If you're looking for something a little heartier, fresh paella topped with succulent prawns and steaming mussels can be found down by the beach in Barcelona. Native to the region of Valencia, paella has become Spain's most famous dish. And why's that? Well, the flavor is out of this world. Cooked in a giant cast-iron skillet, the saffron rice and savory sausage is stir-fried together with succulent seafood to create a super satisfying meal that's usually shared by two.
Getting thirsty? Wash your meal down with a glass of ice-cold cava sangria, a specialty that's made with sparkling white wine, brandy, peach liqueur, grape juice and topped with fresh fruit. And if that's not your thing, you could always go classic with a fruity glass of red sangria.
Flaky pastry dough surrounds the sweet, rich yellow custard that makes up the world-famous pasteis de nata, a traditional Portuguese dessert. The egg tart, dusted with cinnamon, is best enjoyed as a sweet breakfast and served with coffee or tea.
Invented in Belem, near the center of Lisbon, pasteis de nata is said to have originated in a monastery before the 18th century. The monks had leftover egg yolks from the eggs that were used to starch nuns' habits, so they cooked up the bite-size pasteis de nata. The best way to really enjoy the Portuguese pastry is to visit the monastery before heading to the nearby bakery for a few treats. Then, head to the water for views overlooking Belem Tower while you give them a taste.
Baked cheese. Fried cheese. Cheese balls. Feta cheese. Kefalotiri cheese. Feta wrapped in pastry dough and served with honey drizzled over it. Spanikopita (spinach pie with cheese) and tiropita (cheese pie). The options for cheese in Greece are endless. Enjoy small plates of cheesy goodness during every meal, no matter what time of day it is.
For a truly mouthwatering experience, order a tiropita cheese puff, which is cheese baked in cheese. Enjoy them throughout your adventurous day in the islands, paired with other traditional Greek dishes like keftedes, which are meatballs served with creamy sauce, or moussaka, which is minced beef layered with sweet eggplants and cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.