South Spain : Entire Travel Guide

What to see and where to to go in South Spain? 

Check these articles for complete reference

• 7 Days at South Spain – PART II
• 7 Days at South Spain – PART I

What to eat in South Spain?

We found the food in south Spain was a bit rich and oily.

Breakfast is bare minimal in South Spain – most of the Spaniards eat toast and tomato spread or some light pastries with coffee. They try to keep it light as they spare themselves for a heavy lunch.

Lunch is generally between 1 and 4 and it’s the most important meal of the day. When we were there we tried the same and ate our heart out during lunch. There are a very few days we ate a 3 course meal in restaurants but we felt terribly tired right after it. Spaniards have Siesta hours but for a tourist I think eating Tapas is the best option as you want to walk a few miles before calling it a day.

A few tapas we loved with a pitcher of Sangria

1. Spanish Tortilla
2. Patatas Bravas
3. AjoBlanco
4. Salmorejo
5. Spinach with chickpeas
6. Chorizo (I liked the hot more) not the cold Iberian Chorizo
7. Marinated fish on toast
8. Fried fish, shrimp and other seafood

In the evening or whenever we felt tired we indulged ourselves in Thick Spanish Hot Chocolate.  The hot chocolate here is very much different from rest of the world, you will have to use a spoon to try the hot chocolate. We tried churros but we are not a big fan of fried food so it was not our favorite.

Dinner was very simple as we were so full from the lunch always . In Malaga we devoured the food at Moroccan restaurant (Al Yamal) so much we ate twice in the same place. I strongly recommend trying some Moroccan food while staying in south Spain.

Restaurants we tried (recommended by Lonely Planet): 

Cordoba:

1. El Astronauta
2. Garum 2.1
3. Bodegas Campos
4. Bar Santos – MUST for Spanish Tortilla

Sevilla :

1. La Pepona
2. El Rinconcillo
3. La Albahaca

4. Álvaro Peregil

Malaga:

1. El Mesón de Cervantes
2. Al yamal – Very much recommended.

Without going there cook these super simple Spanish recipes

If you have 40 minutes to spare: Spanish Tortilla

30 minutes to spare: Gazpacho

15 minutes to spare: Sangria

15 minutes to spare: Salmorejo

What and where to shop?

1. Montana Shawl(Silk Scarf) : When we were in Seville, we bought this from a local store, Elena Bernal. The shop-owner (a 70 years old Spanish lady) makes these shawls herself
2. Silver accessories (must buy): South Spain is known for its’ silver accessories however do find an authentic store and try avoid the tourist traps. Ask the hotel you’re staying in – they should be able to guide you.
3. Hand painted pottery from Sevillarte
4. Spanish Spices, saffron (must buy) and whatever you like.