Fernando’s face beams at me as I take a bite out of the deep-fried pig’s ear – our post-hike snack having just finished a gruelling excursion around the mountains. Our small group has now returned to our starting point of Ricote and retired to unassuming restaurant, El Sordo. It’s one of the fanciest restaurants I’ve ever been to, yet it’s in a town of just over 1000, in the dusty middle of Murcia.
‘Muy bien chico!’ he cheers when I go back for more, saluting me with his raised glass of vino tinto. I lift my own glass in return, smacking my lips in enjoyment and think to myself – this is the real Spain.
In a country bursting with some of the world’s biggest tourist attractions, from Gaudi’s wacky architectural creations in Barcelona to the fabled the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, it’s easy to get caught up in the big hitters.
But a trip to Spain is so much more than the attractions that make it up. It’s about discovering the good life, afternoon canas (beers) in the sun, post-siesta parades of dog walkers and sharing late-night dinners with friends. With over-tourism emerging as one of the country’s biggest challenges for the future, it’s more important than ever to go beyond the surface of the country to seek out truly authentic experiences.
Experience the real flavours of Spain
Food in Spain is a celebration. Families place great importance on coming together for meals and the diversity of the culinary scene reflects the country’s distinct cultures. Each region enjoys its own special flavours, ingredients and dishes, and it’s easy to see why the country has been leading the culinary world for years, from historic El Bulli to highflying Enigma in Barcelona.
But that heady mix of Spanish flavour can sometimes fall by the wayside, as you lament the choice of restaurants in the slow-shuffling tourist processions of La Rambla. So, skip the set menu for a night and instead look for a combination cooking school/restaurant where you can experience real Spanish cuisine without the fuss. Friendly locals can host you and your friends for an evening, where you’ll be taught secret recipes passed down through the generations as you cook up a storm. But the best part comes afterwards, when you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour – always in good company.
Discover Spain’s lesser-known stories
History comes alive in Andalucia, the old Spain of people’s imagination. White-washed pueblos blancos perch atop craggy hills, sun-splashed squares smell of citrus and breezy summer nights are spent watching fiery flamenco dancers. You’ll find ancient relics of Roman and Moorish rule here too, giving the perfect opportunity to trace the country’s history, an important thread that connects the people of Spain.
But there are some lesser-known stories that have historically played out across the country as well. Spain has its famous antiheroes – outlaws who roamed the Andalusian mountains in the 17th and 18th centuries. El Museo del Bandolero in Ronda is dedicated to exploring the history and motives behind Spain’s rakish rogues, who for years haunted the high mountain passes of Andalucia and controlled smuggling routes from the south.
Read more: 4 reasons Spain is a great destination for family travel
Celebrating the good life
Spanish people love the outdoors and getting active is an important part of local life with weekends often spent in nature with friends. After all, when Spain looks this good, why not?
It’s times like these, when you scratch under the surface, that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the culture in Spain and fond memories of the little things – impromptu language lessons given by waiters in small rural towns, a special view shared with friends, the crunchy pig-ears you’ll eat in under-the-radar restaurants… But most importantly, the feeling of family and community that lies at the heart of Spain, waiting to be discovered.
Experience a different side of Spain on a small group adventure with Intrepid
