Dunking
churros in a big mug of chocolate, eating a leisurely paella lunch,
snacking on tapas during a bar crawl or savouring a hearty Rioja
wine.
It's not hard to see why eating and drinking is a national pastime
in Spain. And it's easy to enjoy, whatever your budget.
Life on the Costa
del Sol revolves around its restaurants and bars.
The latter come in various guises, including bodegas (traditional
wine bars), chirringitos (beach bars), cervecerías (beer
bars), tabernas (taverns) and pubs.
Tapas is available in most of these places, as well as more substantial
meals and snacks.
Puerto
Banus and Benalmadena are the main "nightlife" zones
with countless clubs and bars to suit all ages and tastes.
Elsewhere countless small bars and pubs offer every conceivable
drinking experience, from British and Irish style bars to elegant
cocktail lounges with all the trappings.
Here
is a selection of some of our favourites:
BARS Terra Blues, 2nd line Puerto
Banus
Something of a local institution. You'll find a lively crowd dancing
and drinking until late into the night.
Sinatras, 1st
line Puerto Banus
Occupying a prime position at the entrance to the port this is
an ideal place to sit back and watch the world go by, with G&T
in hand!
MC Café,
Marbella Club Hotel, Marbella
Stylish café-bar with a terrace where the beautiful people
mix with visiting celebrities to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Trader Vics, La
Alcazaba, Puerto Banus
Cocktail heaven combined with Polynesian titbits feature at this
established bar-café-restaurant. Sushi nights are a regular
feature.
Frank's
Corner Bar, Camilo Jose Cela, Marbella
A lively mix of locals and visitors enjoy this film-themed bar.
Where else can you sip a beer in the open air and gaze at the
bike used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator?
NIGHTLIFE
Dreamers, La Alzambra,
Puerto Banus
Go-go girls, laser shows and the company of 1,400 other clubbers
make this a night to remember. Check local press for details of
visiting "star" DJs.
Olivia Valére,
Ctra. Istan, Marbella
The founder, Olivia Valére, is a well-known face on the
local social scene. Looks like a Moorish fortress from the outside,
but more like a Babylonian palace on the inside!
La Notte,
Camino de la Cruz
Fantastic art-deco interior is worth the price of the drinks alone.
Relaxed and opulent nightclub for the rich and famous.
RESTAURANTS
Terra
Sana, Nueva Andalucia
Terra Sana is the cool place to meet, eat and relax on the Costa
del Sol. The colourful, eclectic styling, healthy menu have turned
the brand into a phenomenon in just three years.
Zozoi, Old Town,
Marbella
A firm favourite, this old converted house provides the perfect
atmosphere for their exciting brand of international cuisine.
Closed on Sundays.
The Suite, Puente
Romano Hotel
The new place to be seen. Creative fusion food with a Moroccan
influence. Attracts the young and fashionable for food and late
night music.
Dalli's Pasta
Factory, 2nd line Puerto Banus
Toni Dalli has been serving pasta and pizza to appreciative diners
in Marbella for over 40 years. Highly popular fresh pasta and
pizza cooked to perfection.
Tikitano,
New Golden Mile
Set in a wonderful beachfront location with something for everyone.
Lively yet comfortable the international menu and charcoal grill
will have even the most jaded of palettes salivating.
