SPAIN’S Costas have long been British holidaymakers’ top choice for a summer getaway.
But that’s by no means all this captivating country has to boast about.
A chef goes large and makes a huge paellaCredit: Getty
Its rich culinary scene comes alive in winter, with the northern regions revelling in truffle season while the readies its cider houses for an influx of visitors.
Anna Viladot, of Vueling, says: “Social media has influenced how people choose where to travel. For many, the food comes first and the destination follows.”
Whether it’s hearty stews in or seafood in that takes your fancy, Sophie Swietochowski has a guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds.
STEWS IN SEVILLE
TRADITIONALLY a peasant dish, Andalusian stews are some of the heartiest out there, served with hunks of meat and beans that have spent hours bubbling away in spices. is a great city to sample it in and the traditional, family-run restaurants do it best.
Book a well-located base, like the 4* Porcel Torneo – which puts you within easy reach of all the best spots – and go for a basic, room-only package so you can sample grub from all the best places.
A week room-only at the 4* Porcel Torneo is from £379pp, flying from Gatwick January 17Credit: Unknown
The modern, practical hotel is just a short walk from the Guadalquivir river and a 15-minute drive from the Royal Alcazar, a former royal palace that’s a must-see.
For a true flavour of the city, book on to a 2.5-hour Flavours of Andalusia food tour, which costs just £31 with tastings (for details see getyourguide.co.uk )
GO: A week room-only at the 4H Porcel Torneo is from £379pp, flying from Gatwick January 17.
See easyjet.com/en/holidays .
Flights-only, Gatwick to Seville, are from €38.99 one way at vueling.com .
BODEGAS IN BARCELONA
IN summer, has a glorious sandy beach flanked by laid-back bars, but in winter when the crowds disperse, you can enjoy the city’s magic in relative solitude, sipping wine in charming bodegas.
Bodega J Cala, in the Sant Marti district to the east of the centre, is one of the best.
The Moxy is a rather swish hotel with a rooftop pool, hip atmosphere and neon signs decorating the rooms and the lobbyCredit: marriott.com
The vermouth really packs a punch and you can chase it down with tapas. Make sure to try the anchovies.
Calcots are another famous food in Barcelona and the region in general. The long onions, which are sweet in flavour, are generally griddled on an open fire.
Roll yourself back to The Moxy, a rather swish hotel with a rooftop pool, hip atmosphere and neon signs decorating the rooms and the lobby.
GO: Four nights’ room-only at Moxy Barcelona, right, is from £328pp, flying from on February 22.
See jet2citybreaks.com .
Flights-only, Gatwick to Barcelona, from €35.22 one way at vueling.com .
APPLES IN ASTURIAS
FANCY a cider? The mountainous region of Asturias will have you guzzling it back like juice.
The apples are harvested in autumn and the cider houses open for winter, serving small glasses that are meant to be knocked back in one hit.
The Silken Monumental Naranco is an excellent place to base yourselfCredit: hoteles-silken.com
Holidaymakers can follow the official cider trail, which visits some famous houses to explain how the apple-flavoured booze is produced to create one of three kinds: Natural, newly-pressed or sparkling.
, a city that sits between the Cantabrian Mountains and the , is one of the more popular areas to stay in thanks to its many hotels.
The Silken Monumental Naranco is an excellent place to base yourself, and has a restaurant serving hearty local dishes (perfect for after a day of cider-drinking).
GO: Seven nights’ room-only is from £265pp including flights from Stansted on January 26.
Book at onthebeach.co.uk . Flights-only, Gatwick to Asturias, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com .
MACKEREL & MORE IN MALAGA
IF you like a side of architecture and culture with your dinner, look no further than .
The southern coastal resort is loved for its vibrant beaches where travellers can soak up 30C sunshine during the summer.
Casual del Mar Málaga is modest, but cosy and well-located and just a short walk from the portCredit: casualhoteles.com
The winters are just as decent, rarely dropping below 17C during the day.
Mackerel, especially horse mackerel (jurel), is a popular and affordable fish here, prepared in various ways such as fried or grilled.
Grilled sardines are popular, too, traditionally skewered into a sardine kebab, scattered with salt and then scorched on wooden embers that gives them a deep smokey flavour.
El Espigón de Pepe, set back from the beach front, is an excellent place to try them.
Stay at the modest, but cosy and well-located, Casual del Mar Málaga, right, a 3H hotel a short walk from the port.
GO: Seven nights’ room only costs from £349pp including flights from Luton on February 4.
See loveholidays.com .
Flights-only, Gatwick to Malaga, from €30.23 one way at vueling.com .
ARROZ IN ALICANTE
THE southern region of has so much more to it than action-packed beaches.
If you’re a fan of rice dishes (arroz) then the ones here, piled high with seafood and charred at the edges, won’t disappoint.
The modern Hotel Bonalba Alicante is a sprawling resort geared up for laid-back wintersCredit: Sercotel
Book a stay in the modern Hotel Bonalba Alicante, a sprawling resort geared up for laid-back winters thanks to the wellness centre with a whirlpool, Turkish bath and sauna.
It’s home to one of the best golf courses in the region, where holes boast epic views.
has some excellent restaurants, whose menus are littered with classic local dishes.
But if you fancy venturing out for the evening, Taberna del Mar, 15 minutes away by cab, dishes up some of the best home-cooked rice dishes in the area.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Hotel Bonalba Alicante, right, is from £259pp including flights from Manchester on January 30.
See love holidays.com .
Flights-only, Gatwick to Alicante, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com .
