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

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

ANTIGUA CASA DE GUARDIA After a visit to the Mercado Central de Atarazanas (Málaga’s local food market, which also has excellent tapas bars), a short walk will take you to the oldest bar in Málaga, founded in 1840. Here, they mainly sell Málaga sweet wine directly from the barrel. It is a typical spit-and-sawdust, old-fashioned drinking bar, and it is great fun. It’s like stepping back in time to one of the few places in Málaga that still maintains its atmosphere. Try the p

Almería was named Capital Española de la Gastronomía 2019 (Twitter @Almería2019 ), and various gastronomic events will take place in the province of Almería throughout the year. We had the pleasure of being invited to these events by Fernando Huidobro www.fernandohuidobro.com , Twitter @FHuidobroRein , Presidente de Academia Andaluza de Gastronomía y Turismo (Twitter @andgastrotur ) We flew to Alicante after our short three-day trip to Ibiza, then drove down to Garrucha t

Almería was named Capital Española de la Gastronomía 2019 (Twitter @Almeria2019 ), and various gastronomic events would take place in Almería over the course of the year. We had the pleasure of being invited to these by Fernando Huidobro, fernandohuidobrorein.com , Twitter @FHuidobroRein , Presidente de Academia Andaluza de Gastronomía y Turismo (twitter @andgastrotur ) After our day in Garrucha, we rose early the next morning and drove to Almería City to join up with the