Tapas are one of Spain’s most famous and best loved foods, even making its mark in the UK with specialist restaurants which only serve tapas. They come in many forms, with many fillings, from pastries and cheeses to seafood, meat, vegetables and salads. Fresh, cooked, fried, hot or cold, you will never tire of the wonder that is tapas.

Pop in to any lively looking pub or bar and you will find a wide array of tapas available. If your visiting property in Madrid, you will find a neighbourhood known as Lavapies where they serve multiethnic fun loving tapas, to reflect the areas personality. Looking for property in Barcelona and you will be confronted by their ‘tascas’, excitable tapas bars. If you decide to venture to the Basque country, you will need to look out for ‘pintxos’, the Basque word for tapas. Order a glass of vino and tuck into tiny sandwiches, and tiny plates of peppers, seafood and mushrooms.

Tapas are cheap and cheerful most of the time, with a typical dish setting you back around €4. If you are trying to save money, try to avoid the seafood dishes, as they are a lot dearer. There are two sizes of tapas, racion and media-racion. Racion is the size of a dinner plate, ideal for sharing but perhaps too large if you just want a quick snack. Always ask for a media racion if possible.

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