COSTA DE LA LUZ - PLAYA DE LOS CAÑOS DE MECA - PAGO DE ZAHORA BEACH

The beach at Caños de Meca curves inland from the Faro de Trafalgar in the Cabo de Trafalgar.

This is where Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place just here in October 1805. It's something to think about as you enjoy your lunch! Things have chilled out since then. The beachfront is still wonderfully underdeveloped, save for most of the dreamlike Chiringuitos around the corner at Pago de Zahora.

Here, you will find some of Andalusia's iconic beach bars. The chiringuitos here tend to batten down the hatches mid-September. However, this one was still open in early October and is part of the laid-back hotel Habitaciones Sajorami Beach.

Hotel Habitaciones Sajorami Beach

The cottage-style rooms here are directly on the seafront overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

RESTAURANTE SAJORAMI BEACH

Pago de Zahora 175, Los Caños de Meca, 11160 Barbate, Cádiz +34 956 43 74 24 www.sajoramibeach.com Part of the Habitaciones Sajorami Beach hotel's tables and benches are set in the sand on a bluff above glassy lagoons (which are like large paddling pools, great for kids of all ages!) or frothy Atlantic rollers, depending on the tide.

This is an excellent spot to enjoy the last autumn sun looking out to the sea.

With our warm October lunch, we enjoyed a free appetiser.

Ensalada de la casa (house salad)

Salmorejo Cordoba (a cold soup/purée consisting of tomato, bread, olive oil and garlic originating from Cordoba).

Anchoas con aguacate (anchovies with avocado)

Gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns)

Gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns)

Whilst sipping on a few cold beers.

We had an excellent relaxing lunch, after which we then had coffee on the upstairs veranda, overlooking the sea

You can sit inside if the wind gets too strong, which it sometimes does here.

There is also a selection of bars and seating areas inside.

Which, I imagine, gets very busy at the height of summer.

This Restaurant has had a few bad reviews lately, mostly regarding service, but we had no problems today.

Other recommended restaurants in the immediate area are;

AMARNA ZAHORA Pago de Zahora 175, Los Caños de Meca, 11159 Barbate, Cádiz +34 956 23 21 53

www.amarnazahora.com

This is also a privileged place to watch the sunset. To get there, you have to walk a sandy path. The cuisine is delicious, especially the tuna (of course). Also there is excellent puntillitas con huevos, la Corvina y el revuelto de ortiga con langostinos (Vazquez Mella style) and their famous apple pie. It's also a good place to party, with excellent DJs. It's highly recommended. LA PALAPA Pago de Zahora 175, Los Caños de Meca, 11159 Barbate, Cádiz +34 660 69 28 23 www.barsaboy.com

It is a great beach bar with wonderfully strong cocktails and live music in a stunning setting.

CHIRINGUITO DE JUAN

Pago de Zahora, Los Caños de Meca, 11159 Barbate, Cádiz +34 667 64 42 87 www.chiringuitoyapartamentosdejuan.com

The unbeatable location, excellent meals, and great service make any day here an unforgettable memory. However, in summer, there are many people there. You should always try to book in advance or get there early and wait for a table. The Restaurant closes on September 23 and remains open until the following March.

CHIRINGUITO LA BRUMA

Pago de Zahora 175, Los Caños de Meca, 11160 Barbate, Cádiz

+34 650 58 73 00

www.facebook.com/labrumadezahora

It is an excellent place just before the beach. It has a perfect tuna salad with seaweed, presa Iberica (a tender, well-marbled cut of pork shoulder), and an excellent pineapple cheesecake to finish it. It is a thoroughly recommended place to get carried away, to savour, enjoying the moment.

CHIRINGUITO LA KALIMA

Carril de la Aceitera, 11159 Zahora, Cádiz

+34 680 19 97 67

www.facebook.com/LaKalimaPlayaZahora

The location could not be better: on the beach of Zahora. It is a beautiful place for lunch, with stunning sea views. The menu includes delicious octopus salad, shrimp skewers, and a spectacular tuna belly.