Love a sizzling sun holiday? Have you booked a villa in Spain? Well, part of enjoying the heat is knowing how to beat it! So, if you’re enjoying hanging out by the pool, heading to the beach, exploring, and seeing the sights while it’s hot out but you want to stay cool, there’s one particularly tasty way to do it – eating things that will help bring your body temperature down. Read on for our guide to what to eat and drink while you enjoy a stay in one of our vacation rentals in Spain this summer in order to stay cool and make the most of the sunny days!
1. Gazpacho
Those who find a holiday rental in Andalusia, in particular, will have ample opportunity to sample this regional classic soup. Typically served cool, this dish from Andalusia is now famous all over the globe and is a representative dish of Spain, as a whole. In fact, it is likely the most famous cold soup in the world. It is also not just the cool temperature but the wholesome, vitamin-rich ingredients that make it an ideal dish during the summer. Made of tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and more, it is light and refreshing.
2. Sangria
This wine punch is another massive Spanish fixture that looms large in the international imagination. Served in a jug over ice, it mixes red wine with chopped fruit and various options of other liquors to make a perfect summer cocktail. It’s absolutely the ideal drink to sit out and enjoy while relaxing outside a restaurant in a shady little town square or as you watch the sun set from your villa in Spain.
3. Cured Meats, Cheese, And More
Spain is home to some excellent cured meats from spicy salamis to salty Serrano ham, nutty cheeses like Manchego, and lots of other little delicious things that make putting together a charcuterie board or picnic very simple. Hit a local market, stock up, and pick away at little bits while enjoying a chilled Spanish white wine or a glass of Cava to satiate your hunger in a seriously tasty way without leaving yourself feeling overly full. This is a great way to enjoy light, delicious meals that won’t cost a fortune without feeling like you’re missing out on anything!
4. Melon, Cherries, And Other Fruits
Spanish melons, perfectly ripe cherries, ruby red strawberries, and plenty of other fruits are supercharged by that hot Spanish sun to make something beyond delicious. Stock up and add them to your picnic, into your drinks, into salads, or just enjoy them on their own on the go for perfectly sweet snacks that will always remind you of your vacation in Spain.
5. Tapas
The tradition of free tapas offered with drinks in bars still famously exists to those who holiday in Granada. There are, however, other places where this is still the case, including towns and cities like Salamanca, Segovia, León, Badajoz, and Vigo. All you need to do is order a refreshing glass of beer or wine and light snacks will be brought out with them. Many simply go from establishment to establishment, ordering a drink or two until they are full. as a light way to eat a meal. In places where you are paying for your tapas, you can expect slightly more significant amounts of food while still avoiding spending a fortune. This is a great way to sample lots of different little Spanish dishes and food products, to eat precisely as much as you want to, and to stay on a budget while beating the heat – an ideal way to explore towns and experience local foodie cultures.
6. Salmorejo
Thicker and more garlicky and topped with cured ham and sometimes diced hard-boiled eggs, Salmorejo is another cool soup to be enjoyed if you are booking a holiday rental in Andalusia. Ready in fifteen minutes, it's easy to make at home or to enjoy as you go out and explore the culinary landscape of this part of Spain.
7. Ensalada Malagueña
If you love a regional summer salad and you’re considering booking a vacation rental in Málaga, this local option made with potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, oranges, cod, and olives might intrigue. Coming together to offer the most remarkable combination of flavours, it is another ideal way to eat cold, lightly, and with ample nutrients to keep you satisfied and comfortable.
8. Iced Horchata
Horchata, made of soaked, ground, and sweetened tiger nuts, is a beloved creamy drink that you’ll encounter plenty if you book a villa in Valencia but come in the summer and you can enjoy a chilled version, often on offer to be served with breakfast, that is a perfect way to start out a hot day. Have it mixed with coffee for a delicious way for caffeine-lovers to get their fix.
So, find your vacation rental in Spain and plan delicious meals that will not only allow you to dive into the wonderful local culinary traditions but will also help you to beat the heat!