Iona Napier
ANDALUCIA boasts three of Spain’s 10 coolest chiringuitos – and that’s official – so you can sit back and sip your pina colada in celebration.
Glitzy Marbella, rural Huelva and trendy Tarifa all have a winner in online hotel comparison site Trivago’s Hot Top Ten Hotel Beach Clubs in Spain.
The Hotel Vincci Selección’s Estrella del Mar Club comes in at number two, praised for its Moorish influences, spacious chill zones, huge infinity pool and cornucopia of water sports and Balinese beds – not to mention two tasty eateries.
In seventh place is Huelva’s SeaSoul Beach Restaurant and Lounge, part of the Iberostar chain, offering elegant, modern hangouts on the picturesque islet of Isla Canela.
The stunning chiringuito at the Tangana resort, fronting Tarifa’s famous Valdevaqueros
beach is in tenth place, rated for its eclectic retro bar with, hip ‘slow food’ restaurant, bohemian hammocks and sunbeds.
Top of the list was the Gran Hotel Sol y Mar’s beach club in Calpe, Alicante, cited for its world-class menu, relaxing spa and panoramic views.
Clubs in Barcelona, Tarragona, Mallorca and Ibiza also made the list.
The reporter really needs to learn the distinct difference between a “chiringuito” & a “beach club/bar/lounge/whatever”. Chiringuitos are informal, unpretentious, sometimes makeshift restaurants situated on the beach serving honest, value for money (mostly) food & drink.
Beach clubs, etc. on the other hand are mostly poncey-arse, pretentious places serving more or less the same standard of food at an exorbitant price.
Hope that helps!
A very good point Pablo. A reminder of traditional beach bars. Good ones, honest to this tradition are nice to find.
Pablo 101: Glad someone said it.