It’s not simply that you like food; for you, eating well is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So much so that you plan your trips around it. Naturally, no foodie’s radar would be complete without gastronomic festivals: events that bring together quality produce, excellent cuisine and activities for all ages. These four are set to inspire your autumn and winter getaways.

It is no secret that Galician cuisine is delicious, artisanal and extraordinarily generous. What is perhaps less well known is its gourmet side, brought to life by producers who, without compromising the tradition and quality for which they are renowned, are giving the ingredients they work with an innovative twist. You can sample their creations at Etiqueta Negra. A Feira do Gourmet Galego. Expect tastings, food and drink pairings and live cooking demonstrations. You will also have the chance to wander from stand to stand and chat with the people behind the cheeses, preserves, chocolates, nougat, beers, cured meats, oils and ice creams you will immediately want to take home with you.

When: November.
Where to stay: Sercotel Tres Luces, in Vigo.

The Tudela lettuce hearts may be famous, but it hardly seems fair when the area’s asparagus, artichokes, cardoons and borage deserve just as much recognition. All these vegetables are grown in the surrounding market gardens. Winter vegetables take centre stage for several weeks during Inverdura, an event combining communal dinners, tastings and sampling sessions with guided tours of the city, exhibitions, workshops, children’s activities, concerts and street parades. Local restaurants also offer menus showcasing these vegetables as the star ingredients. The programme varies from one edition to the next, so it is worth checking the official schedule before planning your visit.

When: Between late November and February.
Where to stay: Sercotel Tudela Bardenas, in Tudela.

Make no mistake: this is no ordinary Christmas market. It is a short-lived fair, lasting just over a weekend and dedicated to local produce from Jijona, with turrón and other festive sweets naturally taking centre stage. As you browse the stalls, you will come across marzipan, toasted egg-yolk sweets and chocolates, as well as the town’s famous ice creams, even if they may not seem the obvious choice in cold weather. The organisers also put together a wide range of activities to enjoy between tastings, including guided tours of the historic centre, live cooking demonstrations, street parades, children’s workshops, regional dance performances, carol concerts, storytelling sessions and crafts for all ages.

When: Early December.
Where to stay: Sercotel Ciutat d’Alcoi, in Alcoy, or Sercotel Maya Alicante, in Alicante.

Considering that the Benicarló artichoke is the only one in Spain with Protected Designation of Origin status, it is hardly surprising that the town holds a festival in its honour every year. And what a festival it is: it has been declared an Event of Regional Tourist Interest. Let’s take it one step at a time. Held during January, its main events usually include a food market and a market selling local food and produce. Browse the stalls, choose what you would like to take home and, better still, decide what you fancy eating there and then.

When: It is usually held throughout January, although some activities and gastronomic events may continue into the following weeks.
Where to stay: Sercotel Plana Parc, in Alquerías del Niño Perdido; Sercotel Hotel Plana Suites, in La Vall d’Uixó; or Sercotel Plana Onda, in Onda.