The word “tapa” literally means “cover or lid”. It is a small amount of food which generally goes with a glass of wine or beer. Traditionally, the tapas come with your drink but most of the bars only offer few olives and some pieces of chorizo (Spanish sausage) without making you pay- and you can be happy when they do it.

The tapas specific to Valencia are chorizo, Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, croquetas and empanada. One tapa doesn’t cost more than 2 euros while other specialities like Spanish ham and Galician octopus can be a little bit more expensive.

You need to know that if you are going to a tapas bar in Valencia, a restaurant, or a café, most of them are going to make you pay an extra charge to be on the terrace or the patio.  It’s best to check before you sit down if you want to save some money.