If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that feels like nowhere else on earth, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. Here is a plan to help your Basque Country adventure with insider tips, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humour to keep things fun. So, let’s dive into the best way to make your trip unforgettable. San Sebástian Planning a trip to the Basque Country can feel a bit overwhelming at

ES ALOCS RESTAURANTE Located at the back of the beautiful family beach of Es Figueral in the northeast of the island, this is an authentic local restaurant owned and operated by true Ibicencos from nearby Sant Carles de Peralta. A glimpse of what the island was like before the influx of high-end tourists wiped out many of the traditional bars and restaurants. They offer simple, local cuisine at reasonable prices. Expect nothing extravagant. The restaurant is open for breakfas

HOTELA M&UGA We stayed for three nights in the Basque Country town of Elorrio at Hotela M&UGA. The town stands out for its unique medieval and modern heritage. In 1964, it was declared a Medieval Heritage Site. It is set in a green valley, with the river Zumelegi running down its centre. Strolling through the streets lined with palaces and ancestral houses, crafted from stone and intricately carved masonry dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is truly delightful. We ch

CHIRINGUITO SA FERRADURA (EL PIRATA) To locate this charming little kiosk and beach, turn left at the sign for the Hacienda Na Xamena Hotel and Spa when heading down Port de Sant Miquel Road, before reaching the port. At around halfway, you must take the right-hand fork turn and drive for approximately 2 km along a quite testing, bumpy Camino (un-tarmacked road) to arrive at the bay. The kiosk with the pirate flag is located on the beach and offers affordable basic chiringuit

CASA ADELINA Casa Adelina has been operating in the small town of Turre for over 50 years, since its opening in 1973. It was founded by Adelina Cervantes and her husband, Juan Martínez. It began more modestly than the restaurant you see today. It was essentially a small tapas bar serving locals with simple, traditional Almerian food. Adelina prepared recipes passed down through the local culinary tradition. The place became increasingly popular, particularly for Adelina’s car

This is the scene in Sant Ferrán de ses Roques (San Fernando) in Formentera, one of four villages on this island. The hippie market is held along the walkway, with artists selling crafts. You have the legendary Fonda Pepe at one end, where you usually find us ending up most evenings. FONDA PEPE Calle Mayor 55, Sant Ferran de Ses Roques, 07871 Formentera +34 971 328 033 This is the heart and soul of the island. Most nights, there is music just a few yards away, with a market

BARDO We went to Bardo in Estepona, which is a restaurant with a tapas bar on the corner. It is located a 5-10-minute walk up the hill near the church from Casa del Rey. We settled in at the tapas bar, where main courses from the restaurant are also available. They have a good cocktail menu, and to start, we chose a Hugo spritz (cava, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and mint), some Ribera del Duero red wine, and a few beers. Everything was shared and set in

RESTAURANTE ASADOR TXAKOLI SIMÓN After a 15- to 20-minute walk from the Funicular de Artxanda, you arrive at Restaurante Asador Txakolli Simón, high above Bilbao. Óscar García, the grill master at this restaurant, has a particular fondness for the Friesian breed of cow, known for its great value for money. On particularly busy days, he can prepare up to eight rib strips in a single service. When the sun is shining in Bilbao, you go to Artxanda, the viewpoint of Bilbao, and ta

ASADOR 44 SPANISH GRILL & WINE HOUSE This is a guest review by our friend Siddu Amin Nestled away on a quiet street in Cardiff, Asador 44 looks unassuming from the cobbled Street as you look into the dark-fronted sash windows. Owen Morgan’s first venture in this part of the world was a couple of dozen miles down the A48, in the much-desirable market Town of Cowbridge. Bar 44 started this South Welsh collection as a humble tapas bar which delighted locals over a decade ago bef

CAMBIO DE TERCIO Under the excellent hospitality and guidance of Abel Lusa, Cambio de Tercio has been a long-standing favourite in South Kensington. It has become a leading representative of Iberian cuisine in London. Most fans of Hispanic culture consider it one of the best in the city. On this occasion, we began with a glass of amontillado sherry. This was followed by pan cristal y Cinco Jotas de jamón ibérico de bellota 100% (Jabugo). 5 Jotas hand-carved, 36 months old, ac