TownsWith Free Tapas
 

This article was in today's El Pais in English. It describes some of the towns were free tapas is the tradition.

http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/01/21/...68_967801.html

Interesting to know that even new bars are doing this. Wonder if one has a choice or it's at the barkeeps's discretion. Probably the more expensive items still cost something.

Usually you eats what they give ya.

That's just like free stuff at Happy Hour in bars in the US. Nothing is exactly "free", it's a business expense and the owner figures it increases business or wouldn't do it. They aren't losing money or they wouldn't do it. No, you can't order whatever you want.

The artical is a little lite on destinations for free tapas, leaving out some of our favorite places in Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastian and Bilbao, which have always offered free pintxos/tapas.

We were just out and about here in Granada and overwhelmed with the (great) free tapas, but the cost of a decent glass of wine, like a Rey Zagal from Granada, is in the 3€+ range, and well worth it. Just keep away from the tourist bars on Calle Navas.

And Nerja a little east of Malaga city should of course be mentioned, no places I know of with a more generous free tapas scene.

Free tapas to choose with every drink of whatever for a total of 1,50-2€ in the bar area in almost every tapas bar and Spanish restaurant in town (except immediately around landmark and touristy Balcon de Europa). At all hours. An intro: http://www.nerjatoday.com/barsandrestaurants/run-one/

Here are some of my favourites, but there are at least some 50 establishments in town with free and hearty tapas of your own choice with every glass. You could easily have a great and fun five course meal with corresponding drinks for some 8€ here both at lunchtime and in the evening (you could of course make it a little more expensive by going for finer wines).

Delicious tapas are grilled right in front of your eyes in local atmosphere and busy El Pulguilla. You choose whatever you want, and it comes free with the drink all day and night. A fino and grilled besugo, baby squid, sardina, almejas, conchas finas, sausage, burger or a pincho moruno will set you back 1,70€. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html

I have a soft spot for the delicious carne con tomate in small El Velero. With a glass of fine house red, another 1,50€: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html

La Puntilla is a Nerja classic, especially known for great seafood tapas. And as in most other places, they are free and for you to choose. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html

The list could go on for very long, and you can't do much wrong especially in the old town.

Every list will exclude entities that belong.

Spain has to be the destination of this summer.

The cost of living (visiting) is ridiculously low. Last summer we ate a Menu Del Dia in Seville for 8 euros, it was wonderful food.

Drinkable wine in Mercadona was 2 euros a bottle.

Compare that to the Caribbean where a pack of cookies in a Supermarket is $10.

We are staying in Europe this year!

I guess a few Spaniards still visit Nerja from time to time, but it is hardly Spanish, so a few free pinchos/tapas might be an enticement (?) for some.

<free pinchos/tapas might be an enticement (?) for some>
The tapas bars in the old town of Nerja is mainly frequented by the many locals.

<i>And Nerja a little east of Malaga city should of course be mentioned, no places I know of with a more generous free tapas scene.
</i>

I know Fodorites love to snub Nerja (raw sewage drains right into the sea) but I have a soft spot in my heart for that place.

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