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

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

RESTAURANT CAMI DE BALÀFIA If you fancy something big and meaty in the evening (sorry, vegetarians, but this is probably not for you!), drive up restaurant Road, officially known as Carretera San Joan de Labritja (it’s the second-to-last restaurant on the left, on the stretch of road going to the village of San Joan de Labritja from Eivissa (Ibiza Town). If you count down the kilometres of roadside posts, it is 15.4km. You will find Camí de Balàfia set back from the main road

CASA JULIAN In 2025, we revisited this remarkable, easily overlooked little restaurant, now famous on TV, located in the Basque countryside town of Tolosa, which is 28 km inland from San Sebastián. Tolosa is a town and municipality in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, northern Spain. It is situated in the valley of the Oria River, with Casa Julian directly across from it. When you arrive at the restaurant and step inside, you might initially feel like you’re in the wrong place

If you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming old towns, Ibiza should be at the top of your list. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m here to share everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this guide will help you navigate the island like a pro. Ready to dive in? Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. It’s famous for its party s

BAR CAN TONI - THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE REAL FORMENTERA This place is in the small village of El Pilar de la Mola, almost opposite the hippie market (open on Wednesdays and Sundays). It is run by an Italian (like many other places on the Island). They serve food all day. Bar Can Toni is the heart and soul of Formentera. It is where the locals go to eat, drink, chat, play, and watch live flamenco music and dance. The place is friendly and ideal for a drink and to eat a few

BAR CAN COSTA For the cheaper pocket, head to Bar Costa in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, a pretty and well-loved little village in the centre of the island. There are many restaurants set around the village church in this lovely spot with a vibrant hippy feel. It’s a great place to live, a few hours away from the interesting little shops, nooks, and crannies. Most Sundays, there is a church procession, with locals and tourists attending the Sunday service. There are many inter

ASADOR ETXEBARRI One Michelin Star Although not the easiest place to find, this beautiful, rustic, restored stone house is a couple of kilometres out of town. It has a bar at the ground-floor entrance and a couple of stunning dining rooms on the first floor. The renowned chef Victor Arguinzoniz, who deserves his one Michelin star, cooks all the high-quality produce on various charcoal grills. There is no molecular stuff here; it is just fresh, quality food with unique fla

RESTAURANTE SA SOCA On the way to Sant Agustí from Sant Antoni, you will find this traditional, rustic, charming restaurant. Although it does not look exceptional from the outside, it would be easy to drive past. The entrance has a small bar area, with simple wooden chairs and tables, and small dining rooms with a fireplace. Once inside, you will find its large, vine-covered inner terrace, overgrown with plants, and a quiet countryside landscape twinkling in the background. T