Eating tapas is more than just a way of ingesting small servings of typical dishes- it is essential part of Spanish lifestyle. Any foreigner you ask will tell you that they are undoubtedly one of most popular aspects of Spanish gastronomy.

The best thing about tapas is that you always have the chance to sample a wide variety of dishes and leave room to try some more afterwards.  Another good point is that everybody has their own favourite dish and the culinary options are endless. 

Eating tapas is a cultural thing, the art of fine wines and good, slow food is so different to binge drinking and unhealthy fast food in Northern Europe.

Eating tapas has become a symbol of identity of modern Spain and one of the typical examples of national gastronomy, perhaps as much as the pasta and pizza for Italians or sushi for the Japanese.

The history of the term “tapas” (covers in Spanish) is said to have appeared in the 14^th century when it was first used in taverns in our region. This name was used to describe the small plates of slices of garlic sausage, cheese or cured ham which were used to cover wineglasses in the bars of Andalusia. Gradually, the term consolidated in the rest of the country.

According to historians, the custom of covering glasses of wine with small plates derived from a Royal Decree during the Hapsburg Dynasty, who prohibited wine to be drunk on its own. The inners were forced to cover glasses with a piece of bread and a dish with slices of sausage or cheese.

Tapa Dictionary

"Borough of San Roque" Tapa Route

"Monumental Gastronomy" Culinary Route (San Roque City Centre)

"Gastronomic Line" Culinary Route (Estación-Taraguilla area)

"Gastronomic Valley" Culinary Route (Guadiaro-Sotogrande area)

"Gastronomic Bay" Culinary Route (Campamento-Puente Mayorga area)