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

LA CHISMOSA CHIRINGUITO CALA OLIVERA We returned to Cala Olivera to visit the new beach bar, La Chismosa Chiringuito Cala Olivera, which has replaced the previous Hydrogen beach bar that, unfortunately, we did not particularly like. On first impression, La Chismosa Chiringuito Cala Olivera appears much better. It is situated on a stunning little bay that features white sands and overhanging cliffs, providing much-needed shade during the summer months. The crystal-clear water

THE BOAB TREE We recently visited The Boab Tree Restaurant in Estepona, situated in the heart of the Old Town. The restaurant is family-owned and named after the majestic Boab tree, a symbol of strength, resilience, and community. The owner, Jorge, originally hails from Granada but lived in New York before relocating. He brought his American wife, Anissa, and their daughter, and sold everything to pursue this dream venture in Estepona. The Boab Tree features Mediterranean-i

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 cultural atmosphere, and we must cherish and maintain 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 bars in Estepona. I

CHIRINGUITO FUSTA - CALA D’EN SERRA UPDATED July 2026 Look for the Cala d’en Serra sign on your right, just before you reach Portinatx. Continue along the road until the tarmac ends, then park your vehicle. From there, you will be able to see the beach below, which is a small horseshoe-shaped bay with nearby satellite coves. The sandy beach features clean, clear water and was once recognised as one of Europe’s best beaches by The Guardian newspaper. Cliffs encircle the bay

If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that feels like nowhere else on earth, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. Here is a plan to help your Basque Country adventure with insider tips, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humour to keep things fun. So, let’s dive into the best way to make your trip unforgettable. San Sebástian Planning a trip to the Basque Country can feel a bit overwhelming at

ES ALOCS RESTAURANTE Located at the back of the beautiful family beach of Es Figueral in the northeast of the island, this is an authentic local restaurant owned and operated by true Ibicencos from nearby Sant Carles de Peralta. A glimpse of what the island was like before the influx of high-end tourists wiped out many of the traditional bars and restaurants. They offer simple, local cuisine at reasonable prices. Expect nothing extravagant. The restaurant is open for breakfas

A FEW DAYS SPENT IN AND AROUND HARO IN LA RIOJA We arrived from Bilbao airport and checked into our hotel in Haro, the splendid HOTEL LOS AGUSTINOS Calle San Agustín 2, 26200 Haro, La Rioja +34 941 31 13 08 Founded as a convent in 1373, the building has been through various guises, including a 1809 Guarnición Militar (Military Garrison). 1811 Hospital Militar (Military hospital). 1839 Carcel (Prison). 1989 Hotel. It is a beautiful building steeped in history. It include

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

CHIRINGUITO SA FERRADURA (EL PIRATA) To locate this charming little kiosk and beach, turn left at the sign for the Hacienda Na Xamena Hotel and Spa when heading down Port de Sant Miquel Road, before reaching the port. At around halfway, you must take the right-hand fork turn and drive for approximately 2 km along a quite testing, bumpy Camino (un-tarmacked road) to arrive at the bay. The kiosk with the pirate flag is located on the beach and offers affordable basic chiringuit