Popular Fish to Eat in Spain: A Complete Guide. Spain is a nation of seafood lovers. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, the variety of fish available can be overwhelming at first. But be brave—Spanish fish dishes are delicious, healthy, and central to the Mediterranean diet.
As you explore supermarkets, fishmongers, or bustling indoor markets, you’ll see an incredible range of fresh fish displayed on ice. To help you, we’ve put together a guide to the most popular fish to eat in Spain, how they’re prepared, and why they’re worth trying.
Varieties of Oily Fish in Spain
Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both essential for heart health. Spaniards eat these regularly, often grilled, fried, or marinated.
- Anchovies (Boquerones/Anchoas): Served fried like whitebait or marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
- Sardines (Sardinas): A classic tapa—grilled on open fires, sprinkled with salt, and served with lemon.
Recipe for Pan Fried Sardines and Grilled Sardines with Lemon, Garlic, and Paprika
- Mackerel (Caballa): Eaten fried, baked, or marinated with vinegar and onions.
Tuna and Related Fish, Popular Fish in Spain
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Tuna (Atún): Often sold as steaks, grilled, baked, or even pot-roasted.
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Bonito: From the tuna family, frequently used in traditional Spanish recipes.
Tuna with red pepper sauce Recipe
Bream and Mullets
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Gilt-head Bream (Dorada): Popular for salt-crust baking.
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Red Bream (Besugo): A festive favourite, especially at Christmas.
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Red Mullet (Salmonete): Delicate flavour, considered a delicacy in Spain.
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Grey Mullet (Lisa): Stronger taste, often paired with lemon and vinegar sauces.
Flat Fish in Spain
Flat fish are widely enjoyed in Spanish cuisine, though prices vary.
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Turbot (Rodaballo): One of the most expensive, often poached.
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Sole (Lenguado): A restaurant staple, usually grilled or baked.
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Monkfish (Rape): Nicknamed “poor man’s lobster,” prized for its firm tail meat.
Recipe - Monkfish with roasted garlic sauce
Other Popular Fish
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Sea Bass (Lubina): Common in restaurants, typically baked whole or grilled.
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Grouper (Mero): More often sold frozen than fresh.
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Hake (Merluza): The most popular fish in Spain, used in everything from fish fingers to traditional recipes.
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Cod (Bacalao): Usually sold salted and dried, a key ingredient in Basque cooking. Cod with Chilli & Garlic - Bacalao al pil-pil
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Red Snapper (Pargo Roja): Excellent grilled or in fish stews. This is a good recipe for red snapper or any other white fish - Fish in Onion Sauce.
Other Favorites
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Swordfish (Pez Espada / Emperador): Meaty and mild, great for those less keen on fish.
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Skate (Raya): Less common but available in markets, with strong-flavored wings.
Freshwater Fish
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Trout (Trucha): Widely farmed across Spain, sold whole or filleted.
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Salmon (Salmón): Fished in northern rivers or imported, often grilled or oven-baked.
Why Fish is So Popular in Spain
Eating fish in Spain is more than a tradition—it’s part of a healthy lifestyle. With its long coastline, fresh catches arrive daily to markets and restaurants, offering unbeatable quality and variety.
From tapas bars to fine dining, these popular fish to eat in Spain showcase the country’s love of the sea. Next time you’re here, don’t be afraid to try something new—you might just find a new favorite dish.
FIND SPANISH RECIPES HERE We offer a terrific selection of Spanish Recipes to help bring a little bit of your holiday in Benidorm home to your dining room. Follow the link to find more favourites
FAQs About Popular Fish to Eat in Spain
1. What is the most popular fish in Spain?
Hake (merluza) is considered the most popular fish to eat in Spain. It is affordable, versatile, and widely available in restaurants, supermarkets, and markets.
2. What are the healthiest fish to eat in Spain?
Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are especially healthy because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
3. What traditional Spanish fish dishes should I try?
Some classic choices include grilled sardines (sardinas asadas), cod in garlic and chili (bacalao al pil-pil), and monkfish with garlic sauce (rape al ajillo).
4. Is fish expensive in Spain?
Prices vary depending on the type. Common fish like hake and sardines are very affordable, while premium fish such as turbot or sole can be more expensive.
5. Where can I buy fresh fish in Spain?
The best places are local markets (mercados municipales), where you’ll find freshly caught fish on ice. Supermarkets also offer good selections, often including frozen options.
6. When is the best time to eat fish in Spain?
Many Spaniards enjoy grilled sardines and anchovies in the summer, while red bream is often served during Christmas. Thanks to Spain’s coastline, fresh fish is available year-round.
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