Have you ever heard about this? Slow Food experiences are a unique way to discover culinary culture with patience, respect for ingredients, and a true appreciation for each dish. From fresh food markets in Spain to the mouthwatering flavours of Madeira in Portugal, join us on a sensory journey through the Iberian Peninsula. If you´re a lover of fine food and wine, this is our selection of our best Slow Food experiences:
Bilbao: The city of pintxos and fine wine
We begin our journey in Bilbao, where the culture of pintxos is more than just a culinary trend, it´s a tradition passed down through generations. That´s why we suggest our traditional and innovative pintxos tour, where you can taste the best bites paired with Txakolí, a slightly sparkling white wine typical of the region.
In the old town, you can also visit the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here, you´ll find a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, as well as vegetables, cured meats, and cheeses. You can also try freshly made pintxos at any of the stalls.
San Sebastián: Cradle of haute cuisine
San Sebastián is the gastronomic capital of Spain, famous for its haute cuisine, as well as its rich tradition of markets and fresh products. Here, both Michelin-starred restaurants and small pintxo bars offer an experience focused on slow-cooked traditional dishes.
Do you want to immerse yourself in Basque cuisine? Then book our gastronomic short break to San Sebastián: over 4 days, we´ll visit places like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, with its breathtaking views, and the Mercado de la Bretxa. There, you can buy fresh Cantabrian fish, seafood, and many more local products to learn how to cook them with professional chefs. It´s an experience you won’t forget!
Vigo: Seafood and food markets
Moving on to Galicia, Vigo is a port city famous for its high-quality seafood. Undoubtedly, the food market in Vigo is one of the most representative places to understand the concept of "Slow Food". There, visitors can interact with local fishermen and producers while exploring a variety of fresh products ranging from seafood to fruits, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.
The Mercado del Progreso and the Mercado de A Pedra are two must-visit stops on our Vigo food tour. Book your place now to explore the historic centre of the city at a slow pace, as well as the local wines and typical dishes like pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) or empanada gallega (pastry with a savoury filling), made with seasonal ingredients. Would you rather be the cook yourself? Then don’t miss our coastal cooking class and ferry boat trip through the Rías Baixas: you´ll learn to prepare a traditional Galician menu with mussels or scallops, and you will pair it with Albariño white wine from the D.O. Rías Baixas and Mencía red wine from the D.O. Ribeira Sacra.
Santiago de Compostela: Tradition and ancestral flavours
Just a short distance from Vigo, Santiago de Compostela is a gastronomic and spiritual destination that captivates thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year. In our gourmet food tour through the old town, we’ll visit the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago, another iconic spot for Slow Food lovers. Curious to know why?
This market, housed in a 19th-century building, is a fantastic place to explore Galicia´s native products. Here, you´ll find seafood, fresh fish, cured meats, and local specialties like Tetilla cheese or the famous Padrón peppers. At this market, you can also enjoy Galician wines like Albariño or Mencía. A true paradise for foodie travellers like you!
Porto: A sensory and relaxing journey
Just a few hours from the Galician coast, the city of Porto in Portugal offers a Slow Food experience that combines the Atlantic breeze with the roots to the land. Here, local markets and Porto wine cellars are the heart of Portuguese culinary tradition.
Porto wine is internationally renowned, and in the Porto region you can visit the famous cellars where this sweet wine is produced. On our 4-day short break to Porto and the Douro Valley, you’ll participate in wine tastings at cellars like Quinta de la Rosa or the famous Taylor´s cellar. But beyond Porto, the true treasure in terms of Slow Food lies on the island of Madeira, a small Portuguese paradise...
Funchal: The unique flavours of Madeira
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is famous for its unique flavours. The island, awarded as the Best Island Destination in Europe in 2024, is known for its cuisine, featuring fresh fish dishes like smoked tuna or black scabbardfish, as well as its lush and beautiful landscapes.
Moreover, the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal is the ideal place to discover Madeira´s local products. Among its stalls, you’ll find tropical fruits, fresh herbs, fish, and cured meats. Looking to discover on your own why Madeira has been recognized as the island destination? Don’t miss our sustainable tour “The True Flavors and Natural Beauty of Madeira Islands” and enjoy a week-long experience full of food, wine, and nature at your own pace. This market will be a must-see stop for any lover of authentic food!
Conclusions: Discovering through the senses
Slow Food is not just a way of eating, but a sustainable way of exploring the world through its flavours. In every corner of Spain and Portugal, from local markets to hidden cellars, there´s an opportunity to enjoy food at a slower pace, understanding the story behind each dish.
As we have already announced, in 2024 we received the Global Culinary Travel Award from the WFTA, and in 2025 we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism that brings gastronomic culture closer to travellers like you. Any questions? Contact the Eat & Walkabout team, and we´ll recommend the experience that best suits your expectations. We can´t wait to meet you!
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We partner with tourism boards to best represent our selected destinations.
