“Tapas” are delicious savoury snacks accompanying drinks, a kind of gastronomy in miniature that shows off the city’s pride in its cuisine. Avila is fast becoming one of the most important centres of “tapas” in Spain. Every June, there is an important tapas championship in Avila. 

Our tour takes in the city’s most typical bars. We start our first round of “tapas” at about eight-thirty near one of the gates, at the “Arco del Rastro”, where the”Mesón el Rastro” ’s meatballs (albondigas) are perhaps the most appreciated “tapas”. Next we go to our neighbour – “El Rincon" (and meet our friends Paco and Segundo). 

Then we move to “El Palomar”, in Tomas Luis de Victoria street, where you can try squid and prawns “a la gabardina”. We recommend the tasty combination of fish with pepper which won “El Palomar” a first place in Avila’s annual Championship of Tapas.

“El Guillermo” in Chico Square offers the region’s best snacks with codfish. 

Our fifth “tapas” stop is at “Bodeguita” in San Segundo Street, where, with a stunning selection of all kinds of Spanish wines, you are offered grilled mushrooms or “coruja” salad and where Emilio (Emili for friends) organizes some fantastic wine-tasting activities for our students. 

After “Bodeguita” we will go towards “Plaza del Mercado Grande”, to San Millan street, to Avila’s oldest bar, “Casa Patas”. Its limited space won’t stop you enjoying their delicious tripe or pickled olives. It was a favourite restaurant of the author, C. J. Cela. 

After having tasted Avila’s typical “tapas” there is nothing better than a cup of good coffee in the café “La Colonial”, in Estrada street, with its old wood decoration and pleasant music.