CAMBIO DE TERCIO Under the excellent hospitality and guidance of Abel Lusa, Cambio de Tercio has been a long-standing favourite in South Kensington. It has become a leading representative of Iberian cuisine in London. Most fans of Hispanic culture consider it one of the best in the city. On this occasion, we will begin with a glass of amontillado sherry. Followed by pan cristal y cinco jotas de jamón ibérico de bellota 100% (Jabugo). 5 Jotas hand-carved, 36 months old, acorn-

IBIZA’S FAMOUS CHIRINGUITOS HAVE STARTED TO OPEN AROUND THE ISLAND. Sunbeds and plastic chairs suddenly appear. Wooden tables are dragged across sand that sat empty all winter, and music quietly drifts across the empty sand out to sea. CLICK HERE TO SEE A FEW OF THE CHIRINGUITOS DOTTED AROUND THE ISLAND And just like that, after months of silence and closed shutters, the chiringuito is open again. Where does the word actually come from, and it’s not Spain; Chiringuitos d

RESTAURANTE VENTORRILLO DEL CHATO This restaurant is a beautiful historic Goya-esque 18th-century roadhouse, situated near the beach dunes, an oasis in the heart of a desert strip. Jose Manuel Cordoba makes magic with fish here. We come here for the Tortillitas de Camarones (shrimp fritters). The ones here are larger but also incredibly crispy, with more batter edges and significantly more shrimp than any others we had. They are great with a cold fino sherry. Other excellen

CASA BIGOTE Michelin Bib Gourmand It was in 1951 when a local sailor, Fernando Hermoso, opened a despacho de Vinos selling manzanilla to fishermen. Fernando grew an Errol Flynn-style moustache, and his friends started calling him “El Bigote”. Manzanilla, a salty, extremely dry sherry (the salt comes from the local bodegas’ proximity to the sea air), originates from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and you will still find it on almost every table. In 1970, Fernando Jr. took over t

RESTAURANTE CAN RAFALET After a few years away, we returned to Restaurante Can Rafalet, in Es Caló de Sant Agustí, on the Island of Formentera, which boasts some of the most stunning views in the Balearic Islands. The sea is at its fabulous best here, and from our reserved front table, we could see it in all its stunning turquoise glory. When you sit down, you receive a delicious bowl of aioli (rich with garlic) and olives, along with a basket of crusty rolls to scoop up the

LA BODEGA DEL CANTINERO Mark Walsh returned to another of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside the famous resort of Marbella. La Bodega del Cantinero, often known as “Casa Alberto,” is a modern restaurant with a family-run structure, Alberto manages the front of house and hosts guests, while his wife handles the kitchen. This owner-chef partnership is typical of newer Spanish “personal” restaurants, which contrast with traditional taverns. La Bodega de

RESTAURANT CAN VICENT PER PEDRO Y MARI When you arrive at Cala Carbó, in the south west of the island, you will come across Can Vicent. Can Vicent is a traditional Ibizan family restaurant, typical of the island’s old hospitality culture. It began as a family-run, simple chiringuito, serving fishermen, locals, and early visitors. Pedro y Mari refers to the family members who later ran it. The restaurant's history spans several decades, evolving gradually like many of Ibiza’s

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 (

ALFREDO BAR RESTAURANTE Mark Walsh returned to one of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside Marbella. We keep going back to Alfredo Bar Restaurante, and for good reason. It’s a family-run spot (open since 1981) that doesn’t shout from the street but welcomes you like an old friend once you step inside, transporting you back to ’80s Spain. The decor reminds me of when I went to Spain as a kid. You will find a large dining room with old Spanish pictures an

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