- Spain
- (1856)
-
Many people visit Granada and the Alpujarra. They naturally tend always to go to the most obvious or easily accessed villages. This suggestion takes the walker into the bit the others miss.
There are no buses to Castaras, so you have to walk. There is always a bar open in the tiny village for lunch. Walk on the GR142, generally east, from Busquistar and you will come across it. If you must go by car then access is via Almejijar or Trevelez.
Classic Andalucian tapas bar with a great atmosphere, Ochoa serves great rustic plates of food, local wine and draft beer. 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. Try a media plate of the Setas (fleshy mushrooms) and the calamari plancha (grilled squid) - both incredible. In summer the tinto verano (red wine and lemonade cooler) hits the spot. In winter the local full bodied red wine is ideal.
Independence plaza, Alhama de Granada, Andalucia, Spain
It's a reliable online restaurant guide that also has background info e.g. a recurring piece on Spanish food and wines. Useful for general info and also for making online reservation. Check it out.
Slap bang in the centre of Madrid near to many of the major attractions, the old town, main shopping areas and a block from the Plaza Mayor is 100 Montaditos. It's your best bet for cheap lunch on the run in the city. Take a ticket and wait for your turn to order from the extensive menu of bocadillos (small Spanish sandwiches), starting from just a Euro, there's something for all tastes.
Calle Mayor 22, 5 mins from the Sol metro station
For me, nothing comes close to Cadaques on the Costa Brava in Spain. Cadaques was a favourite haunt of Salvador Dali - once you have seen the light there you'll understand why. Crystal clear waters, fresh air, long walks, even longer lunches!
www.cadaques.co.uk
North-East Spain just south of the French border
Went there in 2008 and 2009 (March) and each time found the food to be well above average and much better than in other bodeagas nearby. It is a lovely location and service is very friendly.
Have been there several times, excellent cuisine and service, very nice place.
www.restaurante-carabela.eu
avenida de la estacion 69
Fon/Fax: + 34 964 489 415
It's a guide with restaurants and accommodation in Ibiza including phone numbers and addresses.
If it seems like the whole town has turned out for the Santa Semana (Easter Week) parades, that's probably because they have. A wonderful place to view this spectacle and enjoy the Andalucian sunshine in Spring.
Fly from Almeria or Murcia
Fab flat in the centre of Barcelona with a garden which I found while searching on google. The owners have kept all the original features like the mosaic tiles so you really get into the atmosphere. We had a great stay- perfect for trying out all the restaurants in town.
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
The best road trips are where the drive is as exhilarating as the destination, and Mallorca offers one of the finest drives in Europe. Simply hire a car from Palma airport (relatively cheap) and drive due North to Soller where the arid plain of Es Pla (fertile ground for figs, almonds and melons) erupts into the rugged Serra de Tramuntana. Spend a night or two exploring the orange-growing capital of Mallorca and feast on spiny lobster stew before heading west along the spectacular coastal road, where the mountains tower above you and fall off into the glittering azure sea.
Take the first day easy and stop a few miles along the road in the beautiful village of Deia – the spiritual home of Robert Graves and home to some of the best restaurants in the Balearics. Go wild and blow the budget at Es Raco des Teix for some of the best food you’ll ever eat – seriously! There are also lovely walks through the pine-scented forests with spectacular views of the sea, or down to Cala de Deia for a swim and huge plate of frito misto with a beer. Leave Deia and continue West along the coastline for the most dramatic views of land and sea, stopping off at spectacular natural beauties such as the Mirador de Ricardo Roca, which will test your nerve and driving skills on the route towards Port de Andratx.
After a night in the Andratx marina at the Hotel Brisnar you can dash back to Palma along the fast central motorway and rediscover fifth gear (if you’re really enjoying the open road keep going to the Camper shoes sale warehouse in Inca). Palma itself is beautiful and miles away from the Brits Abroad reputation it gained in the 80s. Make sure you visit the cathedral and walk the cobbled streets before a final feast of beans and clams at the historic tapas bar La Boveda - the jamon is so good only one man on the staff is allowed to carve it!
www.esracodesteix.es
C/SA Vinya Vell 6, Deia
971 63 95 01
Closed Tuesdays
The greatest hostel In Barcelona. Situated right on beautiful Placa Reial just off Las Ramblas, a really fun hostel, very clean, easy to meet lots of travellers and have a great time. Free dinner and breakfast, and a great happy hour are also a bonus. Staff were amazing and they provide great activities such as free walking tours and tapas nights. Definitely a place to party.
Placa Reial, Barcelona
A boutique hotel which opened in 2008 set in the countryside near Ferreries. Rooms are ultra-modern with wooden floors and a white theme decoration. There are only about 12 rooms and it feels very private and secluded. They make cheese and wine on site which is excellent. A great choice for anyone looking for somewhere relaxing and away from the hustle and bustle.
Just off the main road from Mahon to Ciudadela at Ferreries. www.CaNaXini.com
The best way to see the "Green Coast" of Northern Spain is on foot. Walk between historic villages along ancient pathways, discovering an unspoilt coastline and pristine mountain views. You'll find great family-run hotels and wonderful local restaurants. It's possible to arrange a self-guided holiday where your luggage is transported from one hotel to the next.
It is hard to get more remote and stay in Europe. El Hierro is the smallest and furthest of the seven inhabited Canary Islands, and there are only perhaps four hotels on the whole Island. The Parador is at the end (yes, it really is the end) of a long road, through a long tunnel, and stands between high cliffs and the sea.
It's a small rural hotel.
Very isolated with fantastic views. The owners are very friendly, the food is great - home made bread every morning which is fantastic.
Golden eagles and vultures flying overhead, great area for walking, climbing, canoeing and rafting.
Located in the province of Lerida about 80km north of Lerida close to the market town of Tremp in the abandoned village of Tolo. The closest village is San Salvador de Tolo.
Closest Train Station is in Tremp, about 20km away.
www.casapeteylou.com/
It's a hostel for hiker and climbers near Soto de Sajambre in the Picos de Europa. You can only get there by foot - it's about an hour from the nearest village. Right in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park with has some of the most stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's set beside some mountain pastures and in between centuries old beech and oak woodland. The facilities are simple - shared dormitories and probably best to take your own food but definitely worth it as the views are out of this world.
For the location: maps.google.com/?q=43.166046,-5.005045
For the views: www.mallorcaweb.net/estebanmk/SantaCastilla/SantaCastilla002.jpg
A lovely, friendly, inexpensive rural hotel and restaurant perched right on the edge of the gorge in the spa town of Alhama de Granada, Andalucia. The owner Paco is an ex-flamenco singer who often takes guests down to the hot springs and serenades them under the stars.
Confortel have built a fine reputation for providing affordable and stylish accommodation in major Spanish cities. The confortel seville is a huge disappointment and not worthy of its three star status.
www.pastymuncher.co.uk/confortel-seville-3-star-hotel-three-cats-arses-more-like/
Hotel Puerta de Triana Sevilla
Is this your business?