WITH spring in the air, you´ll no doubt be dying to get back onto your favourite restaurant terraces to enjoy the warm weather and fantastic views.

Here at the Olive Press we’ve spent five years scouring Andalucia for all the best dining secrets, coming up with a great list just for you.

These outdoor dining gems – plus many more – can be found on our easy-to-use website, where we also encourage you to leave your comments.

This week we focus on our favourite terraces to encourage you to venture outside and really make the most of this stunning region.

Visit www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com

What did you think? Send your views to jon@theolivepress.es

Top terraces

Al Lago – Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz
T: 956 123 032
You are in one of the most picturesque spots in the whole of Andalucia. Perched high in the Serrania de Ronda mountains, diners sit on a shady terrace gazing across the Zahara reservoir to the emblematic town of Olvera, which shimmers in the far distance. This is the hippest restaurant for miles around.

El Tesoro – Betijuelo, near Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cadiz
T: 956 266 368
High above the Straits of Gibraltar this really is the treasure at the end of the rainbow. With a 180-degree view to Morocco and inland to the rugged Alcornocales natural park, they could probably get away with serving egg and chips and the punters would be happy – but the food is way better than that.

La Castilleria – Santa Lucia, Vejer, Cadiz
T: 956 451 497
Bring on the spring! With the warm sea air floating inland towards the rolling bull-rearing plains of inland Cadiz, this is perhaps one of Spain’s most alluring outdoor restaurants. You will find this hidden valley, a green oasis thanks to an ancient Roman aqueduct that has watered it for centuries.

Asador Cancha II – San Enrique de Guadiaro, Malaga
T: 618 568 368
The exclusive Cancha II sits on a private polo field in sumptuous grounds, near Sotogrande. Set up by Paola Zobel, the daughter of the millionaire owner of Ayala Polo Club, it is no surprise that this is where aristocrats and power brokers lunch at weekends. Its terrace is stunning and you look over perfectly clipped polo fields banked by oleander and oaks. An  asador – or charcoal barbeque restaurant – it serves Argentinian meats of the highest quality thanks to a native chef with 25 years’ experience.

Santa Fe – Coin, Malaga
T: 952 452 916
Once a rather fuddy duddy sort of place on the outskirts of Coin, these days Santa Fe is an exciting country restaurant. One of the trendiest, most alluring spots in Malaga province, the stylish decor and ambience is easily matched by the food. And the terrace is where to sit. Dutch chef Jaap Schaafsma, 27, has worked among Holland’s best restaurants.

The Forge, Casares, Malaga
T: 952 895 120
It is over two decades since Michael Forge and wife Athene set up this stunning restaurant in the hills near Casares. The terrace, surrounded by trees and with great views, is THE place to be seen around these parts, particularly on Sunday, when in summer you need to book up to three weeks in advance. You will be amazed at the style and colours inside, while the food is a great mix of a la carte and a good value set menu on weekends.