RESTAURANTE LAS GITANILLAS This restaurant, which we have visited several times, is located in a wonderful spot on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Estepona. The family have had a restaurant in Estepona since 1970. In 2004, Paco Bazán, son of Francisco Bazán Hormigo and María Peña Gil, who learned from a young age both behind and in front of the bar alongside his parents, opened Las Gitanillas (which is Spanish for the little gypsy girls). Paco’s daughter, Gema Bazán (

If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that’s as unique as it is welcoming, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. I’m here to share the essential tips you need to make your journey smooth, fun, and full of those “wow” moments. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of San Sebastián or exploring the rugged beauty of the countryside, these tips will help you get the most out of your adventu

The beach at Caños de Meca curves inland from the Faro de Trafalgar in the Cabo de Trafalgar. This is where Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place just here in October 1805. It's something to think about as you enjoy your lunch! Things have chilled out since then. The beachfront is still wonderfully underdeveloped, save for most of the dreamlike Chiringuitos around the corner at Pago de Zahora. Here, you will find some of Andalusia's iconic beac

RESTAURANTE SACHA This is not the most straightforward restaurant in Madrid to find, even with GPS, as it is at the rear of where it should be and hidden away in a corner on the right side of the building. Everything looks great, small but cosy, busy and traditional upon entering. It was opened in 1972 by a couple (he was from the Basque Country, she was from Galicia) in this neighbourhood just north of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is now run by their son, Sac

RESTAURANTE EL CALEÑO We returned to the still-very-traditional village of Pedregalejo, just outside of Malaga. This village has kept its local character and charm and has not been ruined by tourism. The beaches here are divided into small U-shaped coves, perfect for families with young children. This old fishing village is now known for its excellent fish restaurants, which line the promenade next to the beach. In the warm summer months, sometimes during pleasant days in win

CHEZ ALBERT Before our summer trip to San Sebastián, we ventured over the border into southwestern France, although still in the Basque Country, to the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz. The town has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surfers. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, accessible via a footbrid

CASA JUAN PEDRO Before our summer trip to San Sebastián, we ventured over the border into southwestern France, although still in the Basque Country, to the elegant and stunning seaside resort of Biarritz. The town has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, accessible via a foo

MARISQUERÍA FREIDURÍA SALVADOR Y LUCAS We are still in the charming fishing village of Pedregalejo, and this time, we headed to Marisquería Freiduría Salvador y Lucas. This delightful restaurant sits on the road that runs parallel to the paseo and the beach, surrounded by many other eateries. The food is spectacular, a real spectacle. Nothing, absolutely nothing, of what you order will be tasteless or past its best. They  always use the correct frying oil (not always the case

PRIMITIVO RESTAURANTE To get to this restaurant, head east, along the coastal road from Málaga for about 6 km, and you will arrive in Pedregalejo. It's a pleasant 30- to 40-minute walk or a short taxi ride from Málaga centre. The still, very traditional village of Pedregalejo has retained its local character and charm, avoiding the ruin caused by tourism. This old fishing village is now known for its excellent restaurants, which line the promenade next to the beach. In the

RESTAURANTE REAL BALNEARIO DE SALINAS One Michelin Star This restaurant, which has one Michelin star in the 2017 rating, is situated right at the end of this stunning little surfers’ beach in the seaside town of Salinas on the Asturian coast. The restaurant has been in this town for three generations, since 1916. It was previously situated in the middle of the city before moving to its panoramic location at the end of the beach. The restaurant has around 120 covers spread