TABERNA CASA MANTECA Cádiz is one of Western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Phoenicians founded it, and archaeological remains date back 3,100 years. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a trading port with the Americas. This famous spot in the Casco Antiguo (the older part of Cádiz), within the remnants of the city walls and commonly referred to as the Old Town, is an old-school restaurant and tapas bar (the name means "house of Lard"!). A few f

TABERNA MANOLO CATECA Tucked away in a corner alleyway, this hidden gem gives you the feel of being a local. The bar has been on this side street since 1920, when it was a wine despacho. In 1952, it became Taberna La Goleta. The current owner, Manuel Navarro, who goes by Cateca (hence the new name), took over around 12 years ago. Although small inside, it always seems popular, day and night, as it is packed with people standing outside drinking and enjoying Sevilla’s nightli

We often visit the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar in the province of Almería (Andalucía’s most significant protected coastal area, with a wild, isolated landscape and a hot desert climate). This time, we went to Agua Amarga, which borders spectacular, barren spaghetti western territory. This low-key village packs in cool bars, restaurants, locals, and fishermen. Beside a headland of troglodyte caves at the southern end of the beach. Most of the tourists here are Spanis

EL FARO This hidden treasure, tucked away in the old fishing quarter of Cádiz, offers authentic Spanish dining. A locally popular family-run restaurant. Nicely set-up tables and unpretentious cuisine, featuring outstanding fish and seafood dishes. In the past, we have eaten in the restaurant and the bar area. It’s a different place post-COVID. The bar has been revamped with three new rooms, each the size of the original. I miss the hustle and bustle of people and the theatre.

CASA BALBINO Sanlúcar de Barrameda (or simply Sanlúcar) is a city in the north-west of Cádiz province, part of the autonomous community of Andalucía in southern Spain. Sanlúcar is situated on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, at its mouth, opposite the Doñana National Park. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is one of Spain’s three best-known sherry-producing towns. (The other two are Jerez de la Frontera, for which sherry is named, and El Puerto de Santa María.) Although a seaside

RESTAURANTE BALANDRO Our friend, Bill Benham, visited this excellent Restaurant in Cádiz, offering a varied and high-quality menu featuring local fish. They serve designer tapas in a modern, hip, and vibrant place. There is a Restaurant area that requires reservations, as well as a bar area featuring high stools. It does get extremely popular, so get there early (8 pm) if you want a seat at the bar. Tataki de atún Ensalada de langostinos and mango Albondegas de merluza Gambas

CASA EGEA If you are looking for well-made, traditional Spanish food on the long, winding beach road that runs along Mojácar Playa, Casa Egea is the place to go. The restaurant is a little set back from the beach and has a glass terrace. Since 1995, you will find authentic Spanish food, lovingly prepared from traditional recipes, at this family-run restaurant spanning three generations. They serve excellent seafood and fish, along with an ever-changing menu of local special

CHIRINGUITO MANACA Drive past the Hotel Indalo on the road from Mojácar to Carboneras, go straight inland, and take a left at the third roundabout onto Playa Macenas, where you will see the Castillo de Macenas just before the Macenas golf course goes inland. From here, drive past Chiringuito Macenas (you can stop here for a drink or tapas) and onto an elementary dirt road, which is not in excellent condition and initially runs along a precarious cliff edge, overlooking the se

RESTAURANTE CABO NORTE This excellent little restaurant is hidden up a side street off the main promenade in Mojácar Playa, near the Europcar car rental. Upon entering, you arrive in the bar and restaurant area. When the weather is excellent, you can eat outside in the lovely enclosed garden area. On this pleasant summer evening, we had Mini gazpachos. Carpaccio de presa Ibérica (presa is a cut of meat from the shoulder of the Iberico pig). Carpaccio de atún (tuna). Pimient

RESTAURANTE ALMA DE MIGUEL We eat at this restaurant quite often; it is predominantly a fish restaurant, located in the pedestrian centre of Estepona's old town.  There is plenty of seating outside for the warmer months, and in the winter, you will find plenty of indoor seating, with a large gazebo attached to the restaurant. The restaurant is run by Miquel & his sister, who oversee all the staff & they are exceptional hosts. The food is always good, with a variety of fresh f