11 Things You MUST DO In Spain!

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  • čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
  • This video is about what you MUST DO in Spain. I've lived here for 8 years and these tips will help you have a truly local experience in this country! Venga, let’s go! 🥝
    ⏩ Watch Next: Experience Spain Like a Local: • 10 Things You MUST Kno...
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    MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO 😃
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    Recently Yoly and I made a video about things you MUST NOT do in Spain. And it was really popular, as well as a little controversial.
    So we decided to follow it up with something more positive - the things you have MUST DO in Spain if you want to have a truly local and authentic experience.
    11. Read a great book before you come!
    Before I moved to Spain, reading really helped me get a grip on this country and in the end have a much more local experience.
    ▶ BUY 'GHOSTS OF SPAIN' HERE: amzn.to/2vG1d62
    ▶ BUY 'DON QUIXOTE' HERE: amzn.to/2DOaeOM
    10. People watch during the evening paseo!
    People watching is a real cliche, but it can be an amazing way to discover a place. So how do you do it right in Spain?
    9. Explore the neighbourhoods as well!
    Don't just limit yourself to the historic centre - hit the barrios where the locals are and see that side of life!
    ▶ Check out this video of a tapas crawl in our Madrid neighbourhood: • Exploring My Madrid Ne...
    8. Explore lesser-known parts of Spain!
    Of course you want to visit Barcelona, Seville, Madrid etc. But why not hit the rural areas? Or lesser know regions?
    ▶ In this video Yoly and I head to the beautiful rural Jerte Valley
    • Discovering Jerte Vall...
    7. Eat a menú del día in an old man bar!
    These bars are full of locals who are going about their busy day and stop to eat a big lunch. Such an amazing way to get a glimpse at everyday life in Spain.
    6. Make time for a lengthy 'sobremesa'!
    Once you've finished lunch, be sure to make time to chill out with a huge gin and tonic!
    5. Drink local wine!
    Don't just still to Rioja and Ribera del Duero - make sure you check out local wines too.
    ▶ In this video Yoly and I head to rural Granada and drink local wine:
    • Our Magical Weekend in...
    ▶ My video to help you understand Spain's famous Rioja wine: • Ultimate Rioja Wine Ta...
    ▶ My video to help you understand Spain's other famous wine region - Ribera del Duero: • Ribera del Duero Wine ...
    4. Eat paella like a local!
    First you want to make sure you eat non-frozen paella. But then, you also want to eat it WHEN the locals eat it.
    ▶ My video about Spanish food myths (incl. paella info!): • Spanish Food MYTHS BUS...
    3. See an AMAZING flamenco show!
    I'm not really into dance... but flamenco is so much more than that. And I adore it!
    ▶ My wife Yoly is a passionate flamenco expert and leads incredible private flamenco experiences. Check them out here: www.theflamencoguide.com
    2. Eat Spanish delicacies that scare you!
    I'm talking blood sausage, sweetbreads and pigs ears. Get into it - it's the local food!
    1. Talk to a stranger in a bar (or somewhere else)!
    In Spain we very easily and quickly strike up conversations with strangers. So even if you don't have much Spanish, go for it!
    WHO ARE WE? 🥝
    ⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
    Hola, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenido!
    *This description contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you use them 🙏🏻

Komentáře • 664

  • @spainrevealed
    @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +43

    What else would you recommend people visiting Spain should do to have a truly rich and local experience? Let us know below!

    • @gaulpereira2924
      @gaulpereira2924 Před 5 lety +2

      Great Videos, perhaps one for Yoli, Sevillanas. It is a beautiful dance and full of history.

    • @LiborSupcik
      @LiborSupcik Před 5 lety +3

      Ferry to Las Palmas

    • @meredithmcduffie9049
      @meredithmcduffie9049 Před 5 lety +3

      Visiting Barcelona and San Sebastian in Sept. This might seem silly, but would love your and Yoli's tips on what to wear to not look like a tourist :). Both beach and city attire? Thanks!

    • @EsperanzaBarcoAlonso
      @EsperanzaBarcoAlonso Před 4 lety +8

      @@meredithmcduffie9049
      Do not wear white sport socks and sandals, as this is typical of "guiris" (foreign tourists).
      Jeans and polo shirts are O.K. 😉😉😉😉

    • @meredithmcduffie9049
      @meredithmcduffie9049 Před 4 lety +3

      Agustina Saragossa i Domènech Oh my, I wouldn’t wear white socks with sandals anywhere 🤣🤣🤣

  • @MrJimbo327
    @MrJimbo327 Před 5 lety +77

    I've traveled extensively in the US and I look for the same experiences when in Spain. Stay out of the tourist traps, visit the local bars and try to go "native." Last year, in Cadiz, I wandered into a pub where several patrons were playing guitar and singing Flamenca. Just hanging out, drinking, and having fun. Made some friends from Ireland and met an old man who talked about being expatriated during the Franco Era. History, culture, and friendship in a bar that could seat 40 people at most. One of the highlights of my trip.

    • @3indignada
      @3indignada Před 3 lety +8

      It is always better to be a traveler than a tourist. You learn more from the sites you visit

  • @andrewmoore8480
    @andrewmoore8480 Před 4 lety +7

    When you are travelling through Spain, leave the car behind and take a long train journey.It's a fantastic way to see rural Spain! An eiht or nine hour train journey from Costa Blanca to northerm Spain costs about 150€. The traons are clean punctual and seats have lots of legroom. It's truly a wonderful journey and it adds an extra dimension to your holiday....it's not about getting from A to B...

  • @RicardoElCorrazonDeLeon
    @RicardoElCorrazonDeLeon Před 8 měsíci +3

    Boy, is your advice correct! My first time in Barcelona I began interacting with others by stating, "Lo siento pero no puedo hablar catalan." From that moment on, people were falling over themselves to help me and make sure I was going to enjoy Catalonia and had somebody with whom to talk. Although I am an American, people in the U.S. always tell me that I am slow and pokey. I learned in Spain that what I prefer to do - enjoy the surroundings and the people, is not a negative quality. Needless to say, travel in Spain has been one of the greatest travel experiences of my life.

  • @mistreated
    @mistreated Před 5 lety +55

    7. Eat a menú del día in an old man bar!
    Oh, yeah! Love doing this. Old dudes playing cards at the back table, slot machine in the corner and simple, honest food coming off the grill. After lunch, we sit around, read the paper and plan our evenings. Highly recommend this. Great advice.

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +2

      Thank you! Glad you agree!

    • @amparoalvarez9001
      @amparoalvarez9001 Před 4 lety +4

      When I was little I used to watch the old men play "Bolos" I would stay there for hours while my mother would be looking for me for dinner...I was only 6 or 7...Yes children were very safe...All adults would be watching after all the children...

    • @kennielsen3896
      @kennielsen3896 Před 4 lety +6

      Beware, I had a 75-80 year old ask if he could sit at my table on a bar patio. Absolutely as I hadn’t practiced speaking Spanish all day. Well, he gave me an hour long Spanish history lesson. Understood about 1/2 of what he said. Great fun.

    • @draculakickyourass
      @draculakickyourass Před měsícem +1

      @@kennielsen3896 Allow me to share my experience. I came to visit Spain 20 years ago,got to a village and i entered in a bar for a beer. 6 hours later i came out having an apartment rented and a job starting the next day,ha ha ha Now i'm maried, i have a 18 years old son and i still live in the same apartment.

  • @campurriana
    @campurriana Před 5 lety +41

    I love when James says "we had a fascinating history, we had civil war" and he says "we" including himself as a Spaniard!!! It's very funny to me but I love that you feel that way. You are more than welcome here!!

    • @perrasintheghetto
      @perrasintheghetto Před 5 lety +12

      Es que James no lo sabe todavía pero es español. Al menos yo lo creo. Es nuestro embajador en Nueva Zelanda.

    • @campurriana
      @campurriana Před 5 lety +8

      @@perrasintheghetto Jajaja, yo creo que sí, embajador de España online... (eso debería de existir de verdad)

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +3

      Gracias!!

    • @ahmadabdul-ghaffar4540
      @ahmadabdul-ghaffar4540 Před 4 lety +2

      @@spainrevealed you have integrated into spain but you have kept your kiwi heart (kiwis are very kind) I live in new zealand

    • @jankowalsky7325
      @jankowalsky7325 Před 4 lety +1

      In Colombia was a youtuber from northeamerica...a "gringo." He did many videos from Colombia landscapes and culture (Zack Morris) and believe or not...maybe with help of some contacts in the govern.but he achieve the nationallity oficial from Colombia as a kind of honour!!
      I promise James did a lot much for prommoting the spanish culture...than this guy for Colombia..

  • @josealvarez2470
    @josealvarez2470 Před 4 lety +9

    Great Video. I am a native that has lived in the USA for 40 years. My wife and children are all american. I love my country and I am in the process of trying to convince my wife to retire in Spain. My family is from Asturias, although I was born and grew up in Madrid. Asturias has a special place in my heart, and that is where I would love to retire.

  • @rachaelik
    @rachaelik Před 8 měsíci +1

    "Ghosts of Spain" is brilliant. A wonderful recommendation!
    I adore Cervantes. What a great sense of humour that man had.

  • @luluq01
    @luluq01 Před 5 lety +18

    You guys are so cute! I am watching you more and more. I live in the US but I am Cuban born from grandparents who emigrated to Cuba. I was forced to leave Cuba at 10 years old, but while growing up there, I was immersed in Spanish culture. Our food, our customs,everything that revolves around my grandparents was like living in Spain. You bring back so many memories. Thank you.

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +1

      Thank you for watching! I'm glad you're enjoying!

  • @turbobrick09
    @turbobrick09 Před 5 lety +16

    I agree 💯 and would add: road trip through the countryside. Last summer we drove Barçelona, Toledo, Sevilla, Madrid, Castelldefels and you can't help but to fall in love with Spain. The windmills, the olive groves, the sunflower fields, the shadow bulls, then the el Tío Pepe statue that greets you. Traveling from Sevilla to Madrid we drove through the Extremadura and absolutely loved the villages along the way. Take the time to be a local! You're spot on with this list!

  • @jimmurihiku8009
    @jimmurihiku8009 Před 5 lety +18

    I recommend as a green Kiwi,the (Camino de Santiago)
    I did this and had the most memorable life experience visiting and exploring local villages and meeting a wide variety of people.
    Sometimes I woke up and thought I was in New Zealand with the different landscapes, in some areas just like New Zealand.
    I have to say ,visit the cathedrals. Absolutely magnificent.

  • @1957DLT
    @1957DLT Před 5 lety +24

    Honestly? Treat yourself to a Devour food tour. We did the Tapas and History tour in Old Madrid with the amazing Jake last week, and are still raving about it. It gave us the confidence to head out and tapas on our own after that, and wow did we love it. We also spent an afternoon just wandering around the amazing Buen Retiro Park, we even cheered on the final runners of the Madrid marathon. First time to Madrid, won't be our last.

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +3

      So glad Deborah - will pass that onto Jake!

  • @supertren
    @supertren Před 5 lety +87

    Tienes un amor por nuestro país que de verdad nos honras. Yo soy español y quiero decirte de corazón: Muchas gracias James de parte de los españoles!. Te puedo preguntar: te sientes medio español?, piensas que un poquito de tu corazón es español?.

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +20

      No me siento medio español, pero me siento muy integrado - gracias!!

    • @edupapers8691
      @edupapers8691 Před 3 lety +2

      a mi me encanta ver estos videos y la vision de alguien que no es de aquí. Creía que las pipas se comían en todo el mundo y el paseo era una cosa normal!

  • @James-ig1vp
    @James-ig1vp Před 5 lety +30

    sobremesa , wish we did this in Ireland. I love when im in the house of girlfriend in Valencia we eat a huge meal with her family, Then we stay put eat nuts and piles of fruit :L:L its brilliant hahahaha

  • @alexigualadaortiz3867
    @alexigualadaortiz3867 Před 5 lety +32

    Both of you make me love my damn country a bit more... And you know how complex is the relation of spaniards with Spain itself...

  • @michaelthatcher3825
    @michaelthatcher3825 Před 4 lety +5

    Last year I walked the Camino del Norte from Irun to Santiago and I can honestly say the very best food I enjoyed was in the Basque Country. The Menu da Dias were amazing, usually about 10 euros but that INCLUDED a whole bottle of the great local wine (usually Branco) with something like baked merluza.

  • @jaimegonzaloelices3346
    @jaimegonzaloelices3346 Před 5 lety +25

    I know a little village in near Burgos, it's called Covarrubias and it's a wonderful place

  • @marcgarrigosmane166
    @marcgarrigosmane166 Před 3 lety +7

    If you visit Barcelona you should come to Gràcia! it is an old village that was incorporated into the city, and today still has the village atmosphere. There are not many cars, the streets are full of historical sites and it is perfect for walking with the family or the couple.

  • @youngspiritsinging
    @youngspiritsinging Před 7 měsíci

    I watched this again. I so enjoy your videos and we love Spain.

  • @helenvwalker7919
    @helenvwalker7919 Před 5 lety +33

    Thank you for mentioning Murcia. I live there. Many guidebooks ignore this authentic part of Spain. Why are people so afraid to chat with the locals? For me this has been the best bit of advice you have ever given. Just a tiny effort to do this can prove SO rewarding!!!! P.s. loved the dress you wore for the wedding Yoli .

  • @yiolaalexiou6826
    @yiolaalexiou6826 Před 5 lety +16

    i cant believe it ! The moment i was waching your video i was eating (snacking ) sunflower seeds !!! And i live in Greece ! Imagine that! My daughter is a student in Spain though so your videos are a MUST

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety +3

      That's hilarious!

    • @lchen3788
      @lchen3788 Před 4 lety +1

      Chinese are pros at snacking on all sorts of seeds: beside sunflower seeds, watermelon and pumpkin seeds are popular

    • @DulceN
      @DulceN Před 4 lety +1

      L Chen - Spaniards love those seeds as well.

  • @kozzak80
    @kozzak80 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank u, guys! Your videos always full of useful and relevant info. Bless you!

  • @redheadguy1951
    @redheadguy1951 Před 5 lety +4

    We went to Barcelona in 2012, our trip to Spain, and I would say definitely get out of the city if you can. Our focus seemed to be discovering, of course, the great Gaudi architecture all over Barcelona, but also of Dali, so we rented a car and headed for Figueres, his home town, and then on to Port Ligat to his studio and home - what a great trip that was, and the roads and scenery in that part of Spain were fantastic. Along the way at some point, we also stayed overnight in a Parador at Cardona (Spain has a wonderful system hotel stays in historic castles called paradores). Wandering the streets around that little town was great - had a great little local lunch and were able to get into a hardware and appliance store just to check out what was available. We also TRIED to drive up the back side of Montserrat which didn't quite go as planned....:) "One" of us doesn't like heights..lol. Let me say that when we travel, we do not go in groups - we're seniors but still enjoy planning on our own and taking what comes. One of the most memorable things we saw in Barcelona was during a walk in the old part of town, on the weekend. We did see a flamenco show and glad we did but we also encountered a local orchestra performing an outdoor concert in a square and people were just dropping jackets, grocery bags and whatever it was they were carrying in the course of their day to join a big circle folk dance..totally impromptu. There were so many who wanted to dance that several circles were formed. That was absolutely joyful to see! Great job on the video...you give great solid advise!

    • @noanet8074
      @noanet8074 Před 4 lety +1

      The big circle folk dance is the most typical dance in Catalonia and the name of the dance is "sardanas".
      Very happy to know that you enjoyed our country!💗

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 4 lety +1

      Fantastic story!!! So happy to had a good time!!

  • @shortbloke72
    @shortbloke72 Před 5 lety

    I love your channel... I've spent quite a bit of time in Spain and yet every video I learn something new. .. And your enthusiasm is infectious! I agree about the "talk to a stranger" - Lavanderias are the best for this! Muchas gracias!

  • @bryankenney3421
    @bryankenney3421 Před rokem +1

    I lived in Madrid for 1yr back in the mid-80s. I lived in a really nice suburban neighborhood (Calle Monteverde)off of the Alameda de Osuna area. Going towards Barajas Airport. Yes, all the people, including children, would be out playing/socializing @ midnight or later. The great thing about it is I'm a hard core night owl myself. So this worked out perfect for me.
    I made the decision to move back to Spain to live, after being away from it for almost 40yrs. I'm fed up with living here in the States. Even though it's my "home". I have many reasons why I want to move to Espana. I wouldn't make such a huge decision just for one reason.
    It's a bit too early for me to attend your Masterclass ZOOM session you're having on Tuesday. But I am now starting to relearn Spanish in different ways. Babbel app, taking out Spanish learning books @ public library, watching Mexican television channels. I'll hook up with your Masterclass soon, James. However, I just made the decision to move to Spain a couple weeks ago. Even with me doing everything I should do(going on ALL your advice), it will probably be another 4-5 years before I set my feet on to Spanish soil. A LOT of things have to happen for me before I can move there. I'll try to be patient. I❤🇪🇦 VIVA ESPANA!!

  • @Frank-wo3qm
    @Frank-wo3qm Před rokem +4

    I would recommend Asturias for a less travelled area. We drove through it a few years back and I was really shocked at how different the scenery was as well as the culture. For example, the local drink is not wine, it's a type of cider, and they have an interesting way of pouring it. The culture in general has a much more Celtic feel to it, they even play a type of bag pipe.

  • @monicawilliams7350
    @monicawilliams7350 Před 5 lety +5

    I used to live in Spain when I was little and loved eating pipas and used to live in a small village !! I am so excited to come back to Spain next week! Long haul from NZ but well worth it!!

  • @honestguy7764
    @honestguy7764 Před 5 lety +7

    Explore the neighbourhoods as well! Best advice ever but not only for Spain. I like to see how people live so I avoid crowded downtowns...

  • @peter_bazinet
    @peter_bazinet Před 3 lety +1

    I LOVE it when Yoly is on camera with you!!!!!

  • @clinterz
    @clinterz Před 5 lety +3

    Super informative. I'll really be prepared for my next visit to Spain...can't wait!

  • @johnpickles974
    @johnpickles974 Před 2 lety

    Absolutely great video, thank you! Great tips!

  • @mistacarva
    @mistacarva Před 5 lety +37

    We eat sunflower seeds in the Southern US, never considered it wasn’t popular worldwide

    • @DulceN
      @DulceN Před 4 lety +3

      Will Carver - I’m a Spaniard living in Virginia and eat ‘David’ sunflower seeds all the time. I was so happy to find them!

    • @EquuleusPictor
      @EquuleusPictor Před 3 lety +2

      They are popular in the Balkans as well. But they are considering low class (especially when spitting the skin on the floor) ...

    • @meghankreger4672
      @meghankreger4672 Před 3 lety

      Yes, I'm from Tennessee and grew up eating sunflowers seed. Maybe BBQ flavor is only in the southern US 🤣

    • @Eli-ou8sq
      @Eli-ou8sq Před 3 lety

      Yeah we have them in gas stations in Canada + California. I only really eat them in school or on roadtrips

    • @Jorgejtrdr
      @Jorgejtrdr Před 3 lety

      @@meghankreger4672 in Spain most popular flavours are Tijuana (spicy), BBQ or just with salt

  • @u2santi
    @u2santi Před 5 lety

    Hi guys, thanks for your videos. I bumped into them a few months back and I check them regularly. I’m a Spaniard (Lanzarote) and my partner is from Australia and we are thinking of moving to Madrid for a couple of years and your videos give me an idea of what he’ll go face when moving to España. You guys are 8 years ahead of us! Thanks again. Saludos!

  • @ChrisSavenSH
    @ChrisSavenSH Před 2 lety

    I love how you say we about anything Spain, James, I think that is a marker of how one feels about ones adopted nation.

  • @carloslapuente1183
    @carloslapuente1183 Před 5 lety +1

    Great Stuff James👍👍

  • @winkyelverton676
    @winkyelverton676 Před 5 lety +2

    Great, great, great video! Probably one of my favorite. Going to do all of these starting end of the week!

  • @gabrieleangelocalvillo3364
    @gabrieleangelocalvillo3364 Před 5 lety +147

    Each time i see one of your videos, I'm more sure that Spainiards and us Italians are brother nations...Not twins, but sure bros!

    • @dioramandiecast185
      @dioramandiecast185 Před 5 lety +11

      Mediterranean countries are all maybe not brothers but cousins for sure!!

    • @AlexanderRivera23
      @AlexanderRivera23 Před 5 lety +2

      That’s without a doubt!

    • @nit11
      @nit11 Před 5 lety +10

      All the mediterranean.
      I'm from Ibiza, once i went to Greek and... I was like home, the houses, the vegetation... Except the ruins and Athenas (fuking big and caotic).
      When i saw that white square house with a buganvilia and the sea behind... "I'm in the other side of the sea snd this house is like mine"
      Tunez is the same. Italia is more like Catalunya... The only exotic place is Menorca (i've never been in Istambul or Venecia, they seem exotic too).
      Is a problem with that? No! I love our mediterranean culture!

    • @davidhidalgofernandez1299
      @davidhidalgofernandez1299 Před 5 lety +9

      In fact, for many years much of Italy and Spain have been the same country. Not only when the Romans dominated the Mediterranean but the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily belonged to the Spanish crown for a long time. So it is normal that we have many similarities.

    • @ibelieve2779
      @ibelieve2779 Před 4 lety

      @@nit11 I love ibiza it's a magical island

  • @andrewb4556
    @andrewb4556 Před 5 lety +1

    Hola Amazing! Thanks for the vlog and information about Spain. Love you're work and vlogs Australia

  • @texuztweety
    @texuztweety Před 5 lety +5

    I really can't thank you two enough for this video, my day was a bit stressful and I immediately thought to watch your new video as a fun distraction. It did the trick and lifted my spirits, a million thanks! 😃😃

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety

      Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad it helped!

  • @EsmaTabak55
    @EsmaTabak55 Před 5 lety +26

    We eat seeds while people watching in Bosnia too :) and at home while watching TV or just socializing with friends/family.

    • @rchoi27
      @rchoi27 Před 5 lety +1

      My BFF and I have sunflower seeds eating contests. She always wins.

    • @ozgeercandurukan963
      @ozgeercandurukan963 Před 4 lety

      Hola amigos! In Turkey we do the same too, love eating seeds (çıt çıt çıt)

    • @jasmineali5981
      @jasmineali5981 Před 4 lety

      Jasmina X its in all East European countries and the Middle East. It’s a tradition coming from the Ottoman Empire and Caliphates. There is actually a history behind it (history nerd yeee😅)

  • @davidmillar5999
    @davidmillar5999 Před 3 lety

    Thanks. Enjoyed the video!

  • @mateusquasetuga
    @mateusquasetuga Před 3 lety

    Thank you for all of your videos. I’m planning to move to Granada next year and they are very valuable. I will be revisiting your videos over and over.

  • @Sethsm1
    @Sethsm1 Před 5 lety +2

    Really helpful and awesome video, thanks a bunch! It's hard to find tips like this that go beyond the obvious touristy recommendations.

  • @peteandpuy
    @peteandpuy Před 4 lety +2

    I'm heading to the Costa Del Sole in October for the month. I'm binge-watching you guys. You're excellent!

  • @vodkalima
    @vodkalima Před 5 lety +2

    Always so good to see your videos. Keep it up

  • @hmul012
    @hmul012 Před 3 lety

    Love the "venga, lets go" :) its adorable!

  • @jonbodnar2826
    @jonbodnar2826 Před rokem +3

    Love learning from your videos as someone relatively new to Spain. I think one thing many visitors overlook when visiting Valencia is el Cabanyal. As one of your tips regarding visiting neighbourhoods out of the historic center, it seems like many visitors go to visit the beach for the day but don't plan to stay for late lunch or dinner. Wandering the streets of cabanyal away from the beach, visitors will find amazing local bar/restaurants with a strong seafood focus. A most wonderful tapa for after the beach with a refreshing beer or wine or sparkling water is titaina. Essentially a delicious tuna and tomato based spread for fresh bread that originated in the tiny beach "town" just a few minutes outside of Valencia city.

  • @latinaalma1947
    @latinaalma1947 Před 3 lety

    I first saw flamenco at the NY Worlds FAIR in 1964. They had a giant screen and showed a black and white film of a very famous flamenco dancer....she was amazing. Then everyday on the hour they had a folkloric group from Spain doing different regional SPANISH DANCES...I didntmstray far from the Spanish pavilion thatmfirst daymat the fair...I was young, just a teenager but it.was the best pavilion at the fair and I have never forgotten it. i got to go to Spain several times but I always have envied friends who got semesters abroad in Spain. I live as an expat in Guatemala.....another wonderful Spanish speaking country...it is paradise.

  • @sniffrat3646
    @sniffrat3646 Před 5 lety +3

    Great video as always, cheers from England

  • @Vinesy68
    @Vinesy68 Před rokem

    I have just found this now. In regards to trying something new I just went to València and had some lovely fried sea anemones! They were a bit bizarre but totally delicious. I have just found your site I love your videos. It was also great to people watch in the evenings in Valencia especially just hanging about in the old Turia riverbed. We watched locals just get up and do an impromptu salsa class for anyone who walked by etc! I love Spain! I love to go to places I have never been so thanks for the recommendations!

  • @Emy53
    @Emy53 Před 2 lety

    I absolutely love to go where ALL the locals go. I love to blend in. My heritage is Portuguese and Spaniard so I am thrilled to have that experience.

  • @minkmink2410
    @minkmink2410 Před 5 lety +7

    just ordered both books - thanks for the tips , gracias :)

  • @colleensmith3638
    @colleensmith3638 Před rokem +1

    Years ago we visited Ronda in the south of Spain. We stayed in a parador overlooking a deep canyon. The food was amazing. It was quiet and the countryside was beautiful.

  • @jyfromcq
    @jyfromcq Před 5 lety +23

    LOVE all your tips! Totally agree with #1 recommendation. I was on a train from Madrid to Barcelona last year and had a wonderful conversation the whole way with a local. I learned so much about Spain just through him and I'm sure he did as well about where I live and where I'm from. The Spanish people are so hospitable. I have to say that was one of my best travel experiences ever.

  • @ChetanBhasin
    @ChetanBhasin Před 2 lety

    Lol.. I was just going to Madrid for a weekend trip and stumbled upon your channel and I'm pretty damn excited now haha! :D

  • @dougkeirnes4540
    @dougkeirnes4540 Před 8 měsíci

    You guys are amazing. Four of us will be cruising from Rome to Ft Lauderdale in November with stops in Alicante, Malaga, and Cadiz. We're using your videos to prepare. Keep up the good work.

  • @jblondon1327
    @jblondon1327 Před 5 lety +1

    Congrats! 30k subscribers! Sois muy simpáticos, os lo mereceis.

  • @micasteer8851
    @micasteer8851 Před 5 lety +1

    Excellent work as always. You guy's are for sure my number UNO on CZcams. Hugs from London

  • @SeanPLangdon
    @SeanPLangdon Před 5 měsíci

    This is awesome! Genial!

  • @KettleCamping
    @KettleCamping Před 2 lety

    Great video! I’m from Canada and Grew up watching baseball where eating sunflower seeds is part of the culture so I ate and still eat a lot of pipas. I put the seeds in my mouth (right side) extract the seed from the shell one at a time and store the shells on the left side. When done with the batch, I spit the all the shells out and go for more 😊 thank you!👍

  • @sudansudan2400
    @sudansudan2400 Před 4 lety

    Saludos desde Sudán, los amamos. 🇪🇸🇸🇩

  • @thadicktater6832
    @thadicktater6832 Před 5 lety +4

    Scour the wine section at carrefour for vintage bottles of tempranillo at barebones prices.
    Two years ago I found like 6 smaller bottles of Marques de Riscal 2010 for walmart prices.

  • @actpowrie
    @actpowrie Před 5 lety +1

    These are great tips, thanks! Starting to really look forward to my trip this summer with hubby and kids to Madrid. My Colombian sister-in-law has been living there for a year now. So it's a good reason for me to elevate my Spanish to the next level. I'm going to challenge myself to read Don Quixotic in Spanish- it may take me a year to get through it but I think it's worth the try. Keep-up the good work!

  • @fionafloreswatson
    @fionafloreswatson Před 4 lety +3

    Great video, full of excellent tips, and I say that as someone who’s lived here in Spain, and been writing about it, for 16 years! I would add, greeting people when you go into any office, shop, or any room with people in it - “Buenos días/tardes/noches” depending on the time of day. This is considered polite, and not doing it comes across as a bit off-hand. I always try remember, though sometimes forget and then feel bad!

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 4 lety

      Thank you Fiona! I’m glad you approve. That means a lot :)

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 4 lety

      And good point on the greeting entry. I came to Spain post France and in France it’s even more intense!

  • @MrScout15
    @MrScout15 Před 5 lety

    Great idea for a video!!!! Thx.

  • @raymondlaracuenta746
    @raymondlaracuenta746 Před 2 lety +1

    Super job!! Big fan!!!!!!!!

  • @dmontpet
    @dmontpet Před 5 lety

    Thanks for the video James and Yoli! The food tours we did in Spain with Devour were a real highlight. Our guide in Sevilla recommended an amazing non-touristy flamenco show. He also told us we had to go to Jerez since the Feria was going on. We did, and it was incredible!

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 5 lety

      Awesome - I'm so glad Daniel. Our guides in Devour Tours are wonderful!

    • @johnm8891
      @johnm8891 Před 8 měsíci

      Would you care to share details on the Flamenco show?

    • @dmontpet
      @dmontpet Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@johnm8891 Yes it was at Tablao El Arenal on Calle Rodo, we also had dinner at Petit Comité nearby, it was a memorable evening!

    • @johnm8891
      @johnm8891 Před 8 měsíci

      @@dmontpet Thank you very much!! Will be there in November.

  • @jm7701
    @jm7701 Před 5 lety +20

    James, have been watching your videos for months, took the tapas and history tour in Barcelona, gone to many of the places you and Yoly reccomend. I just want to say, THANKS! We go back to Miami tomorrow, thank you for helping us make this a better trip for
    us. Cheers to you and Yolanda 😁😁😁

  • @sihame2839
    @sihame2839 Před 5 lety +3

    You guys are amazing, your youtube channel helped me a lot to discover Spain. please keep doing that. and I'm going back to Spain to do things I didn't do last time like seeing a Flamenco show ;)

  • @bertieb9510
    @bertieb9510 Před 5 lety +2

    All great advise. 👍 Just absorb the culture. Ultimately you will have much more durable memories than by joining a crowd of other tourists visiting an over commercialized site.

  • @JessieJellybeans
    @JessieJellybeans Před 5 lety +2

    We leave this Friday for Madrid so excited!

  • @ryanmunroe9030
    @ryanmunroe9030 Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks for recommending ghosts of spain, i have just ordered a copy! Great videos!

  • @mattf1035
    @mattf1035 Před 3 lety +1

    Great Video! I would say that as an American, I grew up playing baseball and that is a culture rich in consumption of sunflower seeds. I learned at an early age to pop one in my mouth and get that seed out. We often have flavored sunflower seeds for the specific reason or savoring the moments of getting the seed out in our mouths. Then we typically spit them out all over the baseball field or in the dug-out mostly.

  • @kasimsultonfan
    @kasimsultonfan Před 2 lety +1

    Great video. The books , Cervantes -absolutely. Tremlett maybe not so much , for reasons we won't go into here.
    The paseo... fantastic! Love it , although I recall one evening wading through what seemed like an ankle-deep carpet of pipas shells on the seafront at Castro Urdiales.
    Also , the "cardigan/jacket draped over the shoulders look" seemed like a paseo uniform for middle aged ladies and gentlemen. I miss Asturias !

  • @pamelastevens7719
    @pamelastevens7719 Před rokem

    We are visiting Spain next week. Thank you for your videos. They have been quite helpful. Agree with the strange food tip. In Italy I ate a fish head, ick, and in Puerto Rico blood sausage and pig ears, yum.

  • @jelrodriguez1840
    @jelrodriguez1840 Před 4 lety +2

    New subbie here..I am Jel from Philippines but been living here in Palma Mallorca almost two decade..-I enjoyed so much watching your videos guys..it helps me so much but sending them to my friends,it makes easier for them to know about Spain..☺️😘🤗

  • @knighttimeanimation
    @knighttimeanimation Před 4 lety +6

    I'm moving to Madrid in a few months for my new job. I'm feeling many different emotions but I am so excited to make this huge change. :D Your videos have been helping me.

    • @ThePsychicStylist
      @ThePsychicStylist Před 4 lety

      Madrid is so much easier than the rest of Spain. Beauty and museums. You'll be fine, my friend.

  • @alastairjohnson4038
    @alastairjohnson4038 Před rokem +1

    Strongly recommend the green, rainy north, looks like Ireland or New Zealand, so Cantabria, Asturias & Galicia, great food too. Then some smaller provincial capitals that even Spaniards tend not to visit very much, like Teruel (amazing Mudéjar architecture), Soria, Burgos, Palencia, Plasencia, Cuenca, Cáceres, etc. Then last, but not least, the literally thousands of beautiful, historic ‘pueblos’ often surrounded by medieval walls, with castles, churches, monasteries, cobbled streets, etc. My personal highlights would be Pedraza (Segovia), Albarracín (Teruel), El Escorial (Madrid), Almagro (Ciudad Real), La Alberca (Salamanca), LaGuardia (Álava), Santo Domingo de La Calzada (Rioja), Covarrubias (Burgos), Zahara de La Sierra (Cádiz), Setenil De Las Bodegas (Cádiz- truly surreal place) and, perhaps the most impressive of all, Ronda (Málaga). But there are countless more in every corner of the country. Enjoy!

  • @cocopoco2006
    @cocopoco2006 Před 4 lety

    Good video, thank you!

  • @suzymarshall1844
    @suzymarshall1844 Před 4 měsíci

    Absolutely agree with your number one !!!! You are both wonderful I feel like old friends if we meet 🥰😄love from NZ

  • @Pewtah
    @Pewtah Před 6 měsíci

    I think the last point in your video is an important one for travellers which culture is not so open to strangers. I'm from Germany where talking to strangers in public spaces is unusual. Your last point was eye-opening for me. Thanks!

  • @TBChronicle
    @TBChronicle Před rokem

    muy buenas ideas, gracias.

  • @xaviermartinezcanamero5152
    @xaviermartinezcanamero5152 Před 5 lety +10

    Soy de Barcelona y me encanta este canal porque me gusta saber lo que piensa

  • @dbpike
    @dbpike Před 4 lety

    Awesome! I agree with all and have done most. Reflecting on Tip #2, I recall a year ago when my Spanish wife pushed me to go alone into the bar without her and try to order tapas and cervesas while she stayed on the terrace. As I approached the counter feeling a little intimidated, I kept reminding myself "you can do this!". I sized up the offering of tapas and with my broken Spanish, picked a few of the familiar ones, Tortilla de Patata, Patas Bravas, the ones you see in every bar in Spain There were a few different ones also, including the blood sausage, which I was already familiar with and a very interesting one that looked a little like a child or stew. Being brave, as you suggested, I order the blood sausage (later to learn it is called Morcilla) and the tomato stew stuff. Cañas also... of course. I returned to the table outside followed shortly by our order. My esposa, laughed and smiled as I "licked" into the wonderful food. She asked if I knew what I order. Shaking my head in the negative while I soaked up the delicious red liquids with my freshly baked bread, she told me it was called "Callos". Not familiar with the interesting texture, I popped a spoonful into my mouth just as she told me it was "intestinos" or intestines. I did all I could not to throw up and was unable to finish the meal. However, it is a good example of "mind over matter". I later learned it was probably "tripe" or the edible inner lining of a stomach which didn't help much. However, I strongly advise your readers to try this wonderful dish as their scary food. Just be prepared.

  • @garcia9497
    @garcia9497 Před 5 lety +4

    Just in time for caracoles season here in Seville!!

  • @fermontesino
    @fermontesino Před 4 lety +7

    Soy de Argentina y pronto estaré por España! Sus consejos me resultaron muy útiles para disfrutar al máximo!! Hay muchas costumbres de Argentina que heredamos de España e Italia!!

    • @santwanadas187
      @santwanadas187 Před 4 lety

      España es mejor

    • @vilmerenstrom1550
      @vilmerenstrom1550 Před 3 lety +1

      Igual a mi. Soy sueco, y fui a vivir en España. Era bastante difícil cambiar país. Pero en mi opinión si te mueves a un país nuevo tienes que aprender la lengua y la cultura por respeto a ese país. Y estos videos me han ayudado mucho, la verdad.

  • @miriamwatson303
    @miriamwatson303 Před 4 lety

    People watching on The Alameda de Hercules in Sevilla....perfect way to spend an evening....all life is there to see!!

  • @tacomadc
    @tacomadc Před 4 lety +1

    We went to the Cuevas del Drache on Mallorca. They were really amazing and the largest underground lake in all of Europe as I remember.

  • @eynat4642
    @eynat4642 Před 3 lety +3

    The sunflower seeds issue cracks me up. I lived in the former USSR and other countries where people eat them all the time. I don't get why you can't break them lol. Love both of you guys.

  • @Sylphadora
    @Sylphadora Před 5 lety +43

    You forgot “rent a car and get lost in the M-30” 😛 I mean, it’s a rite of passage for all new drivers

    • @someinteresting
      @someinteresting Před 3 lety

      Please, elaborate.

    • @AIgorythm
      @AIgorythm Před 3 lety +1

      @@someinteresting it's a tricky highway that we have in Madrid what we use to joke about it because it's easy for foreigners to get lost in it. Sorry for answering late I hope it'll help you. Greetings from Spain!

    • @someinteresting
      @someinteresting Před 3 lety

      @@AIgorythm Thank you, it is very nice to explain it.

  • @matejasimic5005
    @matejasimic5005 Před 4 lety

    You two are great🙂video is cool and you have so good energy❤ realy nice and interesting to see👏👏👏

  • @evgenihristoskov1454
    @evgenihristoskov1454 Před 3 lety

    Hola/Hello 👋 !
    I have watched already like 8-10 of your videos. Fantastic work of Yours ! 👏✅
    Just wanted to mention that you are a super sweet and smiled couple and very charming at the same time. Plus the tones of important information. Thank you ! Keep going and you get una sonrisa de Bulgaria 🙃🙂😊🇧🇬

  • @karencapo8110
    @karencapo8110 Před 4 lety

    Much appreciated!

  • @bernardeta31
    @bernardeta31 Před 5 lety +10

    That was a great list. I have been going from US to Spain/Galicia all of my life and here is my list (what do you think? :) ) Would love to see you both experiencing Galicia.
    My Top 12 To Do In Spain
    :
    1) Tapeando with friends (bar hopping and eating tapas)
    2) During mercado days in Galicia you can eat octopus made in a large caldron outside
    3) Experience a procession during Semana Santa (a shock to most Americans)
    4) Go to La Boqueria in Barcelona (or an indoor market). Seeing fish and pig heads is an experience
    5) Got to the beach and eat pipas (sunflowers seeds)
    6) Visit a cathedral like Sagrada Familia
    7) Get invited to a big event to experience the 5+ hours eating at a table with at least 5 courses
    8) Take a boat trip to eat recently caught mussels in O Grove, Galicia
    9) Have breakfast at a pasteleria. Must have the thick chocolate with the pastries
    10) Go for a nature walk
    11) Visit a Carefour (huge grocery store)
    12) Experience the day-to-day life of a farmer in Galicia

    • @arianam9977
      @arianam9977 Před 5 lety +2

      7) I am Spanish and I've never experienced that. The usual thing is to go to a restaurant with family if you're young or friends if you're an adult and stay there from like 15:00 (lunch time) to 17:00 or 18:00 (coffee time). And after the coffee then we leave. So it's like 2 or 3 hours at most, never 5, we have more things to do in the day 🙃
      9) That's not common for breakfast. For breakfast we usually go to a cafetería and have healthy things like toast with olive oil, tomato, Spanish ham, etc. The sweet things (chocolate things) are common in the afternoon, between 17:00 and 19:00, which is the merienda time (or coffee/snack time in English).
      11) Carrefour is a common supermarket in Spain. But it's actually French. A popular Spanish supermarket is Mercadona (I recommend you to look for Mercadona's song on youtube, it's the best XD)

    • @bernardeta31
      @bernardeta31 Před 5 lety

      Ariana M Everyone has different experiences. When I went to my cousins wedding anniversary it was at a restaurant and we were setted for 6 hours...from 1 to 7. As to the breakfast, my friends in Galicia go and get pastel mill hojas and canas....delicious. I have never seen my family, friends and neighbors eat ham for breakfast...tostadas definetly. Carefour blows my mind...love seeing so much better food than stores in US

    • @arianam9977
      @arianam9977 Před 5 lety

      @@bernardeta31 7) Okay, I hadn't read "a big event".
      9) But that's not common at all. I am not saying you can't do that, of course. As you say, your friends do it. Just wanted to say what is the typical thing here.
      11) Agree with Carrefour. It's where my parents go to the most. But as I said it's not Spanish. So I understand that for you it's different, but for a French person or another European who is also used to Carrefour, it's nothing new.

    • @88KeysIdaho
      @88KeysIdaho Před 2 lety

      @@arianam9977 Does the chain of stores called "El Corte Ingles" still exist? Or did Carrefour buy them out? How about Galerias Preciados?

  • @LitoCortes
    @LitoCortes Před 5 lety +2

    Excelente video. Aquí andamos preparandonos para ir a Sevilla en un par de días y disfrutar de la Feria de Abril entre otras cosas.

  • @pablo061297
    @pablo061297 Před 5 lety +4

    In Málaga I would go to Pedregalejo, Huelin or El Palo definitely. The historical centre is a bit small, so you can spend a lot more time in the Paseo Marítimo (promenade) of those neighborhoods :)

  • @sers499
    @sers499 Před 4 lety

    Really beautiful, nice part of the Bronx is Hunt's Point. For Brooklyn is Crown Heights.
    Really peaceful. And clean.

  • @rawnsley
    @rawnsley Před 5 lety +2

    One morning shortly after I moved here (Málaga) I was putting out the rubbish in the recycling bins. Lying on top of a box next to the paper bin was a pristine copy of Ghosts of Spain! What a find and a great read. I'd endorse all on your list many of which I do frequently. Scary food? I'm still not convinced about callos but I now love mejillas de cerdo and many other local dishes. As for a local experience none can surpass los Verdiales de Málaga.

  • @Chahlie
    @Chahlie Před 4 lety

    I had no idea that paella was not a supper dish. You learn something new every day :)

  • @MySerena94
    @MySerena94 Před 5 lety +21

    Seguramente habréis estado, pero hacer un vídeo para mostrar lo precioso que es Albarracín y su entorno estaría genial! Para mí, el pueblo mas bonito de España .
    Un saludo :D

    • @amparoalvarez9001
      @amparoalvarez9001 Před 4 lety

      No lo he visto pero mi familia ha estado allí pués conocen a alguien y quedaron con deseos de comprar terreno...Les encantó...Vivimos en EE.UU.. Yo soy española...