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

RESTAURANTE ELKANO    One Michelin Star Getaria is the picture-postcard Basque Country fishing village that produced designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Plácido Domingo’s mother, and Juan Sebastián Elcano (the first mariner to circumnavigate the globe). You can wander down the old streets to the harbour, where you will see the fishing fleet, walking past various shops selling their wares. There are stunning little beaches here. Set on a crossroads above the harbour of Getaria, Res

RESTAURANTE CAN PUJOL We returned to Can Pujol in September 2025, after previously visiting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when all the restrictions were in place. It was great to see everything seemed to be back to normal. Can Pujol started as a small snack bar over thirty years ago and is now a no-frills restaurant serving superb seafood. Pan con alioli We had a few dishes we had not had in previous visits, and started with some zambariñas (scallops) Al

RESTAURANT ES XARCU Michelin Plate IIO UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025 Es Xarcu is finally back at sea. Two years ago, they were forced to move to the village of Es Cubells. The menu was great, and the food was fantastic, but the vibe just wasn’t the same. The good news is they are back at their old, trusted spot! For more than 30 years, Mariano Torres and his wife have been running this chiringuito, which is very popular with the many boats and their fancy owners who st

ES ALOCS RESTAURANTE Set at the back of the excellent family beach of Es Figueral in the Northeast of the island, this is an authentic local restaurant, managed and owned 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 serve simple local cuisine; you shouldn’t expect too much, but the prices are reasonable. They are open for breakfas

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

SAN CARLOS BAR RESTAURANTE During our mid-March trip to Ibiza, we ventured up to the northeast of the Island and popped into Bar Ca n'Anneta, where I purchased a bottle of their famous homemade Herbes de Ca n'Anneta. The bar was pretty full for March. We then had a short drive to our first visit to San Carlos Bar Restaurante. This Uruguayan-style meat Restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for groups and couples. It serves the finest cuts of grilled Uruguayan Angus meat,

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

Discovering Authentic Ibicencan Cuisine CAFETERÍA CA’N JORDI - LAS PUERTAS DE CIELO If you plan to visit, you’ll need a car or a bicycle. From Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio), drive towards Santa Agnés de Corona. At the T-junction near Cafeteria Ca’n Cosmi, famous for its tortilla (Spanish omelette), turn left. Once you leave the village, there are no signs, but the drive is straightforward. The views of the almond blossoms in February are breathtaking! Continue for abo

CHIRINGUITO SA FERRADURA (EL PIRATA) To find this great little Kiosk and beach, turn left at the sign for the Hacienda Na Xamena Hotel and Spa on the way down to Port de Sant Miquel Road (before you reach 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 situated on the beach and serves good-value meat dishes, fish