COVID OR NOT, START PLANNING YOUR NEXT CHRISTMAS VACATION! HAPPIER TIMES ARE COMING.
If the search ‘holiday destinations along my route’ doesn’t yield any tempting results, this article is for you. Although nothing can beat summer by the Greek sea or under the sun in Piazza di Spagna, Mediterranean magical markets with the aroma of Christmas-made local food are very special.
A year ago, due to the outbreak, most Christmas markets and other traditional festivals in Europe were cancelled, having a devastating impact on the execution of holiday plans. According to a survey by Forbes, in 2020 over 100,000 passengers from 121 countries responded to the question, “Where in Europe would you prefer spending Christmas in 2021, (health permitting).”Sixty-six percent of voters are from Europe, while thirty-four percent are from other nations, primarily the United States, Canada, Australia, and China. The 20 must-see cities and their Christmas markets can be found here.
Traveling to the Mediterranean during winter is an amazing experience. However, in case you’re not able to travel this December, please switch to this article which is about Spanish traditions and foods you can try from home!
The Mediterranean is known for its delicious (and nutritious) food. Mountain vacations or city getaways may be combined with fresh seafood, world-class cheeses and wine, meze, delicious tapas, and rich desserts all around the region. But how do you narrow it down when there’s such a wide range of options? It’s simple: invite locals to choose their favourite culinary memories and tasty places.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
Tel Aviv is a fantastic destination to visit since it has so many activities to offer. The city, which faces the Mediterranean, has pleasant weather all year. Tel Aviv offers a varied choice of Middle Eastern delicacies as well as some of the best Mediterranean bites. Taste the classic yet exceptional cuisine found on Tel Aviv’s restaurants and food markets.
What to try: Shawarma
Shawarma is the most popular street food in Tel Aviv, and it has also made its way onto the menus of a number of the city’s restaurants. Meat, usually lamb, turkey, or chicken, cooked on a spit and served with spices, hummus, and vegetables. Shawarma can be eaten with a fork and knife or put into a pita. Whatever method you use, you will love this dish.
What to try: Burekas
Burekas Filo dough pastries stuffed with cheese, potato, and mushrooms are perfect for special occasions. These savory party nibbles are hearty but light, and they won’t last long on any table. Burekas may be found in a variety of specialty bakeries across Tel Aviv.
ALICANTE, SPAIN
Spanish cuisine is known all over the globe for its delicious tapas, excellent seafood, and traditional roasts, as well as its use of local ingredients.
What to try: Turron
Turron is a sort of nougat that is reported to have been originated in Jijona by the Moors. Jijona is currently known across the world for its soft nougat, which is available in a range of flavors such as almonds, dried fruit, and chocolate. The nougat from Alicante is thicker, prepared with honey and almonds. It’s commonly served around Christmas season.
What to try: Arroz with costra
Arroz with costra is the most distinctive of all the traditional rice meals of eastern Spain, thanks to the ingredients (cold slices of meat and beaten egg, as well as chicken and/or rabbit) and the fact that it is cooked in a clay pot. It is cooked in the oven to provide its characteristic crispy texture (costra is Spanish for ‘crust’).
CAGLIARI, SARDINIA
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean region. Cagliari is one of the destinations to visit in Sardinia. Visitors are drawn to the city thanks to the unique food scenery and breath-taking, narrow alleys.
What to try: Fregola
Fregola is semolina pasta dough that has been hand-rolled into little balls and roasted in the oven for a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Although it’s most commonly found in classic Italian pasta meals, it may also be found in salads, soups, and stews. Seafood fregola with saffron is authentically Sardinian and a must-try if you visit the island.
What to try: Seadas
The crunchy crust gives way to a delicate filling of fresh pecorino in these lovely small dough delicacies, which are deep-fried and drizzled with honey. They’re frequently topped off with a bittersweet grating of orange peel.
