Letter of the week I enjoyed your glowing review of Hotel Tamariu, on the Costa Brava, in last week’s Spain special issue. I stayed there with my parents in 1959, when I was a willowy blonde teen. For a family more used to a boarding house in Bournemouth, it was a revelation: a glorious beach, elegant waiters and cool, spacious bedrooms. I’ve been back many times, and the only thing that’s changed is that the lotharios who ogled me on the beach seem to have disappeared.
Norma Allen, Gloucestershire
In the hilltop village of Frigiliana, we were caught up in the festival of San Antonio de Padua. A procession led by a pair of oxen wound its way through narrow streets, surrounded by riders in leathers and cordobes hats, followed by the festival king and queen dressed in vibrant colours. It was a privilege to take part.
John Greenway, East Sussex
The northern coast is known as Green Spain, and the higher rainfall that adds to its beauty also reduces the pressure of tourism. Next time you arrive at the ferry ports of Bilbao or Santander, linger in the north and you’ll find superb beaches, as well as the Picos de Europa mountains for excellent walking.
Andrew Woods, Somerset
Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum, a new football stadium and no end of pintxo bars. Sun worshippers can take the metro out to Plentzia or Sopela, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Guernica are both easily reached by public transport. It’s not a typical Spanish town, though. The locals will quickly put you right — it’s Basque.
Carol Watson, via email
Formentera is a beautiful Balearic island. I first went 40 years ago and loved the miles of sandy beaches, the turquoise sea, the simple restaurants, cycling along country lanes and the stunning sunsets. They are all still there today — just avoid the Italian motorbike invasion in August.
Gabrielle Berelowitz, London
Advertisement
One of Spain’s wildest places is the Costa de la Luz. I have surprised vultures tearing at roadkill and grown blasé about eagles overhead. I suppose the Atlantic breezes whipping along the sandy beaches might put off some, but I love its open skies.
Bubsy Allen, Midlands
In Almeria, the Aire Hotel has a rooftop pool overlooking the 10th-century Alcazaba, and a wine bath beneath: a Venetian well filled with red wine packed with antioxidants and polyphenols.
Hannah Pickering, London
Cuenca boasts deep river gorges, ancient houses and the Museo de Arte Abstracto, plus the bizarre limestone formations of the Ciudad Encantada — wow!
David Folds, Somerset
In Cambrils, on the Costa Dorada, there are fish shops where you grab a bowl and help yourself. Just be aware of the Night of San Juan: great fun, a bit scary (fireworks; no health and safety), no chance of sleep.
Derek Pearson, Northamptonshire
The Ponte Vella in Ourense, Galicia, surely rivals Avignon in its beauty, and there are hot springs and pools just outside town.
Sheila Lowery, Newcastle
Holidaymakers who pass through Malaga should linger at the Roman amphitheatre, splendid cathedral and Montes de Malaga national park. The beaches can wait.
Doreen Cartmell, Cumbria
Advertisement
A guide in Seville introduced us to hot chocolate laced with brandy for breakfast. Sightseeing took on an alcoholic glaze!
Gwen Kinghorn, Edinburgh
Your guide to “How to be Spanish” last week was a patronising piece about a hard-working, polite, cultured and genuine people. Perhaps a Spanish journalist could tell us “How to be British” for balance?
Lance Rock, via thetimes.co.uk
One Spanish lesson your writer failed to learn: we love to take offence. And if there’s no actual affront, we’ll make it up.
Sanchez de Tovar, via thetimes.co.uk
Write to Travel and win £250 towards a Pride of Britain Hotels stay
Congratulations to Norma Allen, who wins a £250 voucher towards a stay, meals, drinks or spa treatments at any member of the Pride of Britain Hotels collection in England, Scotland and Wales, all of which specialise in the “art of great hospitality” (prideofbritainhotels.com).
For a chance to win the same prize in a future issue, email travel@sunday-times.co.uk or write to Travel, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF. Please include name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited.
Advertisement
Prize T&Cs: ages 18+; UK residents only; the prize is non-transferable and subject to availability; full T&Cs at thesundaytimes.co.uk/travelletters