Aside from the beautiful weather and rich culture, one of the best things about house-hunting in Spain is the chance to tuck into some incredible tapas.
From Madrid to Mallorca and from Seville to San Antonio, wherever you go you'll find excellent examples of these traditional dishes, and while the proximity of a tapas restaurant might not be top of your property wishlist, it's definitely an added bonus.
One of my favourites is Bibo, in Marbella's Puente Romano hotel, as it kills two birds with one stone. Not only is it very central, but it's also conveniently located in the same hotel as our Associate Agency, Panorama Properties. The restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia and while his menu offers a wide choice of dishes, the tapas are particularly delicious (as are the imaginative cocktails).
Three of my very favourite tapas restaurants are on the Balearic Island of Ibiza. If you’re hunting for property around the Ibiza Town area, La Bodega and Sa Brisa are both highly recommended. La Bodega is a favourite with locals and visitors to the island, providing a very authentic feel and a gorgeous view of the beach, both day and night. Sa Brisa is set further inland, but is known for its amazing, authentic tapas at very reasonable prices.
On the other side of the island in the more lively San Antonio Bay, there is a real hidden gem called Tapas Ibiza. About 10 minutes' walk from the main party strip, this restaurant is a peaceful haven and the tapas are reasonably priced, seasonal and beautifully presented – definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
When I lived in Seville a few years ago, my apartment was opposite the best tapas bar in the city, if not Andalucía. Taberna Coloniales was usually fully booked but luckily for us, our apartment was so close, we could reserve a table just by leaning out of the window. Today, Taberna Coloniales is always first on my to do list when I visit the area.