Designer gastronomy, or traditional cuisine. Abundant and delicious. And free. Tapas - the traditional Spanish snacks that accompany a glass of wine - a red from Ribera del Duero or a Rueda white, perhaps - or a beer.

The Avila tapas experience isn't just a perfect alternative to a traditional sit-down meal, it's also a way of getting to understand the true spirit of the people of this World Heritage city. At just over an hour from the capital, it's an "escape" from Madrid that provides the opportunity to discover a whole new gastronomic universe. Here are some options to get you off to a good start in the centre of Santa Teresa's city - the kingdom of tapas.

Tapas in Avila

La Albardería (San Segundo, 19). As well as being famous for its tapas, the Albarderia is set against the city wall, part of which is incorporated into the structure of the building.

La Bodeguita de San Segundo (San Segundo, 19). Over four hundred national and international wines and an interesting snack menu.  

Barbacana (Pl. de Santa Teresa, 8). A city classic. Potatoes served with two sauces head a long list of hot and cold tapas, both traditional and creative.

Casa de Postas (San Segundo, 40). Offering a range of tapas and good food, the Casa de Postas decorated in the style of an old coaching house.

El Rincon del Jabugo (San Segundo, 28). As the name suggests, ham is the speciality of the house, but there are always hot tapas available, too.

Crisol (San Miguel, 4). Bull fighting ambience and Andalusian specialities.

La Taberna de Guillermo (Lopez Nuñez, 6). Alongside the city's Puerta de San Vicente, this small tavern with a lot of atmosphere, serves a range of tapas and good wines.

El Portalon (Pl. del Mercado Chico, 4). This cafe and bar in the heart of the Mercado Chico, alongside the Ayuntamiento - the Town Hall - has a summer terrace and offers a good range of tapas.

Casa Guillermo (Pl. del Mercado Chico, 3). Good variety of tapas served in a traditional tavern atmosphere in a corner of the Plaza del Chico.