Where to travel for a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine
If you’re craving a culinary adventure filled with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, where should you go? Below you can find the best Mediterranean food destinations from the turquoise shores of Greece to the colourful streets of Spain, this iconic region is teeming with a tantalising array of dishes to delight all food lovers.
Paired with rich traditions, incredible history and mesmerising architecture, a trip across the Mediterranean is pure soul food for all who enjoy endless sunshine, delicious meals and great company. But with so many beautiful, alluring locations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin your journey.
Here, we take a look at three of the best destinations in the Med for fresh, authentic cuisine to help you get started with your travel plans.
Mediterranean food destination: Athens, Greece
The historic city of Athens, where ancient ruins stand amidst bustling markets and charming tavernas, is a favourite for many travellers seeking a taste of the Mediterranean. Greek cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours and wholesome health qualities.
Indulge in classic dishes known worldwide for their versatility and deliciousness, such as souvlaki. For this dish, meat is grilled over hot charcoal on skewers and served in an array of ways to create a tasty, protein-rich component to any meal. Archaeological evidence suggests this cooking style dates back to 2,000 BCE, so it’s a must-try for an authentic Greek experience.
Another favourite of Athens is spanakopita, a filo pastry pie bursting with the flavours of olive oil, feta cheese, fresh spinach and fragrant herbs. This light yet layered dish is nutritious and pairs perfectly with the sun-filled terraces overlooking the city. Finish off with baklava, a pastry dessert boasting rich flavours of honey and chopped nuts – and don’t forget a glass of Greece’s national drink, ouzo.
Mediterranean food destination: Palermo, Italy
The stunning capital of Sicily, Palermo, is where the flavours of the Mediterranean come together in a symphony of taste and texture. Sicilian cuisine is a fusion of Italian, Spanish, Arabic and Greek influences, resulting in dishes that are mouth-watering and utterly irresistible. Feast on arancini, delectable fried balls of rice which can be filled with meat, cheese or veggies – a favourite street food snack for locals and visitors alike. Of course, the authentic pasta of Italy must be sampled whilst in Palermo, with pasta con le sarde being a popular choice. This dish features fresh sardines tossed with pasta in a fragrant sauce of onions, fennel, raisins and pine nuts.
Be sure to also explore the farmers markets, full of fresh produce, seafood and artisanal cheeses. Here you must also try the juicy Sicilian blood orange, tarocco, which is exclusive to the island.
Mediterranean food destination: Cadiz, Spain
Nestled along the sunny shores of southwest Spain, Cádiz is a hidden gem for foodies. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back 3,500 years, this ancient port city has a rich culinary heritage influenced by its maritime history. Fresh seafood delicacies feature heavily on the menus here, with fried fish, grilled octopus and bluefin tuna on offer.
All the bluefin tuna entering the Mediterranean migrates through the 9 mile Strait between Europe and Africa. They set up a very complex and old trap, almadraba, to capture the bluefin tuna.
Cadiz is also the only province in the world allowed to make Sherry wine. A town nearby, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, was the Spanish food capital in 2022.
Explore the city’s lively tapas bars to feast on small plates of local favourites paired with a nice sherry. Be sure to opt for local, small businesses to taste the most authentic dishes. Food tourism supports the community and economy of the places you visit, so be sure to make the most of Cádiz’s warm hospitality and delicious gastronomic offerings.
A trip to remember
Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Athens, savouring tapas in Cadiz or indulging in gelato in Palermo, a culinary journey through the Mediterranean is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. The only question is, where will you go first?
My guided tours in Cadiz
Come to Cadiz Spain and experience the authentic Mediterranean cuisine. I can help organise the following private culinary tours in Cadiz.
Sherry wine experiences
If you are looking for Sherry wine experiences from Seville or Cadiz, contact us. We do cultural and culinary experiences throughout Cadiz province.
Enjoy the best Sherry bodega tours, local culture and traditions, and the local gastronomy. I can help arrange part of your trip on our Ultimate Sherry wine Tasting tour. We can design a private tour just for you and your family. Furthermore, we can even organise a private sherry tasting with tapas at your place.
Hiking guided tours in Cadiz province
In these private guided hiking activities in Cadiz province I offer incredible hikes in La Breña, El Estrecho and Los Alcornocales natural parks. Moreover, you will learn about local traditions and about the culinary, medicinal and gastronomical use of the Mediterranean plants. I worked in the environmental and conservation fields in Canada, UK and Spain before becoming a local guide.
Cadiz province is one of the most biodiverse provinces in mainland Spain. Habitats range from dense forest reminiscent of cloud forest to Mediterranean forest, dune systems, and more. Moreover, enjoy the majestic views of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. Cadiz has the highest percentage of protected habitat in Andalusia. Cadiz also has the climate and sunlight hours are similar to Canary Islands. I look forward to showing you this incredibly diverse province in the most southern point of mainland Spain.
Contact us
If you are looking into the best Mediterranean food destination, please contact us. In fact, If you want to join me in any of these tours, please do not hesitate to visit my website. Contact me at info@explorelatierra.com.
To learn more about sherry, culture and Andalusia travel guides, please click the big blue button. If you have any ideas and suggestions, please do not hesitate to write us an email at info@explorelatierra.com. Please read our privacy policy before you get in touch with us. We will take your new recommendations into consideration.
