Spain stands apart from its good weather, the beaches and its national football team for its cuisine, its party  and in general, its unique way to understand and live the life. 

Starting from the beginning, it should be noted that Spain has an enviable gastronomy. The Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest and most varied in the world. All the culture, traditions, products and art of "good eating" have resulted in an incredible legacy of dishes. To discover it has been proposed to try some of them from each city visited but if you really want to do a deep dive the best option is the unique experience of "ir de cañas (tapas)".

Before continuing we believe useful to explain the origin of the culture of TAPAS, unique in the whole world. It was a customary for bars to cover the glasses of their customers with an edible lid, such as a piece of bread and a slice of ham, to prevent flies or sand from entering. The word for lid or cover is “tapa” in Spanish, leading to it taking on the meaning of a small meal eaten while having a few drinks. Nowadays tapas culture is popular throughout Spain with many varieties to suit your taste. Many bars have their own specialties, so I suggest hopping from one to another until you’re full! 

We will seek out some of the mouth-watering tapas bars in the labyrinth of back streets in Madrid and if you are willing, in every city we visited.
We know the best places to enjoy the real tapas with "real" prices and we will show them to you! Madrid prides itself on being one of the best places for tapas in Spain and is widely regarded as unique because of  its endless variety of dishes that can be found here so...prepare you for a taste sensation!

Below there are brief descriptions of some of the most popular ones:

• Spicy potatoes, maybe the most popular tapa in Madrid area. Patatas cubiertas con una o dos deliciosas salsas (bravas o ali-oli).
• Serrano ham is tradicionally served as tapa but can also be used for cooking in a large number of delicious recipes. Although it is regarded as one of Spanish delicacies, jamón serrano is a normal part of everyday life in many homes. 
•  "Croquetas" - croquettes are small, lightly breaded and fried sort of fritter. They are a sure hit as an appetizer or an afternoon snack with a glass of beer or wine. They could be fish, chicken or egg and ham flavours but all of them are creamy, smooth and very tasty. 
•  Olives stuffed with anchovies are the greatest of all Spanish tapas dishes. But apart from those Spain have a huge variety of Olives, try most of them!
• Pickled Mussels are a highly valued shellfish in the world of Spanish gastronomy. They appeal to the senses with their delicate flavour and intense orange colour whilst being low in calories and healthy. You can try the boiled ones served with lemon or those served in “escabeche” way, a unique Spanish marinade made with oil, vinegar and carefully selected spices.
•  Paella is probably the most internationally known of all Spanish dishes. Its origins are immersed in the history and culture of the Valencian people and you can taste it as a tapa in many places, mainly on Sundays.
• Vegetable salad - "Ensaladilla Rusa" is also very popular, although its origins are somewhat different (as its name indicates, Russia was the birthplace of this delicious dish). 
• Octopus is a typical tapa in the Galician region. It has an exquisite flavour and a delicious texture and combined with boiled potatoes and paprika it is a complete tapa that can be enjoyed at lunch or dinner.

• "Chorizo a la sidra" is a very popular dish in the North of Spain. Cider combines beautifully with spicy chorizo sausage to give you a tasty, nutritive and appetizing snack.
• Tomaquet is also a traditional Spanish Tapa. Enjoy the authentic flavour of one of Spain’s most popular tapas spreading tomatoes and olive oil a pinch of salt on bread or toast for a light, tasty snack. It is used added a slice of Jamón Serrano
• Tuna with vegetables is a tapa in which the flavours of the sea combine with those of the countryside. Tuna is highly appreciated all over the Mediterranean (it is part of our culture) for its firm pink flesh and its high vitamin and nutrient content. 

Apart from the well-known tapas Spanish cuisine offers much more. Without going too deeply into the description ... the Pintxos, toast, sandwiches and portions are the best complement to the Tapas Route.

Enjoy all of them savouring a great beer or an excellent Spanish national wine in typical Spanish bars, mix with the people and experience the atmosphere, “ir de tapas” will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

After "tapas" and feeling full of good food and drink, the wisest decision is to try the second most important and popular tradition in the country ... LA SIESTA.

Lie down to rest, relax and sleep for a while. According to doctors this activity is highly beneficial for the body and recommend, whenever possible. Take a nap and recharge the batteries for the night-time FIESTA!
Far beyond the Flamenco and Sevillanas, Spain offers lots of possibilities to have fun throughout the day but especially at night. Specifically, the city Madrid offers everything you could imagine. From concerts, theatre plays and opera to bars and nightclubs that close at wee hours of the morning. There are many nightlife areas in Madrid, depends what you look for and how are your preferences you can visit La Latina, Sol, Chueca, Azca or the Santa Ana districts. Come and find out why Madrid is called ... the city that never sleeps!

TAPAS, SIESTA & PARTY, are these enough arguments to explain why Spain boasts the second highest life expectancy in the world?

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