Date of publication 20/04/2026
Gastronomic routes: discover another way to travel
Gastronomic routes encourage community-based tourism, as they support the circular economy and foster deep, respectful, and genuine cultural exchange in each destination. Through small gestures that help build connections, practicing food tourism also means listening with your palate, keeping both your mind and your taste buds open to understand where each place’s customs and traditions come from and where they are headed. In a way, food becomes both host and link, like a master of ceremonies connecting past, present, and future. At Iberostar hotels, the commitment to offering honest, mindful, locally rooted cuisine is reflected both in the origin of ingredients and in the final result, always prioritizing seasonal dishes, zero-mile products, and responsibly sourced options.
What are gastronomic routes?
As the name suggests, gastronomic routes are travel itineraries connected to culinary culture. They are part of a way of traveling that seeks to discover new places through food, especially by experiencing firsthand how local ingredients are sourced and tasting the traditional dishes prepared with them. These food-focused tours may include restaurants, bars, or wineries, as well as farms or production facilities unique to each region.
At the same time, when we talk about these kinds of journeys, we are not referring only to food, but also to beverages such as wine in the case of wine tourism, as well as water, beer, or spirits.
In other words, it is about discovering the world through the gastronomic heritage of each destination, savoring its most meaningful stories through its most representative products and methods of production. Does this idea resonate with you? Below, we explore some of the best gastronomic routes in Spain and around the world so you can start planning your next trip, tailored to your taste.
Gastronomic routes in Spain
A journey through the essence of Málaga
Málaga is a destination that seamlessly blends culture, sunshine, and an exceptional cuisine shaped by the sea. A walk along Calle Larios followed by tapas at the Atarazanas Market is a must. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the Costa del Sol’s most iconic dishes, such as Málaga-style fried fish, porra antequerana, or ajoblanco, always paired with the region’s sweet wines with Málaga designation of origin. At the beach bars of La Malagueta or El Palo, the aroma of sardines grilled over an open fire will lead you straight to the heart of local tradition. To fully enjoy this setting, there are ideal options such as Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach, one of our standout hotels for couples in Málaga where relaxation and fine dining come together, or Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa, designed as one of the best family hotels in Málaga thanks to its spacious facilities that balance fun and rest.
The bluefin tuna route in Cádiz
Cádiz's culinary culture is endlessly rich. A visit to its coastal towns to learn about local bluefin tuna fishing is a perfect way to begin discovering its depth. In spring, starting in May, tuna approach the Atlantic coastline, passing through Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil, Tarifa, and Chiclana.
In Chiclana de la Frontera, Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa sits right on La Barrosa beach. There, the Cataria restaurant, awarded a Repsol Sun in 2023, revives the tradition of open-fire seafood grilling, inspired by 19th-century transoceanic expeditions. With guidance from chefs Pablo Vicari and Aitor Arregi, the restaurant serves fresh local tuna and other seafood by weight and in season, along with vegetables from Cádiz’s orchards, traditional desserts, and selected meats, all paired with a wine list featuring 25 varieties. Nearby, Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus complements the experience as one of the most sought-after hotels with a pool in Cádiz.
A journey into the heart of Tenerife’s guachinches
To continue this selection of gastronomic routes in Spain, we move from southern mainland Spain to the heart of the volcanic island of Tenerife, where traditional Canarian cuisine draws on Spanish, African, and Latin American influences. Guachinches are informal eateries where timeless dishes are served, such as sancocho canario, watercress stew, gofio, tollos, or papas arrugadas with red and green mojo, all accompanied by local wines. These places are known for their affordable prices and their clear purpose of preserving culinary authenticity.
They date back to the 17th century, when local wine production began to grow and vineyard owners and their families set up along the roads, offering wine and homemade dishes to traders and travelers passing through. Over time, these evolved into rustic inns. Some of the most popular spots to experience the essence of Tenerife include Mi Guachinche Casa Pedro, El Capitán, Romance, El Talegazo, and Los Toneles.
The island offers a wide range of stays that allow travelers to experience this Canarian immersion from different perspectives. Those seeking a peaceful, exclusive retreat will find it in adults-only hotels in Tenerife such as JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar, JOIA Salomé by Iberostar, or the contemporary Iberostar Selection Sábila, where tranquility and fine dining go hand in hand. For those who want to feel the rhythm of the capital, Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey is the ideal choice, combining the city’s history with iconic colonial architecture.
Families traveling with children will find both comfort and entertainment in our family hotels in Tenerife. Properties such as Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, Iberostar Waves Las Dalias, or the award-winning Iberostar Selection Anthelia provide the perfect setting. These resorts not only stand out as excellent hotels for kids thanks to their leisure offerings, but also offer some of the best pool experiences in Costa Adeje, ensuring that every member of the family finds their own space to enjoy, between refreshing swims and local flavors.
Wine routes in Mallorca
In Mallorca, the Mediterranean essence shapes everything, including the wine experience. The Balearic island is home to two designations of origin, Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. In addition, the geographical indication “Vinos de Mallorca” identifies wines made exclusively from grapes grown on the island and bottled there.
Some of the grape varieties cultivated include reds such as Callet, Manto Negro, and Fogoneu, and whites such as Prensal, Chardonnay, Macabeo, and Malvasía. To discover the wines of Binissalem, where vineyards rise about 650 feet above sea level, there is nothing better than visiting the town of the same name, located in a region that also includes charming villages like Santa María del Camí, Consell, and Santa Eugènia, all ideal for enjoying a romantic Mallorcan dinner for two.
The Pla i Llevant designation encompasses a total of thirteen wineries and supports seventy winegrowers across the central and eastern parts of the island, spread among equally picturesque towns such as Manacor, Capdepera, Artà, and Sant Llorenç.
Tasting these wines in an idyllic setting is easy thanks to Mallorca’s carefully curated selection of stays, designed to suit every travel style. Those seeking a romantic getaway or complete disconnection can be drawn to the atmosphere of our hotels for couples in Mallorca, where properties such as Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma, Iberostar Waves Cala Millor, or the sophisticated Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma elevate the wine experience with a refined touch overlooking the Mediterranean. For travelers seeking a more cosmopolitan and distinctive setting, Iberostar Selection Es Trenc stands out as one of the island’s most distinctive urban hotels, perfect for exploring Mallorca through a modern and elegant lens.
On the other hand, if the trip is shared with loved ones, our family hotels in Mallorca excel at blending the island’s rich gastronomy with unforgettable leisure moments. In privileged coastal locations, Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa and Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village are among the best hotels with pools for kids in Mallorca, offering spacious settings where children’s fun and adults’ relaxation come together in perfect balance.
The taste of sand and cheese in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is much more than its striking dunes. It is a land of bold flavors shaped by its arid climate and seafaring heritage. A gastronomic route across the island must include the internationally renowned Majorero cheese, as well as roasted goat and fresh fish such as vieja. Exploring its inland villages and ports reveals the resilience and flavor of the Canary Islands. On the Jandía peninsula, Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace stands out as a refined choice for those seeking romantic hotels in Fuerteventura with endless ocean views. For families, Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park and Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas are leading options, where the all-inclusive offering allows guests to discover the island’s flavors with total ease.
The best gastronomic routes around the world
Tasting moles in Riviera Maya and Cozumel
In Mexico, with its rich and varied cuisine, there are as many types of mole as there are community stories tied to them. Up to fifty different varieties are known, most originating in the central regions of the country. The most characteristic include mole poblano from the state of Puebla, red mole (the most common), and green mole.
Originally, mole was offered to the gods. The Maya, for example, presented it to their deities in sacred places such as the Pyramid of Chichén Itzá. Even today, it is served to honor guests and make them feel at home. All moles share a common element: their main ingredient is Mexican chili pepper, which itself exists in many varieties and is used across countless recipes.
That same ancestral hospitality, which once made mole a sacred offering, can still be felt today in our Mexican Caribbean resorts, where local flavors act as the perfect hosts. For those looking to immerse themselves in this culture in complete comfort, the Paraíso complex offers unforgettable stays at Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach or Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites. These resorts are recognized among the top all-inclusive hotels in Riviera Maya, particularly for their expansive pool areas in Playa Paraíso, ideal for unwinding after a day of culinary exploration.
If you prefer to explore this culinary heritage in a setting of peace and sophistication, JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar is the perfect retreat for those seeking adults-only hotels in Riviera Maya. Defined by exclusivity, it ranks among the most highly valued luxury hotels in the area, thanks to its fine dining concept that pays tribute to Mexican tradition in a serene environment.
The journey continues at Iberostar Waves Quetzal, a sanctuary where jungle meets the Caribbean, offering a unique beachfront experience. This resort is a top choice for those looking for family-friendly hotels in Playa del Carmen that prioritize biodiversity and environmental respect, allowing children to discover the essence of Mexico among palm trees and local wildlife.
Aromas and spices in Morocco’s markets
Another gastronomic route that will leave a lasting impression is the one that explores Marrakech, the city of aromas, through taste and scent. This journey focuses on the markets of Morocco’s capital, where you will find every kind of spice. The vast central souk begins in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and extends through dozens of narrow streets. There, you can browse an endless variety of aromatic herbs and seasonings while sampling authentic Moroccan street food. The spice market in the Rahba Kedima district was ranked by National Geographic as the third best in the world. After an active day in the city, the Moroccan restaurant Jawhara at Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech, just fifteen minutes from the Medina, offers the chance to enjoy flavorful tagine, traditionally prepared couscous, or sweet and savory delicacies such as chicken and almond pastilla.
If you prefer a coastal setting to accompany your mint tea and local pastries, Iberostar Waves Founty Beach in Agadir and Iberostar Waves Saïdia are excellent options for those seeking beachfront hotels in Morocco. These properties are designed with families in mind, offering spaces where children can enjoy activities while adults explore the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Staying at these all-inclusive hotels in Morocco turns the culinary experience into a daily, worry-free journey. Both resorts stand out for their beachfront locations in Agadir and Saïdia, making it easy to alternate between a swim in the ocean and moments of relaxation by the pool.
From coffee to cacao: Punta Cana and Puerto Plata
Dominican cuisine is a feast for the senses. Gastronomic routes across the country always feature products such as exotic fruits. Throughout the territory, including destinations like Punta Cana, dishes such as La Bandera Dominicana or mangú with Los Tres Golpes are served at breakfast and lunch. Plantains have become a national symbol, while cacao and coffee have been part of the country’s history for generations. Exploring family-run coffee plantations is possible through routes such as Café Atabey, Café Jamao, and Monte Alto. At Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata, guests can discover cacao culture in a dedicated space. Through this and other initiatives, Iberostar supports the production of more than 200 local farmers, helping to promote community-based tourism.
This commitment to authentic flavors and respect for local products continues at our Punta Cana resorts, where cacao and coffee take center stage in memorable after-dinner moments by the sea. For those traveling with family, properties such as Iberostar Selection Coral Bávaro, Iberostar Waves Dominicana, Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, and Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites offer a true celebration of tropical flavors in their buffets and themed restaurants. As all-inclusive hotels in the Dominican Republic, they provide a complete, worry-free experience, allowing guests to enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted coffee alongside the Caribbean breeze.
For travelers seeking calm and exclusivity, JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar stands out as one of the most sophisticated adults-only hotels in Punta Cana. It is an ideal setting to savor premium Dominican rum at sunset or relax by its contemporary pools. Meanwhile, in Puerto Plata, Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada not only offers immersion into cacao culture, but also ranks among the best family-friendly hotels in the area, ensuring that both adults and children discover the essence of the Dominican Republic through play and flavor in a setting designed for comfort.
Tapas, small plates, and music in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto and the Algarve
A tapas tour through Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, the heart of the city’s nightlife and music scene, is always a great idea. To the sound of fado, or indie, rock, or techno depending on your taste, the streets of Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diário are filled with charming bars such as A Brasileira, Taberna do Bairro Alto, the Artis wine bar, or Petiscos, all offering a wide selection of traditional dishes where bacalhau à Brás and grilled sardines are always present.
During your stay at Iberostar Selection Lisboa, a five-star urban hotel, you can also enjoy traditional fish and seafood dishes sourced responsibly at its Luz restaurant. Exploring Portugal by bike from Lisbon allows you to dive even deeper into its rich culture, combining cycling routes with gastronomic experiences or even creating your own food-focused itinerary across the country.
A tour through Lisbon or the Algarve is always a great choice for lovers of fresh seafood. While staying at Iberostar Selection Lisboa, a leading option among centrally located hotels in Lisbon, you can experience Portuguese culinary traditions in a cosmopolitan setting. If you prefer the coast, Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is one of the most romantic beachside hotels in southern Portugal, ideal for combining hiking routes with outstanding gastronomy.
