- Spain
- (1857)
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This is the place we come to first when we visit Spain. We leave Malaga airport and make a beeline for Chiringuito beach. The food is always the same which makes it a local favourite and everything is quintessentially Spanish. Gambas Pil Pil, Calamares, Migas and simple grilled meat/fish, all packed full of flavour and riddled with garlic. Antonio a member of the family who owns the restaurant is always on hand with a friendly welcome. The setting is magnificent on a small cove next to Cerro Gordo on a two mile beach in a horseshoe shape - hence La Herradura. It is as cheap as chips but no stinting here on portions or quality. The chips themselves are cooked in olive oil and are divine. Best bit - an early evening tinto de verano (summer wine) watching the sun go down over the headline. Magnifico!
Paseo de Andres Segovia, 18697, La Herradura
+34958 827 550
Google map: bit.ly/z0xJV2
There are a few other nice bars and restaurants nearby but CDLC is by far the best choice. This place serves as a cool, swanky and fashionable eaterie by day and a trendy bar/club by night. Decked out in a fusion of Oriental and Mediterranean decor and ornaments, it's hard not to be drawn in. It's a great place to go for lunch after a stroll/swim at the beach. During the day we took in the glorious sunshine and relaxed on the huge outdoor loungers - the size of a double bed - at the front of the restaurant. It's very much a casual yet chic dining experience. The food was great and elegantly presented. I'd recommend the rice dishes or club sandwiches if it's a light bite you're after. It's a bit pricey but you're paying not only for the food but also the ambience and experience. We came back here later on at night. The atmosphere was completely different, but in a good way. By night CDLC is transformed into a slick, sophisticated and enchanting club where you can reserve individual indoor lounges which are partitioned by long white drapes - it has an almost mystic Middle Eastern feel. Opposite the lounge area is the bar which served a wide range of cocktails. Further back is the dance floor - music policy ranged from chart/dance/electronica/hiphop, so something for all preferences.
www.cdlcbarcelona.com/
Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 32 08003 Barcelona, Spain
+34(0)932 24 04 70
Google map: bit.ly/Awia8X
A one-track train, the Feve, runs along the coast of Asturias, Spain’s northern shore. From a base in Llanes you can ride it west to Villahermosa and ramble back east, mostly on a coast path. Pass a beach in a field where a 75-metre blowhole through the rocks feeds a crater-like tidal pool, then climb through woodland to the clifftop. Eastward, Biscay’s waves chew the feet of the Picos mountains, leaving bite-mark coves and rocky crumbs as outcrops in the sea.
Behind you – and you nearly miss it, the view ahead is so beguiling – is the perfect lunch spot.
On a whole coastline of best beaches, Playa de Torimbia is the best of all (El Pais even puts it among the finest in all Spain). It’s a half-mile curve of gold held by sheer cliffs; skinny-dipping normal but not compulsory; good Atlantic surf. The only building is a ramshackle bar with paella, raciones, beer and a view of this whole sequestered Eden.
The bar makes the beach, the beach makes the bar; there’s nothing else to intervene. That’s a winning combination.
Google map: bit.ly/AxVDMA
Nearest village - Niembro.
There is a car park high on the cliff at eastern end of the bay, with a steep walk down.
The bar is at the western end.
For the train use Villahermosa, Posada or Poo stations - and enjoy the walk.
Located on the stunning Levante beach in Benidorm lies the spacious and popular Sol Beach Bar. Whether you desire a milkshake with the family on the large terrace or the football match on one of seven television screens inside, the friendly and multilingual staff will make sure you have a good time. Following on from some delightful sea-food or a good old burger, why not sip on a cocktail such as a 'Caipirnha' or the more adventurous 'Tequila Sunrise'.
www.solbeachbar.com/index.html
Avenida de Madrid 25, Playa de Levante, Benidorm, España
+34(0)965 86 1800
Google map: bit.ly/xKt1To
A small florist/garden centre. The mar de flores family-run store is literally on their doorstep: they have opened their front garden to all who wish to peruse the collection of plants they have on offer. All plants are interestingly presented: in shoes, bird cages, teacups, handbags and kettles. Would make the perfect gift for the eco-conscious. Pick up a ready crafted gift, or request a tailor-made arrangement.
Alameda de Hercules, 73
+34(0)954374685
Google map: bit.ly/yTSeRt
* 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/
For stunning views of seven kilometres of unspoilt, golden sand and sparkling blue sea, look no further than this family-run bar with real Spanish atmosphere and a great selection of meat and fresh fish from the BBQ. Grilled and split langostinos in season are great value and an absolute must, and there's a terrific selection of tapas served from about noon onward. Elevated slightly from the beach, and with a partially glassed-in area to protect from sea breezes, it provides a perfect area to relax over a cerveza or the excellent house wine. Late evening it's buzzing, often to the accompaniment of live music.
www.lasonrisa.eu/
Paseo del Pinillo, marina IV local 1, 21400 Punta del Moral
+34 669 159 117
Google map: bit.ly/xhxH4r
Skip the ever popular Salinas beach and head further across to Es Cavellet beach (part-nudist) to discover this shimmering, all white beach house, more swanky and hipper than the rest. Chow down on light, crispy calamari dunked in aioli and the freshest fish you can eat. Then sink back on huge day beds with a bottle of fizz and let the Balearic beats take over. Book ahead or arrive early to secure those sought after sun-loungers in front of the bar.
www.elchiringuitoibiza.com
Playa d’es Cavallet
+34 971 395355
You couldn't find a more intriguing watering hole than Bar Garlochí. It all starts with its name, which means heart in Gypsy language. The interior is lavish, chintzy and holy all at once. It is definitely heavy on the eyes: there are figures of the Virgin Mary and images of Christ in every corner. The bar is a popular haunt for the gay community and cheesy 70s Spanish tunes add to the atmosphere. Drinks are quite pricey though: €3 for a botellín (bottle of beer). It's quite a popular tourist spot as it has featured heavily in the press over the years and boasts that it serves 'Agua de Sevilla' in the doorway.
Calle Garlochi, 26, 41004, Seville
Google map: bit.ly/yy3D3Q
* 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/
Nerja is on the Costa Del Sol and lies approximately an hours drive north of Malaga. I first visited Nerja with my husband in October 2006 and the last time (approximately our 5th trip) was with my husband and our four year old twin girls in September 2011. Nerja is very pretty and has everything you require for a super holiday - plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and beaches, but it still feels very Spanish. The setting of the town is lovely and at its heart is the Balcon Da Europa, a lovely tree lined walk way that juts out in to the sea. The resort is a super place to mooch around during the day and really comes alive at night with its bustling cafes and bars. The resort is quite compact, so getting around is easy on foot. We loved Nerja as a couple and love it still as a family. It has hardly changed over the years, except there are a few more restaurants. It is also well placed for visiting the local area. Just south is the resort of Torrox Costa, north is La Herradura and inland is the pretty white washed village of Frigliana. It is worth hiring a car to get the most from this beautiful area.
Nerja, Costa Del Sol, Spain
Google map: bit.ly/zVQ5hC
Seville city centre has a wealth of food establishments, with plenty of choice between tapas bars and international dishes. However, sometimes a trip to a small town can uncover little gems. Da Frá is a beautifully decorated Italian restaurant. Very cosy, and with a family feel - perfect for a winter's evening with an enormous log-fire in the middle of the venue. It has a wide selection of anti-pasti/insalatas, pasta and pizza, meat and risotto but not too much to make you dizzy. All reasonably priced and generous portions. Homemade puddings too!
www.dafrasevilla.com
Calle Martires de la Iglesia, S/N, 41807 Espartinas
Google map: bit.ly/zFRcqK
* 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/
A slow train south from Madrid to the Andalucian city of Granada was the first leg of the first holiday my now wife and I took, just weeks after we first met.
The air-conditioned carriage trundled for hours across the baked earth of Castile as we ate tinned olives and shared icy bottles of Heineken.
Spain stretched out before us with the occasional puff of cloud emerging over the horizon. On arrival in the evening, the southern heat was still overwhelming. Our supper was a large plate of sliced tomatoes, garlic and olive oil with a chunk of crusty white bread. Sleepy after the journey, we held hands as we walked through jasmine scented streets in the dark.
www.renfe.com
www.turgranada.es
Google map: bit.ly/xp9kW9
Fed up of Cruzcampo (not many people out of Seville are actually that fond of it) then this is the best place to visit. It has an extensive menu of beers, ales, bitters, stouts from all over the world (hence the name). And to ensure that the Morte Subite (€2.95) doesn't take such effect there are also several tapas to choose from, including German sausage and sauerkraut.
www.cerveceriainternacional.com/
C/ GAMAZO, 3 41001 Seville, Spain
+34 954 211 717
Google map: bit.ly/A8l76q
* 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/
Tenerife was created a while ago when molten rock squirted out of a rather weak part of the earth's crust, not too far from Africa. The whole island is a complete field trip: a real trip. The result of a sustained bout of volcanic activity, Teide is the highest mountain in Spain. Altitude sickness permitting, a vigorous, somewhat vertical stroll from sunrise to sunset will take you to the peak at 3715 metres and back, past craters and vents, across awesome pahoehoe and to Teide's eggs, surreal volcanic bombs twice the size of your rental car. The view from the peak is as wide as your mind. The little fluffy clouds are under your feet and you can tell that the world is yours. You can just see the beach but it is far, far away.
There's an international airport on one of the lava fields, levelled appropriately.
Google map: bit.ly/AdAQa8
A minimalist wine-bar style establishment in Utrera, a small town some 30 minutes away from Seville. A good range of hot and cold gastro-tapas. A little more expensive than most places, but definitely worth the few cents more. All dishes come beautifully and innovatively presented. Being a drab winter day, I asked for the 'pucherito expreso' (€3.90), and what a spectacle! Puchero is a broth made of various meat-types. It is normally served as a broth with rice or chickpeas and the meat is served as a side, all mushed together and eaten with bread, called 'pringá' (or pringada). My pucherito expresso was served to me from a tiny cafetiere. The waitress poured it for me into a bowl, garnished with a quail egg, and the pringá was in the bottom half of the instrument.
www.besanatapas.com/
C/ Niño Perdido, 1 41710 Utrera
+34 955 86 38 04
Google map: bit.ly/xujL5Z
* 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/
A proper Spanish Village. Unspoiled typical Andalucia. Quiet, crime free, with warm friendly people. A little look at a time that has gone and is now almost forgotten about.
They still serve free tapas in the bars.
Google map: bit.ly/xQIkW1
Tigre is a small, quirky classic Spanish bar. We love it. They serve some of the most fabulous tapas you'll ever taste. The owner, Antonio, is a flamboyant showman who takes enormous pride in everything he serves. Try the berenjena (thinly sliced deep fried aubergine) - amazing. Antonio also serves a mean tostada: marmalade with soft white cheese or ham with blue cheese crumbled on - wash it down with fresh squeezed orange juice and a prefect strong coffee. If you're feeling adventurous (and hungry) ask Antonio to simply keep the food coming, it will be a culinary experience, you will not leave hungry and it won't cost a fortune. In the summer evenings the bar takes over the top part of the square, service can slow down outside sometimes in the warmer weather, but hey whats's the rush? You're sitting in a lovely traditional Andalucian square under the stars sipping your drink.
Pl. Constitución, 1
18120 , ALHAMA DE GRANADA , GRANADA
Google map: bit.ly/sypico
The last time I visited Barcelona I had a great experience with the guys of Barcelona Photocircuits. They run a photography studio and organise photography tours across Barcelona. I spent an afternoon in downtown and they showed me very cool hidden corners and also helped me improve my camera skills. You can ask anything, they give you lots of tips and tricks to make your pictures great and deeply know the city. Very recommended.
This classic Andalucian tapas bar has a great atmosphere, it serves a fantastic selection of local wine and draft beer and a plate of tapas is free with every drink you order. In the summer the tables spill out into the narrow street and in the winter they close the big wooden doors and place trays of burning olive wood (Braseros) under your table to keep you warm. If the free tapas don't fill you up you can order more food - great rustic plates of food, it is all local and seasonal. Try a media (half) plate of the setas (fleshy mushrooms) and the calamari plancha (grilled squid) are both incredible. In summer the tinto verano (red wine and lemonade cooler) hits the spot. In winter one of the local full bodied red wines is perfect. Whatever the season the atmosphere in Ochoa is always vibrant.
Plaza de Constitución, Alhama de Granada, Andalucia, Spain
Google map: bit.ly/uL3pgq
If you are in the traditional "white villages" of southern Spain during the Christmas holidays, you can experience many traditions based on religious beliefs. There are "belens" (nativity scenes) set up all over the villages - spot the "caganer" figure with his trousers down squatting in the traditional scene! In the bars, you may see a travelling group of shepherd musicians playing and dancing. On Christmas Eve, families have meals including special treats like turron, and little oil lamps sparkle in the windows of the houses. There are processions through the villages, most noteably on Three Kings day on 6th January when children leave out their shoes for the kings to fill with presents - as they pass by, the kings give out sweets and gifts. Best of all, the weather is warm and pleasant and if you're lucky, you could spend the 25th of December on a sandy beach ...
Google map: bit.ly/uAx09a
This very beautifully decorated wine bar is in the Realejo part of Granada (the old Jewish quarter), very close to Melia hotel. What a great place to have tapas and a huge selection of Spanish red and white wines and cider. Carlos, the owner, knows his stuff and will be very happy to talk you through each of his selected wines and point you in the right direction should you want to take some home with you. We will be back.
Calle San Antonio, next to (Plaza de Los Campos). Granada, Andalucia, Spain
+ 34 666 238 485
Google map: bit.ly/tvqqef
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