Food is one of the best reasons to visit somewhere new and it's impossible to understand a culture without tasting the foods from each region. Food and wine are always inextricably linked to the landscape and this is evident in Spain. Let Netferry give you a break down of the foods from each part of Spain. 

Norwest Spain

Galicia is an autonomous area in northwest Spain, it's very green and has a dramatic Atlantic coastline. The region is known for savoury empanadas, made with both meat and fish. Another winter-warmer is the Galician soup, containing green vegetables, beans and meats. In general, you can rely on the bread and seafood here, especially the scallops! 

Asturias is known for its rugged coast, mountains, religious sites and medieval architecture. The famous fabada bean stew made with butter beans and sausages, it's the original baked beans! They also have delicious Cabralesblue cheese, which is a blue cheese that matures in mountain caves. River fish like salmon and trout are often in the menu, and don't forget to wash everything down with some apple cider!

Food is preeminent in Basque culture, where traditional male-only gourmet clubs (unbelievably) still exist! Smoked paprika is a familiar flavour in the spicy Basque Chicken stews. Other dishes contain both fresh seafood and salt-cod, which is preserved and dried in salt. 

Navarra, located near the fertile Ebro River valley, has rivers full of tasty trout. The town also hosts the annual running of the bulls! There is also the town of Rioja nearby, famously celebrated for its full-bodied red wines. The region is also famous for the perfect accompaniment to a glass, a rich stew called chilindron. It consists of paprika, meat and the fantastic peppers that grow in this region; only a full-bodied red like Rioja could stand up to these flavours! Piquillo peppers here are usually sauteed or stuffed and provide any dish with colour and intense flavour! 

Northeast Spain

Catalonia region contains Barcelona, the Pyrenees, the agricultural areas around La Cerdanya and L'Emporda and the famous Costa Brava. Excellent food is a way of life here, and Catalan cooks are fond of sweet and savoury combinations, and of sauces flavoured and thickened with almonds, pine nuts, and hazelnuts, like in the sauce romescode pescado.

The south

Valencia is famous for its world-class oranges, and the region is full of vast groves as well as rice fields, which produce the paella rice! Head to Valencia for the most authentic paella in Spain. The hillsides in Andalusia are full of olive trees, and the region produces lots of oil, a central ingredient in most Spanish dishes. The Moors introduced this part of Spain to spices which heavily influence the cuisine around here. Due to the hot summer climate, the region is also famous for chilled Gazpacho. The red variety made with tomatoes, green pepper, onion, garlic, cucumber, olive oil and salt is the classic, but it also sometimes comes in a white variety, based on almonds. Shellfish drizzled with the region's superb sherry vinegar is another delicacy. The Iberian ham, revered for its unique texture and delightful flavour, is also from this region. Foodies will recognize the name Jabugo; it is the town where hundreds of thousands of hams hang in mountain caves curing themselves to perfection.

Central Spain 

Although Madrid is at the centre of landlocked Castilla, they transport the freshest seafood overnight from each coast every day to satisfy the locals' demanding palates.  Chorizo is another speciality from this region, spiced with garlic and paprika; it packs a punch! Manchego, a nutty sheep's cheese is also from here, as well as garlic soup and bean stew. As for meats, don't forget to try the lamb and suckling pig; both roasted to perfection in wood-burning ovens here in Castilla.

Ferries to Spain 

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve Spain, including Algeciras, Barcelona, Melilla, Malaga, The Balearic Islands, Denia, Almeria, Bilbao, Santander, Valencia and Ceuta. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later when you are ready. Netferry always helps you find the ferry to best suit your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

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