LA CEPA DE CÁDIZ MÁLAGA This excellent local bar serves beer, wine and Manzanilla sherry, along with traditional chicharrones, a selection of cheeses and specialities from the Sierra de Cádiz, cured meats from Extremadura and an impressive variety of tinned seafood and other preserves. Bringing a little taste of Cádiz to the heart of Málaga, this charming tapas bar feels like home for gaditanos (people from Cádiz) and a great place for visitors to discover the region’s tradit

Marbella isn’t the easiest place for a traditional tapas bar crawl, as many bars are spread out. However, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found during an evening stroll in mid-January as we looked for the best tapas bars in Marbella. Marbella’s layout is rather unusual, with its bars and restaurants spread across different areas rather than concentrated in one place. This means a tapas crawl can involve a fair amount of walking. There's plenty of variety, from traditi

A DAY TRIP FROM SEVILLA TO CARMONA Carmona stands on the Los Alcores ridge, overlooking the vast, fertile plains of the Vega del Corbones in Andalucía. The surrounding countryside is dominated by olive groves and fields of cereals, which have long played an important role in the local economy. The city also has a tradition of livestock farming and holds its annual fair, the Feria de Carmona, in May. Carmona is one of the most historic towns in southern Spain, with a history s

ANTIGUA CASA DE GUARDIA After visiting the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Málaga’s famous food market, you’re only a short walk from Antigua Casa de Guardia, the city’s oldest wine bar and one of its most atmospheric drinking establishments. This famous local bar was founded in 1840 by José de la Guardia, the business originally operated in Calle Ollerías before moving to its present location on Alameda Principal in 1899. Today, this historic bodega remains wonderfully old-fa

EL RINCÓN DE PEPE We revisited an old favourite in Sant Antoni, El Rincón de Pepe, which is located near the fountains and harbour in central Sant Antoni. The restaurant is one of the town’s longest-established tapas bars, which opened in 1962. The bar has a particularly interesting connection to Ibiza’s nightclub scene. Pepe Roselló opened El Rincón de Pepe in 1962, and later became famous for founding the legendary Space Ibiza nightclub. The original building is situated in

CASA MONTAÑA Michelin Guide Casa Montaña València is a historic, delightful old-fashioned tapas bar and bodega in the traditional fishing neighbourhood of El Canyamelar, near València’s port. Established in 1836, it is one of the city’s oldest surviving bodegas. The current building dates from 1880, and much of its historic character remains, including the old wine barrels behind the bar. The interior has a wonderfully traditional atmosphere, with wooden fittings, barrels,

A FEW DAYS IN PLASENCIA - CÁCERES We originally planned this trip to see the almond trees in blossom, but unfortunately, we arrived a little too early. Instead, we took the opportunity to explore Plasencia, a historic walled market town in Cáceres province, Extremadura, with a population of about 40,000. Plasencia has a fascinating medieval past, two impressive cathedrals and an excellent selection of traditional restaurants and tapas bars. During our visit, we wandered throu

DIS TINTO TABERNA MADRID WINE & TAPAS We visited DisTinto Taberna Madrid Wine & Bar with Mark Walsh of Walsh Jewery. The restaurant bar opened in 2018 in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, just a few steps from Plaza de Jesús. Unlike some of its historic neighbours, this relatively modern establishment retains much of the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish tavern. Founded by four cousins with extensive hospitality and wine experience, DisTinto quickly built a reputation for its

MADRID TAPAS BARS IN THE CALLE DE JESÚS AREA Just a short walk from the Prado Museum, Calle de Jesús and the surrounding streets are home to some of Madrid’s most traditional tapas bars. From lively neighbourhood taverns to historic establishments serving excellent wines, croquetas, seafood, and conservas, this area is a wonderful place to explore Madrid’s authentic tapas culture. CERVANTES Plaza de Jesús 7, 28012 Madrid +34 914 29 60 93 We did not eat here this time, but it

CASA TONI Casa Toni is a traditional Madrid tapas bar situated at Calle de la Cruz 14, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Santa Ana. Established in the 1960s, this family-style tavern has retained the character of an old-fashioned Madrid bar, serving generous portions of traditional Spanish food without unnecessary frills. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. However, give it a try. The food is excellent for the price, and there are always plenty of locals, which is u