Discover an exquisite selection of Spain's most outstanding cow's milk cheeses. This guide explores the diversity of flavours and textures, from soft and creamy to intense and aged, that characterise Spain's rich cheese-making tradition. It's perfect for cheese lovers looking to explore options beyond the famous Manchego. Immerse yourself in the world of Spanish cow's milk cheeses and find your next favourite.
Winner of Best Cheese in Spain 2021
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Savel is a highly awarded blue cow's milk cheese, with recent Super Gold and Gold awards, and a silver in a major Spanish competition in 2025. This indicates its exceptional quality and export potential.
Retains acidic, buttery flavors of fresh milk
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Arzúa-Ulloa is a well-regarded traditional Spanish cheese, frequently used in cooking and enjoyed by families in Spain. Its recent award in 2025 confirms its continued quality and relevance in the market.
Made with high-quality raw cow's milk from Asturias
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Rey Silo is a unique and highly regarded cow's milk cheese, with its producer winning a World Cheese Award Gold in 2024, highlighting its continued excellence and distinctive character.
Tangy, sharp, briny flavor
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Mahón-Menorca is Spain's second most popular cheese and continues to win awards, such as the Supergold for Mahón-Menorca PDO Artesano Torralba Curado in 2024. Its unique flavor profile and versatility make it a favorite.
Antique origins tied to monks and pilgrims
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Cebreiro is a versatile cheese suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. The recent silver award for Santo André Curado in 2025 highlights its ongoing quality and recognition in the aged cow category.
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Rare and delicious
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La Peral is a well-established and highly regarded blue cheese from Asturias, offering a milder blue cheese experience. Its unique blend of spicy and sweet notes makes it a sophisticated choice.
Awarded Best Cheese in Spain and the Canary Islands 2024
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This cheese was crowned the 'Absolute Winner' of the Best Cheese of Spain in 2024, making it a highly current and celebrated cow's milk cheese. Its complex flavor profile and artisanal quality have earned it significant recognition.
Awarded best cheese in Spain
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Don Crisanto's San Simón da Costa Bufón is a highly acclaimed variant, having been crowned the best cheese in Spain in 2017 and receiving a World Cheese Award Gold in 2022. Its quality, tradition, and powerful smoky flavor make it a standout choice.
Acidity, delicateness, and butter-like creaminess
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San Simón da Costa consistently receives recognition, with producers like Fontelas receiving gold for young cow's cheese in 2025. Its unique smoky profile and versatility in culinary applications make it highly regarded.
Teardrop shape
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Tetilla remains one of Galicia's most popular cheeses, known for its mild flavor and excellent melting qualities. It is versatile for various dishes or enjoyed on its own, making it a beloved Spanish classic.
Recognized with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
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Despite its unusual name, Afuega'l Pitu is a distinctive and highly traditional cheese from Asturias, with producers like Quesos Rey Silo continuing to win awards, including a World Cheese Awards Gold in 2024.
Cow's milk cheese from Arzúa
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Galmesán is a highly awarded cheese, consistently recognized for its quality in recent years, including a Super Gold in 2023 and a Gold in 2025. Its comparison to Parmesan highlights its premium status.
Mild, buttery flavor
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It's a classic cow's milk cheese from the Cantabria region, offering a distinct creamy profile that is highly valued. Its traditional nature ensures its continued relevance and popularity.
First prize for best young cow's milk cheese
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Its recent gold medal in 2025 at GourmetQuesos positions it as a top-tier young cow's milk cheese from Galicia, indicating its exceptional quality and current market relevance.
Awarded Gold at World Cheese Awards 2024
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Its recent Gold award at the World Cheese Awards in 2024 highlights its current recognition and quality. This 'Tierno' cheese offers a fresh and accessible cow's milk option.