Andalusia is the birthplace of tapas, small appetizers that have become an essential part of Spanish culture. Traveling through the region by rental car gives you the freedom to explore and enjoy the best tapas bars at your own pace. In this guide, we’ll explain what tapas are, how to eat them, what varieties you must try, how to get around from Malaga Airport rent a car, and the legal alcohol limits for drivers in Spain.
What Are Tapas and How to Eat Them?
Tapas are small portions of food traditionally served with drinks in Spanish bars. They can be hot or cold and include a variety of ingredients, from seafood to meats and vegetables. The true tapas experience involves moving from bar to bar, sampling different dishes along the way.
How to eat tapas properly:
- Order gradually: Start with one or two dishes and order more as you go.
- Share with friends: Tapas are meant to be shared, making the meal a social experience.
- Pair with drinks: Tapas are best enjoyed with wine, sherry, or beer.
Popular Types of Tapas
When exploring Andalusia, you'll find countless varieties of tapas. Here are some must-try options:
- Tortilla (Spanish Omelet) – A thick potato and onion omelet.
- Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Croquetas – Deep-fried croquettes with ham, cheese, or chicken fillings.
- Gazpacho – A cold tomato-based soup, perfect for hot days.
- Pescaíto Frito – Small fried fish, a specialty in coastal towns.
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Road Trip Route from Malaga Airport: Best Tapas Spots
By choosing Malaga airport car rental, you can easily reach the best tapas spots across Andalusia. Here are some top destinations:
1. Malaga
Best Tapas Bars:
- El Pimpi – A legendary bar offering a variety of traditional tapas.
- La Tranca – A small, vibrant place with great homemade tapas.
2. Granada
Best Tapas Bars:
- Bodegas Castañeda – Famous for its rustic charm and generous tapas portions.
- Los Diamantes – Specializes in fresh seafood and fried fish.
3. Seville
Best Tapas Bars:
- El Rinconcillo – One of the oldest tapas bars in Seville, serving traditional dishes.
- La Azotea – A modern take on classic tapas with creative twists.
Drink-Driving Limits in Spain
If you're planning to enjoy tapas with a glass of wine or beer, it's crucial to know the drink-driving regulations in Spain.
Current legal limits:
- Experienced drivers: Maximum blood alcohol level – 0.5 g/l (0.25 mg/l in breath).
- New and professional drivers: Maximum blood alcohol level – 0.3 g/l (0.15 mg/l in breath).
Proposed law changes:
Spain is considering lowering the legal alcohol limit to 0.2 g/l (0.1 mg/l in breath) for all drivers. This means that even one glass of beer or wine might exceed the legal limit. To stay safe and avoid fines, it's best to avoid drinking if you plan to drive.
How to Reach Key Cities in Andalusia from Malaga Airport
By choosing car hire Malaga airport, you can easily travel to the most iconic cities in the region:
- Malaga – Granada: Around 125 km, approximately 1.5 hours via A-92.
- Malaga – Seville: Around 205 km, approximately 2 hours via A-92.
- Malaga – Cordoba: Around 160 km, approximately 1.5 hours via A-45 and A-4.
Final Thoughts
{{RatingShortcode}} A road trip across Andalusia in a Malaga airport rent a car offers the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant tapas culture. Whether you're enjoying traditional Spanish omelets in Malaga, fresh seafood in Granada, or authentic patatas bravas in Seville, you'll find something to delight your taste buds. However, always be mindful of drink-driving limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
So, are you ready to hit the road and discover the best tapas in Andalusia? Start your adventure by booking your car hire at Malaga airport today!
Note: The information on alcohol regulations is based on current laws at the time of publication. Always check the latest legal limits before driving in Spain.