Fancy trying a little tardeo for yourself?

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One phenomenon that has taken Spain by storm recently, almost becoming a way of life, is tardeo. Have you ever heard of this new form of entertainment? This unique experience offers participants the opportunity to make the most of the late afternoon, when the rhythm of the city changes and invites you to relax, sharing tapas, drinks and laughter with family or friends. This custom is shared by members of different generations and represents an alternative to nightlife. If going for brunch is one of your favourite late morning plans, then you will love this way of enjoying late afternoon in Spain!

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Terrace in Barcelona © Tutti frutti / Shutterstock.com

Tardeo spots in Spanish cities

Discovering a city is not just about walking through its streets and its most characteristic monuments. Integrating yourself among its inhabitants, as if you were one of them, is the ideal way to get to know it. And tardeo, a Spanish tradition of socialising in the late afternoon, is one of your best options, as well as a great idea for recharging your batteries after a morning of cultural visits or shopping. In Spain, the tardeo has something special: Good weather, plenty of daylight hours and an atmosphere that invites you to forget about looking at the clock. What do you think?If you are in Madrid, add La Latina, Malasaña or the areas around Puerta de Alcalá to your list, where good vibes are guaranteed. They are home to cosmopolitan establishments where you can nibble on a snack or order a cocktail at any time. Inside the Retiro and Atenas parks you will discover beautiful terraces that offer DJ sessions of electronic music. The perfect plan to end the day!In Valencia, experience the magic of an afternoon outing taking in the sunset by the sea on its atmospheric terraces by the beach and the rooftops of trendy venues. What more could you ask? One good example of this is the Marina de Valencia and the hotels that play host to sessions with renowned DJs and events that combine the latest music with cutting-edge gastronomy and cocktails. The Ruzafa neighbourhood boasts a modern and lively atmosphere, as does Plaza del Cedro.In Barcelona, tardeo is a fine art on the terraces of the Gothic Quarter. Order a gin and tonic or a vermouth with soda, accompanied by patatas bravas, a meat-filled “bomba” or potato salad to feel like a true Barcelona native.Experience the most authentic Andalusian tardeo with a rebujito (made using fino or manzanilla wine mixed with lime cordial or soda water) in the Triana neighborhood of Seville, next to the River Guadalquivir or in the more bohemian area of Alameda de Hércules. And if you are heading to Granada, be sure to stop by Calle Navas or the Realejo, a charming neighborhood where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and great tapas.You can find other lively terraces in many of the old town establishments of other destinations including San Sebastián, Bilbao, Cuenca and Zaragoza. Celebrate tardeo, a Spanish tradition of late afternoon leisure, with a nice cold sangria!
San Miguel Market, Madrid

Markets where tardeo is all the rage

Did you know that the morning hustle and bustle of fruit, meat, cheese and fish stalls turns into a meeting place in the afternoon? Markets are the ideal place to wander through the aisles while trying the freshest products in delicious tapas or pinchos. This is exactly what you will find at markets such as Victoria Market (Córdoba), San Francisco Market (Oviedo), La Ribera Market (Bilbao), San Agustín Market (Granada), El Puerto Market (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Colón Market in Valencia or the central markets in cities such as Zaragoza or Alicante. Another magical place is the San Miguel Market, in Madrid, serving up the most modern preparations using Spanish products including cheese, rice, Iberian ham and even seafood brought in daily from Galicia.Furthermore, most of them are buildings of great architectural value that are a monumental attraction in themselves. If you fancy experiencing authentic historical tardeo for yourself, gastromarkets are the perfect option!
Cookery class

Cooking classes with tasting

But that's not all that tardeo has to offer. Cooking workshops, for example, are a growing gastronomic experience in many cities. It's the perfect time to learn how to make delicious tapas, avant-garde dishes or practice more traditional cooking. They are also ideal for meeting people. They are typically single afternoon courses and participants then taste the dishes prepared, while sharing funny anecdotes about the preparation process. What better way to enjoy Spanish cuisine than by learning how to cook it!A good example are the classes at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu or Kitchen Club in Madrid. In Barcelona, a chef is on hand to help you make a tasty paella, step-by-step during the course Paella Cooking Class Experience. Triana Market in Seville is the setting for the Andalusian Cooking Workshop, where you can create and try the most typical dishes of Andalusian cuisine. At La Cocinita Mágica in Salamanca try your hand at desserts and brunch.
Craft beer

Craft beer tastings and pairings

Plus, if you like craft beer, you're in luck. Factory tours that showcase the production process and offer tastings of different varieties are becoming increasingly popular.There are some very original options. In Altea, participate in an immersive experience to explore beer history and culture, its raw materials and its brewing techniques. In the Sierra de Madrid, take a guided tour of an organic beer factory. Zaragoza is home toone of the oldest factories in Spain, dating back to 1900. And in the mountains of the Laciana Valley, in León, explore a craft beer factory located in a mine, boasting more than a century of history.