Relaxing in Spain
Where to stay, where to eat, where to chill: readers' offer their tips for zoning out and escaping the crowds in Spain.
Restaurants:
El Ventorro Restaurant, Alhama de Granada
Posted by pamyule
After a fantastic walk through a limestone gorge, the restaurant El Ventorro is situated next to a lake with a great terrace and delicious food cooked on open fires.
Next to the restaurant is their new, Moroccan style spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. You can take the day to walk there, relax in the spa then have a fabulous lunch before heading back to Alhama.
El Ventorro Restaurant
Estamos en Ctra. de Jatar, Km. 2,
Alhama de Granada, Spain
________________________________________________________________
Bar Ochoa, Alhama de Granada
Posted by wolfee
Bar Ochoa is a beautiful, friendly family run traditional tapas bar in Alhama de Granada , Andalucia. Paco, his wife Josephina and daughter Pilar offer a warm Andalucian welcome. The food is exquisite, try the gambas a la plancha (tiger prawns fried in olive oil and garlic) or setas (wild mushrooms in herbs and olive oil.) Jamon Iberico hangs above the bar and is a wonderful compliment to the large selection of local wines and beers. In the summer sit outside and watch the Alhamites stroll about their day. In winter get cosy at your table with a brasero (tray of burning olive wood under your table to keep you warm). Alhama is a beautiful little town with stunning countryside views and a very relaxed pace of life. Enjoy and relax.
Independence Plaza
Alhama de Granada
________________________________________________________________
La Llantia Dorada, Valencia
Posted by beadyeye
I highly recommend La Llantia Dorada (Golden Tear) for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of good interesting food.
Tucked away on a little street just off the Plaza de la Virgen (blink and you'll miss it), the menu is an eclectic fusion of flavours, Mediterranean, Asian and Caribbean.
We went for the Menú Degustación, excellent value at 25€ a head (including an aperitif and a bottle of house wine per couple Monday to Thursday) six interesting and tasty courses started with a delicious little soup and then a salad whose main ingredient was a wonderfully smoky Tandoori style chicken. The main courses include such delights as a Caribbean style fish lasagna with vegetables and avocado, and a chicken dish with star anise and basmati rice. But each week brings new surprises.
The wine list is small but the house wine is very drinkable, and in addition to the free bottle offer, there is also the offer Monday-Thursday of you paying 2.50€ for your first glass and they keep topping you up throughout the meal at no extra charge. Minimum order is one main course per person. Thursdays there is live music to accompany your meal.
C/ Hierba 4 (next to Plaza de la Virgen)
Reservations 96 391 2716
________________________________________________________________
Sol D'en Serra, Ibiza
Posted by parmplummer
One of the most chilled places I used to visit when I lived on the island. This restaurant is located above a beautiful cove with crystal clear, aquamarine waters. It's worth going for the views alone. Great food and chilled music complete the experience.
971 196 176;
www.ibiza-restaurants.com/soldenserra/index.html
________________________________________________________________
El Corrillo Cafe, Salamanca
Posted by xiao
A friendly, unconventional cafe/restaurant with food, beer, cocktails and jazz. Good to spend a few hours there early evening before heading out for dinner.
C/ Meléndez, 18
Tel: 923 271917
www.cafecorrillo.com
________________________________________________________________
Perfect parks to chill in:
El Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid
Posted by beti
On Sunday afternoons, after a long lunch, this is the best park to laze around in. Surrounded by natural beauty, with the sun sparkling upon the waters of the boating lake, you can enjoy the spontaneous gathering of people as they dance amongst the statues to the beat of crazy tribal drums. Not to be missed if ever you are in Madrid.
Nearest Metro Stations: Retiro and Ibiza.
________________________________________________________________
Jardin Botanico, Madrid
Posted by LauraKB
Beautiful botanical gardens right next to the Prado. An oasis of calm to wander, read and relax when you want to escape the noise and pace of central Madrid. Also has a gallery with changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists - I saw fantastic Stephen Gill photographs when I was there in June.
Pl. de Murillo
www.rjb.csic.es
_______________________________________________________________
Parc de Collserola, BarcelonaPosted by Sissi
A huge area of forested parkland riddled with pathways, the Parc de Collserola is a great place to escape the crowds in Barcelona.
(To the northwest of the city)
Tourist information centre:
Carretera Església 92
08017 Barcelona, Spain
932 803 552
www.parccollserola.net
________________________________________________________________
Alfàbia gardens, Mallorca
Posted by DisparateDan
Peaceful green oasis designed 800 years ago by a local Arab governor. Palms, bamboos, lemons and oranges; running water everywhere; even a lily pond.
Close to the tunnel entrance on the C711 from Palma to Sóller (+613 123).
www.jardinesdealfabia.com
________________________________________________________________
Places to stay:
A Casa da Eira B&B at the River Sil Canyon, Ourense
Posted by skipperhannes
I stumbled across a Casa da Eira B&B on the net while planning our trip to northern Spain. We contacted the owners via email, and had a prompt response (no language problems, Susanne, the owner, speaks English, German, French, Spanish and Gallego – the local language).
After a long drive we found A Casa da Eira: a wonderful old farmhouse that has been completely renovated. It has great common areas and a nice backyard to RELAX. Susanne and her husband were wonderful hosts - breakfast each morning was delicious and included freshly squeezed orange juice and local produce. They also went through a lot of trouble to help us book things and provide us with maps and relevant information about the area. The website gives a good idea about what can be done, whether you're after a quiet relaxing trip, a cultural heritage trip, an outdoors adventure trip with hiking and horse riding, or the local crafts and food. It really was a wonderful 4 days.
The main tourist area is the Ribeira Sacra (which means more or less "the holy riverbanks" due to the numerous monastries to be found there) and the River Sil Canyon.
A Casa da Eira
www.acasadaeira.com/ingles/
________________________________________________________________
Hotel Es Moli Deia, Mallorca
Posted by Tresman
A Mallorcan finca converted into a rural luxury hotel, located in the small village of Deia (well know for being the home and inspiration of Robert Graves for many years).
The hotel deco is classic but nice, and it has a good restaurant with fresh fish and local products.
I recommend it to those looking to relax (yoga classes are available) and want to visit 'the other Mallorca', not the one of sun and sangria.
www.esmoli.com
Carretera Deià, Km. 9 of Deià (Mallorca)
Ph. +34 971 639 000
________________________________________________________________
Market Hotel, Barcelona
Posted by LukeTebbutt
Market Hotel is a rare find, and one so good that I'm tempted not to tell, but here goes.
It's a beautiful, affordable (doubles are 80 euros) boutique hotel in the centre of Barcelona, with a great restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner (and always full).
My words cannot do it justice, but check out the photos website. The best hotel shower I have ever experienced, and staff are very friendly and helpful.
Passage Sant Antoni Abad 10 (a little alley off Calle Compte Borrell, near Mercat Sant Antoni);
tel: (+34) 933 251 205;
www.markethotel.com.es
________________________________________________________________
Cortijo del Sevillano, Almeria
Posted by toptipper
A unique bed & breakfast in a fabulous setting. The cortijo is a restored farmhouse which has a boutique feel. A real hotel experience at B&B prices.
www.cortijodelsevillano.com
0034950 453340
From Almeria or Murcia airports
________________________________________________________________
Hotel Carmen Sercotel, Granada
Posted by RobJackson
The Carmen is a large four-star hotel in the centre of Granada. It has a restaurant serving excellent breakfasts and evening meals, a large comfortable lounge with bar, a piano bar, outdoor pool and roof terrace. Everything about it is high quality; from the bedrooms and public rooms, to the efficiency and friendliness of the staff.
The Carmen is quiet and relaxing, depite being only a five-minute walk from the cathedral and a ten-minute bus or taxi ride from the Alhambra.
www.hotelcarmen.com
Acera del Darro, 62 Granada, ES 18005
Tel: +34 958258300
________________________________________________________________
Relaxing things to do:
Hot springs, Alhambra de Granada
Posted by pamyule
Popular since Roman times, the hot springs in Alhama are a must-see. Adjacent to the spa hotel where you can have a whole range of treatments, there are four natural hot spring pools which you can enjoy for free day or night. Relax under the trees and let the minerals in the waters rejuvenate you. Recommended early in the morning or last thing at night.
Balneario
18120 Alhama de Granada
www.nerjanow.com
________________________________________________________________
Orsom's Sunset Cruise, Barcelona
Posted by newelly
Orsom is a sail catamaran that does trips up the Barcelona shoreline. A great way to see the city. But best of all are their sunset cruises with live jazz and chillout music. They've got a bar on board so get yourself a glass of cava and enjoy.
The port at the bottom of the Ramblas near the Columbus statue.
www.barcelona-orsom.com
________________________________________________________________
The Alhambra by night, Granada
Posted by cathyq1
Book a night time visit to the Alhambra, and especially out of season, you will find it very quiet and peaceful compared to the daytime crowds.
Sometimes you will even have the palace entirely to yourself if you go towards the end of the evening, an amazing experience. The palace is open until 11.30pm in the summer season.
But don't forget to check the time of the last minibus back to the centre of town if you don't want to walk down the hill afterwards.
www.alhambradegranada.org
________________________________________________________________
Aire de Sevilla - Banos Arabes, Seville
Posted by JessicaAldred
This restored Arabian bathhouse down a tiny alley in the Santa Cruz district is the perfect escape from the baking afternoon heat. It's mixed, and you can bring your own bathers. After cold mint tea in the relaxation room you are invited to dip into each of the three pools (warm, hot and then cold), steam yourself in the hammam, relax in the whirpool and then float gently in the salt pool.
A soothing, indulgent atmosphere is created by the glistening white of the marble, and the illuminated blue water that plays patterns across the dark red plaster walls, faded wooden ceilings and archways. Your journey through the baths is guided by shimmering scented candles and Arabic lamps. Visits last for 90 minutes but you must book ahead, as they limit numbers due to its popularity. It is open until midnight, if you fancy a late dip.
Aire de Sevilla, Calle Aire 15
www.airedesevilla.com/
________________________________________________________________
Carratera de les Aigües, Barcelona
Posted by ka0310
A totally flat 5km track for runners, cyclists and walkers that runs along the hills at the back of Barcelona and offers the most stunning views of the city spread out below you with the sea beyond. The track sometimes winds through the trees but is mostly out in the open. If you need a break or want a different perspective on the city take a couple of hours and refresh your mind in this oasis with a view.
Despite its wonderfulness, the track is often almost totally deserted, though is busier on Saturday and Sunday mornings as Barcelona exercises itself. This track is a runner’s paradise.
www.viajarenfamilia.net
To get there take the Ferrocarillis Catalana, which starts in Plaza Catalunya, towards San Cugat and get off at Peu de la Funicular. Take the funicular to Vallvidrera but get off at the half way stop. As you exit the halt turn left along the track and keep walking for as long as you want. Once you have walked enough either retrace your steps (literally) and return to the funicular or after 4 km you will get to Placa del las Maduixas (sadly lacking in strawberries) and here you can take the road back down into Barcelona stopping for refreshments at the Bar Miramar (a bit expensive and you've already had the views) beside the funicular station up to Tibidado and the Tramvia Blau if you wish
Restaurants:
El Ventorro Restaurant, Alhama de Granada
Posted by pamyule
After a fantastic walk through a limestone gorge, the restaurant El Ventorro is situated next to a lake with a great terrace and delicious food cooked on open fires.
Next to the restaurant is their new, Moroccan style spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. You can take the day to walk there, relax in the spa then have a fabulous lunch before heading back to Alhama.
El Ventorro Restaurant
Estamos en Ctra. de Jatar, Km. 2,
Alhama de Granada, Spain
________________________________________________________________
Bar Ochoa, Alhama de Granada
Posted by wolfee
Bar Ochoa is a beautiful, friendly family run traditional tapas bar in Alhama de Granada , Andalucia. Paco, his wife Josephina and daughter Pilar offer a warm Andalucian welcome. The food is exquisite, try the gambas a la plancha (tiger prawns fried in olive oil and garlic) or setas (wild mushrooms in herbs and olive oil.) Jamon Iberico hangs above the bar and is a wonderful compliment to the large selection of local wines and beers. In the summer sit outside and watch the Alhamites stroll about their day. In winter get cosy at your table with a brasero (tray of burning olive wood under your table to keep you warm). Alhama is a beautiful little town with stunning countryside views and a very relaxed pace of life. Enjoy and relax.
Independence Plaza
Alhama de Granada
________________________________________________________________
La Llantia Dorada, Valencia
Posted by beadyeye
I highly recommend La Llantia Dorada (Golden Tear) for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of good interesting food.
Tucked away on a little street just off the Plaza de la Virgen (blink and you'll miss it), the menu is an eclectic fusion of flavours, Mediterranean, Asian and Caribbean.
We went for the Menú Degustación, excellent value at 25€ a head (including an aperitif and a bottle of house wine per couple Monday to Thursday) six interesting and tasty courses started with a delicious little soup and then a salad whose main ingredient was a wonderfully smoky Tandoori style chicken. The main courses include such delights as a Caribbean style fish lasagna with vegetables and avocado, and a chicken dish with star anise and basmati rice. But each week brings new surprises.
The wine list is small but the house wine is very drinkable, and in addition to the free bottle offer, there is also the offer Monday-Thursday of you paying 2.50€ for your first glass and they keep topping you up throughout the meal at no extra charge. Minimum order is one main course per person. Thursdays there is live music to accompany your meal.
C/ Hierba 4 (next to Plaza de la Virgen)
Reservations 96 391 2716
________________________________________________________________
Sol D'en Serra, Ibiza
Posted by parmplummer
One of the most chilled places I used to visit when I lived on the island. This restaurant is located above a beautiful cove with crystal clear, aquamarine waters. It's worth going for the views alone. Great food and chilled music complete the experience.
971 196 176;
www.ibiza-restaurants.com/soldenserra/index.html
________________________________________________________________
El Corrillo Cafe, Salamanca
Posted by xiao
A friendly, unconventional cafe/restaurant with food, beer, cocktails and jazz. Good to spend a few hours there early evening before heading out for dinner.
C/ Meléndez, 18
Tel: 923 271917
www.cafecorrillo.com
________________________________________________________________
Perfect parks to chill in:
El Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid
Posted by beti
On Sunday afternoons, after a long lunch, this is the best park to laze around in. Surrounded by natural beauty, with the sun sparkling upon the waters of the boating lake, you can enjoy the spontaneous gathering of people as they dance amongst the statues to the beat of crazy tribal drums. Not to be missed if ever you are in Madrid.
Nearest Metro Stations: Retiro and Ibiza.
________________________________________________________________
Jardin Botanico, Madrid
Posted by LauraKB
Beautiful botanical gardens right next to the Prado. An oasis of calm to wander, read and relax when you want to escape the noise and pace of central Madrid. Also has a gallery with changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists - I saw fantastic Stephen Gill photographs when I was there in June.
Pl. de Murillo
www.rjb.csic.es
_______________________________________________________________
Parc de Collserola, BarcelonaPosted by Sissi
A huge area of forested parkland riddled with pathways, the Parc de Collserola is a great place to escape the crowds in Barcelona.
(To the northwest of the city)
Tourist information centre:
Carretera Església 92
08017 Barcelona, Spain
932 803 552
www.parccollserola.net
________________________________________________________________
Alfàbia gardens, Mallorca
Posted by DisparateDan
Peaceful green oasis designed 800 years ago by a local Arab governor. Palms, bamboos, lemons and oranges; running water everywhere; even a lily pond.
Close to the tunnel entrance on the C711 from Palma to Sóller (+613 123).
www.jardinesdealfabia.com
________________________________________________________________
Places to stay:
A Casa da Eira B&B at the River Sil Canyon, Ourense
Posted by skipperhannes
I stumbled across a Casa da Eira B&B on the net while planning our trip to northern Spain. We contacted the owners via email, and had a prompt response (no language problems, Susanne, the owner, speaks English, German, French, Spanish and Gallego – the local language).
After a long drive we found A Casa da Eira: a wonderful old farmhouse that has been completely renovated. It has great common areas and a nice backyard to RELAX. Susanne and her husband were wonderful hosts - breakfast each morning was delicious and included freshly squeezed orange juice and local produce. They also went through a lot of trouble to help us book things and provide us with maps and relevant information about the area. The website gives a good idea about what can be done, whether you're after a quiet relaxing trip, a cultural heritage trip, an outdoors adventure trip with hiking and horse riding, or the local crafts and food. It really was a wonderful 4 days.
The main tourist area is the Ribeira Sacra (which means more or less "the holy riverbanks" due to the numerous monastries to be found there) and the River Sil Canyon.
A Casa da Eira
www.acasadaeira.com/ingles/
________________________________________________________________
Hotel Es Moli Deia, Mallorca
Posted by Tresman
A Mallorcan finca converted into a rural luxury hotel, located in the small village of Deia (well know for being the home and inspiration of Robert Graves for many years).
The hotel deco is classic but nice, and it has a good restaurant with fresh fish and local products.
I recommend it to those looking to relax (yoga classes are available) and want to visit 'the other Mallorca', not the one of sun and sangria.
www.esmoli.com
Carretera Deià, Km. 9 of Deià (Mallorca)
Ph. +34 971 639 000
________________________________________________________________
Market Hotel, Barcelona
Posted by LukeTebbutt
Market Hotel is a rare find, and one so good that I'm tempted not to tell, but here goes.
It's a beautiful, affordable (doubles are 80 euros) boutique hotel in the centre of Barcelona, with a great restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner (and always full).
My words cannot do it justice, but check out the photos website. The best hotel shower I have ever experienced, and staff are very friendly and helpful.
Passage Sant Antoni Abad 10 (a little alley off Calle Compte Borrell, near Mercat Sant Antoni);
tel: (+34) 933 251 205;
www.markethotel.com.es
________________________________________________________________
Cortijo del Sevillano, Almeria
Posted by toptipper
A unique bed & breakfast in a fabulous setting. The cortijo is a restored farmhouse which has a boutique feel. A real hotel experience at B&B prices.
www.cortijodelsevillano.com
0034950 453340
From Almeria or Murcia airports
________________________________________________________________
Hotel Carmen Sercotel, Granada
Posted by RobJackson
The Carmen is a large four-star hotel in the centre of Granada. It has a restaurant serving excellent breakfasts and evening meals, a large comfortable lounge with bar, a piano bar, outdoor pool and roof terrace. Everything about it is high quality; from the bedrooms and public rooms, to the efficiency and friendliness of the staff.
The Carmen is quiet and relaxing, depite being only a five-minute walk from the cathedral and a ten-minute bus or taxi ride from the Alhambra.
www.hotelcarmen.com
Acera del Darro, 62 Granada, ES 18005
Tel: +34 958258300
________________________________________________________________
Relaxing things to do:
Hot springs, Alhambra de Granada
Posted by pamyule
Popular since Roman times, the hot springs in Alhama are a must-see. Adjacent to the spa hotel where you can have a whole range of treatments, there are four natural hot spring pools which you can enjoy for free day or night. Relax under the trees and let the minerals in the waters rejuvenate you. Recommended early in the morning or last thing at night.
Balneario
18120 Alhama de Granada
www.nerjanow.com
________________________________________________________________
Orsom's Sunset Cruise, Barcelona
Posted by newelly
Orsom is a sail catamaran that does trips up the Barcelona shoreline. A great way to see the city. But best of all are their sunset cruises with live jazz and chillout music. They've got a bar on board so get yourself a glass of cava and enjoy.
The port at the bottom of the Ramblas near the Columbus statue.
www.barcelona-orsom.com
________________________________________________________________
The Alhambra by night, Granada
Posted by cathyq1
Book a night time visit to the Alhambra, and especially out of season, you will find it very quiet and peaceful compared to the daytime crowds.
Sometimes you will even have the palace entirely to yourself if you go towards the end of the evening, an amazing experience. The palace is open until 11.30pm in the summer season.
But don't forget to check the time of the last minibus back to the centre of town if you don't want to walk down the hill afterwards.
www.alhambradegranada.org
________________________________________________________________
Aire de Sevilla - Banos Arabes, Seville
Posted by JessicaAldred
This restored Arabian bathhouse down a tiny alley in the Santa Cruz district is the perfect escape from the baking afternoon heat. It's mixed, and you can bring your own bathers. After cold mint tea in the relaxation room you are invited to dip into each of the three pools (warm, hot and then cold), steam yourself in the hammam, relax in the whirpool and then float gently in the salt pool.
A soothing, indulgent atmosphere is created by the glistening white of the marble, and the illuminated blue water that plays patterns across the dark red plaster walls, faded wooden ceilings and archways. Your journey through the baths is guided by shimmering scented candles and Arabic lamps. Visits last for 90 minutes but you must book ahead, as they limit numbers due to its popularity. It is open until midnight, if you fancy a late dip.
Aire de Sevilla, Calle Aire 15
www.airedesevilla.com/
________________________________________________________________
Carratera de les Aigües, Barcelona
Posted by ka0310
A totally flat 5km track for runners, cyclists and walkers that runs along the hills at the back of Barcelona and offers the most stunning views of the city spread out below you with the sea beyond. The track sometimes winds through the trees but is mostly out in the open. If you need a break or want a different perspective on the city take a couple of hours and refresh your mind in this oasis with a view.
Despite its wonderfulness, the track is often almost totally deserted, though is busier on Saturday and Sunday mornings as Barcelona exercises itself. This track is a runner’s paradise.
www.viajarenfamilia.net
To get there take the Ferrocarillis Catalana, which starts in Plaza Catalunya, towards San Cugat and get off at Peu de la Funicular. Take the funicular to Vallvidrera but get off at the half way stop. As you exit the halt turn left along the track and keep walking for as long as you want. Once you have walked enough either retrace your steps (literally) and return to the funicular or after 4 km you will get to Placa del las Maduixas (sadly lacking in strawberries) and here you can take the road back down into Barcelona stopping for refreshments at the Bar Miramar (a bit expensive and you've already had the views) beside the funicular station up to Tibidado and the Tramvia Blau if you wish