We wanted to explore the charming traditional tapas bars in Estepona’s old town and discover the great prices for a beer and a tapa! These bars play a vital role in preserving the authentic character of the old town, and it’s important that we cherish and support them for future generations Our first stop was at BAR LA ESQUINITA Calle de Pozo Pila, 30, 29680 Estepona, Málaga A tiny bar with a warm welcome from Paco, the owner; this is one of the few remaining authentic tapas

LA JOSEFITA IBIZA La Josefita is a charming little restaurant located in the backstreets of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio), close to the famous West End, which is currently undergoing a significant transformation from its previous, wilder incarnation. This tapas restaurant, opened in August 2023, pays tribute to Grandma Pepita - Josefa Pepita. The Josefita offers a concise menu of reimagined, familiar tapas. We started with; Berenjena frita (deep-fried aubergine). Tost

SEGOVIA During our visit to Madrid, we stayed one night in Segovia (it is also an easy day trip from Madrid; it’s a short 25-minute ride by high-speed train, but it feels like a world away the minute you arrive). The mountain range seen from the train station is known as La Mujer Muerta (The Dead Woman). From the plains around Segovia, the peaks form the outline of a woman lying down. Her head, torso and feet are clearly visible. The effect is strongest at sunrise or sunset,

MUSEO DEL JAMÓN A few Museo del Jamón tapas bars are scattered around Madrid, and this one at Carrera de San Jerónimo 6 has always been our favourite. They all offer an eclectic mix of traditional Spanish food, centred on ham, bread, beer & wine. This place is a great option for those trying to save money. At the time of our visit, a beer and a ham-and-cheese bocadillo could be had for around €1, which is unbeatable. If you have a bit more to spend, consider trying one of the

RESTAURANTE CA N’ESMERALDA This restaurant has been operating for several years and is located in a secluded area, away from the main town of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio Abad). It sits near the end of Cala de Bou, offering views of San Antonio Bay. We popped in for a light lunch (do we really have light lunches?) and tried the following. Pan con aioli. Papas asadas, alioli, hilos de chile y nuestro ingrediente especial (roasted potatoes, aioli, chilli threads, and t

PULPEIRA A LANCHIÑA UPDATE AUGUST 2026: Pulperia A Lanchiña closed permanently in January 2024 following the owners’ retirement, after almost 48 years in business. Pulperia A Nova Lanchiña, nearby, remains open and is shown further down in the article. A lively bar and restaurant specialising in Galicia’s favourite dish, polbo á feira (Galician) or pulpo a la feria (Spanish), which translates to octopus prepared in the style of the fair. This place is always crowded with loca

BARDO We went to Bardo in Estepona, which is a restaurant with a tapas bar on the corner. It is located a 5-10-minute walk up the hill near the church from Casa del Rey. We settled in at the tapas bar, where main courses from the restaurant are also available. They have a good cocktail menu, and to start, we chose a Hugo spritz (cava, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and mint), some Ribera del Duero red wine, and a few beers. Everything was shared and set in

LA CEPA DE CÁDIZ This great local bar offers beer, wine, and Manzanilla, along with chicharrones, cheeses, products from Sierra de Cádiz, cold cuts from Extremadura, and a wide variety of tinned preserves. It is a place with a lot of charm, a little piece of Cádiz in Málaga for gaditanos. We settled in and had, Anchoa y leche condensada (tinned anchovy and condensed milk) is a simple yet exquisite tapa. It features a single high-quality, salt-cured anchovy fillet from Cantabr

CASA LABRA History is said to have been made at this bar on May 2, 1879, with the formation of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Party). When you walk in, it feels as though you’ve stepped back to 1879, as not much seems to have changed since then! Current prices (2026) Cod croqueta: €1.70 each Tuna pickled banderilla: €2.25 Tortilla: €6.90 Tajadas de bacalao: €2.30 It is a fantastic traditional bar. It is famous for its croquetas de bacalao. Some of the best in Madrid. The tajadas

This was our second visit to Uvedoble Taberna in Málaga City, conveniently located near the Roman Theatre and below the Alcazaba in Málaga’s historic centre, inviting exploration and a sense of place. Despite its characterless, tourist-café look, this restaurant and bar serves interesting tapas, including several typical Málaga dishes, adding an authentic local touch. The interior is minimalist with a lively bar area. On our first visit, we had eaten elsewhere before coming h