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

TAST CATALANA PERMANENTLY CLOSED 2026 With Chef Paco Perez at the helm, Tast Catalana opened in King Street, Manchester, in 2018.  Although we are in Manchester quite often to watch football, this evening, Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais, this was our first visit here, on this chilly Mancunian spring day. They offer two different dining areas, both stylishly modern: a bar and terrace on the ground floor, and a casual restaurant on the first floor. After settling in a

CASA BALBINO Sanlúcar de Barrameda (or simply Sanlúcar) is a city in the north-west of Cádiz province, part of the autonomous community of Andalucía in southern Spain. Sanlúcar is situated on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, at its mouth, opposite the Doñana National Park. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is one of Spain’s three best-known sherry-producing towns. (The other two are Jerez de la Frontera, for which sherry is named, and El Puerto de Santa María.) Although a seaside

RESTAURANTE CA’S MILÁ Michelin Plate IIO We revisited the stunning restaurant, which is high up and overlooks the great beach of Cala Tarida, in September 2025. It features a fabulous terrace area overlooking the sea, bathed in sunshine. The restaurant opened in 1987, and today, it is run by the second generation of the Milà family. The view of the stunning beach at Cala Tarida from the restaurant. As it was pretty windy, we chose to sit inside on this occasion and starte

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

CASA MARCAL Three Michelin Stars (New 2025) The drive to the restaurant, situated in the heart of the mountains, is via a narrow road through the beautiful Asturian countryside, and the views are amazing. Beware of the narrow winding roads where you must be careful of grazing cows and sheep. The restaurant's modest façade contrasts with its elegant stone interior, which features exposed wooden beams and a few contemporary decorative details. There is an attractive bar are

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

ARAGMA IBIZA We visited Aragma Ibiza, the sister restaurant of Tapas in Sant Antoni de Portmany, and we were very impressed.  The restaurant is set in a great spot overlooking the Marina. It is led by a talented Greek head chef who serves authentic, homemade, Greek-inspired shared-dining dishes of sublime quality, crafted with the freshest ingredients. These dishes are delicious and surprisingly original. Our meal included, Tzatziki (cool & refreshing Greek yoghurt with cucum

CHIRINGUITO SA TRINXA UPDATE JULY 2025 From July 1, 2025, Chiringuitos on Ses Salinas beach are no longer permitted to have DJs playing. CDs and background music are allow ed. Due to regulations of the Ses Salines Natural Park, Chiringuito Sa Trinxa has been forced to suspend DJ performances. We have been here many times before and will return in 2026 This is the place for people-watching. On arrival at the ses Salinas beach, turn left and keep walking until you reach the gre

THE TERRACE TAPAS & WINE BAR During our brief visit to Ilfracombe, we tried what I believe is the only Spanish restaurant in town. We were served surprisingly good tapas, which was somewhat unexpected in North Devon.  Clive Chilcott runs the Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar alongside his partner, Dawn Mullen, who is the excellent chef. Together, they have owned this restaurant since 2016, striving to bring a little piece of sunny Spain to Ilfracombe and North Devon. It seems they hav