Discover regional delicacies | Eurobike Cycling Blog

Culinary Delights in Spain

Spanish cuisine is incredibly diverse, shaped by the rich tapestry of influences and lifestyles of its people. The Romans and Moors had a long-lasting impact on both the culture and the food of Spain. Active trade with the Phoenicians and Greeks introduced treasures like olive oil and wine to the Iberian Peninsula. As Spain rose to prominence as a seafaring nation and made discoveries in Central and South America, ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and many more found their way into the country and onto Spanish tables.

The key ingredients include, in addition to olive oil, legumes, and rice, a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. In the coastal regions, fresh fish and seafood are often used to create delicious dishes. Meat plays a relatively minor role in Spanish cuisine, except for the famous Spanish ham specialties. Seasoning is generally done sparingly with salt, pepper, and garlic. Spices like cinnamon, saffron, and cumin were brought by the Moors. Additionally, Spain also boasts excellent wines that you should definitely explore.

Gourmet Bliss in Andalusia

Food lovers get their money's worth in Andalusia. Every corner is filled with the enticing aromas of delicious dishes. A stopover during your cycling tour through Andalusia is pretty much a must here.

The mild temperatures make it possible for many fruits and vegetables to be available almost year-round. Fresh fish is offered in many varieties, thanks to the excellent coastal location. Typical culinary delights of the region—aside from paella—include:

Gazpacho: A cold tomato soup, perfect for enjoying on hot summer days. The base of the soup is made from ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Additional ingredients include bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, olive oil, and vinegar. Before serving, it’s chilled for at least two hours.
Pescaíto Frito: This specialty is a must-try. The dish consists of various types of fish, including anchovies, squid, and sea bream, coated in flour, and fried in olive oil. For an extra burst of flavor, a squeeze of lemon is added for a zesty kick.
Pisto: Andalusia’s answer to ratatouille, this vegetable medley of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions is slow-cooked and served with a fried egg or as a side to fresh fish.

A bicycle leaning against the Roman bridge of Cordoba

Andalusia

8 Days

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Discovering Majorcan Delicacies

Majorcan cuisine has a rustic charm, with hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. To truly savor the island's flavors, venture inland, where some of the best restaurants are tucked away, far from the crowded coastal tourist spots. For those cycling through Majorca and craving authentic, local food, the best bet is to dine at places popular with the locals themselves.

The island has a strong preference for meat, with lamb, rabbit, and suckling pig often featured on menus. These are typically served alongside a variety of vegetable dishes. While fish is often imported from the mainland, it's also served fresh in coastal restaurants. Be sure to try:

Pamboli: A traditional starter, similar to Italian bruschetta. The base of this dish is a slice of regional bread, toasted on one side. The toasted side is then rubbed with garlic and tomato, and then drizzled with olive oil. From there, the toppings are limited only by imagination. Popular choices include ham, cheese, various vegetables, or fish.
Tumbet: This is a vegetable casserole made from eggplant, bell peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. The tomatoes are cooked down with garlic into a thick sauce, which is poured over the vegetables and then baked in the oven. It's traditionally seasoned with just salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine.

Hierbas de Mallorca: After a good meal, a glass of Hierbas is a must. This anise liqueur is infused with a variety of local herbs, creating a wide range of distinct flavors.

View from the hotel room onto the beach and the port of Port Soller, with palm trees in the foreground

Majorca Loop Tour

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Enjoy specialties from Portugal

Portuguese cuisine may not be as famous as other European culinary traditions, but it's definitely worth exploring. As a former maritime power, Portugal had colonies in Brazil, Africa, Asia, India, and China. Through these sea routes, new foods and spices made their way into Portuguese kitchens. In some cases, traditional dishes from these colonies were also adopted, enriching the country's culinary heritage.

Today, Portuguese cuisine is all about high-quality ingredients like olive oil, fresh fish and seafood, regional meats from the countryside, and plenty of vegetables. These dishes are rooted in hearty, home-cooked tradition. Seasoning is used sparingly, with flavors from garlic, coriander, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, and the Portuguese specialty, Piri Piri (a small red chili). Be sure to also sample the excellent local wines!

What you’ll find on Portugal's plate

As diverse as the country itself, Portuguese cuisine features a wide range of dishes, but one that you'll find on every menu during your cycling tour through Portugal is bacalhau. This salted cod is considered the national dish of Portugal, and there's a popular saying that there's a bacalhau recipe for every day of the year. Another dish that highlights the importance of fish and seafood in the cuisine is sardinhas assadas. Grilled sardines are a staple and a beloved choice for picnics, making them a must-try when exploring Portugal's culinary landscape.

Also quintessentially Portuguese are the numerous soups and stews. Caldo Verde is a beloved kale soup with potatoes, often served with cornbread and chorizo. Another classic is Cozido à Portuguesa, a hearty stew featuring pork, beef, and chicken, along with chorizo, kale, carrots, and potatoes. Depending on the region, additional ingredients may be included. A good Port wine is the perfect accompaniment to these comforting dishes.

Sweets are an essential part of Portuguese life and a delicious remnant of the Moorish heritage. They're often made with plenty of sugar and cinnamon. The famous Pasteis de Belém have gained popularity beyond Portugal, even reaching Southeast Asia through Macao, delighting taste buds around the world.

Anyone cycling through Portugal can't miss the chance to try Port wine. This fortified wine is often enjoyed with desserts. The addition of brandy interrupts the fermentation process, allowing the wine to develop its distinctive flavor during aging. It’s a sweet treat that beautifully complements the country’s rich culinary offerings.