Here you'll find my tips as to what to do, where to eat and what to eat in Andalusia.
Sea Life Benalmadena
Those who'd rather explore the wonders of the oceans there's an aquarium at the Marina in Arroyo de la Miel. Open until late. Admission €14/ 16.25. Tickets bought in advance online come with big discounts.
For more information, please see here
Churreria Triana
Located opposite the Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel train station this place is great for breakfast and popular especially on Sundays. Excellent Malagan style churros and great pitufos (stuffed bread).
El Calamar, Calle Vicente Alexandre 20
A small and traditional tapas bar located a couple of streets away from the station specialized in fish and seafood. The owners' fishmonger next door guarantees a wide and fresh selection such as razor clams.
Rincon de Curro, Calle las Flores
Located on the street off the main street with Burger King in the corner a couple of streets away from the station towards the marina. Traditional tapas bar, specialized in wines and local hams.
Mariposario del Benalmadena - Butterfly Park
Located close to Benalmadena Pueblo this destination offers a tropical climate in which to admire hundreds of butterflies flying around the visitors. The sunnier the day, the more active the butterflies. Fantastic photo opportunities! Hot and humid, so don't forget the water bottle. Disabled access. Open every day 10 am -8.30 pm. Tickets €9.50/ 7.50/ 6.50.
Read about it in the blog
For more information please see here
Buddhist stupa
Located right across the street from Mariposario there's also a Buddhist stupa (temple), open to visitors. Free admission.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Castillo Monumento Colomares
This peculiar tiny theme park dedicated to Christopher Columbus is the brain child of a doctor who was seriouly into history. Admission 2€/ 1,50€.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Benalmadena Taperia, Avenida del Chorrillo
Small and traditional tapas bar popular among the locals. Cheap and cheerful.
La Fonda, Calle Santo Domingo de Gúman 7
Restaurant in a hotel that in recent years has gone through a big change for the better. Currently the best and most upscale restaurant in the village - even recommended by the Michelin guide.
website
Cádiz Cathedral
116 years and 6 architects were required to finish this monumental project but the results are stunning. Admission €5/ €4 / €3.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Balandro, Alameda Apodaca 22
A bit more contemporary restaurant that combines Spanish food with Asian and Middle Eastern influences.
website
Cerveceria la Gaditana, Calle Zorrilla 3
This tapas restaurant is specialized in seafood and their seafood platter (€18) hits the spot beautifully.
El Chicuco, Plaza de San Juan de Dios 16
Wonderful deli with great selection of Iberico hams. In the evenings they also operate a small tapas bar next door. Excellent bocadillos.
Restaurant's Facebook page
El Faro, Calle San Feliz 15
Located in old Cadiz, this restaurant wins no point for creativity, but if it's traditional food you're after, this is good place for that. Tasting menus start at €40 – but the biggest recommendation goes for the restaurant's tapas bar.
website
Freiduria Las Flores, Plaza de las Flores
Andalusians love deep-fried fish and seafood and freidurias do nothing but. Be prepared to queue, especially in the evening.
La Tabernita,Calle Virgen de la Palma, 32
Also located in Old Cádiz thsi tiny place has a slightly more modern take on things (and interesting wine choices). Owner Rafa's mum is in charge of the kitchen. Small but satisfying menu - tortillitas de camarones and albondigas de choco are particularly good.
Restaurant's Facebook page
La Vaca Atada, Calle Nueva
Located next to Plaza de San Juan, this Argentinian bakery/ café is specialized in empanadas and pastries with dulce de leche.
website
Meson Cumbres Mayores, Calle Zorrilla 4
Insanely loved local institution and a must-see for anyone who loves their Iberico. Tasting menus start at €30. Reservation highly recommended, though without one you might still score a chair at their tapas bar (provided you turn up early...)
website
Sopranis, Calle Sopranis 15
Proud holder of Bib Gourmand, this place is one of the more contemporary ones in the city. Tasting menus start at €50.
website
Taberna Casa Manteca, Calle Corralón de los Carros 66
One of the oldest and most traditional tapas bars in the Old Cádiz. Very loved by the locals, so turn up early.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Taberna La Bombilla, Plaza Libertad 14
Located next to the Cádiz central market this place stocks some of the rarer local treats, too. You can also bring fish and seafood of your choise over from the market and for a small surcharge the restaurant will cook it for you.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Mezquita (Cordoba Cathedral), Cordoba
Originally built as mosque in 785, the cathedral, located in the middle of Cordoba's gorgeous old town, wows with its history and architecture. Admission € 8. Cordoba is accessible by train from Malaga's Maria Zambrano station. Several trains a day - the fastest ones will get you to Cordoba in less than an hour (return ticket depending on the train € 60-70)
Read more on the blog
Information about train schedules here
Macsura, Calle Cardinal Gonzales
For more information please see here
Osborne Winery
Aponiente, Calle Francisco Cossi Ochoa
website
El Faro de El Puerto, Avenida de Fuenterrabía, Km 0,5
Excellent value for money slightly outside the city (take a taxi). 9-course tasting menu €58 (including all the beverages!)
Read more on the blog
website
For more information, please see here
For more information, please see here
Jerez Alcázar fortress
Built in 12th century by Andalusia's Arab conquerors, this fortress wows especially with its ancient baths. On a clear day don't forget to pay the adjacent camera obscura a visit, too (additional fee). Admission €3/ €1.80.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Palacio del Virrey Laserna
For more information
please see here
Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Equestre
Jerez is also home to the Royal School of Equestrian Arts, famous for their dancing horses. There are shows at noon every Thursday, depending on the season on other days as well. Admission €27/ €17.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here.
Grupo Estevezin Winery/ Valdespino
One of the absolute best places for a tour of a sherry bodega. Impressive settings and great selection.
For more information please see here.
El Bichero, Calle Pescaderia Vieja 4
El Bigote, Plaza de San Miquel
Great tapas bar with extensive menu that will keep you entertained for hours.
El Almacén, Calle Latorre 6
Another place worth a visit for any wine-loving foodie. Tasting menus start at €30 (including beverages).
Restaurant's Facebook page
La Carboná, Calle San Francisco de Paula 2
Restaurante Albalá, Conjunto Residencial Valdespino 6
This restaurant by Israel Ramos impresses both with its stylish decor and modern take on local classics. Excellent wines.
website
The Smurf village of Júzcar
Located 22 kilometres from Ronda and about 100 kilometres from Málaga, this is one of the strangest places in Andalusia. The whole village was painted blue in 2011 as part of SONY's advertizing campaign for the Smurfs movie.
Read more on the blog
Bar that takes its G&T very seriously (you should see the operation that is mixing it!). About 20 different gins and another 20 tonics so you're spoilt for choice. Try to steer clear of Plymouth Navy though (57%)...
A bit classier restaurant and tapas bar. Great wine list.
A popular, innovative and contemporary tapas bar run by Michelin-starred local legend Dani Garcia. Impressive ingredients (foie gras, truffles...) yet affordable prices.
Puerto Banus
Read
more on the blog
El Estrecho, Calle San Lazaro 12
Located on a narrow alleyway just off the Plaza de Los Naranjos this traditional restaurant is very popular among the locals.
Website
Taberna Casa Curro, Calle Pantaleon
For more information, please see here
For more information, please see here
For more information, please see here
Albacara, Calle Tenorio 8
Bodegas Delgado Zuleta
Part of Marco de Jerez, the Sherry country,the thing that makes the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda so special is the fact that this is the only place where Manzanilla sherry is made. For a sherry tourist this is by far the most convenient of them all – you're never more than a couple of minutes from one of the tens of bodegas in town. Delgado Zuleta is the oldest still in business.
For more information please see here.
Bodegas La Cigarrera
This tiny and adorable place is the oldest sherry house still operating out of their original location.
For more information please see here.
Santiago Castle
In addition to sherry bodegas, this castle, built by the noble family of Medina Sidonia is the #1 attraction in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Admission €7/€4.
For more information please see here.
Bar Barbiana, Calle Ancha 1
Tapas bar worth recommending for their selection of Manzanilla alone.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Casa Balbino, Plaza de Cabildo 14
My favourite choice for going completely overboard with tapas. Focus on fish and seafood, extensive list and cheap prices.
Restaurant's website
Mirador Doñana, Bajo de Guía
Tapas bar serving all the classics. This,too, focuses on fish and seafood – make sure to try their stuffed calamari.
Restaurant's website
Real Alcazar palace
For
more information please see here
Seville cathedral
Aqualand water park
For more information, please see here
Sea Life Benalmadena
Those who'd rather explore the wonders of the oceans there's an aquarium at the Marina in Arroyo de la Miel. Open until late. Admission €14/ 16.25. Tickets bought in advance online come with big discounts.
For more information, please see here
Churreria Triana
Located opposite the Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel train station this place is great for breakfast and popular especially on Sundays. Excellent Malagan style churros and great pitufos (stuffed bread).
El Calamar, Calle Vicente Alexandre 20
A small and traditional tapas bar located a couple of streets away from the station specialized in fish and seafood. The owners' fishmonger next door guarantees a wide and fresh selection such as razor clams.
Rincon de Curro, Calle las Flores
Located on the street off the main street with Burger King in the corner a couple of streets away from the station towards the marina. Traditional tapas bar, specialized in wines and local hams.
Mariposario del Benalmadena - Butterfly Park
Located close to Benalmadena Pueblo this destination offers a tropical climate in which to admire hundreds of butterflies flying around the visitors. The sunnier the day, the more active the butterflies. Fantastic photo opportunities! Hot and humid, so don't forget the water bottle. Disabled access. Open every day 10 am -8.30 pm. Tickets €9.50/ 7.50/ 6.50.
Read about it in the blog
For more information please see here
Buddhist stupa
Located right across the street from Mariposario there's also a Buddhist stupa (temple), open to visitors. Free admission.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Castillo Monumento Colomares
This peculiar tiny theme park dedicated to Christopher Columbus is the brain child of a doctor who was seriouly into history. Admission 2€/ 1,50€.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Benalmadena Taperia, Avenida del Chorrillo
Small and traditional tapas bar popular among the locals. Cheap and cheerful.
La Fonda, Calle Santo Domingo de Gúman 7
Restaurant in a hotel that in recent years has gone through a big change for the better. Currently the best and most upscale restaurant in the village - even recommended by the Michelin guide.
website
Cádiz Cathedral
116 years and 6 architects were required to finish this monumental project but the results are stunning. Admission €5/ €4 / €3.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Balandro, Alameda Apodaca 22
A bit more contemporary restaurant that combines Spanish food with Asian and Middle Eastern influences.
website
Cerveceria la Gaditana, Calle Zorrilla 3
This tapas restaurant is specialized in seafood and their seafood platter (€18) hits the spot beautifully.
El Chicuco, Plaza de San Juan de Dios 16
Wonderful deli with great selection of Iberico hams. In the evenings they also operate a small tapas bar next door. Excellent bocadillos.
Restaurant's Facebook page
El Faro, Calle San Feliz 15
Located in old Cadiz, this restaurant wins no point for creativity, but if it's traditional food you're after, this is good place for that. Tasting menus start at €40 – but the biggest recommendation goes for the restaurant's tapas bar.
website
Freiduria Las Flores, Plaza de las Flores
Andalusians love deep-fried fish and seafood and freidurias do nothing but. Be prepared to queue, especially in the evening.
La Tabernita,Calle Virgen de la Palma, 32
Also located in Old Cádiz thsi tiny place has a slightly more modern take on things (and interesting wine choices). Owner Rafa's mum is in charge of the kitchen. Small but satisfying menu - tortillitas de camarones and albondigas de choco are particularly good.
Restaurant's Facebook page
La Vaca Atada, Calle Nueva
Located next to Plaza de San Juan, this Argentinian bakery/ café is specialized in empanadas and pastries with dulce de leche.
website
Meson Cumbres Mayores, Calle Zorrilla 4
Insanely loved local institution and a must-see for anyone who loves their Iberico. Tasting menus start at €30. Reservation highly recommended, though without one you might still score a chair at their tapas bar (provided you turn up early...)
website
Sopranis, Calle Sopranis 15
Proud holder of Bib Gourmand, this place is one of the more contemporary ones in the city. Tasting menus start at €50.
website
Taberna Casa Manteca, Calle Corralón de los Carros 66
One of the oldest and most traditional tapas bars in the Old Cádiz. Very loved by the locals, so turn up early.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Taberna La Bombilla, Plaza Libertad 14
Located next to the Cádiz central market this place stocks some of the rarer local treats, too. You can also bring fish and seafood of your choise over from the market and for a small surcharge the restaurant will cook it for you.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Mezquita (Cordoba Cathedral), Cordoba
Originally built as mosque in 785, the cathedral, located in the middle of Cordoba's gorgeous old town, wows with its history and architecture. Admission € 8. Cordoba is accessible by train from Malaga's Maria Zambrano station. Several trains a day - the fastest ones will get you to Cordoba in less than an hour (return ticket depending on the train € 60-70)
Read more on the blog
Information about train schedules here
Macsura, Calle Cardinal Gonzales
Located close to Mezquita, Cordoba Cathedral, this restaurant is a bit more sophisticated (and pricier) gastrotaverna. Tuna tataki widely praised. Great wine list and excellent service.
Rincon de Chico Medina, Calle Historian Diaz del Moran
As
the name suggests, located near Old Town close to Plaza de Las
Tendillas. Traditional restaurant specialized in Cordoban cuisine.
Try salmorejo and rabo de toro.
El Chorro nature reserve
Located near the town of Àlora about an hour's drive from Malaga, this nature reserve, its canyon and the steep cliffs offer plenty to see and do for trekking, canoing, mountain biking and rock climbing. Conveniently accessible by the same (daily) Ronda train from Malaga Zambrano - El Chorro station is right in the middle of the park. Return ticket appr. €25. For overnight stays there's a hotel (with a good restaurant!) and a camping site. After renovating, the El Caminito del Rey has now been opened to the public. The number of daily visitors has been restricted to 500, so book your tickets in advance.For more information please see here
La
Garganta
A hotel-
restaurant located next to El Chorro train station. Good food form
local, high-quality ingredients. Big portions. Slightly pricier than
restaurants of this quality normally are around here. Terrace offers
spectacular views.
Osborne Winery
The small
town of El Puerto de Santa Marían is famous for one thing: its
sherry. Osborne is one of the most prestigious sherry houses around
and the company behind those giant bulls who've became synonymous
with Spain.
For more
information please see here
Aponiente, Calle Francisco Cossi Ochoa
This
restaurant by Angel Leon draws its inspiration and innovative use of
the ingredients from the sea that surrounds it. 2 Michelin stars.
Tasting menus start at €165.
El Faro de El Puerto, Avenida de Fuenterrabía, Km 0,5
Excellent value for money slightly outside the city (take a taxi). 9-course tasting menu €58 (including all the beverages!)
Read more on the blog
website
While
popular among Scandinavians, Fuengirola has very little cultural
value to offer. If you find yourself here on Tuesday or Saturday, the
local market (located on the fería ground halfway between Fuengirola
and Los Boliches train stations) is worth a look. Tuesday is regular,
Saturdays it's fleamarket.
(the
exact coordinates will be updated... eventually) A restaurant painted
in red at the corner of the square in front of the Church Nuestra
Señora Rosario del Coronada at the corner of Plaza Constitución and
Avenida Parque Fluvial. Daily specials along with cold and hot
portions (raciones),
some with more modern and even Asian twist. Try duck with mandarin
sauce or oxtail- wontons.
Gibraltar
Known
as one of the pillars of Hercules in the antique, today Gibraltar has
found wealth in the form of offshore banking. It's a delightful piece
of England at the tip if the peninsula and great destination for a
day trip. Be amazed at the views, explore the nature, learn about the
Jewish community, get to know English military history, marvel at the
monkeys living at the top... or just make the most of the British
high street. Just don't forget your passport!
For more information, please see here
Alhambra, Granada
The
grandest achievement of the Arab conquerors, this cluster of palaces
was initially built as a fortress in 889 but still manages to impress
with its beauty today. It is UNESCO's World Heritage site and one of
the most popular tourist attractions in Spain today. Daily admission
is limited, so the tickets can and should be book online. Admission:
€14. Children under 12 free.
For more information, please see here
Jerez Alcázar fortress
Built in 12th century by Andalusia's Arab conquerors, this fortress wows especially with its ancient baths. On a clear day don't forget to pay the adjacent camera obscura a visit, too (additional fee). Admission €3/ €1.80.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here
Palacio del Virrey Laserna
Fancy
hanging out with a Marquis? Jerez is known as the city of palaces.
Many of them, such as this (still owned by the same noble family it
was originally gifted to) one are also open to public. Admission €7.
Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Equestre
Jerez is also home to the Royal School of Equestrian Arts, famous for their dancing horses. There are shows at noon every Thursday, depending on the season on other days as well. Admission €27/ €17.
Read more on the blog
For more information please see here.
Grupo Estevezin Winery/ Valdespino
One of the absolute best places for a tour of a sherry bodega. Impressive settings and great selection.
For more information please see here.
El Bichero, Calle Pescaderia Vieja 4
Famous for
their fish and seafood (especially for their fantastically fresh tuna
tataki). Excellent selection of sherries, too.
El Bigote, Plaza de San Miquel
Great tapas bar with extensive menu that will keep you entertained for hours.
El Almacén, Calle Latorre 6
Another place worth a visit for any wine-loving foodie. Tasting menus start at €30 (including beverages).
Restaurant's Facebook page
La Carboná, Calle San Francisco de Paula 2
This
restaurant is housed in a renovated sherry bodega. A treat for any
sherry fan – try their tasting menu especially paired with sherry
(€32).
Restaurante Albalá, Conjunto Residencial Valdespino 6
This restaurant by Israel Ramos impresses both with its stylish decor and modern take on local classics. Excellent wines.
website
The Smurf village of Júzcar
Located 22 kilometres from Ronda and about 100 kilometres from Málaga, this is one of the strangest places in Andalusia. The whole village was painted blue in 2011 as part of SONY's advertizing campaign for the Smurfs movie.
Read more on the blog
Picasso museum, Malaga
Dedicated to Picasso, born in Malaga, this museum is worth the visit even though it doesn't house any of the most famous paintings. Central location, so the day continues beautifully in the tapas bars in the surrounding streets. Admission €9 (permanent collection €6), under 18 free. Wednesdays free guided tour in English.
For
more information, please see here
Bar Kaleido, Malaga port
Bar that takes its G&T very seriously (you should see the operation that is mixing it!). About 20 different gins and another 20 tonics so you're spoilt for choice. Try to steer clear of Plymouth Navy though (57%)...
La Reserva del Olivo, Plaza del Carbon 2
A bit classier restaurant and tapas bar. Great wine list.
KGB Tapas Bar by Dani García, Calle Fresca 12
A popular, innovative and contemporary tapas bar run by Michelin-starred local legend Dani Garcia. Impressive ingredients (foie gras, truffles...) yet affordable prices.
Across
the street there's every bit as popular and very traditional tapas
bar Orellana.
La Cañada shopping centre, Marbella
Located near Marbella, this giant shopping paradise houses even brands that are normally hard to come by in Europe such BCBG. Open until late. Plenty of free parking space, but you can also get there via regular bus services.
For more information, please see here
Puerto Banus
Head over
to Marbella's marina in case you either want to ogle local
millionaires, their cars and their yachts (and their 20-something
girlfriends!) or want to do some serious shopping (they have all the
good shops from Hermés to Versace).
El Estrecho, Calle San Lazaro 12
Located on a narrow alleyway just off the Plaza de Los Naranjos this traditional restaurant is very popular among the locals.
Website
Taberna Casa Curro, Calle Pantaleon
Also
located on the small sreets off the Plaza de Los Naranjos. Tiny,
traditional and specialized in Cádizian classics. Cards not accepted
so bring cash!
Morocco
Morocco
makes a nice and handy destination for a weekend break. The quickest
and most popular route is Tarifa- Tangiers, which at its quickest
takes half an hour. Tickets can be bought along the road to Algeciras
and Tarifa, at travel agents and online. Return ticket costs
depending on the route and speed of the vessel around €50.
For more information, please see here
Mayan Monkey Mijas
Chocolate-making
workshops from carefully sourced, high-quality cocoa. Prices start at
€25 for 1,5 hours of get-your -hands-dirty fun. Classes available
in various languages 7 days a week. Space is limited, so book in
advance!
For
more information, please see here
El
Mirlo Blanco
Traditonal
restaurant in the middle of Old Town Mijas. The traditions are
maintained occasionally (with presentation of the dishes) to a
tragicomical extent, but the food is gooood. Offers some less
prestigious cuts of mear typical for Basque cuisine such as
pig's trotters and tripe. Duck liver and spider crab are worth a try.
Slightly pricier than the average restaurants- reservation
recommended.
Nerja caves
Located
50 km east of Málaga on the A 7 highway, this network of caves was
only discovered in 1956 by five local boys. The caves go on for
kilometres and offer stunning views of the stalactites and
stalagmites - a definite must-see. The biggest cave hosts concerts in
spectacular surroundings and every June there's an international
music festival. If you don't have a car, there are bus service at
least from Málaga and Málaga airport. Admissions €4.50/ 8.50.
Children under 6 free.
For more information, please see here
Ronda
this
historic town makes a great destination for a day trip. Stroll around
the Old Town, admire the spectacular vies from the famous bridges and
sit down for a leisurely lunch... The road A397 to Ronda offers
stunning views of the mountains too, but Ronda is also accessible by
buses and trains, at least from Malaga, Córdoba, Seville and
Algeciras.
For more information, please see here
Albacara, Calle Tenorio 8
Possibly
the best restaurant in Ronda, located in the Hotel Montelirio. Great
service, excellent wine list and fantastic menu honouring local
produce. Meat is particularly good here. And if that wasn't enough,
the phenomenal views over Ronda canyon make this restaurant worth the
trip.
Bodegas Delgado Zuleta
Part of Marco de Jerez, the Sherry country,the thing that makes the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda so special is the fact that this is the only place where Manzanilla sherry is made. For a sherry tourist this is by far the most convenient of them all – you're never more than a couple of minutes from one of the tens of bodegas in town. Delgado Zuleta is the oldest still in business.
For more information please see here.
Bodegas La Cigarrera
This tiny and adorable place is the oldest sherry house still operating out of their original location.
For more information please see here.
Santiago Castle
In addition to sherry bodegas, this castle, built by the noble family of Medina Sidonia is the #1 attraction in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Admission €7/€4.
For more information please see here.
Bar Barbiana, Calle Ancha 1
Tapas bar worth recommending for their selection of Manzanilla alone.
Restaurant's Facebook page
Casa Balbino, Plaza de Cabildo 14
My favourite choice for going completely overboard with tapas. Focus on fish and seafood, extensive list and cheap prices.
Restaurant's website
Mirador Doñana, Bajo de Guía
Tapas bar serving all the classics. This,too, focuses on fish and seafood – make sure to try their stuffed calamari.
Restaurant's website
Real Alcazar palace
Originally
built as a fortress, this is the oldest royal palace still in use in
Europe. A bit like poor man's Alhambra, this UNESCO World heritage
site is considered the best example of Mudéjar architecture. Also
houses an impressive exhibition of Andalusian ceramics. Night-time
visits also occasionally available. Admission €8.75, discounts for
seniors and students. Children under 16 free.
Seville cathedral
The
heart of the Old Town in Seville, this cathedral, completed early in
the 16th century is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO
World Heritage site. The church, still third largest in the world, is
also the final resting place of Cristopher Columbus. The adjacent
Giralda-tower offers spectacuar views over the entire Seville. Open
daily, on Sundays only in the afternoon. Admission €8/3.
For
more information please see here
Aqualand water park
The
biggest water park in Costa, even more impressive than Aquaworld
in Mijas.
Tickets €23.40/ €16.65/ €10. Discount for over
65s. Tickets available for multiple days too. Dicount when booking
online. Don't forget high factor sunscreen!
For more information, please see here
