The LVC Insider’s Guide to Mijas
For well over half a century, Mijas has been one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol. And there’s good reason for this popularity: it’s quintessentially Andalucian – a…
In Granada a small plate of food is offered with every drink. After a hard day’s sightseeing, this tapa is a very welcome tit-bit served with a refreshing wine, beer or tinto de verano.
Not all tapas are equal, though: some are generous, others are not. While winding your way from bar to bar tapas in the evening is a great way to explore the city, don’t overlook the restaurants in Granada as there are also some fantastic options for a long leisurely lunch.
Here’s LVC’s guide to the best tapas bars and restaurants in Granada:
El Realejo
The old Jewish quarter of Granada has really become tapas central. Make your way to the end of Calle Varela and along Calle Virgen del Rosario and you’ll find restaurant after restaurant with tables spilling out onto the streets. Two great options for tapas or sharing plates are:
1. Casa de Vinos La Brujidera
If we had to choose only one tapas bar in Granada, Casa de Vinos La Brujidera would be it. If you love wine, and yearn for a place where the music, lighting and wine by the glass is absolutely pitch-perfect, then Casa de Vinos is for you.
There aren’t too many places that can match it for real integrity and soul anywhere in Spain.
Calle Monjas del Carmen, 2, 18009 Granada
2. Taberna La Tana
Our second favourite wine bar in Granada is Taberna La Tana. This has suffered a little from its success over the years and this once tiny bar with only standing (bar leaning) room now has expanded next door and outside. Tapas tends to be high quality charcuterie.
Placeta del Agua, 3, 18009 Granada
Albayzin
The Albayzin neighbourhood of Granada has looked out onto the Alhambra Palace since Moorish times. The labyrinthine narrow streets, carved doors, intricate metal work and carmenes (houses with gardens) are still present today.
Plaza Larga is the heart of this neighbourhood, but don’t miss Mirador San Nicolas and Placeta de San Miguel Bajo (pictured).
3. Bar Kiki, Vinos y Otras Cosas…
While its location – sitting next to one of the most touristic spots in Granada – doesn’t initially inspire much confidence, Bar Kiki sits alongside our other selections as a stalwart Albayzin institution.
The tapas is great, and if you want a full meal then the menu is inventive and inspiring. On our last visit tuna heart was on the menu!
Plaza Cementerio de San Nicolas, 9, 18010 Granada
4. Café Gabriel
Just on the edge of the heart of the Albayzin, this restaurant is worth the taxi ride (or stroll up the hill). Meat is its speciality with seating indoors and out on a small square.
Indoors there are tables with coolers in the middle for handy chilled beers or wine for dining. On the terrace you can order drinks and tapas.
Calle Pagés, 29, 18010 Granada
5. Amazonia Fine Food
OK, so we’re very suspicious about restaurants that cross cuisines. But every time we visit Amazonia, plate after plate is served with love and care.
So if you fancy something Greek to Hawaiian, from poke, to tacos and pad thai to kofta, then this is it. There are also lots of plant based options, too.
Carrera del Darro, 37, 18010 Granada
Centre
6. Wild Food
Plant-based dishes and desserts are the main reason you visit this central eatery, but the chic decor, friendly service and buzzy vibe don’t hurt either. A great spot for a coffee and cake or a light bite.
Plaza Isabel la Católica, 5, 18009 Granada
7. Casa Mol
Casa Mol can be found on an unassuming side street towards El Corte Ingles and the river. This small bar has great complimentary tapas, with a short selection of four or five to choose from all made to order. It gets very busy, so get there at 0800 sharp or make a reservation.
Calle Duende, 11, 18005 Granada
8. Pescaderia 4
If you’re fed up of crowded tapas bars and want a meal, then you can’t go far wrong with Pescaderia 4. On the corner of a famous street for fish restaurants in Granada, this bistro-esque restaurant is a great option for a romantic meal.
Order off the specials board and you won’t be disappointed. The octopus with pistachio was a big hit.
Plaza Pescadería, 4, 18001 Granada
9. Lemon Rock
A concept bar, music venue, restaurant and hostel, Lemon Rock is buzzing no matter what time of day (or night) you sidle in.
The food is very much gastrobar, but the atmosphere is stellar with live music on every weekend. If you’re in a large party there are several private rooms to hire of varying sizes.
Calle Montalbán, 6, 18002 Granada
10. Humo El Origen
Brunches and cocktails are the order of the day at Humo. This African-inspired cafe/bar sits alongside the botanical gardens of the University’s Law Faculty. This area of Granada has a student feel with vintage shops, jazz bars and very reasonable lunch spots.
We’ve diligently worked our way through their signature cocktail list – Recuerdos de Aden being a ‘moment’ in itself!
Calle Escuelas, 2, 18001 Granada
11. La Telefonica
Tucked away on a side street off Plaza Bib-Rambla, Telefonica is a relaxed restaurant that’s great for sharing plates or a tapas pit-stop after some retail therapy.
Calle Arco de las Orejas, 1, 18001 Granada
Fine Dining
12. Faralá
Offering international quality food, Faralá wipes the floor with many better known restaurants in Andalucia. High praise indeed, but genuinely fine dining of this calibre is rare in southern Spain… perhaps anywhere.
You enter through a flamenco tablao on the ground floor. It’s a slightly uninspiring first impression, but stick with it and you’re welcomed by a light, comfortable formal dining room on the first floor. There are three tasting menus to choose from and an excellent sommelier on hand for pairings.
Cuesta de Gomerez 11 (very close to Plaza Nueva), 18009 Granada Spain
13. Restaurante Arriaga
Arriaga is on the top floor of the Museo Memoria de Andalucia, next to the science park (a great outing for the children) on the outskirts of Granada centre.
Is it worth the journey? Absolutely. The initial wow factor is provided by the modernist dining room’s floor to ceiling windows, designed to maximise the views from 55 metres up.
The food, though, is even better. Head chef Álvaro Arriaga lays out two tasting menus (one with nine courses the other with six) that are conversation points in themselves. Reservations are essential.
Centro Cultural Avenida Ciencia No. 2, 18006 Granada Spain
Tempted by a visit to Granada? Check out our villas in the area.
Ben Cooper
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[post_content] => For well over half a century, Mijas has been one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol.
And there’s good reason for this popularity: it’s quintessentially Andalucian – a pretty white village of plant pot-filled streets, with a bull ring, Mudejar church and hermitage, all just a stone's throw from the coast. It really does tick a lot of boxes for the first-time visitor.
Here's our pick of a few of the best things to do in Mijas…
Mijas Pueblo
Let's get a taste of rural Andalucian life and start with the village in the mountains; Mijas Pueblo.
1. Parque La Muralla
This park easily leads on to a leisurely circular walking route from Plaza Constitucion to Parque La Muralla and then to the Torre Muralla.
We recommend starting with this, as you pass most of the sights in the village. The park itself has a 15-metre-high waterfall and some of the best views of the coast.
Our top tip: Andalucians traditionally go for a walk around 18.00hrs (add a couple of hours on to that for the summer). The views from the lookout spots down to the coast in the evening when the lights are twinkling is rather magical.
2. Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña
This rocky, almost cave-like, hermitage is in Mijas Pueblo. A virgin carved out of wood dating from 850 was found there by a shepherd and his children after, as story has it, they followed a dove to it. This virgin is now the patron saint of Mijas.
Address: Paseo El Compás; open every day and free entry.
3.Mirador del Compas
This square/look out spot has the most spectacular views down to the coast and across the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Plaza de Toros
An oval-shaped bullring and small museum showing posters, bull fighter clothing and past fights.
The seats are at either end of the oval rather than all the way round. Whether you love or loath bull fighting it’s an interesting place to visit.
Address: Cta. de la Villa, 0, 29650 Mijas, Málaga. Hours: Everyday 11 – 21.00hrs.
5. Museo Historico-Etnologico
A charming ethnological museum depicting mountain village life.
Address: Pl. de la Libertad, 1, 29650 Mijas, Málaga Hours: Everyday 10 - 15.00hrs and 17 - 19.00hrs
6. Plaza de Constitución
A small square with shops and restaurants in the historic centre of Mijas Pueblo.
Our top tip: Stop for a traditional breakfast of pan con tomate (toasted bread with fresh tomato and olive oil) at La Boveda del Flamenco.
7. Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion
Quite typically of churches in the region the site was once a castle and then a mosque.
This 16th-century church we see today has Mudejar features - a bell tower and wooden ceiling - and it’s thought that the square tower was once that of the fort/castle.
Address: P.º de la Muralla, 29650 Mijas, Málaga
8. Donkey Taxi
The donkeys of Mijas go back to the 60s when tourists would see them being used to carry things up the narrow streets or returning from farming.
It’s said that the tourists would tip for a photo or ride, and it became so popular it quickly outstripped agricultural wages.
These days, all manner of donkey taxis are available, riding or in a carriage drawn by donkeys around the village.
The welfare of the donkeys is a priority, so there are strict stipulations that must be adhered to by the owners.
Address: Av, Pl. Virgen de la Peña, 29650 Mijas, Málaga
9. Hiking – Mijas Mountain Range and the Pico de Mijas
The Sierra de Mijas is a beautiful place to walk with rewarding views from the various routes.
The highest peak (Pico de Mijas) is 1150 metres - putting that into perspective, the highest peak in the UK is 1345 metres.
One of our favourites is Puerta de Malaga ('Doorway to Malaga'). It takes about 3 hours, is well signposted and is medium difficulty due to the steep inclination.
La Cala de Mijas
Meanwhile on the coast there's plenty to do on the beach from diving to jet skiing and even kite surfing weather permitting. Some highlights are:
10. La Cala Beach
Where Mija Pueblo is village life in the mountains, its counterpart is La Cala de Mijas, a stretch of coast near Calahonda.
The beach named La Cala beach is small, but with crystal waters and kayak hire it’s popular with locals and visitors.
This part of the coast has good facilities from watersports to restaurants. Do check out Max Beach with a pool, El Olivo for a traditional feel and El Océano part of a hotel by the same name.
Our top tip: Our favourite beach in the area is Cabopino, with its sand dunes and golden sand.
11. Coastal Walk
La Cala de Mijas coastal walk is 6kms along the coast that leads to Cabopino.
Take this walk at sunset and take your time with coffee stops and beach playtime along the way. Alternatively, it’s a lovely run in the morning.
Our top tip: During the summer, look out for concerts being held next to the 16th-century Torre Vieja watchtower.
12. A round of Golf
There are so many golf courses to choose from in and around Mijas, it really is a golfer's paradise.
Most locally, La Cala Resort Golf, with three 18-hole courses, makes the most of the area’s steep topography.
As an alternative - and much more forgiving - La Noria Golf Resort is a totally flat, 9 hole par 33 golf course near the coast with putting greens.
13. Cala de Mijas Festival
Not a year round option but this music festival held the first weekend of September attracts international bands and DJs.
It's first year was 2022 where The Blossoms, Arctic Monkeys and Bonobo among others played to 100000 festival goers.
It's held in Sonora Mijas and is very well organised with four stages. More information in our festivals blog.
Where is Mijas?
Mijas is in Malaga province and sits between Benalmadena and Fuengirola. It’s divided into Mijas Pueblo (village) which backs onto Mijas Sierra (mountain range) and Cala de Mijas (Mijas cove) on the Mediterranean Sea.
How to get to Mijas?
Mijas is very well connected. Mijas Pueblo is 26.7km (that’s under 30 minutes’ drive) from Malaga airport and 32.3km from Malaga Maria Zambrano train station.
Have we tempted you to this beautiful part of southern Spain? Coming soon are our villas in the area.
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[post_content] => Cadiz is a fascinating city where the term travelling deeper is taken to a whole new level. It encourages you to look underground, out to the horizon and be amongst the rooftops. Succumb to the easy going way of life of the gaditanos – relax, eat well and be inspired by this ancient city.
1. Torre Tavira
Climb this eighteenth-century watchtower, learn about the watchtowers of Cadiz (some pictured above) and see Cadiz through its camera obscura at the top.
C. Marqués del Real Tesoro, 10, 11001 Cádiz. Torretavira.com
2. Playa La Caleta
A day on the beach or hit it at 6pm for cake – street food to beach food. Sellers usually roam the beaches from about 5pm to 6pm. Then grab a drink and watch the sunset over the bay.
3. Cathedral
Taking over 100 years to complete and with its unique golden dome and silver collection it’s worth a visit.
Pl. de la Catedral, s/n, 11005 Cádiz. Catedraldecadiz.com
4. Iglesia de Santa Cruz
The original cathedral of Cadiz it was build in its form today in 1602.
Pl. Fray Félix, 6, 11005 Cádiz
5. Mercado Central
Fresh food and casual eateries make the market the heart of the city. Hit the gastromarket side of the market for tapas.
Pl. de la Libertad, S/N, 11005 Cádiz
6. Pause in a Plaza
Meander and stop for coffees or something strong in one of the pretty squares. Plaza de las Flores and Plaza de la Candelaria are two favourites.
7. Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir
This archaeological museum with a focus on Phoenician culture helps you travel under the city to ancient Cadiz.
Address: C. San Miguel, 15, 11001 Cádiz. Open: Tues - Sat 11.00 - 15.00hrs and 17.00 - 21.00hrs. Sun 11.00 - 15.00hrs. Entrance free.
8. Park Genoves
Beside the sea this city park has a playground, fountains and it’s a great place to run off little legs or meander after a long lunch.
Parque Genovés, Av. Dr. Gómez Ulla, s/n, 11003 Cádiz
9. Museum of Cadiz
From archaeological artifacts to art and puppets, the museum of Cadiz is an interesting way to spend a couple of hours if not only to find out the importance of puppeteering in the city.
Address: Pl. de Mina, s/n, 11004 Cádiz. Museosdeandalucia.es
10. Castillo de Santa Catalina
A curious shape castle, originally built in 1598 gives great views and an insight into its military past.
C. Campo de las Balas, s/n, 11002 Cádiz. Open during summer, Mon - Sun 11.00 - 20.30hrs.
11. Plaza de San Juan de Dios
The old main square of the city is a great place to start discovering Cadiz.
12. Teatro Romano
This 1st century B.C. Roman theatre in the centre of the old town is the oldest and second largest on the Iberian Peninsula.
Address: C. Mesón, 11, 13, 11005 Cádiz. Summer opening times (1st April - 30th Sept) Mon - Sat 11.00 - 17.00hrs and Sun 10.00 - 17.00hrs. Winter opening times (1st oct - 31st Mar) Mon - Sat 10.00 - 16.30hrs and Sun 10.00 - 14.00hrs. Closed the first Monday of every month. Entrance is free.
13. Puppet Museum (Museo del Titere)
A good family option, it's somewhat interactive and home to puppets from all over the world.
Puertas de Tierra, Bóvedas de Santa Elena, s/n, 11006 Cádiz. Open Tues - Sun 10.00 - 21.00hrs. Entrance is free.
14. See the Sunset at San Sebastian Castle
This castle and lighthouse is on a small island with a walkway linking it (even at high tide) to the end of the pier at La Caleta beach.
It's said that the father of Zeus, Tronos, had his temple on the island. The lighthouse that you can see today has Moorish foundations and that is just the beginning of this little island's history.
P.º Fernando Quiñones, s/n, Cádiz
15. Oratory of San Felipe Neri Church
Home to one of Murillo’s finest works and one of the few Andalucian Baroque architectural examples of elliptical arches.
C. San José, 36, 11003 Cádiz
16. Gran Teatro Falla
For an evening surrounded by 18th century grandeur, check out this Neo-Mudejar theatre in the old town. (See its program here).
Pl. Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cádiz
17. CUEVA CATACUMBAS DEL BEATERIO
These catacombs are much less morbid than you’d imagine with an incredible story. Access is six metres under the city through a courtyard in a residential building.
C. Valverde, n3, 11004 Cádiz. Catacumbasdelbeaterio.com
18. Carnival
Celebrated just before the beginning of Lent this very lively week-long festival sees everyone take to the streets in fancy dress. There’s traditional music in the form of satire singing groups that you can hear around the streets and at the theatre. Usually during February, 40 days before Easter.
19. Walk Around the Old Town
Take in the feel of the city by wandering around two distinct areas: El Populo and La Viña, the latter of which is the old fisherman’s area. Don’t miss Plaza Tío de la Tiza and Restaurant El Faro.
20. Casa-Palacio Moreno de Mora
A fine example of an Elizabethan-style palace from the 1800s.
C. Ancha, 28, 30, 11001 Cádiz. Only open on Wednesdays at 10.00hrs via prior arrangement through this email casapalaciodemora@gmail.com
21. Hospital de Mujeres
A quick visit of this old hospital and chapel offers a magnificent El Greco painting of St Francis and a rather special central courtyard.
C. Hospital de Mujeres, 26, 11001 Cádiz
22. Visit El Puerto DE Santa Maria by Boat
Cadiz is at the end of a peninsula so there are regular boats going across to the mainland. Take a day trip to El Puerto de Santa Maria – see the sights like the Castle of San Marcos and do some sherry tasting.
Port: Av. del Puerto, 2B, 11006 Cádiz
Castle of San Marcos, Pl. Alfonso X el Sabio, 3, 11500 El Puerto de Sta María, Cádiz
23. Casa de Iberoamerica
This Neoclassic building, once a former prison, is now an event and exhibition space.
C. Concepción Arenal, s/n, 11006 Cádiz
Useful Information
How to get to Cadiz by car
From Seville airport 129km 1hr 14min
From Malaga airport 225km 2hr 20min
From Jerez 34.9km 28min
From Gibraltar 118km 1hr 24min
From Marbella 177km 1hr 49min
Tempted you to discover Cadiz city? Have a look at our selection of villas on the Costa de la Luz.
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Best Things to Do in Cadiz
Cadiz is a fascinating city where the term travelling deeper is taken to a whole new level. It encourages you to look underground, out to the horizon and be amongst the rooftops. Succumb to the easy…