Tuna Route 2026 in Zahara de los Atunes. "Huevera", the original tapa of the Tía Juana Restaurant.

If there is a time of year that captivates the locals and the 'zaharahuis' (those in love with this land who visit it again and again), it is this: The Tuna Route 2026.

A week of delicious tapas, live concerts, atmosphere, walks on the beach and the occasional swim for the more daring.

Without a doubt, the week of "the route" is the liveliest of the year in Zahara de los Atunes, making it a perfect time to return or to visit this small village for the first time.

Forty-seven establishments in Zahara and Atlanterra are competing in this sixteenth edition to win different types of awards, including those awarded by a professional jury through a tasting system, as well as others awarded by the public, based on a voting system.

At Restaurante Tía Juana this year we're introducing an original Asian-inspired tapa called "Huevera". It's a tapa divided into two parts.

1. Egg stuffed with Chawanmushi (a warm, savory Japanese custard often served as an appetizer) and pickled shimeji mushrooms. These are edible mushrooms of Asian origin, prized for their firm texture, intense umami flavor, and excellent nutritional properties.

2. Tekkamaki with tuna tartare and Masago caviar. Regarding the latter, it's not "caviar" in the traditional sense (which only comes from sturgeon), but rather the roe of the capelin , a small fish from the cold waters of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. A fundamental ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

It's important that we start with the egg and end with the tekkamaki.

TIPS FOR THE ROUTE

• It will begin on Tuesday, May 12.

• " The general schedule is from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the midday shift and from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for the night shift. On the last day there is only a midday shift," the organization reports.

• The price for a tapa and a drink will be six euros, although you can order just a tapa without a drink.

• The bottle caps can be collected at the official information points. Participation via the route's app will also be accepted.

For more information, we recommend visiting the official website.

Happy travels!