that doesn’t stop the costeños from cooking up a hot soup to enjoy in the middle of the day. They call it sancocho, and it’s a hearty stew made up of meat, corn, bananas, yuca, ñame (similar to yuca), potatoes, and cilantro. Served alongside a plate of rice and an avocado, this dish will fill you up—and make you sweat (if you weren’t already sweating).

At first, I didn’t understand eating soup in 100-degree weather. But after gathering with friends and family to eat homemade sancocho cooked on a wooden fire down by the river, I got it.

You see, sancocho is a dish made to share. You make it in a huge pot, invite everyone you love, and enjoy not just the soup, but the company too.

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And don’t forget to try…

These popular dishes are a few of my personal favorites—but there are many more. This guide to food on the Colombian coast wouldn’t be complete without mentioning:

• The famous pan de bono—a cheesy, light, and airy Colombian bread that melts in your mouth.

• Butifarra, a spicy little sausage sold by street vendors in Barranquilla, is doused in lime juice and absolutely delicious. This sausage is great for barbeques, salchipapa, and afternoon snacks.

• Bolis! These Colombian popsicles come in all flavors—coconut, lime, corozo, oreo, zapote, cookies, passionfruit, and a unique pink flavor called kola con leche. They’re the perfect cold treat on a hot day (which is every day on the Colombian coast), and only cost about $0.50 a pop. If you’re scared to buy them off the street, check out La Boliseria in Santa Marta—all the flavors are delicious (but coconut is my favorite).

• Tropical fruits like lulo, granadilla, and mamón! There are a ton of fun fruits to try here—some, like lulo, are better as a juice than raw. Mamón was one that surprised me, it’s a little challenging to eat but when it’s fresh and ripe, it’s unforgettable.

From a seemingly endless amount of unique tropical fruits to crazy street food combinations, there are just so many flavors to try on the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

There I was, in the middle of a Colombian forest, watching little monkeys play in the trees above me. This was just one of many magical yet unexpected experiences I enjoyed during the two years I spent in Colombia.

Quite honestly, I never imagined I would move to Colombia—let alone teach English in a bilingual school, make incredible friends, fall in love, and get married on a beach in Santa Marta.

In between empanadas and bolis, laughter and tears, beaches and rivers and mountains, work and play, Colombia taught me many beautiful lessons about life.

But first, let’s rewind a bit… How in the world did I end up in Colombia in the first place?

Why I Moved to Santa Marta, Colombia

My aunt practically begged me NOT to move to Colombia. (And I can’t blame her—all we hear from the news and social media about Colombia is drug cartels, kidnappings, and guerilla warfare.)

And yes, parts of Colombia are dangerous. And parts of the United States are dangerous. And parts of England, and Japan, and Timbuktu are dangerous. No country is free of crime, corruption, or perils.

But after living in Spain and meeting so many wonderful people from Colombia, it was pretty high up on my bucket list. So when my time in Peru started to come to a close, I began looking for a job teaching English in Colombia.

Basically, it went like this…

Google search: “best beaches in Colombia.” On my computer screen appear white sand beaches with turquoise water, palm trees, and green coastal mountains. My inner dolphin decides I want to live there. I search for jobs teaching English in the three coastal cities closest to that beautiful beach: Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. A few weeks later, I get an interview to teach second grade in the beautiful coastal city of Santa Marta, Colombia.

The adventure was about to begin.

What To Know Before You Move To Colombia

If you’re thinking about travelling or moving to Colombia, there are some things you should know:

• Stay alert, be careful. In Colombia they say, “no des papaya,” which basically means be careful and don’t be an easy target (aka, don’t be an idiot). If you wave your iPhone 27 around, it will get stolen. If your passport is hanging out of your back pocket, it will disappear. If you wander around dark streets drunk at 3am, bad things will happen. If you’re in Colombia, your street smarts need to be on high alert—at all times.

• Use a dumb phone. When I moved to Latin America, I bought an unattractive, $50 phone that I would use to text and call. Phones are the main thing burglars steal, so be very careful with yours.

• Don’t drink the water. The water in Colombia is NOT safe to drink. Save yourself from stomach problems (or worse) and buy bottled water (but not the Agua Brisa brand—that stuff tastes like straight-up plastic).

• Negotiate prices first. (Or, better yet, use Uber.) Whether you’re taking a taxi or buying an empanada, always ask how much it costs first. Unfortunately, I experienced endless scamming attempts during my time in Colombia (even in an official government notary office). Most common tactics: telling you they don’t have change for a larger bill, jacking up the prices since they can tell you’re a tourist, taking you the long way (when in a taxi) so you have to pay more. It’s incredibly frustrating, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices—and for transportation, use Uber.

• Colombian pesos are in the thousands and millions. When my pan de bono in the airport came out to 12,000 pesos, I was shocked. Until I realized that’s totally normal—everything you buy will be thousands of pesos. 12,000 COP = $3.20.

• Only use ATMs in malls. Many robberies in Colombia occur right outside of ATMs, especially the ones in darker, more secluded areas. I recommend only withdrawing money in ATMs in large shopping centers.

Now, I’m not sharing this to dissuade you from visiting Colombia. Nothing ruins a trip faster than a dumb mistake, so it’s best to come prepared. If you follow these tips, you’ll be much safer and you’ll have a great time.

What I Learned in Colombia

Now that we’ve got those nitty-gritty, street-smart tips out of the way, this is what I really learned in Colombia—the life lessons with a Colombian passport stamp that I’ll carry in my heart forever:

#1 Don’t just learn about the culture, embrace it.

I have always loved learning about culture, especially from people who are willing to share with me what makes their country unique. One of my favorite parts of living in Colombia was meeting friends who energetically shared their culture with me:

• They offered me delicious and unique Colombian foods—like butifarra, salchipapa, mote de queso, and chicha de kola (just to name a few).

• They taught me Colombian sayings, words, and phrases unique to the coastal region we were in (more on that later).

• They showed me the beauty of their favorite places in Colombia—hidden rivers, waterfalls tucked away in the mountains, and warm beaches.

• They opened their homes and hearts to me; soon, they felt like family.

But when you’re living in a different country, learning about the culture isn’t enough—you have to embrace it. That’s why, when my co-workers asked me if I was going to participate in their Carnaval dance group, I said yes.

Carnaval is a huge cultural event in schools, communities, and cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Our students (and us teachers!) spent a whole month practicing to dance onstage in front of the whole school. Everyone goes all out with the costumes, make-up, and decorations.

But it’s much more than just dancing, music, and celebration (and espuma). Every dance tells a story—of slaves with chains around their ankles, of African ancestors resisting and rebelling, of defeating death and celebrating life.

Sure, you could read about it in a textbook. But when you embrace it and step onstage to dance, perform, and keep those stories, rhythms, and traditions alive, you’ll get it—and you’ll never forget it.

#2 Santa Marta has the best sunsets.

Almost every single night, God paints the sky over Santa Marta with golden yellows, deep pinks, vibrant reds, and dark purples and blues. The hues drift like watercolor behind the coastal mountains and across the ocean.

I can’t tell you how many sunset pictures I have saved from those two years in Santa Marta. And yes, sometimes I miss those rich sunsets I would watch from my little apartment balcony. The days end quickly in Santa Marta, but they’re sent off with a rousing finale.

#3 Gratitude.

Living in a developing nation will either give you a lot to complain about, or a lot to be grateful for—it’s up to you.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when there’s suddenly no running water mid-shampoo, gratitude is not often the first thought. But when the running water starts working again (a few days later), your heart overflows with gratitude.

Power outages, flooded streets, insane traffic, water shortages, and crime are all common in Santa Marta, unfortunately. That’s a mental shift that really makes you reflect on what we take for granted each day.

You realize that the little things aren’t so little after all. That there are a lot of people suffering much more than you… and they have a better attitude about it as well. When you choose gratitude, you choose happiness, despite whatever is happening—or not happening—in your life.

#4 Appreciate the beauty in your backyard.

Remember those beautiful beach pictures I mentioned when I was deciding where to live in Santa Marta? That’s Taryona Park, one of Colombia’s most famous protected natural areas. It’s a tropical jungle combined with white-sand beaches with warm, turquoise water.

And, a lot of people from Santa Marta have never been there—despite the fact that it’s just an hour from the city. My husband, who had lived in the city for 8 years (and grew up in a neighboring city) had never been until we went together.

So often, we dream about faraway destinations—but let backyard beauty gather dust. Now, don’t get me wrong, book the flights to Japan, plan your dream trip… But enjoy the beauty around you, too.

During my two years in Santa Marta, I didn’t visit Medellin, or Bogota, or the Cocora Valley like I dreamed of. I got too caught up with the beauty right in Santa Marta. And I regret nothing. There is so much to see, explore, and love about this beautiful coastal city, and I’m glad I could enjoy so much of it.

#5 Love comes when you least expect it.

Ick, I know, so cliche, but it’s true. After being catcalled multiple times on my short route to and from school (while riding by bike in khakis and a collared shirt, mind you) I was disgusted with Colombian men.

I remember thinking to myself, after getting yelled out at again, I will never marry a Colombian. I’m sure God laughed. Because, I did marry a Colombian.

And he’s absolutely nothing like the machista men I was disgusted with. He’s unbelievably kind to everyone, extremely talented, always positive and happy, generous, and loving.

We became friends during my first few weeks in Colombia—we both worked at the school together; he taught music and was all the kids’ favorite teacher. We were dance partners for the teachers Carnaval dance group and later started dating. The rest is history.

So, if you’re waiting for your media naranja (other half, as they say in Spanish), don’t worry too much. Love comes when you least expect it.

#6 Comparison is the thief of joy.

Before moving to Colombia, I lived in Peru—in a gastronomical paradise. I was surrounded by all of my favorite foods, the freshest products, and the most incredible flavors.

When I got to Colombia and tried the food, I was… disappointed. But it wasn’t because Colombian food is bad—in fact, there are a ton of Colombian foods that I absolutely love.

I was stuck in the miserable comparison trap. You can’t enjoy the present if you’re constantly comparing it to the past. Thankfully, I was able to get out of that slump and start enjoying all the unique flavors Colombia has to offer. I found amazing dishes that still make my mouth water when I think about them today.

#7 Little hearts are the biggest hearts.

Teaching second-grade English to seven- and eight-year-olds in Colombia was so much fun. We read stories, sang songs, played soccer, made ice cream, did science experiments, and even did a little math. I taught them about California, and they taught me about Colombia.

I’ll never forget those adorable kiddos and their big hearts. They showed up with creativity, curiosity, and energy. And lots of noise—I had never heard a classroom as loud as my second-grade one the first few months of class.

But despite the challenges, teaching English was an incredible experience. I worked with absolutely amazing teachers who I learned so much from, taught wonderful kiddos, and had an immersive experience in Colombian education.

#8 The planet is ours to protect, or destroy.

I rode my bike to school along a very busy highway almost every day. Along the side of the road, there was a ditch that was filled with trash. All the time, I’d see people throw things out of their car windows, as if our earth was a giant trash can.

Living in such a beautiful beachside city with incredible green landscapes all over, I just didn’t get how people could be so careless. If we want to continue enjoying the beautiful earth we live on, we are the ones who have to protect it.

#9 Colombian sayings are endless.

I learned Spanish in Spain, and when I got to Colombia, I realized I was going to have to re-learn Spanish. The words I knew meant something else—and Colombians had sayings for everything.

But I soon learned a ton of Colombian slang. Here are some costeño essentials to study before your trip to the Colombian Caribbean coast:

• costeño = Colombian person from the Caribbean coast cities (Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena)

• Bacano = cool

• Para bolas = pay attention

• Eche no jodas = bruh, are you serious? (among other meanings)

• Porque aja = you know what I mean (iykyk kinda thing, this one is very common)

• Mamar gallo = mess around in a joking or teasing manner

• Pelao / Pelaa = young boy or girl

• Calilla = a mischievous or playful person

• Billullu = money

• Liso = adjective to describe someone who embodies the phrase: “give them an inch and they take a mile.”

• Sapo = snitch

• Cantaleta = adjective to describe throwing a fit

• Pupi = preppy or posh, rich kid

• Nombe = No way

And those are just a few.

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#10 Saying goodbye sucks.

The worst part about living in Colombia was leaving. I’ve had my fair share of goodbyes, but it never gets easier. I met so many incredible people that became friends that felt like family. They invited me into their lives and their families and made me feel at home—in a country miles away from my own. I still miss them a lot.

You say goodbye to people, and you also say goodbye to different chapters of life, too.

I loved the life I created in Colombia—I loved my tiny white apartment, I loved swimming laps in the afternoon, I loved laughing with my second-graders, I loved going to the beach and the forever warm weather, I loved going to get ice cream with my boyfriend, then fiancée, then husband.

When you pick up and move you say goodbye to people and places you love. And you also say goodbye to a version of yourself that you also (hopefully) love. And you start over—a new adventure begins.

Hasta Pronto, Colombia

Colombia will always have a special place in my heart. The lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the places I’ve traveled stay with me.

I will go back, hopefully soon. But that same Colombia, my Colombia, will not be there. It’s locked away in my heart, for only me to remember and hold forever.

Spain is much more than just paella and tapas. Sure, that’s a good start—and who doesn’t love a good tapas tour? But Spain has many other delicious dishes to offer.

I would describe Spain’s gastronomy in three words: simple, fresh, and nostalgic. Spanish dishes spotlight simple ingredients like tomato, bread, olive oil, and potatoes, combined with staple spices like paprika, garlic, and saffron.

As for nostalgia, most dishes are deeply regional, and many were born out of the scarcity caused by the Spanish Civil War. Here, food is richly intertwined with cultural identity. (Just ask any Spaniard whether onions belong in tortilla de patata or not—and prepare yourself for a lecture.)

But it works. It works because the ingredients are fresh (Spanish tomatoes, oranges, and olives are the best in the world). It works because the dishes are simple, yet filling—and distinctly Spanish.

How Spaniards Actually Eat (So You Can Blend In)

One of the factors that really sets Spanish gastronomy apart is the timing, when they eat their meals:

• Breakfast is from 7-9 am. A typical breakfast includes a tostada (a halved, toasted baguette) with olive oil, jam, or tomato. Tortilla de patata is another popular breakfast favorite (more on that later).

• Lunch is from 2-4 pm, and it’s the biggest meal of the day. It’s very common to serve a fresh salad with olive oil and vinegar and bread with this meal. Seafood is common, especially in coastal areas.

• Dinner is served after 9pm (very late!) and might include favorites like albondigas (meatballs) or homemade croquetas.

If you want to find authentic eats, try to follow the Spanish schedule. And, if you’re looking for next-level authenticity, order regional favorites based on the city you’re in.

What “Authentic” Spanish Cuisine Really Means

Personally, I define authentic cuisine as what the locals eat and cook in their homes. Serving as a missionary in Spain and being invited into people’s homes for meals gave me a unique inside look into what really makes up Spanish food.

The list you’ll find here is filled with things that Spanish abuelas, families, and mothers served me at their dinner tables. They’re authentic; to me, these dishes truly define Spanish gastronomy.

Now, like most countries, authentic Spanish cuisine varies by region and season.

If you’re in Galicia in the north of Spain, you’ll want to try the famous pulpo gallego, Galician octopus and potatoes seasoned with paprika. If you’re in Andalusia in the south, you’ll see gazpacho, a cold tomato and vegetable soup, on a lot of menus.

If you’re near Valencia, make sure you try the refreshing and creamy Spanish drink called horchata, made from tiger nuts. And if you’re in Spain in the spring—specifically in March or April—do try torrijas, Spain’s version of French toast.

You’ll also find unique products from specific regions of Spain—cheeses like queso manchego from Castilla la Mancha and cabrales from Asturias and fruits like nisperos from Spain’s Costa Blanca.

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10 Authentic Spanish Dishes You Must Try

Despite regional and seasonal variations, these 10 dishes stand out and are almost universal across Spain. After living in many different cities in Spain (Alicante, Pamplona, and Santander just to name a few), these are my favorite Spanish dishes you must try when you visit:

#1 Paella: The Iconic Spanish Rice Dish

Paella originated in Valencia, Spain—where it was made with chicken and rabbit (and sometimes snails), rather than seafood. Today, you can find this famous dish in almost every Spanish city (in restaurants in Alicante, they don’t even call it paella, they just call it arroz, or rice).

You can find seafood paellas with shrimp, clams, octopus, and squid, vegetable paellas, chicken and rabbit paellas, or combination of those ingredients. But they all have one secret ingredient: saffron. This very expensive spice gives the dish a vibrant, orangey color and a savory flavor.

This famous dish is made in a large, shallow metal pan called a paellera. Spaniards traditionally make paella for large gatherings or Sunday dinners with family. They eat it with a fresh salad with vinegar and olive oil as dressing alongside fresh bread and alioli—a delicious garlic mayo.

#2 Tortilla de Patata: Potato and Egg Omelette

Another classic, tortilla de patata can be found at almost every authentic Spanish bar. It’s a fried potato-and-egg omelette (often made with onions for extra flavor) that’s served either with ham and cheese, the famous garlic-mayo alioli (my personal favorite), or in a baguette as a sandwich.

This dish can be eaten at any time of day—for breakfast, as a snack, or as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Each restaurant makes it a little different, so try it a few times to see which version you like best.

#3 Patatas Bravas: Chunky Fried Potatoes With Alioli and Bravas Sauce

My favorite tapa of all time, this french-fry-esque dish is crispy, filling, and topped with amazing sauces: creamy garlic alioli and a spicy paprika sauce. It’s on almost every menu, because it’s that good.

The fried potatoes typically come as small cubes, but some places get creative with the shape (like Tapería La Boya in Alicante, Spain that shaped them into thinner, potato-chip-like bites).

#4 Jamón Ibérico: Cured Iberian ham

The first time I tried jamón ibérico, I was not a fan. Later, I realized that there are hundreds of different varieties, styles, and—most importantly—quality levels of this Spanish product.

When I tried expensive, top-level Iberian ham from a small, family-run jamón shop in Alicante, I realized I didn’t dislike jamón ibérico, I just have expensive taste.

My advice: make sure you try quality Iberian ham. It makes all the difference.

This bite is typically served on a platter with cheese and other finger foods. You can also order it in a baguette sandwich. There are stores all over Spain that sell jamón ibérico—and they’re easily recognizable because the pig legs are hanging from the ceiling. Most places will shave off a piece for you and let you try before you buy.

#5 Churros con Chocolate: Fried Churros and Thick, Warm, Chocolate Dipping Sauce

If you visit Spain in the winter, you’ll see food stands selling churros con chocolate on almost every street corner! This famous treat is the perfect dessert to end the night. The churros are crispy and made right on the spot. The chocolate isn’t your typical drinkable hot chocolate—it’s thick, mildly sweet, and meant for dipping the churros.

You can also find other churros variations at the churros stands. Don’t be afraid to try porras (thicker, fluffier churros) or buñuelos (not to be confused with Colombian buñuelos, these are fluffy, airy, dough balls.)

If you’re in Madrid, stop by Chocolatería San Ginés to try churros con chocolate at a cafe that’s been around for over 100 years—and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

#6 Croquetas: Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks (But Creamier and Better)

Another very common Spanish bar food, this snack is made with a creamy béchamel base and either ham, cheese, meat, or fish. It’s coated in eggwash and breadcrumbs then deep fried.

There are many variations of these crispy tapas—every place makes them a little different. Oh, and they’re served flaming hot, so be careful.

#7 Gambas al Ajillo: Sauteed Garlic-and-Lemon Shrimp

Another delicious seafood dish, gambas al ajillo are peeled shrimp in a rich garlic and olive oil sauce. It’s typically served with slices of Spanish bread, and it’s a simple but delicious dish.

#8 Zumo de Naranja: Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

I wouldn’t put orange juice on a list of my favorite, most authentic Spanish dishes if it wasn’t absolutely incredible. So, I’ll tell it like it is: the best orange juice I’ve ever had is Spanish orange juice.

Just walk into your nearest Mercadona (a Spanish chain grocery store), go to the produce section, grab a one-liter plastic bottle, and use their giant juicing machine to try it yourself. It’s simply the best.

#9 Bocadillo de Calamares: Fried Squid Sandwich

Sandwiches made from a crispy, warm baguette are a popular snack. And one of my favorite Spanish sandwiches is the bocadillo de calamares.

Packed with breaded, perfectly juicy fried squid and doused with fresh lemon juice and alioli, this sandwich is the essence of simplicity. It’s one all seafood- and calamari-lovers must try.

My favorite spot to grab one is at La Campana, right outside of Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid.

#10 Alioli: Garlic Mayonnaise

Yes, this deserves its own special mention, because it’s that iconic. Whether you put it on tortilla de patata, your bocadillo de calamares, or just a plain old baguette, it takes your taste buds to a whole new level of delight.

You can buy a ¼ cup of alioli at Mercadona for just a few euros. But nothing beats homemade alioli made by a Spanish abuela. I remember learning how to make this delicious mayonnaise in a narrow kitchen in Terrassa, Spain; Rosario, who was probably 80 years old, was an alioli master.

Common Tourist Mistakes

When it comes to eating right in Spain, I see a lot of people make these common mistakes:

• Searching for “Tapas” Restaurants. Here’s the thing about “tapas” restaurants: if you find one, it’s probably an overpriced tourist trap. The authentic places that serve tapas don’t have the word tapas plastered on the front. They’re just normal restaurants or bars that serve tapas. You see, tapas is a category of Spanish food, not a type of restaurant.

• Ordering Paella for Dinner. Spaniards never have paella for dinner. It’s a lunch dish. Now, you can order paella for dinner, and restaurants will serve it after 5pm, but it’s an immediate give-away that you’re a tourist. (That being said, do what you want—if you’re craving paella, go for it. I’ve done it before, and didn’t get any angry looks.)

• Not checking what time restaurants open. The dining schedule in Spain is different, so make sure you check what time restaurants open. Most authentic Spanish places serve lunch from 12pm - 4pm, and don’t open for dinner until 8pm.

What to Know When Ordering Paella

Ordering paella in Spain can be a little tricky. In most restaurants (at least the ones that aren’t tourist traps), you’ll see prices next to the different types of paellas, and then a note that usually says something like: “precios por persona; mínimo dos personas” (prices per person, minimum two people).

That means that if you want to order paella, you’ve got to buddy up with someone at your table and agree on a paella to share. Most places don’t make individual-sized paellas. The paella comes in one big paella pan, and you scoop the rice onto your plate to eat it.

When the check comes, you’ll see a charge per person for the paella. So, if it costs 20€ and two of you share it, it will be 40€ total. If three people share it, it will be 60€ total.

How to Spot an Authentic Restaurant

When you’re looking for restaurants in Spain, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Skip the restaurants right on rambla streets. You know the ones, they’ve got menus in English with pictures of the food for every menu item, and there’s almost always aggressive waiters/salespeople waving you in to sit down. They’re overpriced and almost always tourist traps.

• Look for locals. If you see a restaurant packed with tourists, it’s either done an amazing social media promo campaign, or it’s not authentic.

• Find restaurants with five-star Google reviews. And reviews in Spanish. This is a good indicator of restaurant quality.

• Don’t be afraid to wander. Often, the authentic restaurants are a little off the beaten path. Want hole-in-the-wall recommendations of the best places to eat in Spain? Subscribe and I’ll share my favorite restaurants with you!

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My Recommendations for Eating Right in Spain

The ten Spanish dishes I’ve shared here are my favorites. They represent Spain well and you can find them easily at many of the restaurants you’ll visit. But there are so many more—and it’s almost impossible to include them all in a quick foodie guide!

In fact, not too long ago, one of my friends here in Spain introduced me to a new Spanish dish that I absolutely loved: tarta de Santiago. This citrusy almond cake was fantastic. I learned that it’s from Santiago de Compostella, a city in the north of Spain, where it was prepared for pilgrims completing the camino de Santiago walk.

During your time in Spain, I hope you discover your own favorite Spanish dishes that aren’t on this list. I hope you enjoy every bite and dive into Spanish gastronomy head-first.

As they say here in Spain, “pan con pan, comida de tontos.” In English, “bread with bread is food for fools.” Variety, contrast, surprise are what makes gastronomy so rich and interesting. So explore, enjoy, and devour all Spain has to offer.

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe for more like it! I write for adventurous, budget-following foodies who want every bite while traveling to be 100% worth the trip.

Right next to Albufereta beach, this cute, small restaurant has more outdoor seating than indoor. It’s always packed with Spaniards and tourists alike, and the tables are so close to each other you have to squeeze around everyone. It’s got cool, hip vibes, and the food comes fast.

Beware: There is no parking. And parking in the area is hard to come by. Be prepared to park far away (10-15 minutes walking) and walk to the restaurant. But with the beach nearby and the hills of Alicante in the distance, it’s a pretty walk.

Tapas for Two: What We Ordered

We came for dinner (just the two of us) so we ordered the classic patatas bravas con salsa secreta—fried potatoes traditionally served with spicy tomato sauce and creamy garlic mayo—and two pulpitos—fried octopus with special sauces.

I saw their hojaldre—a delicious puff pastry treat with a creamy inside—on the menu before we came and I was so disappointed when the waitress told me they didn’t have it that day.

“And what days do they make it?” I asked. Her response was very Spanish: “Depends on the chef, depends on the day.”

First came the patatas bravas. Unlike traditional fried potatoes, these were thinly sliced almost potato-chip-style tapas. They were covered in the special sauce, which was similar to the traditional brava sauce, along with a chimichurri-esque chopped parsley and olive oil dressing as well.

Here’s the thing… I LOVE alioli, that delicious creamy garlic mayonnaise that Spain is known for. So, patatas bravas without the star of the show?!? No-go for me.

If they would have had alioli, they would have been a solid 9/10, but since it was missing, they get a 7/10.

Patatas bravas: 7/10

Now for the octopus. Portion sizes were big, the octopus was cooked wonderfully and it had a very light batter that made it feel just slightly fried. There were two sauces, a creamy red sauce with a little bit of spice and a fresh and fruity purple sauce with an interesting texture.

The octopus was mainly seasoned with paprika… quite a bit of paprika. Since that’s not my favorite seasoning, after a while it became a little overbearing. Overall, it was a yummy dish, but I prefer my pulpito grilled. Another solid 7/10.

Pulpito: 7/10

The Million-Dollar Question: Would you come back?

Dinner for two came out to €43.45 euros. This place is very reasonably priced, we just both ordered one of the most expensive options on the menu: octopus.

Tapería La Boya has a lot of different options on their menu, and since we only tried a couple, I would definetly come back to try other tapas.

I think the best way to experience a tapas restaurant is with a group of 4-6 people, where everyone orders a different menu item and everything is shared.

Next time I go, I’ll have to try the garlic shrimp, the honey eggplant, and some montaditos to top it all off. And hopefully the chef is in a good mood and they have hojaldre that day.

Tapería La Boya Information*

Address: Av. de la Condomina, 19, Albuferta 03016 Alicante, Spain

Website: https://taperialaboya.com/

Operating Hours: Wednesday 12–5 pm, Thursday - Saturday 12–5 pm, 8 pm–1 am, Sunday 12–5 pm

Average Cost Per Person: € 20 – 30

*This information is accurate as of March 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a hike near Bilbao, Spain that’s famous because of the popular TV show, Game of Thrones. And it’s no wonder they choose this beautiful section of Spain’s northern coast as Daenerys’s home, Dragonstone—it’s imposing yet captivating, just like the mother of dragons herself.

This iconic hike is a must-do for Game of Thrones fans and nature-lovers alike. With incredible views of the beautiful Basque Country, a rugged rocky coastline, and the green forests of the north, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a hike you won’t forget.

My husband Pedro loves Game of Thrones, and he had the best time pointing out all the spots where they filmed—and taking pictures and videos along the way.

I’ve been to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe three times now, and have successfully hiked it twice (the first time, it was a holiday and unfortunately we didn’t know it was going to be closed).

Yet, it never ceases to impress.

Where Exactly Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small islet on Spain’s Northern coast, near the Basque town of Bakio. It’s about 40 minutes by car from the city of Bilbao. This stunning coastal wonder is something you do not want to miss on your trip to the north of Spain.

How to Get to the Trailhead from Bilbao

If you’re renting a car, it takes about 40 minutes to get to the parking lot where you can start the hike. But, you don’t need to rent a car just to do the hike. Getting to the trailhead by bus is straightforward and affordable.

The bus to the town of Bakio leaves from the Plaza de Federico Moyúa (right in front of the Starbucks). The bus runs hourly Monday-Saturday. It costs just 3.40€ per person and the trip takes about 45 minutes.

Look for the 3518 bus to Bakio (it’s green and white and you’ll see the word “Bakio” at the front of the bus). Pay as soon as you get on the bus, with either cash or card. You’ll get off at the last stop once you reach the town of Bakio.

(There’s also an additional bus that will take you from the Bakio bus stop to the trailhead, but it comes every two hours, so it’s usually quicker just to walk.)

What to Know About The Hike

• You must make an online reservation to hike. If you’re planning on hiking during the summer months (June through September), or weekends or holidays, you will need to reserve a free entrance ticket online. It’s easy and free. Just go to this website to make a reservation.

• There are 241 stairs to the top. Get ready to climb! Once you get to the entrance of the islet, the rest of the way to the top is all stone stairs.

• Hiking distance from Bakio: about 3 km (1.8 miles). The hike to the chapel at the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has quite a bit of uphill climbs, but it’s not a long hike.

• Total hiking time: 2-3 hours. At a normal pace, and stopping to take pictures, you’ll be able to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and back in 2-3 hours.

• The north of Spain is very rainy. Bring a raincoat and an umbrella because in the beautiful north of Spain, it’s almost always raining. You can still hike in the rain, just be careful not to slip on the wet stones, especially in the steeper spots.

Best Time of Year To Visit Bilbao, Spain

If you’d like to avoid hiking in the rain, plan your trip for August. Summer months have drier, warmer weather—though the Basque Country gets rain almost year round.

If you’re aiming for fewer crowds, try coming in April, May, September, or October (just make sure you bring a rain jacket). We went in January 2026 and lucked out—the day we hiked San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was the only day of the trip that it didn’t rain!

After living in Santander for six months, the north of Spain will always have a special place in my heart. It’s full of stunning picturesque green landscapes, wonderful people, and delicious culinary creations.

Cities like Bilbao, Santander, and San Sebastian are well worth a visit—especially in the vibrant summer months. If you’re nearby, you might also like to:

• Visit Palacio de la Magdalena in Santander—a free, beautiful green park with amazing coastal views, a small zoo with seals and penguins, and a stunning royal palace (where they filmed my favorite Spanish TV show, Gran Hotel).

• Do a pintxo tour of Bilbao—spend the night bar-hopping and trying unique and flavorful bites. My guide has everything you need to know for an unforgettable foodie pintxo tour.

• Rent a Vespa and explore San Sebastian—This was one of the most memorable activities we did in Spain. Exploring the coast of San Sebastian by motorcycle (and making it to the top of Mount Igueldo) is so much fun.

The Champion’s Burger event put Circo on my radar. If you haven’t heard of The Champion’s Burger, it’s Spain’s greatest contribution to humankind. It’s an ongoing culinary competition where food trucks from burger joints all over Spain travel together to different cities and compete for the title of Spain’s best burger.

Their Santa Trufa burger competed in the Champions Burger event. (However, I didn’t try it there. Here in Alicante we have three different Circo burger locations, so at the event I opted to try burgers from other cities.)

However, I did put Circo Burger on my list of places to try and boy am I glad I did—this places is delicious.

Circo Burger has been around since 2017 and as of March 2026, has different locations in these nine cities in Spain:

• Albacete

• Alicante

• Benidorm

• Cartagena

• Elche

• L’Eliana

• Madrid

• Murcia

• Valencia

We went to Alicante’s San Juan location, just a few minutes from the beautiful San Juan beach. We walked along the beach for a bit, and I just couldn’t resist the urge to take my sandals off and dip my feet in the warm Mediterranean ocean. The sun was setting, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and my stomach was growling… Why do dinner places in Spain not open until 8pm?

I was starving when we got there, but the burgers were worth the wait.

Our total for two burgers and two Coca-Colas was €34.30, not bad at all for burgers on a Friday night. The burgers range from 9€ - 15€ each and they all come with fries.

What We Ordered

We went half and half so we could try two burgers: the Julieta and the burger of the month: Estrella Sin Michelin. All of Circo’s burgers come with half-moon shaped french fries and a delicious house sauce (and you just know I LOVE a good house sauce).

The Julieta burger is two patties of “vaca vieja” (literal translation: old cow, likely translation: aged beef), two slices of havarti cheese, crunchy bacon, a sweet homemade smoked bacon jam, and turron sauce with arugula.

What a combination! The sweet bacon jam combines delightfully with the havarti cheese, and the double meat is absolutely fantastic. The meat was a little well done for my taste and the burger’s presentation and size wasn’t too impressive (although it was filling).

Julieta burger: 7/10

Every month, Circo burger releases a new burger of the month—only available for that month. It’s a great idea that keeps people coming back to try new burgers. But it’s also unfortunate if like me, you fell in love with the burger of the month. Oh, Estrella Sin Michelin burger. Will they ever put you on the menu again? No one knows.

This burger is an elegant (and very Spanish) combination of:

• Aged beef—Also a little well done for my palate, but it was a good amount of meat for the burger.

• Havarti cheese—A fantastic cheese choice, havarti cheese is creamy, buttery, and delicious on hamburgers.

• Chopped up chorizo—Another excellent touch, this gave a lot of extra flavor and a hint of spiciness.

• A fried egg—Of course, with the runny yolk. Not a trend I’m particularly fond of, but luckily this fried egg was inconspicuous and unobtrusive.

• Cabrales cheese—Never heard of it? Me either, until yesterday. It’s blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in Asturias, Spain and it is amazing. From the first bite, this is the high-impact flavor that really sets this burger apart. If you like blue cheese, you’ll love this.

• Torto asturiano—This is a traditional side dish also from Asturias, Spain. It’s a fried corn disk (kind of like an arepa) and it gives the burger a fantastic crunch.

• Brioche bun—Brioche, we love you. And this one was noteworthy.

This burger was great. Unfortunately, I don’t know if my palate will ever be able to enjoy it again, since this was last September’s burger of the month. *sad violin music plays in the background*

Estrella Sin Michelin burger: 9/10

Circo Burger, I need more fries.

My one complaint: there weren’t enough fries. Burger joints, potatoes are cheap. Give me a heaping pile of fries next to my burger, and I will be happy.

On the plus side, Circo’s fries are unique and elegant—they’re delicate little half-moon shaped bites of goodness. But, unfortunately, I was only able to enjoy 15 of them (yes, I counted). I’d like at least double that (ideally triple.)

The Million-Dollar Question: Would you come back?

Heck yes. They’ve got a ton of great burgers on the menu; I was eyeing La Marquesa—packed with smoked bacon chunks, parmesan cheese, and truffle mayo.

Quite honestly, I’ll probably have to check Circo’s instagram and website every month to see what new burgers they release (and cross my fingers the Estrella Sin Michelin and I cross paths again).

Circo Burger Information*

Address: Avinguda de la Costa Blanca, 128, Local 10, 03540 Alicante

Website: https://circorestaurante.com/

Operating Hours: 1-3:45pm, 8-12am

Average Cost Per Person: € 15-20

*This information is accurate as of March 2026. Make sure to double-check the website to find the latest details and possible changes.

A beautiful city known for its architecture, green spaces, and famous soccer team, Madrid is one-of-a-kind. Its rich cultural history makes it a fantastic city to sightsee and walk around almost any time of the year.

With everything from an Egyptian temple to the oldest restaurant in the world, Madrid is full of surprises.

If you’ve only got a few days in Madrid during your European trip or vacation in Spain, here’s a great way to spend two days in Spain’s capital city. You’ll visit the must-see attractions in Madrid and enjoy authentic, unique experiences.

Here’s the TLDR version of your 2-day Madrid itinerary:

Day 1:

📷 See the famous Puerta de Alcalá

🚶🏼‍♀️Stroll through Parque Retiro

🚣🏽 Rowboat in Parque Retiro’s lake

🍴 Try Distrito Burger

🖼️ Enjoy the famous El Prado museum

🍴 Eat fantastic Peruvian food at Humo in Goya

Day 2:

👀 Check out the Debod Temple: an Egyptian temple in the middle of the city

🏛️ Visit the Palacio Real: one of the largest royal palaces in the world

🚶🏼‍♀️ Walk down Gran Via, Madrid’s Broadway

🍴 Try Casa Dani’s award winning tortilla de patata

📷 Take a selfie at the famous Cibeles fountain

🍷 End the night on one of Madrid’s rooftop bars

And if you have more time:

🚶🏼‍♀️ People watch at Plaza Mayor

⚽ Visit Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s Stadium

🍴 Eat at Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world

🚗 Take a stunning day trip to Segovia or Toledo

Now, for the more detailed version:

Day 1: Madrid’s Famous Palaces, Monuments, and Parks

Start your day off at a famous monument: the Puerta de Alcalá. This triumphal arch was built between 1774 and 1778 at the main entrance of the capital city to celebrate the arrival of King Carlos III. It’s historic because it was the first triumphal arch built in Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire.

Then, take a morning walk through Parque Retiro, Madrid’s green oasis. One of the many entrances is right next to the Puerta de Alcala. This huge park is over 350 acres (142 hectares), and filled with lakes, statues, rose gardens, and even a Palacio de Cristal: a beautiful glass conservatory.

For a bit of adventure, go on a rowboat ride through the lake. Or, enjoy a nap in the grass. Listen to the live music that’s almost always sprinkled throughout the park. This is your dose of the real Spanish lifestyle—slow enjoyment in the beautiful outdoors.

How do I schedule a rowboat ride in Parque Retiro’s Lake?

To reserve a rowboat at Retiro Lake, download the “Madrid Movil” app, choose “Estanque del Retiro,” then select “Barcas Estanque del Retiro.” You’ll see a calendar with different availability per day, then below, the times available.

You can NOT book these tickets far in advance. The system only lets you book them a few days before, so make sure you get on the app early in the morning to secure the time you want.

You could also just show up and wait in line to buy your ticket the day of. Sometimes the lines are long, so be prepared to wait if you don’t get there early. The rowboat rentals open at 10am and close at 2:00 for siesta time, then open back up at 3:15pm.

How much does it cost to rent a rowboat in Parque Retiro?

From Monday to Friday, it costs €6 euros for one 45-minute rental. If you go on a weekend or holiday, it’ll cost €8 euros. Children under four are free.

Grab some burgers for lunch at Distrito burger, right next to the park’s Ibiza metro station entrance. Enjoy unlimited fries, juicy burgers, fantastic house sauces, and creamy oreo desserts. They have a great deal with the lunch menu where you get a burger, fries, a drink, and a dessert for about 13 euros.

(Distrito burger has various locations throughout the city. The one I recommend is located at Calle de Ibiza, 16, perfectly situated next to Retiro Park near the Ibiza metro station entrance.)

Spend the afternoon at El Prado, one of Spain’s most important art museums. Here, you’ll find famous works like:

• Las Meninas, by Diego Velázquez

• The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Bosch

• The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest, by El Greco

• And many other works by famous artists like Goya, Dürer, and Rembrandt.

How much are the Prado museum’s entrance tickets?

Tickets cost 15 euros online, or you can visit the museum free from 6pm to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 5pm to 7pm on Sundays and holidays.

Finish off the day with some fantastic Peruvian food at Humo, located on Calle de Hermosilla 73 in Madrid’s Goya district. This restaurant is a luxury upgrade to the traditional Peruvian Pollerias—but without a hefty price tag.

Try their fantastic Peruvian roasted chicken, pollo a la brasa, with mouth wateringly-good spicy sauces, fresh salad, and french fries cooked at the perfect level of crispiness. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, they also have typical peruvian rice—arroz chaufa and aeropuerto—ceviche, or wings. Be sure to try their amazing chicha morada: a typical Peruvian drink made from purple corn.

After eating at Humo, and walking around Madrid all day, you’re almost sure to roll back to your hotel and call it a night.

Day 2: Egyptian Temples, Royal Palaces, and a Rooftop View of Madrid’s Skyline

During your second day in Madrid, visit the Debod Temple, an Egyptian temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC. The temple’s walls are covered with images of kings making offerings to various Egyptian Gods, and it’s surrounded by beautiful green parks and fantastic panoramic views of the city. And, it’s free! (Just make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time and know that it’s closed on Mondays.)

Why is there an Egyptian temple in the center of Madrid?

Over 2,000 years ago, the temple’s original location was in southern Egypt, near the first cataract of the Nile river in Nubia. But, in the 1960s, when the Aswan High Dam was built, it caused serious flooding that almost completely submerged this ancient temple.

Spain was one of the few countries to respond to UNESCO’s cry for help, and Spanish architects helped save the Debod Temple, and other temples in Nubia. As a really cool way to say thank you, Egypt gifted temples to each country that helped.

The Debod Temple was carefully deconstructed and sent, stone by stone, to Madrid, where it was meticulously rebuilt and then opened to the public in 1972.

After you check out the ancient Egyptian temple, head over to the Palacio Real—one of the largest royal palaces in the world. With 3,418 rooms, stunning decorations, royal gardens, and works of art from famous artists like Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, this place is sure to take your breath away.

How much is the entrance fee to Madrid’s Palacio Real?

Tickets cost between 14 and 24 euros (depending on the tour you choose). Make sure to get your tickets early at the official Royal Palace website. Also, if you are a citizen of the European Union, a resident or holder of work permit in that territory, or a Latin American citizen you can visit for free Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm (4pm to 6pm in winter). If you happen to be there on 18 May, International Museum Day, entrance is free.

Grab some lunch at Divorare for authentic Italian focaccias (right next to the Chueca metro station, on Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 20) or Casa Dani (on Calle Ayala, 28 near the Serrano metro station) for an award-winning tortilla de patata and other traditional Spanish dishes.

Then, spend the afternoon shopping on Gran Via, Spain’s version of Broadway. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels, theatres, and shopping galore. Start at the Plaza de Espana metro station, close to the Royal Palace, and walk the entire thing—it’s less than a mile long.

Near Gran Via, you can see:

• The famous Cibeles fountain—a 18th century work of art that shows the Phrygian goddess Cybele on a lion-pulled chariot.

• The Metropolis Building—a famous dome-topped office building at the corner of the Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía.

• Iconic stores like Primark and Zara—great for shopping and getting an inside look at Spanish fashion.

• A one-of-a-kind view of the Madrid skyline, at Riu 360 Rooftop bar (if you’re willing to pay for that fantastic 360 degree view). Get lunch, dinner, or drinks, enjoy the live music, and take your picture with the Madrid skyline as your backdrop.

Is there a better way to finish off a quick trip to Madrid than watching the sunset on a rooftop bar, favorite drink in hand, and live music playing in the background?

More Things to See and Do in Madrid

If you have more time in Madrid or want to turn your two-day Madrid vacation into a longer trip, here are some other activities things to do and see in Spain’s capital city:

• Soak in the history of Madrid’s main market space, Plaza Mayor. Today it’s filled with outdoor seating for restaurants and tourists, but it was once the place where bullfights, games, ceremonies, and even executions occurred.

• Try the famous bocadillo de calamares at Bar La Campana (by Plaza Mayor)—it’s a fried squid sandwich topped with garlic mayo and lemon, and it’s the best one in the city.

• Take a tour of Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s home stadium. Enjoy a panoramic view of the inside of the stadium and a visit to the Real Madrid museum. If that dates line up and you’re in Madrid during game day, don’t miss your chance to watch some futbol at this famous stadium.

• Check out the Chamberí Ghost Station—an abandoned metro station turned museum that gives you an inside look into the spooky history of Madrid’s metro.

• Eat at the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. Founded in 1725, Botín (located nearby the Royal Palace on Calle de Cuchilleros, 17) is backed by 300 years of experience. Here, you’ll find real Madrilenian cuisine.

What are the best day trips from Madrid?

Your two best options are Segovia and Toledo. Both of these beautiful cities have their own unique charm and are full of Spanish history.

• Segovia is a stunning World Heritage City famous for the fairytale castle of Alcázar (Walt Disney supposedly modeled the first Disneyland castle after this beauty). It also is known for a soaring aqueduct that cuts through the middle of the city. Segovia has impressive views and since it’s about an hour drive from Madrid, it’s a great day trip option.

• Toledo is also about an hour from Madrid. This beautiful city has a rich cultural, religious, and architectural history. Make sure to visit the 13th century High Gothic cathedral—one of only three in the country. Its intricate details and stunning architecture make it a true work of art. Fun fact: Here you can find a 10th century mosque, two synagogues, and an 18th century baroque church all in the same city.

Enjoy Exploring Madrid’s Vibrant Streets and Hidden Gems

This two-day Madrid itinerary is a fun blend of must-see attractions and hidden gems. Who would have thought you’d visit a 2nd century Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid?

Whether you’re here for the historical classics, the world-renowned museums, or the trendy new rooftop bars, Madrid has something for everyone—it’s a vibrant city you’re sure to enjoy.

P.S. Check out my five favorite restaurants I come back to again and again whenever we’re in Madrid right here.

Madrid is one of those culinary hub cities that has hundreds of delicious places to try. With so many options, it can be hard to decide—especially if you’re only visiting for a few days.

My husband and I go to Madrid for a couple days every few months and these are my go-to restaurants we come back to again and again. From Spanish classics and Italian street food to Peruvian favorites and even a sweet treat to make it complete, this list has the best of the best.

For Spanish Cuisine:

#1 La Campana

You MUST try the fried squid sandwich from La Campana. This iconic sandwich is typical Madrilenian cuisine, and it’s just so good.

Juicy and perfectly-tender breaded and deep-fried squid rings are packed into a small baguette. It’s served right away, so it’s fresh and warm. Top it with lemon juice and—of course—alioli (delicious Spanish garlic mayonnaise), and it’s just divine.

Know that this place is always packed. Whether you’d like to dine in and enjoy a vintage Spanish bar experience or get it to go, be prepared to wait in line. But, once you order, the sandwiches come super fast.

With fantastic bocadillos (sandwiches) that cost less than 5€ each, you’ll want to come back to this place again and again.

☝🏼Pro tip: La Campana is right outside of Plaza Mayor, which is nearby the Royal Palace and the Debod Temple. It’s not too far from Gran Via, either. My point is—you can stop by any time of day (it’s open from 10:30 am–11 pm every day except Mondays) in between sightseeing and grab a quick bite.

For Burgers:

#2 Marlons

Marlons knows how to make a smashburger. This was one of the many burgers we tried during The Champion’s Burger (a country-wide food-truck event where the best burgers from all over Spain compete to be named the best burger).

Their speciality is smashburgers, but these aren’t just any smashburgers. At the Champion’s Burger event, we tried their Texas Blaze burger—complete with two crispy smash patties, gooey cheese, a creamy house sauce, and a caramelized bacon jam. It was fantastic.

#3 Distrito Burger

We’ve been to Distrito Burger multiple times because:

• They’ve got great burgers. They’re simple, but savory.

• Unlimited fries. (Need I say more?)

• Awesome prices for lunch—12.50€ gets you a burger, unlimited fries, a drink, and a dessert.

While they have multiple locations, the one right next to Retiro Park by the Ibiza metro station is our favorite. Enjoy a stroll through the park before (or after) stopping to get burgers for lunch!

For Latino Food:

#4 Humo

Of all the restaurants on this list, Humo is the one we’ve been to most (in fact, we come here almost every single time we’re in Madrid; it’s that good).

Their roasted Peruvian chicken, pollo a la brasa, is simply unbeatable. It’s perfectly juicy and has a flavor that transports you back to an authentic polleria in Lima, Peru. I dare say, Humo’s Peruvian chicken is the best I’ve had outside of Peru.

For just 16.90€, a half chicken (big enough to fill two people) comes with a generous side of crispy fries, a fresh salad with an unforgettable vinaigrette, and of course the spicy rocoto sauce and the typical aji amarillo sauce.

Peruvian food just isn’t complete without the typical drinks: the golden Inca Cola and the purple-corn delight, chicha morada. Humo’s chicha morada is one of the best I’ve had, and it always hits just right.

☝🏼Pro tip: Make a reservation—even if you plan on going for lunch on a Tuesday. This place is always packed and you definitely don’t want to miss out.

#5 Tiki Taco

The line wrapped out the door when we got to Tiki Taco around 8pm. But what was most concerning was the clientele: the line was filled with gringos, frat girls, and spring breakers.

My heart dropped. This was probably going to be very over-hyped. (After all, this place was all over Instagram and their famous 1€ tacos were taking the internet by storm.)

Thankfully, I was wrong. These tacos were absolutely fantastic. And definitely worth the almost 1-hour wait.

Everything we tried was super flavorful. The meat in the carnitas, suadero, and al pastor tacos was incredible—super juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those bites that makes you go “mmmm.”

I also really loved the agua de jamaica—it was sweet and refreshing and paired perfectly with the tacos and quesadillas we ordered.

Yes, the tacos are on the small side, but they’re super cheap so you can try a bunch without breaking the bank. I’d definitely recommend this place as a dinner option if you’re craving authentic Mexican food in Madrid.

☝🏼Pro tip: Come prepared to wait in line. Finding a spot to sit can be difficult, so it’s not ideal for large groups (more than 4 people).

Plus, A Few Honorable Mentions I Just Couldn’t Leave Out

The five restaurants above are my all-time favorites in Madrid (so far). But, I just couldn’t leave out these fantastic spots we’ve enjoyed as well:

• Alboraya Horchatería—When you come to Spain you must try Spanish horchata. Unlike Latin America’s horchata that’s made from rice, this creamy cold drink is made from tiger nuts. It’s very popular in the summer in Valencia and nearby cities, but you can also find it here in Alboraya Horchateria. Make sure you ask for a few fartons (fluffy, breadstick-shaped pastries) as well for the authentic experience.

• Divorare—This place serves authentic Italian street food sandwiches that are simply delicious. It’s a great place for a quick grab-and-go bite if you’re feeling hungry. And they have a ton of great sandwich varieties to choose from.

• Maison Glacée—An elegant artisan ice cream to remember. They make the waffle cones in house, unlike many ice cream places. Plus, they have unique flavors that you won’t find at other ice cream shops. I’ll warn you: this place is definitely on the more expensive side, but the ice cream is so good it’s worth trying at least once.

So, there you have it! If you’re going to Madrid soon, save this list to enjoy some of the best cuisine Madrid has to offer. There’s a lot to do in Spain’s capital city (more on that next time) but my favorite thing—by far—is eating at these delicious restaurants.

• A Fun Two-Day Madrid Itinerary

• Restaurant Review: Circo Burger

• How to Hike San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (aka: Dragonstone) in Bilbao, Spain

Spain’s The Champion’s Burger is one of the most viral gastronomic events in the world. It’s the biggest burger competition in the country, and so far, over 10 million people have enjoyed eating fantastic burgers in 64 cities.

At each event, 15 to 18 different burger joints from all over Spain compete by showcasing and selling their best burger. For burger-lovers like me, that means you get a fantastic selection of burgers to choose from—and honestly, you really can’t go wrong.

After trying eight different burgers at four different Champion’s Burger events (two in Alicante, one in Madrid, and one in Murcia), today I’m ranking the top five burgers I absolutely loved.

#1 La Finalista from Rico

My all-time favorite burger was La Finalista—it’s juicy and flavorful aged beef combined magically with caramelized bacon, a brioche bacon bun, crispy onion, and melted cheddar cheese. The house sauce? Incredible. Topped with parmesan cheese, this burger was absolutely amazing.

When you nail the essentials—quality meat, great cheese, bacon (always)—have the right proportion of bun to ingredients, and top it off with a delicious sauce, it’s hard to go wrong. This burger got everything right. And the parmesan cheese was an excellent finishing touch.

🍔 Want to try Rico burger yourself? Visit one of their locations in Almería, Spain.

#2 Texas Blaze from Marlon’s

Biting into a smashburger takes me to my happy place. And the Texas Blaze from Marlon’s was simple, yet extremely flavorful.

The double smash patty, bacon jam, and secret sauce was incredible. But what really made this burger stand out was the smoky flavor infused into it all and the incredibly soft bun. This is a smash burger you’ll remember.

🍔 You can enjoy one of Marlon’s delicious smashburgers next time you’re in Madrid, Spain.

#3 La Bichota Pro Max from Tarantín Chiflado

This burger was quite the culinary creation—and it was huge. Complete with a mac and cheese bite and a cheesy-sauce syringe, this was a work of art.

This was my husband’s favorite burger. He’s an absolute cheese-lover, and this burger was cheesy in every bite. The wagyu beef patty was also super flavorful, and every bite was an explosion of sensations.

I’m not usually a fan of over-the-top culinary creations that lose the essence of the dish. But this burger did everything right—it’s everything you’d want in a fun, gourmet burger.

🍔 When you visit Valencia, Spain, you’ve gotta try the unique burger creations from Tarantín Chiflado.

#4 Delacalle Burger from Delacalle Smash Burger

In my humble opinion, a burger isn’t complete without bacon. But the Delacalle Burger really went above and beyond with the bacon. And I was there for every second of it.

This is a juicy smash burger with crispy edges, two types of cheese (swiss and cheddar), a sweet-and-savory bacon jam. But they didn’t stop there with the bacon—this burger is packed with mini bacon strips and a bacon crumble on top of the brioche bun. With plenty of their incredible house sauce and a cheese sauce, this burger is every bacon-lover’s dream.

🍔 Want to try Delacalle Smash Burger yourself? Visit their burger joint in Almería, Spain.

#5 On Fire from El Surtidor

Another smashburger that had to make the list (can you tell I like smashburgers?) was from El Surtidor. This one was particularly impressive because it was—literally—on fire. It’s unique, original, and fun.

But aside from the flames, this burger was packed with juicy and crispy beef, crunchy mini french fries, a sweet tomato jam, and a fantastic chistorra-flavored (Spanish sausage) house sauce. With two types of cheese and perfect proportions, this burger was a winner.

🍔 If you’re ever in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain, make sure to visit El Surtidor for a truly awe-inspiring burger.

This burger is from Vilanova i la Geltrú: a small town in between Tarragona and Barcelona that I had never even heard of before. But that’s one of the coolest things about the Champion’s Burger event—you can try incredible burgers from cities all over Spain. Restaurants you probably would have never got the chance to enjoy without the help of this incredible gastronomic event.

We Tried These Three Burgers, Too.

• G.O.A.T. from Muralla. With a parmesan cheese cracker and shredded Grana Padano parmesan cheese on top this burger was cheesy—and huge. There were even white gold sparkles on top.

• Six-Seven from Circo. This one definitely had a unique flavor. With a bright-red bun, Doritos, parmesan, and onion bits for crunch, and caramelized Iberian ham, there were a lot of flavors going on all at once.

• Lil Wayne from Gottan. Last year, pulled pork as a burger topping was all the rage, and this burger rode that trend. It had a thick patty and a cheesy bun, and was flavorful and meaty.

The Only Downside of The Champion’s Burger

Here’s the bad news: the burgers each restaurant features for The Champion’s Burger event are NOT typically on their menu. Each of these unique, gourmet burgers are curated solely for the country-wide burger competition.

So, if you visit any of these burger joints during your time in Spain, the burgers pictured here probably won’t be on the menu. But, you’ll still find excellent menu options and quality burgers—so if you’re craving a good burger, these places are a surefire hit.

If you want burgers like these, you’ll have to visit an actual The Champion’s Burger event to enjoy your choice of the most unique and delicious burger creations Spain has to offer.

After spending a few magical weeks in cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, it’s absolutely natural for this dangerously exciting thought to cross your mind: “What if we moved here?”

You can. But there’s a few things you might want to consider first.

I’ve lived in Spain on three separate occasions—and learned important things about the country each time. In fact, when I look back, I feel like I’ve lived three distinct lives in this beautiful country I love so much.

Life #1: Preaching, Teaching, and Eating

I moved to Spain in September 2017 as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. During a year and a half, I lived in five different cities: Madrid, Terrassa, Santander, Alcoy, and Pamplona.

Walking and talking with people about Jesus Christ in this beautiful country was a life-changing experience. I made so many incredible friends from around the world, learned to speak Spanish fluently, and ate home-cooked meals made by people from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Africa, Venezuela, Cuba, and El Salvador (just to name a few).

Since I was focused on missionary service, I saw Spain through rose-colored glasses. Quite honestly, I was ignorant to many of the realities of living in another country, and my second and third lives in Spain were very eye-opening.

Life #2: The COVID Study Abroad

I moved back to Spain to study at Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona during the COVID pandemic in 2020. With all the COVID restrictions, that year was much different than my first life in Spain. My time was spent mostly studying and visiting places closer to Pamplona, like Biarritz and Santander.

Studying abroad with a student visa is one of the easiest ways to test-drive life abroad. If you have the resources, it can be an awesome experience and a great way to see a country up-close for an extended period of time.

But, if you’re thinking about moving to Spain to work and live long-term, it’s far different than coming for vacation or even coming to study.

Life #3: Real Life as a Digital Nomad

When I moved to Spain in September 2024 with my husband Pedro, we didn’t have an apartment lined up and we weren’t even sure which city to live in. (Fortunately, my Aunt Barbara was visiting Barcelona with friends and invited us to stay with her for a week.)

Very quickly, we were hit with the realities of moving abroad: not being able to find an apartment in Barcelona, the lengthy and expensive process of applying for a visa, and the joys of Spanish bureaucracy.

Thankfully, after a few months we were able to settle down in Alicante and adjust to European life. We’ve been in Spain for almost a year and a half now, and I love the life we’ve made here.

These are my favorite things about living in Spain:

#1 Mercadona: The greatest grocery store on the face of the planet.

I love Mercadona. No grocery store on the face of the planet compares to Mercadona. I don’t just look forward to going grocery shopping every week—it’s one of the highlights of my week. Yes, Mercadona is that amazing.

Here’s why Mercadona is the best:

• Extremely organized. In the way the actual grocery stores are set up, how the food is packaged, and even how the meats are organized and labeled! Shopping in a Mercadona makes my little orange emotion breathe a deep sigh of relief.

• High-quality products. From produce and meat to seafood and bakery items, Mercadona has it all. The products are fresh, top-quality, and delicious.

• Consistently release fantastic new products! Mercadona’s cookie dough ice cream? Game changer. This is not just any ice cream—I’m talking very close to Häagen-Dazs quality cookie dough ice cream.

• Affordable cost. I can buy a full week’s worth of groceries at Mercadona for just €50 - €75 ($70 - $90). And, they often have deals on meat that’s expiring within 5 days and random products that are on sale.

• The fresh-squeezed orange juice. All Mercadona stores have a giant juicer machine (see image below) that you can use to make your own fresh-squeezed orange juice. And it’s amazingly delicious.

☝🏼Pro tip: Please, make sure you visit a Mercadona next time you’re in Spain. It might just become one of your favorite parts of this beautiful country (and I’m not even joking).

#2 Affordable Cost of Living

You can live very well in Spain off just €1,500 - €1,800 ($1,750 - $2,150) a month. Life in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid is more expensive due to the rising cost of rent. But, in the rest of the country, the cost of living is very affordable.

According to a 2025 study, in the US, the average adult “spends $115 on restaurants and $235 on groceries every week.” That’s a lot.

I looked back at my recent receipts from Mercadona and on average, my husband and I spent €60 ($70) weekly at Mercadona and €8 - €10 ($10 - $12) at our weekly farmer’s market. That’s about a third of what the “average American” spends.

Eating out is also more affordable in Spain than in the US. Wifi and phone plans are also cheaper. Since a lot of things are within walking distance, we spend less on gas as well and use public transportation more often too.

#3 Cheap Flights Around Europe

This is definitely one of the biggest perks of living in Europe: flights within Spain and around Europe are super cheap.

These are just a few of the flight deals we’ve found (and taken advantage of) since 2025:

• One-way from Alicante to Naples, Italy for $56 each.

• One-way from Rome, Italy to Alicante for $35 each.

• Round-trip from Alicante to Bilbao, Spain for just $45 each.

• Round-trip from Alicante to Paris, France for just $90 each.

• One-way from Madrid to Munich, Germany for just $89.

• One-way from Geneva, Switzerland to Alicante for just $143.

And all those have been direct flights, no layovers, with less than 3 hours of total flight time. You really can’t beat that.

#4 Amazing Mediterranean Weather

Now, I realize this doesn’t apply to all of Spain—but Alicante has some fabulous weather. In fact, Alicante ranked #1 as the sunniest city in Europe in 2022. It’s true—here, it’s almost always warm and sunny, and I’m all for it.

If you’re looking to escape those gloomy, rainy days, Spain’s Costa Blanca is for you. With summer days in the 80s and just 1-3 rainy days per month (in the fall, winter, and spring), Alicante takes gold for best weather.

#5 The Champion’s Burger

Spain knows how to do burgers. We’ve had some amazing burgers all over the country—Hideout Burger in Barcelona, Carniball in Santander, Circo Burger in Alicante, just to name a few.

But Spain’s most valuable contribution to the world in recent years is not Rosalia, not Zara, not even the long-awaited comeback of F.C. Barcelona.

It’s the Champion’s Burger: a country-wide food-truck event where the best burgers from all over Spain compete to be named the best burger. These food trucks travel together from city to city to showcase their burgers. That means foodies like you and me get to try the best burgers Spain has to offer—all in one place.

We’ve gone to three Champion’s burger events in one year: one in Madrid and two in Alicante. And every single burger we tried was absolutely fantastic.

☝🏼Pro tip: If you’re coming to Spain soon, make sure you check the Champion’s burger website to see if you’ll be close to an upcoming burger event.

#6 Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

Yes, this deserves it’s own section. Never have I ever had better fresh-squeezed orange juice than Spain’s. It’s absolutely, hands-down, the best orange juice in the world.

In fact, oranges from Valencia, Spain are known as the premier juicing orange. They have incredible flavor and sweetness; they’re extra juicy.

Really, it’s no surprise. If you walk down the streets of cities like Valencia, Alicante, or Sevilla, at the end of winter, you’ll see trees overflowing with oranges. Spain exports oranges to countries around the world.

☝🏼Pro tip: After you get off the plane, head straight to Mercadona and get a freshly-squeezed orange juice. You won’t regret it. If you’re here for a longer stay, buy a bunch of oranges in the weekly farmer’s market and make your own delicious orange juice.

#7 Cuisine From All Over The World

One of my all-time favorite things about Spain is that it’s a melting pot of people, cultures, and gastronomy. Since there are so many people from all over Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia who have migrated to Spain, there’s food from all over the world.

I love being able to take my pick of restaurants from a huge variety of Latin American countries. I love that there are little latino bodegas that have all of my favorite products from places I’ve lived. I love that there are people from all over the world creating a new life in this beautiful country.

The Downsides of Life Abroad in Spain

Of course, there are things I don’t enjoy about Spain. Obviously, wherever you live, there will be ocassional annoyances, but these three things affect my life on a daily basis—and are directly caused by the place I’ve chosen to live:

1. Taxes (though I admit, I despise these in every country). Spain has notoriously high tax rates—if you make more than 60k euros a year, which is less than the median household income in the US, you’ll pay a whopping 45% of that in taxes.

2. Hard water. Most coastal cities in southern Spain have very hard tap water with a high mineral content. Since the water is chlorinated, it’s packed with calcium (aka: limescale). That means it can dry out and damage your hair. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed my hair falls out more here, especially in the spring and fall.

3. The ever-prevalent smell of cigarette smoke. Unfortunately, a huge percentage of the Spanish population smokes, which means the city air is filled with the constant smell. Honestly, it’s really sad to see kids smoking at such a young age. And if your neighbors smoke, it can get really frustrating to have the smell waft into your house (even when the windows are closed).

What to Know About Life Abroad in Spain

That being said, if you do decide to move to Spain, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind:

• Paperwork moves slow—especially if you do it yourself. If you need something done (getting your NIE or TIE, finding appointments for anything, exchanging your driver’s license), don’t expect it to be quick or easy. I recommend hiring immigration lawyers to help you speed up the visa process (we had a good experience with Lexidy).

• It’s probably closed. What’s closed? You ask. Everything. Want to go to dinner at 6? The restaurant doesn’t open till 7 or 8. Have a raging headache and need paracetamol from the pharmacy at 3pm? It’s siesta time! You’ll have to wait till 5 when they open again. Need to send a package on a Friday? Go in the morning (but not too early, because it doesn’t open till 9 or 10), because after lunch, it’s already the weekend. Need to do anything on a holiday? Try again. Better luck next time.

• Culture shock is different for everyone. There will be things about Spanish culture that just absolutely get on your nerves. I can’t tell you what, because it’s unique to each person. For me, I’ve had very few problems with the language and the culture. But having meetings at 9:30 PM? Absolutely triggering.

• Finding an apartment is a PROCESS. A frustrating one that brought me to tears more than once (and I’m NOT a crier). If you don’t have your residency figured out and legitimate Spanish income statements to show, it’s nearly impossible. Even just visiting idealista.com gives me PTSD.

And, just like any move, the separation from family and friends can be difficult, and creating a new community circle is always a challenging process. We left behind many incredible friends in Colombia who we miss dearly, and making new friends in Spain has been challenging.

Will I Live in Spain Forever? Probably Not.

I love Spain. Since the moment I stepped foot on her cobblestone streets and walked under the shadows of the Sagrada Familia, I fell hopelessly in love.

Part of my heart will always long for her rainy northern coast, her Mediterranean sea, and her creamy alioli. When I’m not here, just hearing someone say “vale” and even the smell of cigarette smoke will make my heart long for my Spanish home. There are so many places here that I love, and so many that I’ve yet to explore.

But other parts of my heart belong elsewhere.

California always whispers “come home,” no matter how far away I am. A piece of my heart sits near an empanada stand in Santa Marta, Colombia. And I left a chunk of my heart on the shore of Puerto Malabrigo, Peru.

I am a wanderer. I know that Spain will not be my forever home.

And that’s exactly why I’m trying to enjoy everything about my life here. Every trip to Mercadona. Every sunset and sunrise God paints for me to enjoy from my balcony—with the Santa Barbara castle and the ocean as a backdrop. Every drop of fresh-squeezed orange juice. Every charming Spanish phrase. Every warm dip into the Mediterranean ocean.

Because someday all that won’t be my “today.” It will be memories. Memories of a beautiful life I lived in a Spain that I will someday miss.

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Lodged between two stunning Mediterranean beaches, the Calpe rock—more commonly known as Peñón de Ifach—towers into the clouds. With the seemingly endless ocean as a backdrop, this rocky mountain feature is iconic to the coastal city of Calpe.

When I first found out you could hike to the top of the Calpe rock, my first thought was: “How?” And not in the lets-go-climb-a-mountain type of way, but rather, in the logical, is-that-really-possible? kind of way.

After all, gazing up at Calpe rock from the beach, it looks pretty challenging to summit. But, after a little research, I was determined to hike it.

Let me tell you, it was well worth it! Calpe Rock is one of the best hikes I’ve done in Spain.

Why You Should (Most Definitely) Hike the Calpe Rock

• Amazing coastal views! My favorite types of hikes are the ones near the ocean—and Calpe Rock checks all the boxes. It’s got incredible panoramic views of nearby beaches, the entire town of Calpe, and the Mediterranean sea. At some spots, you can literally look down and get a birds-eye view of the boats passing by (almost) underneath you.

• Perfect length for the average hiker! This hike took us about 2.5 hours total (we started at 9:00am and finished around 11:30am). We’re in good shape, but we’re not expert hikers. Personally, 2.5 hours was just enough to wear me out by the end—while still being enjoyable the entire time.

• Dangerously fun! If you’re a recovering adrenaline junkie like me, this hike has just the right amount of danger. With chain ropes to hold onto, jagged rocks, and a steep cliff down below, it’s definitely a hike you’ll remember.

About the Hike

This hike is about 3.1 miles (5 km) long, and takes 2 to 3 hours to climb up to the top and back down. The summit sits at 1,089 feet (332 meters) above sea level.

Calpe is located in between the coastal cities of Altea and Javea on Spain’s Costa Blanca. From Alicante, it’s about a 1-hour drive by car. From Valencia, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive by car.

How to Hike the Calpe Rock

Before you begin your hike, there are a few important things to know:

First, Register Online (it’s FREE)

The Valencian Community put a limit on how many people can hike the Peñón de Ifach each day. Right now, the limit is 300 people a day. So, to follow the rules (and more importantly) avoid fines, you have to register to hike.

Luckily, it’s FREE, and easy. All you have to do to register online is follow these simple steps:

1. Where it says “Ambito,” select “Parcs Naturals de la Comunitat Valenciana.”

2. Where it says “Subambito,” select “Parc Natural Del Penyal D’Ifac.”

3. Where it says “Servicio,” select “Ruta Roja.”

Add your personal information, in this order (from left to right): Select “Pasaporte,” Passport Number, First Name, Last Name. You only need to fill out the four boxes with a red asterisk.

Complete the security check by clicking the right boxes, then on the next page, you’ll be asked how many people are going to do the hike. Put “1”—it’s the only response allowed.

(Each person in your hiking party will need to complete the registration process.)

Choose the dates you plan on hiking. You’ll need to choose a date range that contains the date you’d like to hike. So, select the day before your planned hiking date, and the day after in the two boxes.

If you plan to hike on Saturday, November 8th, you’d select the two dates like this image above.

Then, on the next page, you’ll be able to choose the actual date of your hike.

Choose the right date (remember that Spain uses the DAY / MONTH / YEAR format, not the MONTH / DAY / YEAR format like the United States), then press: “Seleccionar cita” then “Confirmar cita” on the next page.

You’ll then be able to print your confirmation registration (click where it says “Imprimir”) and save it as a PDF to bring on your phone with you the day of the hike—just in case.

Check out this guide to registering for the hike if you have any questions, or register here.

Where to Find Parking Spots Near Peñón de Ifach

It can be hard to find parking in Calpe, especially during peak tourist season. We did this hike a Saturday in early November and there was a good amount of people both on the trail and at the beach.

We got to Calpe before 9am and parked right in front of Restaurante Puerto Ifach. It was super close to the beginning of the hike and it worked out great for us. Here are a few other spots you can park:

• Free Street Parking Avenida del Port—Beachside street parking fills up fast; if you come early, you might be able to find a spot. From here, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the trailhead.

• Free Parking Calle Castellon de la Plana—Free parking; about a 10 minute walk to the trailhead.

• Parking Gratis Calpe Subida Peñón—Free parking (in a large dirt lot); about a 20 minute walk to the trailhead.

Start at the Peñón de Ifach Visitor’s Center

I was so excited to do this hike I jumped out of the car and just started walking (my husband loves it when I do this). We walked on a beautiful oceanside path that took us all around Calpe Rock—the base of Calpe rock.

No trailhead to be found. It was a beautiful little walk, and I highly recommend it if you’re staying in Calpe. But, it won’t take you to the summit.

To get to the right spot, make sure you walk up Calle Isla de Formentera, which turns into Carrera del Peñon. This road takes you straight to the Peñón de Ifach Visitor’s Center, where you’ll find public bathrooms, water fountains, and signs that show you the beginning of the trail.

Use this link here on Google Maps if you need help finding the trailhead.

Hike Difficulty Level: Medium

The first mile of this hike is straightforward and easy (see first image above). It’s a nice, mostly-flat path with wooden handrails that takes you up through the shady tree-covered area to the rock tunnel.

You’ll wander through a short, dark, rock tunnel (pictured in middle image) to make it to the second, more challenging, half of the hike. This is where it gets a little tricky. From here, the rest of the hike is climbing over slippery, pointy rocks on a narrow dirt path.

At some points, you’ll find chains and ropes attached to the rock so you can hold on as you climb over rocks and continue summiting the mountain.

The final part of the hike (see far-right image above) is a very uphill climb over Calpe’s large limestone rocks to get to the highest point of Peñón de Ifach. Here at the top, you’ll get a fantastic view of Spain’s Costa Blanca and the beautiful Mediterranean sea.

Emily’s Suggestions for Hiking the Calpe Rock

• Wear hiking shoes. I did this in tennis shoes, which I regret. The rocks are very slippery, especially in the morning when the sun is behind the rock. (Yes, I slipped and fell).

• Start early. We started at 9am and were down by the beach again before noon. We only saw maybe a dozen people on the way up, but as we were coming down, we saw a LOT more hikers who were just starting.

• Be careful, the rocks are slippery. Even if you have proper hiking shoes, it’s important to tread cautiously. The rocks are slippery and not comfy to land on. Always stay on the trail and don’t be stupid (in case of emergency, dial 112, Europe’s version of 911, for help).

• Wear sunscreen. After you pass through the tunnel, there isn’t much shade, so make sure you’ve put sunscreen on—especially in the hot summer months.

This was one of the most enjoyable and beautiful hikes we’ve done near Alicante, Spain. If you’re visiting the Costa Blanca or plan on traveling to Alicante or Valencia soon, make sure you set apart a day to visit the beautiful beachside city of Calpe and climb to the top of Calpe rock.

Other Fun Things to do in Calpe, Spain

• Hang out at the beach! Calpe has some stunning beaches. With the Peñón de Ifach in the background, a swim in the ocean just hits different. We enjoy Platja de la Fossa and Playa Calpe (more popular, but has the best view of the rock!).

• Snorkel at Cala El Raco! This beach has ultra-clear water and a pebbly backdrop. See how many fish you can find (and maybe even jellyfish!)

• Take a Catamaran tour! Chill out on a boat and see the Peñón de Ifach from the sea! This tour includes an onboard DJ and a swimming stop, too.

• Visit the Guadalest Castle and Algar Waterfalls! Not too far from Calpe, there’s a stunning castle in the clouds with an amazing view of a turquoise lagoon below. This tour takes you to see the castle, nearby waterfalls, and the city of Altea.

This beautiful 120-mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline on the south-eastern side of Spain is a great option for travelers looking for unique Mediterranean cuisine, breathtaking beach coves, and stunning views.

Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

• Best time of year to visit: late spring or early fall to get good weather and avoid most of the crowds.

• Best way to get there: fly into the Alicante airport—just 20 minutes from the center of Alicante, with 24-hour bus access to the city.

• Rent a car. The cities along the coast are much smaller than ones like Madrid and Barcelona, so driving is easy and mostly stress-free.

You could easily spend a month (or more) enjoying the hundreds of little beach coves, or calas, sprinkled around cities like Alicante, Javea, Calpe, Benidorm, Villajoyosa, and Altea. But if you only have a week, check out this itinerary to see some of the most amazing sights along Spain’s famed Costa Blanca.

Day 1: Alicante

The first day here, you’ll want to dive in and explore all Alicante has to offer. From palm-tree lined streets and beautiful beaches to a famous bullring and the stunning Santa Barbara castle, Alicante is the perfect city to welcome you to the Costa Blanca. Make sure you:

• Hike to the top of the Santa Barbara Castle for amazing views of the entire city and the mediterranean ocean.

• Take in the sun at San Juan Beach and enjoy a beachfront paella lunch at Azul Restaurante.

• Explore the city center—you don’t want to miss the famous Mushroom street or the Plaza de Toros. And, get your camera ready to take a picture walking down La Explanada—the cool, curvy tile mosaic design and palm-tree lined walkway is the perfect photo spot.

• Eat! Finish off the day with tapas, ice cream at Livanti Gelato, or simply enjoying the sunset at the popular Postiguet beach.

Day 2: Benidorm

Party animals might want to make Benidorm their home base. It’s one of the most popular cities in Spain’s Costa Blanca. Every summer, millions of British tourists enjoy the stunning beaches and wild nightlife in this party capital.

Benidorm is just a quick 30 minute trip by taxi, bus, or car from Alicante. If you’re a budget traveler, or you’d like to take a more scenic route, you can also go by Tram. It’s a two-hour train ride with views of the little towns that dot the coast. A round-trip ticket will cost you around 5 euros.

Make sure to enjoy the view of the coast and take pictures at Balcón del Mediterráneo, sunbathe and enjoy the water at the always popular Levante and Poniente beaches, and visit the shops that line the beach.

Day 3: Guadalest—the Castle in the Clouds

One of our favorite day trips is to Guadalest—a tiny little town in the mountains with a beautiful castle and breathtaking views. You can find day tours for about 50 euros per person that take you to Guadalest, Algar Waterfalls, and Altea in one day. Or, you can visit on your own by bus, taxi, or rental car (it’s just 30 minutes from Benidorm or 1 hour from Alicante).

Guadalest is a must-see. A picturesque castle atop a rocky mountain that oversees a beautiful turquoise lake with gray peaks decorating the backdrop… it’s incredible.

☝🏻Pro Tip: After you walk through the little town’s narrow streets and explore a few shops, head to the Museo Municipal “Casa Orduña” (on the left of the church). You’ll pay 6 euros per person to enter the museum and see the inside of the castle. But the best part? Access to breathtaking views from the highest part of the castle.

Take your pick from dozens of beautiful viewpoints—they’re all spectacular. You can even bring some snacks and have a picnic at the top while enjoying the views.

Or, have lunch at one of the restaurants in the little town. We chose Restaurant L’Hort, which had great views of the palm-tree lined entrance to the castle (the fried cheese with nispero jam appetizer was divine).

Day 4: Algar Waterfalls

The Algar Waterfalls are situated in a beautiful little nook in the mountains. It’s about an hour by car from Alicante, and about 30 minutes from Benidorm.

On your way there, if you go during springtime, you’ll see mountains lined with nispero trees. Nispero is a unique and delicious little orange fruit native to the region (you can find the fruits in the little stores you’ll pass while walking up to the entrance, along with nispero jam, nispero-flavored liquor, and other nispero treats). You’ll definitely want to try the nisperos.

The entrance price to the waterfalls is 4-5 euros, depending on the month you visit, and it’s recommended you use water shoes if you plan on swimming. There’s a beautiful little nature walk you can do that takes you to the different waterfalls.

If you come in the summer, you can even enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear water for a few hours.

Note: We visited the Algar Waterfalls a few days after a very rainy week. So, when we got there, the water was brown, not the stunningly-clear turquoise color that you see in all the pictures online. The pools were so full that it was overflowing onto the stairs and we had to climb around to get to the upper waterfall. We still had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings (and the nisperos), but you might want to think twice if you’re planning on visiting when it’s been raining.

Day 5: Kayak into Coastal Caves in Javea

Hands down, my favorite activity on the Costa Blanca is kayaking! We’ve done multiple kayak tours with Siesta Advisor. 10/10. Super fun. Highly recommend. Their kayak guides are experts (ours was the second most qualified kayak tour guide in all of Europe) and just really friendly and kind people.

During the Cova dels Orguens Kayak Tour, you can kayak to one of Spain’s largest sea caves. We had fun swimming around and exploring the cave. We even kayaked through a narrow little tunnel to a darker, hidden part of the cave as well. Our tour guide told us that this was where they filmed one of the scenes from the movie, Uncharted with Tom Holland.

On the way back the sun came out and we took pictures looking up at Cap Negre, a stunning rock formation on Javea’s coastline. We stopped to cliff jump as well and had a great time paddling through the beautiful ocean (luckily, no one flipped their kayak either).

We’ve also done their Cala Tango kayak tour, which is great if you’d like more time to swim, snorkel and explore on your own. It also has cliff jumping, which was so much fun!

Day 6: Enjoy a Coastal Drive—with stops in beautiful Spanish towns

During your trip you can’t miss these coastal gems—Calpe, Altea, and Javea. If you have more time, you could easily spend a day or two exploring these towns and their beautiful beaches.

Calpe is known for it’s beaches and the absolutely stunning Peñón de Ifach, a huge limestone rock that juts out into the mediterranean sea. Here, you can:

• Hike the rock—but you’ll need to reserve your spot at least 10 days before, since there’s a limit to how many people can hike each day.

• Visit Calpe’s unforgettable beaches and take your picture with the Peñón de Ifach in the background. You won’t regret it.

Right next door, you’ll find the beautiful town of Altea. Nicknamed the Greece of Spain for it’s white buildings and flower-filled streets, Altea is a must-see during your week on the Costa Blanca. Make sure to:

• Stop by the iconic Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church. The ceramic blue titles that cover the church’s two domes make it stand out among the white square buildings that fill the streets.

• Have lunch at one of the many restaurants that surround the plaza.

• Walk around the narrow streets and peek into the many souvenir and art shops. You’ll find views of the ocean from various spots in the city.

Javea is an incredible coastal town with super windy roads that take you past beautiful Spanish houses down to stunning, rocky little beach coves. Driving here is a little tricky—the roads are windy, narrow, and steep. But it’s well worth it to see this beautiful costal region. Here you can:

• Stop by Cala Granadella early in the morning before the crowds arrive. This beautiful beach is full of little white rocks. There’s an adorable burgers and breakfast place, La Bandideta, right on the beach.

• Visit Cala Portixol, another beautiful little beach cove. We had breakfast at Cala Clemence—an adorable little restaurant that overlooks the mediterranean wiht amazing views—before going out for our kayak tour.

Day 7: Tabarca Island

To finish off your trip, take a boat to Tabarca Island—either from Alicante or Santa Pola (a nearby city on the other side of the airport). The boat ride costs around 9-15 euros per person, depending on the time of year and what company you choose to go with (really, they’re all the same, so look for the cheapest one).

It’s about a 30 minute trip to Tabarca Island, and you can stay for just a few hours, an entire day, or if you have more time—even stay the night on the island and come back the next day.

Tabarca Island was once a pirate refuge, but today it’s better known for its snorkeling. During the summer months, the water is super calm, warm, and filled with surprises. You can snorkel around almost the entire island, its clear waters are home to a wide variety of sea life—from octopuses to starfish and all sorts of fish. See if you can spot a fried egg jellyfish, they’re super cool!

There’s a more natural side of the island with flowy island grass and a small lighthouse and on the other side, a walled city with a few houses and restaurants (try Restaurante Casa Gloria when you go). You can walk around the entire island in less than an hour.

Costa Blanca will not disappoint.

Castles, sea caves, pirate islands, kayaking, and fantastic food—what more could you ask for?

This is a great itinerary for an unforgettable week on the Costa Blanca. You’ll absolutely loved your week exploring this unique side of Spain. But I warn you: You’ll leave itching to come back and explore even more.

Your favorite travel memories will sometimes be the unexpected delights, the little surprises, and the adrenaline-ooze of biting into something with a flavor your taste buds have never experienced before.

But, in order for that to happen, you have to be willing to try the nisperos. Even if you don’t know what they are. Even if you have no clue how to actually eat them. Even if the tour guide himself hasn’t tried them.

What are Nisperos?

Nisperos, or loquats in English (yeah, I know, that translation probably didn’t help), are delightful, small, orange, spring fruits. The fruit originally comes from China, and they are also apparently very popular in Japan. In Spain, there are thousands of nispero trees growing in the Callosa d’en Sarrià region, near the town of Altea on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

That’s where I first saw them, on our way to Fonts de Algar, a beautiful waterfall with turquoise waters tucked into the mountainside of the Costa Blanca. The nispero trees cover the mountainsides of the windy road up to the waterfall, and many are covered with plastic, rectangular greenhouse protections.

The nisperos are a huge part of the town’s economy, and if you wander into the stores in the area, you’ll find everything from nispero jam to nispero liquor and other nispero-flavored treats.

What do Nisperos Taste Like?

The day we went to Fonts de Algar, our tour guide told us all about the nispero trees, the fruit, and their effect on the region. Then… Someone asked him what they taste like. Believe it or not, our Spanish tour guide responded, “I don’t know, I’ve never tried them.”

After a response like that, it would be completely normal to think, “well, if he lives here and he hasn’t tried them they must not be anything special” and then carry on your merry way. That’s what most of the travelers on our tour did that day.

Not us. My sisters and I have always been curious (maybe a little too much) and adventurous (most certainly too much, according to our mom). So, walking past a little shop after enjoying the nature walk around the waterfall, we couldn’t help but stop and look at those tempting nisperos.

They’re peculiar little things. A little larger than a walnut, with vibrant orange tones and a few small almost-burgundy markings, and a stem, sometimes as long as the nispero itself.

“We’ll take four,” I tell the store lady. First, she gives us a pro-tip for choosing the nisperos: The ones that are more orangey are sweeter, the ones that are a lighter orange hue are going to be more sour.

Then, she kindly explains to us how to eat them: First, take off the stem at the top. Then, peel back the nispero skin until it’s all removed. Take a bite (and don’t eat the large brown seeds that are in the middle). Let your taste buds enjoy a delicious mix of tart and sweet fruity flavor.

Our New Favorite Fruit

Yes, we were immediately hooked. Nisperos are surprisingly delicious—we couldn’t help but buy more when we got back to Alicante (they sell them in stores, but for maximum flavor, the best place to buy them is in the neighborhood farmer’s markets).

We ate nisperos all week long. At one restaurant, we even had a delicious appetizer: fried cheese with nispero jam. Stunning. What a dreamy combination.

And, it turns out this fantastic little fruit has some serious nutritional benefits as well—they’re high in fiber and help with digestion, packed with carotenoids that help with immune function, and might even have anti-cancer effects.

After my sisters went back to the US, I kept buying and eating nisperos until June. And I couldn’t stop telling other people about my incredible discovery. It turns out a lot of other countries have nisperos as well. My friends from Peru told me that they have nisperos there, and in Colombia they also have a fruit with the same name (although it’s completely different).

Just like our mom used to say: “If you never try, you’ll never know.”

Standing on the side of the road and trying this delicious little fruit—then talking about it all week long as if we were nispero connoisseurs—will forever be an enjoyable and meaningful memory during our sisters trip on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Our mom would always tell us (when we didn’t want to try something she made for dinner): “If you never try, you’ll never know.” And, mom was right.

Don’t be a close-minded, McDonald’s-only, stubborn international traveler. You’ll miss (dare I say?) all the good stuff.

Of course, you won’t like all the things you try (I’m looking at you, mondongo). And, yes, make sure you keep hygiene in mind—you wouldn’t be the first traveler to get wiped out by explosive diarrhea (or worse). But, more often than not, being a little daring and a little adventurous might just make your travels even more exciting, delicious, and rich than ever before.

And, if you’re ever in Spain near Alicante in the spring, try the nisperos. You’re going to love them.

Whether you’re coming to Barcelona for the delicious cuisine, the unforgettable architecture, or for world-class fútbol, this unique city will definitely steal your heart.

And with this Barcelona travel guide, you’ll get to enjoy many different sides of the city—from the classic Barcelona must-see attractions to impressive day trips outside the city as well.

What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona?

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and the cold weather, try visiting Barcelona in the spring (from March to May) or in the fall (from September to November). You’ll still get great weather and you might even get a picture in front of the Sagrada Familia without a thousand people around you—but only if you go in the morning.

We were in Barcelona from mid September to early November—it was still pretty busy, but we got nice, warm fall weather. It did rain a little bit towards the end of October but most days were sunny with clear skies.

Where is the best place to stay in Barcelona?

Unfortunately, Barcelona’s housing crisis has led to some backlash against Airbnb apartments and tourists in general. Finding an affordable place to stay in the city—especially in popular areas like l’Eixample, Barrio Gótico, and El Born—is a challenge, to say the least.

❌ Beware of areas like El Raval, Poble Sec, and some parts of Barrio Gótico, especially at night. Robberies and pickpocketing are much more common in these areas.

✅ If you have the budget, stay in l’Eixample or vila de Gràcia. If you’re looking for cheaper options, areas like La Sagrera, Sant Marti, or near the Sants train station are also great options a little deeper into the city.

Areas we’ve stayed in Barcelona that I’d reccomend:

• Passeig de Gràcia: Our first week together in Barcelona, we enjoyed staying in a beautiful airbnb right in front of Casa Batllo—it had beautiful views of Passeig de Gràcia and an unbeatable centric location.

• Plaza Urquinaona: A fun centric location with lots going on.

• La Sagrera: deeper into the city, really nice, much calmer and quieter.

• Sagrada Familia: Amazing views of the Sagrada Familia, but in some areas can be a little sketchy at night.

Finding a great Airbnb or hotel a little farther away from the city center is actually a cool option. You’ll be able to explore a less-touristy part of the city—and, thanks to Barcelona’s excellent transportation system, getting to the spots you want to visit won’t be a problem at all.

How reliable is public transportation in Barcelona?

Barcelona has a fantastic public transportation system that, quite honestly, makes this big city feel small. Whether you take the metro, the bus, tram, or train, it’s quick and easy to get to your destination. During peak hours, it can get pretty packed—and in the summer, it’s hot and sweaty—but if you’re on a budget or just want to experience the city like the locals, public transportation is the way to go.

☝🏻Pro tip: Buy a metrocard called a T-30. This gets you unlimited trips in metro, bus, and tram for thirty days. It costs around 30 euros and is the cheapest way to see the city. These cards can’t be shared, so make sure you have one per person.

If figuring out the metro system and underground spaces aren’t your thing, don’t worry—taxis in Barcelona are also cheap compared to cities in the United States and other countries in Europe.

What are the must-see attractions in Barcelona?

This Barcelona travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a list of Barcelona’s must-see attractions. So here you go—if you can only spend a few days in this one-of-a-kind city, make sure you see:

• Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s Greatest Hit)

• Parc Guell (Gaudi’s Second-Greatest Hit)

• Gaudi’s Other Hits: La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, & Casa Vicens

• Barceloneta Beach

• Barcelona Cathedral

• Arc de Triomf

In this one-week Barcelona itinerary, you’ll see each of these—and much more. Barcelona is an extremely popular tourist destination, but a lot of visitors miss the gems that are located just a few hours outside the city.

This is your complete one-week Barcelona travel guide for an unforgettable vacation in this beautiful city.

Day 1: Check out Gaudi’s Greatest Hits

Start your week in Barcelona by visiting the country’s most popular attraction—La Sagrada Familia. This stunning basilica has been under construction for over 135 years—and it’s still not finished. This extremely elaborate monument is the work of the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. His intricate, eccentric, vibrantly-colored blend of organic and geometric makes his work dazzling and unique.

Make sure to get your tickets to the Sagrada Familia from the official site well ahead of time. Buying your tickets at the door can be risky, there’s almost always a long line and they almost always sell out.

If you just want to admire the outside façade, that’s fine too. Come early in the morning to admire the architecture and get great pictures before the crowds come.

☝🏻Pro Tip: See the Sagrada Familia from the Sercotel Rooftop Bar.

Looking for a more romantic and relaxed Sagrada Familia visit? How about a rooftop bar with unbeatable views of Spain’s greatest work of art? Just reserve your spot at Sercotel Hotel Terrace.

Enjoy unbeatable views, fantastic drinks, and a truly unique Barcelona experience. Make sure you reserve at least 15 days before, spots fill up fast!

Enjoy an Afternoon along Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, and it’s filled with luxurious stores and a few more of Gaudi’s works—Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Casa Batlló is a colorful work inspired by the ocean—when rays of sunlight hit the blue, green, and turquoise tiles that line the curvy rooftop, it glimmers like the ocean on a summer day. The inside is filled with every shade of blue imaginable, tiles galore, and unique ceiling shapes.

From March to November you can combine your visit to Casa Batlló with an unforgettable rooftop concert—with a Noches Mágicas event. Your ticket includes your self-guided tour, a rooftop concert at 9pm, and a copa de cava (Spain’s sparkling wine).

La Pedrera is another Gaudi masterpiece that was built for a wealthy Spanish couple, Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, in the early 1900s. The building’s unique shape and unusual structure attracted it’s fair share of ridicule during the construction phase, but today it’s admired by tourists from all over the world.

These famous Gaudi monuments, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, are just three blocks apart. Buy your tickets online or at the door to see the inside of these works of art, or simply enjoy their beauty with a street-eye view.

Great Places to Eat in l’Eixample

To finish up your day enjoying Gaudi’s masterpieces in l’Eixample, top it all off with:

• Some tapas at Vinitus

• Delicious pasta from Musiu

• Burgers at Hideout

• Pizza from Luigis

• Peruvian food from Rikos

• Ice cream from El Nacional

Those are just a few of my favorites—l’Eixample has a ton of amazing restaurants. You really can’t go wrong.

Day 2: The Best Barcelona Bike Tour

What better way to see the city’s best attractions than with a fun bike tour? When we went to Barcelona with my sister and my parents, this was one of our favorite activities we did in the city. We went with Fat Tire tours—and it was a blast.

Fat Tire tours has many different tour options to choose from—the one we choose took us through the Gothic Quarter, where we saw the Catedral de Barcelona, then into the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. We made it to the famous Arc de Triomf, and finished off the tour biking along the busy Barceloneta beach. At each stop, our tour guide explained shared fun facts and the history of the monuments we stopped by.

Learn How to Cook Paella—Spain’s Most Famous Dish

After your Barcelona bike tour, take a cooking class and learn how to make paella. We had a fantastic time at La Lucha restaurant in the Gothic Quarter with Chef Oscar Barrantes.

This restaurant has authentic Peruvian fusion cuisine—not only did we make a huge seafood paella together, we also ate Peruvian ceviche and traditional Spanish appetizers like patatas bravas. Chef Oscar’s vibrant energy brings the whole class together, by the end we were all laughing and enjoying a delicious paella together.

Visit La Rambla and La Boqueria

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona. It’s known for its narrow streets, rowdy nightlife, and La Rambla. But, beware—pickpockets hang out here and tourists are their number one target. Be especially careful in this zone and the next-door El Raval zone, especially at night.

As you walk down La Rambla, you’ll find street vendors selling spectacular Barcelona artwork, colorful flowers, souvenirs and trinkets, and more. This emblematic walkway is always busy with movement, music, and selfie sticks.

About halfway down the 0.75-mile long street, you’ll find a huge market: Mercat de Sant Josep. Locals refer to it as La Boqueria, and inside you’ll find a fantastic variety of fruits, Spanish delicacies, fresh juices galore, and sweet treats. It’s a fun place to explore—and try some things you might not find at home.

Day 3: Day Trip to Montserrat

After a few days in the city, it’s time to escape to the mountains to enjoy a stunning view of Barcelona’s jaw-dropping mountainside. This fantastic day trip to Montserrat might just end up being your favorite part of your trip to Barcelona.

Montserrat is a stunning mountainside monastery with unique rock formations that jut out into the clouds. It’s a perfect place to hike, connect with nature and God, or listen to one of the oldest boy choirs in Europe.

Legend has it that back in the year 880, a group of shepherds found a statue of the virgin Mary in a cave in the mountain. (You can even visit the cave, called Santa Cova. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the funicular station.) Since then, the mountain has been a spiritual refuge, and in the year 1025, the Monastery of Montserrat was officially founded. Today, thousands of pilgrims and thousands more tourists visit Montserrat to admire the beauty of the mountains and visit this sacred site.

Montserrat is also home to the famous Black Madonna—one of the most famous in the world. Although it’s not the original statue found by the shepherds in 880, this beautiful statue sculpted in the 12th century is truly a work of art.

You can find the Black Madonna, or “La Moreneta” as locals will say, in the back of the Montserrat basilica. Be prepared to wait in line for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, as many visitors come here to pay homage to the Virgin Mary.

How do you get to Montserrat?

Montserrat is about 40 miles outside of the city of Barcelona. By car or bus, you can get to Montserrat in about an hour. You can also book a half-day or full-day tour to Montserrat that includes transportation to and from the monastery.

You can also get to Montserrat by train. From the Placa Espanya metro station, head towards the FGC Trains Zone. There, you’ll take the R5 train towards Manresa-Baixador (it usually costs about 14 euros per person, round trip). After about an hour-long train ride, you’ll get off at Monistrol de Montserrat, where you’ll take a green cremallera train up to the mountain monastery (about 15 euros per person, round trip). You can also enjoy a steep, 20-minute trip up the mountain in one of the funicular trains. Either way, you’ll enjoy great views.

What can you do at Montserrat?

Besides visiting the monastery, listening to the choir, paying tribute to the Black Madonna, and enjoying the stunning views, Montserrat is also a fantastic hiking spot.

One of the most popular hikes is to the Creu de Sant Miquel, a metal cross with a stunning backdrop of the picturesque Montserrat monastery and mountainside. On a clear day, you might even be able to see the Pyrenees mountains in the distance. This easy hike is about 40 minutes roundtrip, and about 1.25 miles round-trip.

You can also hike to San Jeroni, the highest peak in the Montserrat mountains. This hike is more strenuous and takes about 2.5 hours, but boasts incredible views of Catalunya, abandoned monk cliff dwellings, and a really cool route. It’s a memorable hike, and if you have the time, I highly recommend it.

Don’t forget to check out the Montserrat museum, and get lunch at one of the mountainside restaurants, and enjoy the spectacular views of this truly unique place.

Day 4: Rent a Car and See the Costa Brava

Spain’s Costa Brava stretches from Blanes, a city about an hour northeast of Barcelona to Portbou, all the way to the French-Spanish border. This incredible coastline is full of secret coves, beautiful beaches, and fantastic little Spanish towns.

Rent a car in Barcelona and stop along any of the adorable beach coves that dot the coastline. Enjoy the sun at Cala Roca Grossa, or walk through the beautiful botanic gardens and fantastic views at Jardín Botánico Marimurtra or Santa Clotilde Gardens.

Definitely stop in Tossa del Mar (about 1.5 hours from Barcelona), a beautiful beach town that’s part medieval castle. Walk through the adorable cobblestone streets, visit the lighthouse, hike to a beautiful viewpoint, or enjoy some sun at the beach in this beautiful gem on the Costa Brava.

Head inland and have lunch in the beautiful city of Girona (and walk the streets where the hit TV series, Game of Thrones was filmed) or stick to the coastal route and check out Cala del Pi, a beautiful swimming spot for warm summer days.

Explore the Costa Brava and find your own amazing views and fantastic beaches. Here, there’s magic to be found and adventure to be had.

Day 5: Parc Güell, Tapas, and Flamenco

Today, back in the big city, you’ll venture deeper into Barcelona to see a few more of Gaudi’s famous works (and some of my personal favorites) and enjoy an exciting traditional flamenco show.

Start your day watching the sunrise over Barcelona at the Carmel Bunkers. It is a hike up to the bunkers, and in this case, it’s actually better to take a taxi to the nearest entrypoint. The buses and metro will get you close-ish, but you’ll have to walk about 20 to 25 minutes to get to the bunkers (and it’s a steep, hilly area).

Here, you’ll get a 360-degree view of this stunning city from abandoned bunkers from the Spanish Civil War. The best part? It’s absolutely free!

Take All the Pictures at Colorful Park Güell

Grab some croissants and freshly-squeezed orange juice for breakfast, then head over to Park Güell, another of Barcelona’s Gaudi masterpieces. This space was originally planned to be a luxury residential complex, but later Gaudi and Eusebi Güell, the wealthy entrepreneur who commissioned the project, decided it would be better as a beautiful park.

They were right. Park Güell is a magical, colorful park with wide open spaces, designs that mimic objects in nature, and an impressive irrigation system designed to collect water for the surrounding neighborhood.

Gaudi used a unique art style called Trencadis—creating a mosaic with broken pieces of ceramic—to decorate most of the structures. You’ll find unique, beautifully colored tile designs throughout the park; they’re perfect for pictures.

Enjoy walking around this beautiful park and seeing the fantastic views of the city. Take your picture with the mosaic dragon—or in any picturesque corner of the park. Make sure to buy your tickets from the Park Güell official site at least a week or two in advance, especially during the busy seasons.

Check Out Another Gaudi Favorite: Casa Vicens

If you want to see Gaudi’s works in chronological order, then Casa Vicens should be your first stop. This was the first big project that Gaudi was hired to design, at 30 years old. This building was one of the first true modernismo designs in Spain, and in Europe.

Casa Vicens is a beautiful combination of flowered tiles, rusty red, blue, and yellow colors, and a garden filled with luscious green plants and palm trees.

You can enjoy a self-guided visit at your own pace, a guided tour, or even do a ceramic workshop to design your own Spanish tile or a drawing class at Casa Vicens during your visit. Make sure to buy your tickets online here at the official site for a slight discount.

Enjoy a Flamenco Show at Tarantos

After enjoying Gaudi’s works of art (and maybe even creating your own), finish the day off with a Flamenco show at Tarantos, the oldest flamenco tablao in Barcelona. Tarantos is right next to La Rambla in the barrio Gótico, and they have fantastic shows every single night. Check out the different show options here—tickets start at 25 euros per person—and enjoy the best flamenco in Barcelona.

Day 6: Shopping and Soccer—Visit Camp Nou, the F.C. Barcelona Stadium

If you’re a soccer fan, a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Camp Nou, the F.C. Barcelona Stadium. If there’s a soccer game during your trip, you can live the complete experience of cheering on the world’s greatest soccer team in their home stadium.

Get your tickets online to see the F.C. Barcelona museum, the locker room, and the soccer field with your very own eyes. Smell the pitch, sit on the bench, and learn something new about the history of this one-of-a-kind team.

Not a soccer fan? Try shopping at Diagonal Mar or Arenas de Barcelona—a bull-ring turned mall with fantastic views. If you have expensive taste, find brand-name clothing at El Corte Ingles or along Passeig de Gracia.

Travelling with kiddos? Head up to Tibidabo, a mountaintop amusement park with breathtaking views. A roller coaster on top of a mountain? That’s probably enough adrenaline for any teenager. You can also visit the beautiful Templo del Sagrado Corazón church, right next to the amusement park. You can actually see this beautiful monument from different areas of the city Barcelona—it stands out on top of this 1,680-foot tall mountain.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back plan and it’s sunny outside, enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean ocean or play volleyball at Barceloneta Beach. This iconic location is busy with activity, especially in the summer. It’s the oldest and most popular beach in the city, and a favorite for tourists and locals alike.

Day 7: Take a Cable Car to Montjuïc Mountain

Finish off your one-week in Barcelona itinerary with a visit to Montjuïc Mountain, a unique hill in Barcelona filled with fantastic views and lots to do.

To get there, take the metro to Paral·lel metro station. From there, take the funicular to Parc de Montjuïc. From there, you’ll take a cable car to Castell de Montjuïc.

(Please note that this cable car is different from the one that takes you across the Port of Barcelona. The Port cable car will take you to a lookout on the Montjuïc mountain, Miramar Montjuïc, but not to the castle at the top.)

Once you arrive at Montjuïc Mountain, take in the views of the city and the Mediterranean sea. This is a fantastic viewpoint and great for pictures. Then, visit the Montjuic Castle, enjoy the artwork at the Joan Miro Foundation or the MNAC (National Museum of Catalan Art), explore el Poble Espanyol, or walk through the botanical gardens.

Art-lovers can enjoy a whole day on the Montjuïc Mountain in the different museums, and young and old alike will enjoy the activities in Poble Espanyol—from tours and treasure hunts to fiestas, music, and food, this place has got it all.

Someday, you might even be able to enjoy the Magic Fountain performance—and exhibition of color, water, and music that’s currently on hold due to drought protocols. Hopefully someday soon it’ll open again.

Enjoy Your Barcelona

Whether it’s nightlife, architecture, gastronomy, or adrenaline you’re looking for, Barcelona will deliver—and with more than a couple surprises. This is a city full of life, history, and love. With this action-packed seven-day itinerary, you’ll have seen not just Barcelona’s must-see attractions, but also some hidden gems off the beaten path.

This magical city has a special place in my heart—and it always will. From the first moment I arrived in Barcelona in 2017 and walked along her cobblestone streets, breathed in her smoky cigarette air, and saw the Sagrada Familia from the apartment window, I fell in love. And you will too.

There are smells, sounds, and glimpses that will always remind me of Barcelona, wherever I wander. I had the priviledge of calling her home, and I’m always longing to return.

Come and enjoy your Barcelona—full of memories to be made, tapas to be enjoyed, and sights to marvel at. Barcelona has it all, and more.

Besides being an absolutely breathtaking city packed with fun activities, iconic monuments, and diverse cultural richness, Barcelona is one of the best cities for eating.

I have a sneaking suspicion it’s because Barcelona is a city where 180 nationalities coexist. Here, you’ll find not only Spaniards and Catalonians, but also a huge number of Italians, Colombians, Peruvians, and Argentines. The result? A rich combination of flavors, cultures, and ingredients.

During the time I lived in Barcelona, I enjoyed food from all over the world. Barcelona has everything from unique tapas and incredible burgers to delicious pesto pasta and authentic Italian pizza. This is a city every foodie must devour.

These Aren’t Your Typical Spanish-Food Reccomendations

Now, this isn’t a tapas guide or a list of the most authentic Spanish food in Barcelona. And that’s because—first of all—Barcelona isn’t your typical Spanish city. They really don’t even want to be a part of Spain at all (but that’s a story for another time).

And second of all, I lived in Barcelona. Which means when my Peruvian food cravings hit, I searched for Peruvian food. When I wanted a burger, we got burgers. I like a huge variety of cusines (including Spanish gastronomy), so that’s why this list has all types of foods—from tapas to pollo a la brasa to good old-fashioned ice cream.

So, here are my top six favorite restaurants in Barcelona.

#1 Best Peruvian: Riko’s

Finding this peruvian restaurant was literally a godsend—I was craving Peruvian food and stumbled upon Riko’s. We ate here five different times during the six weeks we lived in Barcelona, and I only regret not going back more.

Their pollo a la brasa is 100% authentic (and that’s a verified assessment becuase I lived in Peru and ate pollo a la brasa all the time). You can order a ¼, ½ or full chicken, and it comes with the respective salad and fries. And of course, they’ve got the sauce: huacatay, huancaina, aji pollero, rocoto, and vinagreta blanca (oh, how I love the Peruvian sauces).

Riko’s isn’t just Peruvian roasted chicken—they also have a huge menu to choose from. There’s arroz chaufa, lomo saltado, ceviche, anticuchos. And of course, the classic Inca Cola (Peru’s famous soda) and chicha morada.

They also have a fantastic lunch option that includes an appetizer, entre, desert, and drink for 14 euros. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

Riko’s has nine different locations (as of February 2026) so no matter where you are in the city, you can find some top-notch Peruvian food near you.

#2 Best Burger: Hideout

Move over Park Güell. Forget about the Sagrada Familia. Montjuïc? Who is she?

What you really can NOT miss in Barcelona is HIDEOUT, hands down the best hamburgers in the city. Perfect proportions. Mind-blowing secret sauces. Cheese, oh, the cheese. And that juicy, flavorful meat.

We especially loved the classic P.C.Q Smash Burger and the Say Cheese! Burger. But anything you try here will be absolutely fantastic. Quality ingredients, mind-boggling combinations—these guys know how to make a burger.

Hideout has locations in l’Eixample and PobleNou—both are fantastic, but make sure you grab a reservation for the l’Eixample restaurant, it’s always packed. PobleNou is great for walk-ins and is a bigger space as well.

This is one of the best eats in Barcelona. On the flight back home, your mouth will water just thinking about those hamburgers.

Foodies, this place is a must visit (we came back not once but twice during our trip to Barcelona… and when I come back to Barcelona, this will be our first stop). So, book your flight to Hideout—ehh I mean Barcelona, now. It’s worth it.

#3 Best Pizza: Luigi’s

A fantastic combination of authentic Italian cuisine and the taste of the Mediterranean, Luigi’s has something for everyone. From drool-worthy pizzas to tons of pasta options and fantastic risottos, this is the Italian-food-lover’s dream.

Our favorite? The 4 Formaggi pizza. This fantastic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta, and parmesan cheese and basil to top it all off is absolutely delicious. I don’t know whether these pizzas are supposed to be personal or not—but it was so good I ate it all by myself.

They have a ton of pizza options to choose from:

• Want mozzarella cheese, delicious Spanish tomato, bacon, egg and basil? Try the Barcellona 92.

• How about one with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, burrata, parmesan, and basil? The Sofia pizza is your gal.

• What about a pizza with pistachios galore? The Pistacchiona will surprise and delight any pistachio fan.

• You can even get a unique star-shaped pizza, the Estrella, complete with cheese-filled pizza tips, italian sausage, parmesan, and arugula.

I’m drooling. And I think you get the point—there’s a TON of pizzas to choose from.

Luigi’s has three different restaurants. We dined at their restaurant on Carrer Roger de Llúria in l’Eixample and then a few weeks later got take out from their restaurant on Via Laietana. Both were stunning. The other location is right by Plaza Francesc Macià.

If you want the best pizza in Barcelona, Luigi’s is your spot. Check out the full menu here.

#4 Best Ice Cream: La Campana

This heladeria was our wild card in Barcelona this time around. We stumbled upon this gem on Carrer de la Princesa in Ciutat Vella after eating pizza by the slice next door—and we’re so glad we did. The ice cream is fantastic.

La Campana was founded in 1890, and for four generations, his family has made quality traditional Spanish treats like Jijona nougat: a Christmas delicacy that you must try if you’re in Barcelona in the wintertime around Christmas.

If you visit La Campana in the summer, you’ll find other traditional Spanish treats, ice cream, and a refreshing Spanish drink called horchata.

La Campana was our favorite ice cream in Barcelona, not just because it was delicious, but because it represents authentic Spanish tradition, taste, and quality.

📌 We also liked Lucciano’s Heladería in Barcelona. It’s extremely popular. They’ve got a huge variety of flavors, and if you’re looking for a really cool ice cream shop, this is for you. Each different location has their own unique theme—we went to the one on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 601 in l’Eixample that was space themed, with a full-sized astronaut hanging from the ceiling. The moon-themed shop on Carrer de Ferran 14 in the Gothic Quarter looks like it’s straight out of a movie set.

#5 For Tapas: Vinitus

We also had great tapas at Vinitus, a fun tapas bar very close to Casa Batlló. I am a huge fan of patatas bravas: chunky cubed fries with two magical Spanish sauces—creamy garlic alioli and the spicy red brava sauce.

We also shared some fresh seafood tapas and a really good eggplant and honey dish as well. This place has a lot to choose from, but it is more on the expensive side.

#6 For Pasta: Musiu

Sometimes you just need a good pasta dish. And the delicious pesto pasta from Musiu hit the spot. While you might assume this place is Italian, it’s actually operated by Venezuelans. They do a fantastic job of combining Italian gastronomy with local ingredients—all while adding a bit of latino flare.

This place is also very close to Casa Batlló and just a few blocks from Plaza Cataluyna. Musiu is very affordable and they also have really great combo meals (available if you come for lunch, between 1pm and 4:30pm).

Take a Bite of Barcelona

There you have it—my favorite foodie finds in Barcelona. This isn’t your traditional Spanish cuisine, but you really can’t miss these fantastic restaurants during your trip to Barcelona.

And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time for paella, tortilla de patata, and other typical Spanish dishes during your trip as well. Barcelona has lots to eat, lots to see, and lots to do. So take a bite of Barcelona and enjoy these fantastic restaurants.

It was the summer of 2019, and we were in beautiful San Sebastian, trying to weave through crowded, narrow, cobblestone streets to try different “typical” pintxos.

But after waiting around at different spots, trying a few less-than-impressive bites, and trying foie for the first (and last) time, we ended the night hungry and disappointed.

That was seven years ago, and this time, for our trip to Bilbao, I was determined to do pintxos right.

What Are Pinxtos?

First things first: If you’ve never heard of pintxos, they’re bite-sized snacks served in bars in the North of Spain (especially popular in cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian). They’re typically eaten for dinner with wine or a drink.

Perhaps you’re familiar with tapas—small appetizers served with drinks in other parts of Spain—well, pintxos are basically the Northern-Spain version of that.

The name “pinxtos” comes from the spanish word pinchar, which means to skewer. That’s because the original pintxos were served on small slices of french bread, and secured in place with a toothpick (skewered right through the center of the pintxo).

How Pintxo Culture Actually Works

From around 7pm to 11pm at night, pintxos bars are brimming with people, chatter, drinks, and flavors. If you go during peak season, it’s especially important to know the unspoken “rules” of the pintxo culture. Here’s what to know:

• Try 2-3 pintxos per bar. Don’t fill up on your first stop. We tried a few pintxos per bar, went to about three bars per night, and left satisfied.

• Pay at the end (usually). In most places, you’ll order at the bar, and they’ll either warm it up and give you your food right there, or take it to where you’re seated/standing. Then, when you’re ready to leave, you’ll go back to the bar and pay. Just say “¿Me cobras, por favor?” (literally = charge me, please?) and they’ll hand you the receipt.

• Eat standing up. The majority of pintxos bars have limited seating, with only small counters that line the walls. The vibe is relaxed, chill, and sociable—eat, drink, chat, and enjoy.

• Ask for the specialty. While some places have similar options, I always like to ask what the most popular pintxos are. This gives you a good idea of what the locals are ordering and, most importantly, what’s best.

Why Bilbao Can Confuse Even Experienced Travelers

Even when you know the how-to of pintxo culture, it can be difficult to find the best bars and the best bites. Bilbao can confuse even experienced travelers and foodies because:

• There are SO many choices. With 20+ options right in front of you at every bar, it’s hard to know what’s good, better, and best. That’s why having a guide and a plan beforehand can be extremely helpful.

• You probably don’t speak Basque. Warning: the names of the pintxos might appear in a different language. And no, it’s not Spanish. It’s not even close to Spanish. It’s Basque—one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Good luck trying to decipher it.

• It’s hard to know what’s busy vs. actually worth it. If you go during summer, it’ll be crowded. With so many bars to choose from, it’s really hard to tell which places are authentic and which are tourist traps.

My Hot Take: Every Pintxo Counts

Some people will tell you that pintxos tours are more about quantity than quality. That trying a bunch of different places matters more than finding “the best bar” or “the most amazing pintxo.”

Umm, no.

If I’m paying 3-6 euros per pintxo (yep, they’re more on the expensive side), I want every one of those little bites to be absolutely amazing.

Now, during our self-guided pintxos tour through Bilbao, not every pintxo we tried was unforgettable. But we did find some incredible bites that I highly recommend. (And, I’ll also share my not-favorites so you know which places to maybe avoid.)

Where to Stop and Where to Skip—in Plaza Nueva

Stop #1: Bar El Globo

As I was researching where to eat in Bilbao, this place came up again and again (literally, in almost every single Bilbao guide, YouTube video, and blog post). And yes, it lived up to the hype. So much so, we came here both nights we were in Bilbao!

⭐ Why I liked it: Award-winning. Tons of options to choose from. Amazing pintxos. Large space. Open almost all day (from 11am to 10:30pm).

🍴 What to order: El Globo specializes in pintxos gratinados: bite-size delicacies with a creamy, melted top (created using the French gratin cooking method: baking or broiling with cheese, butter, or breadcrumbs on top).

We tried the three most popular pintxos:

• Cremoso de Patata Gratinado con Trufa: Warm creamy potato with a hint of aioli and truffle sauce topped on a slice of french bread.

• Gratinado de Vaca Madurada y Cheddar: Beef gratin with cheddar cheese on top. This was a very unique and interesting flavor (kind of like all the flavors of a hamburger in one, creamy bite).

• Txangurro Gratinado: Spider crab au gratin. A basque country favorite, this seafood pintxo was packed with flavor.

And another one that looked fantastic:

• Salmon Marinado en Salsa Tartara: Slices of raw salmon marinated in tartar sauce atop a slice of french bread. I love salmon and sushi; this had a fantastic flavor and was different from the other options we tried.

Every pintxo we tried here was fantastic, but my all time favorite was the Gratinado de Vaca Madurada y Cheddar. It was creamy, beefy, and cheesy all at the same time. Truly fantastic.

💸 Price per pintxo: The pintxos here are between €2.50 and €3.00 euros each. Typically, pintxos don’t have prices on them at the bars, but you can always ask the bartender for prices.

☝🏻 Insider tips: We came at 6pm and there were only a few people here. This is one of the few places where you’ll pay at the bar, before you eat.

Stop #2: La Olla de la Plaza Nueva

Right next door is La Olla. This place is more high-end and is pricier than El Globo, but it has some really fantastic specialty pinchos that are made at the moment.

⭐ Why I liked it: Fresh seafood with fantastic flavor. Delicious sauces (I’m all about the sauce).

🍴 What to order: We ordered two seafood pintxos and one other Asian-style pintxo—and they were all fantastic (pictured above from left to right):

• Bao Pintxo: Tender, flavorful meat packed into a bao bread with a guacamole sauce and pickled onions, and a teriyaki-style sauce.

• Atun Rojo: A marinated slice of fresh tuna paired with a savory tomato sauce and an avocado-flavored green sauce. Complete with chunky sea salt.

• Vieira Toro: One perfectly seared scallop atop a creamy sauce. Amazing flavor.

💸 Price per pintxo: The two seafood pintxos came with a few slices of bread and cost €5.50 euros each (very expensive for just a bite of food), but I have to say that it was worth it. The bao pintxo cost €2.95.

☝🏻 Insider tip: This place is also open from 11am to 10:30pm, but in the evening come early to beat the crowds.

Skip #1: Victor Jatatxea

We tried two different bacalao (cod fish) pintxos here, and they just didn’t hit the mark. This bar didn’t have as many options as the others and what they did have was more simplistic than the others.

Skip #2: Zuga

Here, we tried two seafood pintxos, one with octopus and paprika that looked really good and another with a crab-and-egg-salad and shrimp. Unfortunately, the seafood wasn’t as fresh as the ones from the other bars; overall it was just mediocre.

One Last Stop: Where to End the Night

After our pintxos crawl at Plaza Nueva we walked about 15 minutes to Cafe Bilba. They have two famous dishes: tortilla de patata, the famous Spanish potato-and-egg omelet, and torrijas, a Spanish treat that’s similar to cinnamon French toast.

⭐ Why I liked it: Authentic Spanish neighborhood bar. Friendly staff. The best torrijas I’ve ever had.

🍴 What to order: I’m a sweet-treat girlie and those torrijas hit the spot. I know they really don’t look like anything special, but they’re ultra-creamy and absolutely fantastic. Every bite was full of sweet cinnamon, milky, and vanilla-y flavor. If you haven’t tried tortilla de patata, make sure you try that too. This place makes a quality tortilla—we enjoyed the one with ham and cheese.

☝🏻 Insider tip: You can also come in the morning when the tortilla de patata and torrijas are fresh.

Your Unique Bilbao Pintxo Tour

Our self-guided pintxo tour was incredible. We had so much fun getting a taste of Basque gastronomy, and walking around the historic center of Bilbao.

Hopping from bar to bar in the center of Bilbao and trying unique, delicious bites while chatting and laughing with your friends and family is an unforgettable experience—if you choose the right places.

But the truth is, these three must-try spots are just the beginning. There are so many drool-worthy pintxos in Bilbao. When I go back, I can’t wait to continue my pintxos tour (maybe starting at Gure Toki or Víctor Montes).

So, use these recommendations as a guide—but don’t be afraid to explore, try what looks good to you, and ask the bartender what their favorite pintxo is. There are so many mouth-watering pintxos to try in Bilbao.

The best part of a pintxos tour? Finding that favorite pintxo that you’ll go home and rave about for years to come.

The second we stepped foot in Naples, it smelled like pizza. Now, this heavenly aroma might have stemmed from the pizza kiosk in the Naples airport, but nonetheless, it was very fitting.

Naples is pizza. This is where it all started—way back in the 18th century. Originally just tomato-topped flatbreads, pizza was a popular, cheap food that quickly spread through the narrow streets of Napoli. Soon after, creative chefs added additional ingredients and it started looking more and more like the pizza you and I know today.

Expectation vs Reality: What to Know About Pizza in Italy

Now, pizza in Naples is a slightly different style of pizza than the kind you’ll find in Italian pizza joints in the United States. If you go to Italy expecting New York-style pizza, you might be disappointed.

For starters, the toppings are typically more minimal. I found myself wanting more toppings at most of the places we tried.

The main difference is in the crust. Authentic Neapolitan pizza crust is soft, airy, and super thin—much thinner than any thin-crust pizza you’ll get in the US.

Other things to keep in mind:

• It doesn’t come sliced. And, you’re kind of expected to eat it with a fork and a knife—at least for the soft, middle portion. After the first few fork bites, once you can pick it up without it flopping all over the place, you can eat it with your hands.

• Pizzas are personal. There are no small, medium, or large sizes. There’s just one size: personal, which is about the size of a large plate. Sharing isn’t typical but we did it anyway.

• Real pizzerias open after seven. Pizza is a dinner food in Italy. If a place offers pizza for lunch, it’s likely too touristy to trust.

• “Peperoni” is not pepperoni. In Italian, peperoni means bell peppers. If you want pepperoni, look for a pizza with salame piccante, or spicy salami.

What It Takes To Craft The Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Authentic Neapolitan pizza is not something to mess around with.

There’s actually a whole organization dedicated to “promoting and protecting” authentic Neapolitan pizza across the world. Complete with international regulations, authentic secrets, and pizza CIA agents (well, that last part is unconfirmed), these guys are the real deal.

Anyway, according to the experts, authentic Neapolitan pizza has three main requirements:

1. The pizza must be cooked in a wood-fired oven with a temperature of 430-480°C.

2. The pizza must cook in just 60-90 seconds.

3. The pizza must have the famous, airy, chewy “cornicione” crust with charred “leopard spots.”

When done right, authentic Neapolitan pizza is a gastronomical experience. Everyone should try it at least once in their life.

When we were in Naples, we tried three pizzerias. Each had different defining features that made them memorable and delicious.

Pizza #1: The Perfect Crust

Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria, ranked #4 best pizzeria in the world, had the softest, chewiest, most delicious pizza crust of all the pizzas we tried in Italy. The sauce and toppings were unremarkable (check out this post for a full restaurant review), but the pizza dough was just outstanding.

We tried the Pistadella pizza—which had rich mozzarella cheese, mortadella, and pistachio pesto—and the Diavola pizza, which had large, spicy salami and mozzarella cheese.

Pizza #2: Unbeatable Tomato Sauce

Pizzeria Da Attilio (on Via Pignasecca, 17) is famous for its star-shaped pizza with ricotta-filled crust. This place was highly-recommended as I was researching pizzerias in Naples. The small restaurant was already full when we got there around 8pm and we had to wait for a table.

Of all the pizzas we tried, this one had the best tomato sauce of all. It was absolutely delicious. Again, here the toppings were minimal, but the tomato sauce was amazing.

We got the Carnevale pizza, which came in the star-shape with ricotta-filled crust and was topped with Neapolitan sausages and cheese.

Pizza #3: Superior Toppings

We stumbled upon Pizzeria Dal Presidente (Via dei Tribunali, 120) one night in Naples, and boy am I grateful we did. This ended up being Pedro’s favorite pizza.

The pizzas were huge—bigger than the plate. The place is cool, decorated with Maradona soccer lore; it has a ton of seating both on the upper and lower levels.

But what I loved most about this place was that they had a ton of pizza options to choose from, served with a solid amount of toppings.

We got a quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza that was delicious—if you love cheese pizza (and blue cheese), this one’s for you. We also got a sausage and pepperoni pizza that was really good as well.

My Dream Pizza? Haven’t Found It…Yet.

The pizza we had in Naples was good, but honestly, I still haven’t found the one.

Of course, I’m not giving up on Naples pizza.

I’m still searching for the perfect pizza that combines the fluffy, chewy crust of Diego Vitagliano with the incredible tomato sauce from Pizzeria Da Attilio and the fantastic toppings from Pizzeria Dal Presidente. While, of course, putting their own unique spin on authentic Neapolitan pizza.