A lovely wine bar. Not being much of a connoisseur of wines, I can only say that there is an extensive list. For me the food is by far the most important! There is a vast choice of dishes and the menu interestingly (for this neck of the woods) indicates vegetarian options (the online one doesn't really do it justice). My favourite dish was marinated tuna on a bed of seaweed, with wasabi dressing. Tapas are a little more expensive than in bog-standard bars, but are quite generous portions. Some patience needed with waiters when bar is busy. I am eager to return to try more of their delicious food.

www.vineriasantelmo.com/
Paseo de Catalina de Ribera, 4 41004 Seville, Spain
+34 954 41 06 00
Google map: bit.ly/JrgVoY

* BecomingSevillana is our Been there local for Seville. You can read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/seville-local-kim.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/BecomingSevillana.jsp
She also has her own blog: becomingsevillana.blogspot.com/

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Located in San Rafael with stunning views of the neighboring church, El Clodenis has been one of the locals’ and global jet sets’ favorite gourmet hot spots for a quarter of a century. After a relaxed day on the beach it is an absolute must do for Ibiza admirers to enjoy the delightful atmosphere and the amazing food of El Clodenis- a mixture of French cuisine and Ibiza flavors - on the flowered pool terrace.

www.elclodenisibiza.com
Plaza de la Iglesia, 07816 San Rafael – Ibiza
Spain
+34 971 198 545
Google map: bit.ly/Mk5b8E

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Random could be used to describe this venue (but good random). Walking in through the large entrance way you are confronted with an open patio space and many doors. Behind each is a different type of music - flamenquito, drum'n'bass, reggae- and atmosphere. I found myself in a tiny bar, with cheap beers served in plastic cups, bopping along to Brazilian rhythms.
From research, I have discovered that it is also a crafts centre grouping together the handiwork of many artists (silk, ceramics, puppets, glassware, etc).
Will definitely be popping by there again soon!

Calle de Castellar, 52 41003 Sevilla (NOT Castelar - I made that mistake!!)
Google map: bit.ly/J68PDs

* BecomingSevillana is our Been there local for Seville. You can read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/seville-local-kim.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/BecomingSevillana.jsp
She also has her own blog: becomingsevillana.blogspot.com/

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Not everyone knows that you can hike in Mallorca nor that its government provides stunning refuge accommodation for hikers along a well signposted route, the GR 221 Dry Stone Route of the Tramuntana mountain range. The refuges are typical rural manor houses located in beautiful surroundings within small villages or in mountains, like Escorca's 'Tossals Verds' refuge. The Port de Soller refuge ‘La Muleta’ is particularly stunning located as it is in an old 1912 built radiotelegraphy station located on Cape Groson, next to a lighthouse and is quite the perfect spot to catch the sunset at the end of a long walk. All the refuges have been recently refurbished so the conditions are very good with staff providing a warm welcome to tired walkers.
It all leaves you with a certain image – different from the standard - of a Mallorca where you walk, the route is very beautiful and scenic, and at the end of the day, tired, you come to these beautifully located refuges that are not only refuges but a place that lets you ‘experience’ food, meet other walkers and drink great cheap coffee.
To give some background, the GR 221 Dry Stone Route is a 132 km eight stage hiking route of medium difficulty which can be walked in parts or combined with other sightseeing. The five refuges - Can Boi, Muleta, Tossals Verds, Son Amer and Pont Roma – are all located in the northern rocky part of Mallorca which both needs tourists economically and landscape-wise remains unspoilt by the brand of tourism Mallorca has long been associated with.
Price wise, the dorms are all uniformly priced at € 11 a night with optional dinner at € 8.50 which is brilliant value for three courses including a carafe of wine. The refuges can all be booked online at: www.conselldemallorca.net/mediambient/pedra

Final point, the doors close at 10pm with the lights going out at 11pm. So if hard walking and early sleeping is your idea of a good holiday, do check out the link I have put below.

www.conselldemallorca.net/?&id_parent=491&id_class=2992&id_section=3198&id_son=3204&id_grandson=4002

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Santuari de Lluc, Mallorca, 525 metres above sea level, reached by an exciting, twisting road, or by a walking route through the Tramuntana Mountains, is a surprisingly large former monastery, now a place of pilgrimage, with simple accommodation in former monk's cells, with bathrooms en suite, at modest rates(book in advance). It has space, calm, striking buildings and interiors, and a good museum, from prehistory to modern times. Restaurants, cafes and a shop cater for varying numbers of pilgrims and visitors -- an evening meal at a table nestling against one of the surrounding wooded hills, with the sounds of goat-bells, followed by a walk up the paved path to a Calvary with superb views of the Monastery and the surrounding mountains, is an excellent prelude to a restful night's sleep.

www.lluc.net/
Plaça dels Peregrins, 1, 07315 Escorca, Mallorca, Illes Balears
+34 971 87 15 25
Google map: bit.ly/KyR2ET

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It is not until the last coach full of day trippers departs that you really appreciate the quiet beauty of this 18th century monastery. Situated in a valley 500 meters above sea level, surrounded by the impressive mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana, it is a spectacular location for quiet reflection. Listening to the resident choir school, who sing morning and evening, is a beautiful experience for both believers and non-believers alike. The monastery is an ideal base to explore the mountains, by foot or mountain bike. There are numerous trails direct from the monastery: you could hike up the Puig de Massellana (1364m) or follow the old paved Pilgrims trail to Caimari. Outside the monastery there is an information office for the Tramuntana range with helpful English speaking staff.
With simple, functional accommodation and a range of local rustic fayre from no less than three restaurants, a cafe and a bakery it has something to suit all budgets (the cafe is best value). But beware - it will not suit party animals - you are expected to be silent after 11:00 pm!

www.lluc.net/
Plaça dels Peregrins, 1, 07315 Escorca, Mallorca, Illes Balears
+34 971 87 15 25
Google map: bit.ly/KyR2ET

Bus Connections to Lluc: There are buses to and from Inca and Palma. In summer (May-October) there are also public buses from Port d`Soller, Alcudia, Can Picafort and Pollensa. There are also Tourist day trips from most towns, or you could plan as stay as part of a hike or bike across the Tramuntana range (which is what we did).

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Arta is a small, picturesque town in north east Mallorca. It is quaint, non-touristy and has charm in abundance. It is relatively easy to rent a lovely traditional house in the vicinity - we did, one with olive trees, vines, small pool and beautiful rustic character. The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador is worth seeing on top of the hill and the local caves are a must (Victor Hugo and Jules Verne have signed the visitors book!) It is a quiet unspoilt corner of the island, great for children, the locals love them. You can get to the coves and nearby beaches easily in a car and further afield are the sights of Pollenca, Soller and the wonderful Tramuntana mountains.

www.discover-majorca.com/arta.htm
Google map: bit.ly/K1k9M4

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Puerto Pollenca is a small port town on the north east coast of Mallorca. The town itself is close to the family tourist centre of Alcudia so it is very well serviced and accessible. The beach is pretty, and the port is very scenic. Puerto Pollenca is only a few kilometers from the historic town of Pollenca and also a short bike/ bus ride away from the Roman ruins at Alcudia. These ruins are extensive and unspoiled; the atmosphere is miles away from strip hotels and bars. Perfect for picnics and walking. The flat land in the area makes it ideal for a morning or late afternoon bike ride. Definately recommend.

Google map: bit.ly/JvktD2

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A few miles out from Valldemosa we stayed in a sensitively built restored old building set in the mountain side on an old terrace owned by Enrique Vives who lives opposite. This three bedroom villa is peaceful and very beautiful. It doesn't have the five star luxurious element but the decor is traditional and homely and the facilities are plenty for any family with kids of most ages to enjoy especially with the swimming pool. Set up high, every night we settled down by the covered patio barbeque area at the end of the long garden to eat and enjoy the fabulous sunsets across the sea. Every morning we watched the morning mist swirl around the top of the craggy peak behind the villa. The garden is a delight with several 'rooms' to explore such as finding a tiny pond where water trickled from the rocks containing frogs or the bigger water reserve containing larger goldfish. Most days Enrique would bring apples and talk about how he built the villa stage by stage and his plans to build an ensuite to the main bedroom which already has it's own balcony/ garden area. Walking further up the track you can visit the hertigate -Ermitage de Trinidad which is open at various times in the day to the public (but you won't see a soul!) Another tranquil place set among olive and oak trees and views to the sea. We thoroughly enjoyed the location and would recommend the villa to any family.

www.ownersdirect.co.uk/balearics/B3799.htm
Google map: bit.ly/JdFwen

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Atzaro is a sleepy, zen-like agriturismo by day and by night comes alive as a hip,twinkly sushi restaurant/cocktail lounge (dress up). Detox in the 43m lap pool and super spa and then loll around on huge four poster daybeds with a cocktail to hand. Rooms are spacious and have an Eastern influence (some with sunken stone baths and a personal pool!). The front desk/ concierge service will book you those elusive Ibizian taxis and hot spots like Jockey club. Atzaro is the perfect antidote to hedonistic Ibiza.

Sant Joan, KM15, Ibiza 07810
+34971338838
Google map: bit.ly/IzSwd1

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An apartment in the medieval monastery of Lluc, high up in the wild Tramuntana mountains of northern Mallorca. Surrounded by a sacred forest of holm oaks with magnificent walks, the only sounds you’ll hear are sheep bells or the Blauets from the monastery’s choir school singing the salve every day. Thick ancient walls make it pleasantly cool even in high summer, and the local produce is delicious.

www.lluc.net/
Plaça dels Peregrins, 1, 07315 Escorca, Mallorca, Illes Balears
+34 971 87 15 25
Google map: bit.ly/KyR2ET

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Soller is a small town that is a train ride away from the capital Palma. The train between Palma and Soller is an experience on its own as it is an old train that snakes through limestone mountains with some breathtaking views. Soller is nestled among mountains with several interesting walks for all abilities from simple strolls through olive groves to steep climbs. There is one nice walk to a small coastal village called Deia where Robert Graves lived for several years. Soller is a small atmospheric town with several hotels and small bars and is relatively underdeveloped compared to many more touristy areas in Mallorca. A great place to stay if you enjoy hiking and nature and want to get away from the more busy touristic areas of the Balearics.

Google map: bit.ly/ITmURs

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Beautiful small rural hotel in the stunning village of Orient. My wife and two teenage sons stayed here in August last year. Son Palou is a family owned and run and the welcome we had from check in until we checked out made us feel like part of the family. The hotel is in the charming village of Orient and I can only describe the hotel as Heaven on earth.
Specific highlights were the swimming pool where my sons and me spent an idyllic summer afternoon, our evening meal on the terrace patio - the suckling pig was wonderful. We also enjoyed the freshest sangria I have ever tasted. My youngest son's highlight was the fresh orange juice at breakfast straight from the orchard.
The website is lovely but the reality is even better, every part of the hotel inside and out is pristine.
Son Palou has my highest recommendation and we will be back.

www.sonpalou.com/
Plaza de la Iglésia s/n · 07349 Orient, Baleares
+34 971 14 82 82
Google map: bit.ly/KyU0JB

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Adults only hotel tucked away on the north eastern part of island. Amazing pool area with sun loungers and four poster beds on the grass. It's an oasis of calm. Luxurious air-conditioned bedrooms and public areas.
There is a buffet menu for all meals with local cuisine and fresh produce. Sporting activity programe and nightly entertainment if you want it. An adult only haven. No coincidence most of my fellow guests were teachers!

www.hotelsviva.com/en/hotel/vanity-hotel-suite-&-spa.html
Urbanización Cala Mesquida, s/n, 07580 Capdepera (Mallorca), Spain
+34 971 89 70 08
Google map: bit.ly/IHePjG

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The delightful, unspoiled charms of the Galician coast can be experienced by visiting Corrubedo, south west of Santiago; the final destination of pilgrims on the ancient Camino de Santiago. Located at one of the westernmost points of Spain, this small fishing village clusters around a beautiful sheltered bay, with clear water and sandy beaches, perfect for families. Join the Spanish who have discovered this secret gem; spend a long sunny summer evening exploring rock pools teeming with life; then relax in the attractive harbour side bars. For a real contrast, pop 1km around the corner to find a lighthouse perched on the windswept, wild Atlantic coast; an ideal spot for a spectacular sunset with home-coming gulls riding the wind. We observed a few free camping tents and motorhomes.

Google map: bit.ly/JKLKiQ

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Looking for wide, golden beaches and safe bathing? Great food and friendly bars? Head for Ayamonte on the western edge of the Costa de la Luz and less than an hour from the airport at Faro. Nestling at the mouth of the estuary between Spain and Portugal, Ayamonte offers gleaming white Andalucian buildings, cobbled streets, palm-fringed squares, an elegant marina and open-air bars and restaurants. Try the superb tapas in La Puerta Ancha in Plaza de la Laguna, or eat from the barbecue in La Sonrisa on the fabulous Isla Canela beach. In Summer grab the little open-air train that runs from one end of the beach to the other, or learn to windsurf from one of the surf schools located on the beach. Ten minutes from Ayamonte, or a short walk from Isla Canela, is the little fishing village of Punta del Moral, where you’ll be spoiled for choice in the fish restaurants. An hour’s drive to the east is the famous Coto Donana, where you can take a jeep safari through Europe’s biggest wetland, spotting flamingos, lynx and, if you’re lucky, the Spanish Imperial eagle.

Google map: bit.ly/J7ucUC

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There are more than the guide places to visit in Barcelona, as a lot of people know you can visit the Olympic areas, Gaudi buildings, the Ramblas and the shopping center. But there is another city. You can get lost in the streets in l'Eixample and visit the gardens inside the 'illes' where you can see flowers, pedestrian areas or pools. You can also visit the old narrow streets in the Gothic neighbourhood and look at the names of these streets that make reference to the work that was done there, in each street lives one 'gremi' and the street has taken the name, for example Carrer cotoners in English Cotton spinners street. You can also visit the remains of the Roman wall that was used to build a new buildings on top.

www.barcelonaturisme.com/
Google map: bit.ly/Iydg50

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Nerja, an attractive fishing-based resort east of Malaga, has good beaches and traditional bars in the old town. Try the tapas of fresh seafood (free with your £1.30 crisp dry white) while your children play football in the street. Our local was family-owned, their boat bringing the catch straight back to the restaurant. There is a long sandy beach where on Sundays enormous dishes of paella are cooked on charcoal fires (£6.50 with free second helpings). Finish the night out with chocolate and churros, the whole family walking safely back at midnight in this friendly, mellow seaside town.

Google map: bit.ly/J7vqis

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Head to western Cantabria’s Costa Verde for hidden beaches of soft yellow sand in quiet coves enclosed by green, crumbly cliffs and explore sea caves, rock stacks and natural arches. The short coastline between busy Comillas with its Gaudi attractions and the charming fishing-resort of Llanes in Asturias reveals many hard-to-find-but-worth-it-when-you-do beaches. Crescent-shaped and gently shelved Pechón beach has a spit of sand at its eastern edge that is eaten away by the tide on both sides. Park the car at the top and walk down the gravel path. Gorgeous Prellezo has a fast retreating tide that uncovers pools, sand bars and quirky limestone formations. Cobreces is in a well-protected canyon-like cove and has a couple of restaurants close to the beach. When you are done with the beaches, be sure to take a trip into Picos de Europa whose foothills spill down the coast. In high season, arrive early or late at Funte Dé and take the funicular to the summit for spectacular views of mountain and sea over a cooling drink in the café

Google map: bit.ly/KzaIsn

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At the charming Hotel Atalaya in Mundaka, Basque Country, you can open the shutters, step onto your balcony and people watch over the harbour. If you prefer sand there’s a beach at nearby Lekeitio where happy dogs lift their legs on the “no dogs” sign. Place names are a series of randomly jammed typewriter keys: try saying – and definitely visiting - Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island with a narrow winding causeway, twinkling at night with fairy lights. For day trips there’s Guernica, immortalised by Picasso, with its “Junta” headquarters museum where I cricked my neck admiring the stained glass ceilings; and my favourite, the eerie but entrancing painted forest at Oma.

www.atalayahotel.es/ingles/index.html
Itxaropen Kalea, 1, 48360 Mundaka (Bizkaia) Spain
+34 946 177 000
Google map: bit.ly/JA8cPQ

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