While Spain is known for its varied regions of majestic landscapes, history, art, and culture, what you may not know is that Spain has a sweet side that is just as diverse and quite delectable. Every region in Spain seems to have a sugary specialty and boasts of its own decadent desserts. In a country with such an assortment of tempting confections, we’ve narrowed down a few that will make your trip a delight for the appetite!
While traveling the island of Mallorca, sink your teeth into some of Spain’s best ensaimadas, a deliciously flaky, layered pastry, at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, a bakery with a 300 hundred-year history and some of the best pastries in the country.
Galicia’s Tarta de Santiago
And while in Galicia, you can have your cake and eat it too by helping yourself to some of the best tarta de Santiago (an old-fashioned cake with almonds, eggs and sugar) and other devilishly good treats. Made by the nuns at the San Paio de Antealtares convent in Santiago de Compostela, I hear the pastas de té (biscuits) are so good they’re sinful!
Running to lunch in Catalonia or Barcelona’s Granja Viader? Finish it off with some crema catalana. Made of custard and eggs, this delectable dessert wins the gold medal!
Ahh! And the sweet smell of success awaits you in Cantabria, as you walk through its village streets taking in the aroma of sobaos pasiegos in its patisseries. It’s a symphony for the nose and tastebuds!
When speaking of sweet treats, we can’t forget about the capital city of Madrid and Chocolate con Churros! Dusted with sugar and dipped in piping hot chocolate, this fried-to-perfection treat is amazing! For the city’s best, try Chocolateria San Ginés, where you’re sure to find locals and tourists alike lined up for this confection of perfection. Trust me, the wait is well worth it!
Valencia’s sweet horchata
After all these desserts, you may need to wash them down. And I have the perfect beverage to quench your thirst. Try some Horchata (tiger nut milk), which can be found all over Spain, but was created and perfected in the region of Valencia. The most popular stop for Horchata? Horchatería Toni in the municipality of Alboraia, where locals claim the best horchata de chufa in Valencia is made.
So, when touring Spain, you may as well eat along the way! With such a variety of delightful cuisine in every region, you can’t help but indulge in some guilty pleasures! And don’t forget – SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!
For further information, please contact the Tourist Office of Spain www.spain.info
Images are courtesy of Turespaña.
