Our summer break came a little later this year, tucked neatly the week before Festival takes over the city for a month. We tend to be fairly busy during the month of August, so apologies in advance if 'your' table isn't always waiting for you! It can be pretty unpredictable too, so please give us a ring if you are in need of a definite reservation. No change to opening hours for the Festival period; 9-5 Wednesday to Sunday and closed Monday & Tuesday in the cafe.
This year's week in the sun took us to Granada and Malaga, partly because the flights came in at a good price, partly because we really, really wanted some SUN, and partly because two good friends has independently recommended both cities to us over the last year. Good choice.
Granada had us from 'hello'; stunning city an easy bus-ride from Malaga airport. Never seen so many olive trees than we passed on the drive, and I was actually craving olives desperately by the time we reached our destination. Luckily, they keep plenty of the best ones in-country and we had more than our share over the next few days! Vegetarian food is still a challenge, even with my improved Spanish language skills thanks to Speak Out (www.speakoutwithconfidence.com) but what we did manage to order successfully was delicious; patience pays off in the end.
Definitely worth booking online for the Alhambra; it is always going to be full in July, but getting ahead of the queues and into an early slot for the palaces was a real boon. Book up to three months ahead via Ticketmaster, pick up tickets in Granada on the day (or day before to be really organised!).
We just loved wandering the streets of the different areas, climbing hills and finding lesser known gardens and merchants houses open to the public. We even lucked out with a classic Spanish guitar festival opening with free performances on Stuart's birthday. A really memorable evening.
I had reservations about Malaga, to be honest, but any initial wobbles were dispelled by the fantastic atmosphere that pervaded the city. Relaxed, friendly and very beautiful, there is so much to do and see; I am a convert!
Absolutely no food problems here - I have never seen so many restaurant options in a small city centre. The proliferation of galleries and museums also gave us plenty to do (and plenty left over for the next visit!) as well as the obligatory wandering in historic, sunlit lanes and seaside promenades.
Add in the beach, castle, cycle hire and a beautiful wooded climb to the Monte de Gibalfaro and you really have an amazing combination of experiences, all in the glorious sun and lingering evenings that cannot fail to lift the spirits.
..and juice bars!
..boat trips...
..cycling around the cruise port..
and cycle paths all the way down the coast, with picnic breaks!
.. the smell of pine and eucalyptus in the sun..
..and catching our last rays sitting out on the jetty until dinner time - as late as we could make it!
Now back to business... the FESTIVAL SHOW is up and ready to go, featuring a handful of our favourite gallery artists; see the 'shows' page and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and images. Or, far easier, come and see us at 15 Howe St and grab a coffee and some chat.
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