A Foodie Family Guide to the Costa de Almería & Costa del Sol: Must-Try Dishes and Culinary Delights

For foodies like our family, Spain is a paradise of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and time-honored traditions. From the sun-drenched beaches of Málaga to the charming streets of Almería and Roquetas de Mar, the Costa del Sol and Costa de Almería offer some of the most authentic and delicious dishes in the country. Whether you're craving seafood straight from the Mediterranean, hearty mountain fare, or tapas bursting with local flavors, trust us when we say this, this region has it all!

In today's blog, join us as we explore the top cultural dishes you can’t miss, along with our Bear Family insider tips to help you plan the ultimate foodie adventure along Spain’s southern coast.

Must-Try Dishes on the Costa de Almería & Costa del Sol

Espeto de Sardinas (Málaga & Costa del Sol)

One of the most iconic dishes of the Costa del Sol, espeto de sardinas consists of fresh sardines skewered and grilled over an open flame, often on a traditional boat-shaped grill filled with hot coals. Best enjoyed at a beachfront chiringuito with a cold beer or a glass of local white wine.

Ajoblanco (Málaga)

A lesser-known cousin of gazpacho, ajoblanco is a chilled almond and garlic soup, blended with olive oil, vinegar, and bread for a creamy texture. Often served with grapes or melon, this refreshing dish is perfect for hot summer days.

Fritura Malagueña (Málaga & Costa del Sol)

A seafood lover’s and our families dream meal, fritura malagueña is a mix of lightly battered and fried seafood, including anchovies, squid, and prawns. Served with a wedge of lemon, this dish highlights the incredible freshness of Mediterranean seafood.

Gambas Rojas de Garrucha (Almería Province)

Garrucha, a small coastal town in Almería province, is famous for its bright red prawns (gambas rojas). These delicacies are grilled simply with sea salt, allowing their natural sweetness and oceanic flavor to shine.

Tabernero (Almería)

Another of the Bear family favourites is the rich and hearty tapas dish, tabernero which is made with sautéed tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spicy chorizo or longaniza sausage. It’s often served with crusty bread and a glass of local wine. We highly recommend checking out the recipe for these from the good folks at Cooking Among Olive Trees.

Gurullos con Conejo (Almería Province)

A rustic dish from Almería’s inland areas, gurullos con conejo is a slow-cooked stew made with handmade pasta (gurullos), rabbit meat, and vegetables. This dish showcases the region’s Moorish culinary influences.

Migas (Costa de Almería & Costa del Sol)

A traditional dish that originated as a way to use leftover bread, migas consists of fried breadcrumbs sautéed with garlic, chorizo, pancetta, and sometimes grapes for a sweet contrast. It's a popular comfort food during rainy days in Almería and Málaga.

Cherigan (Almería & Roquetas de Mar)

A local specialty in Almería, cherigan is a toasted baguette slice topped with alioli and a variety of delicious ingredients like tuna, jamón ibérico, or smoked salmon. It’s a must-try tapa when visiting Almería or Roquetas de Mar.

Pimentón de Almería (Almería Province)

Almería is famous for its high-quality paprika, which enhances many of its traditional dishes. Try pimentón-infused stews and grilled meats for an extra kick of smoky flavor.

Choto al Ajillo (Costa del Sol & Inland Almería)

This dish features tender kid goat (choto) cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce, often served with roasted potatoes. It’s a staple of mountain cuisine in the region.

Pulpo a la Gallega (Costa del Sol & Costa de Almería)

A traditional dish from Galicia that has made its way to southern Spain, pulpo a la gallega consists of octopus boiled to perfection, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pimentón, and served over sliced potatoes. If you're interested in trying this one out, we highly recommend visiting Treurer where they have an amazing recipe for it that the Bear family loves!

Arroz a Banda (Costa del Sol & Almería)

A dish that originated from the coastal fishermen, arroz a banda is a flavorful rice dish cooked in a rich seafood broth, often accompanied by aioli.

Where to Stay: Naturally....Villa de los Osos in Roquetas de Mar

For the perfect foodie getaway, book a stay at Villa de los Osos, our short-term rental in Roquetas de Mar. Nestled in a prime location near beautiful beaches and fantastic restaurants, it provides the perfect home base for exploring Almería’s culinary delights. With comfortable accommodations, a fully equipped kitchen, and easy access to local markets, you can even try cooking some of these regional specialties yourself!

⭐️ Bear Family Tips for The Best Foodie Adventure in Spain

Visit Local Markets: Spain’s mercados are the best place to find fresh seafood, jamón ibérico, cheeses, and seasonal produce.

Go for Tapas: Many bars in Almería still serve free tapas with drinks—we honestly feel it’s the best way to take advantage and sample different flavors!

Try a Food Tour: Guided food tours in Málaga or Almería can introduce you to hidden gems and authentic local dishes. We’ve done a ton of these as a family and cannot say enough good things about Feel The City Tours.

Dine Like a Local: This one took a lot of getting used to for our family, but now we love these hours as they work much better for our family. Spaniards eat lunch between 2-4 PM and dinner around 9-11 PM. Adjust your schedule to match for the best experience.

Check Our Blog Often: We're always posting great articles on foodie life. Out blog has a whole host of some of the Bear families adventures and foodie tips, like this article: The Bear Family's Guide To The Top 10 Restaurants in Roquetas de Mar.

Pair Your Meals with Local Wines: Try wines from the Alpujarras region or Málaga’s famous sweet wines for an authentic pairing. Stay tuned for an upcoming article on the best wines of the two regions. Better yet, book an Almería wine tour with the good folks at Get Your Guide.

Explore Small Villages: Some of the best and most traditional food can be found in small villages where recipes have been passed down for generations.

Order the Menu del Día: Many restaurants offer a budget-friendly “menu of the day,” which includes a starter, main course, dessert, and drink for a fixed price. These really are great options for those on a budget. 

Be Open to Regional Variations: Many dishes vary from town to town, so don’t be afraid to try different versions of the same dish.

Share Your Favorite Spanish Foodie Experiences!

Have you discovered an incredible dish on the Costa de Almería or Costa del Sol? Share your favorite Spanish food experiences and travel tips in the comments below and as always “Buen provecho!” 🍽️ 🇪🇸 ❤️