Why rooftop dining is booming in Spain’s cities. Rooftop dining is taking off in Spain’s major cities, with new, stylish rooftop terraces opening all the time, especially in the larger cities. There are many places where you can enjoy a drink while watching the view from on high. In Madrid, the new terraces on the Edificio España building offer incredible views. The 360degree views of the city from the Ginkgo Sky Bar (Plaza de España 3) are spectacular. The rooftop of the Hotel Riu Plaza España (Gran Vía 84) has a glassfloored walkway that lets you see the city below and a terrace with a bar and tapas restaurant with panoramic views of the capital. There are two terraces at the Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA), which are regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world. You can enjoy a drink on one of the sun loungers in Tartan Roof and take in the city lying below. The Azotea del Círculo, a terrace bar and restaurant, offers one of the best views of the city, especially at sunset. To enjoy the best views of Barcelona, you need to head for the roof of the Catedral. That’s where you’ll find the Mirador del Gòtic, a rooftop bar with a swimming pool (only for use by clients) and tables where you can enjoy a cocktail or a gin and tonic while viewing the city’s most important landmarks. You can also get great panoramic views of the city from the rooftop of the Hotel Yurbban Trafalgar, which has a pool and a bar open to the public from 6 p.m. onwards. Another rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the Sagrada Familia, the Torre Glòries and the Tibidabo is the Sky Bar in the Grand Hotel Central. The pool is only for use by hotel guests, but the terrace is open to the public from 8:30 p.m. onwards. One of the trendiest nightspots in Seville is the rooftop of the Hotel Doña María. It’s a fun place to enjoy a drink while taking in the amazing views of the cathedral. The terrace is open all year round, and it’s especially popular in the summer when it opens from midday until 2 a.m. In Malaga, the rooftop of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio offers a bar that’s open to the public every day from 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. The views of the cathedral and the port make it one of the most popular places in Malaga, especially at sunset. Another place you need to visit is the Terraza de la Alcazaba, a rooftop bar with a perfect view of this Moorish fortress.
Spain’s rooftop dining culture extends beyond its major cities, offering unique experiences in some of the country’s most picturesque locales. In Granada, the Restaurante Carmen de Aben Humeya overlooks the Alhambra, providing diners with not just a meal but a journey back in time. The terrace is set in a historic house, and as you sip on a glass of local wine, you can almost hear the whispers of the Moors who once walked these lands. The menu is a fusion of traditional Andalusian and modern cuisine, with dishes like lamb tagine and saffroninfused rice. As the sun sets, the Alhambra is bathed in golden light, making this one of the most romantic dining spots in Spain. In Valencia, the city known for its futuristic architecture and delicious paella, the rooftop of the Hotel Barceló Valencia offers a striking contrast between the ancient and the modern. From here, you can see the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a sprawling complex of ultramodern buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. The terrace bar, called 270º, serves innovative cocktails and tapas that reflect the city’s avantgarde spirit. Try the local take on patatas bravas or sip on a horchata mojito, a twist on the traditional Valencian drink. The view, combined with the culinary delights, makes this a mustvisit for anyone exploring the Mediterranean coast. Moving north to Bilbao, the Azotea del Yandiola, located atop the Alhóndiga Cultural Center, offers a spectacular view of the city’s skyline, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum. This rooftop restaurant blends Basque culinary traditions with modern techniques, offering dishes like grilled octopus with paprika oil and Bilbaostyle cod. The terrace is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during the city’s numerous cultural festivals. As you dine, you can watch the city come alive beneath you, a vibrant mix of modern architecture and historic charm. In the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is not just about nightlife and beaches; it’s also home to some of the most luxurious rooftop dining experiences in Spain. The rooftop of the ME Ibiza Hotel, called Radio ME, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the island’s lush landscape. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Asian influences, with dishes like tuna tataki and seafood paella. As the night falls, the rooftop transforms into a lively spot with live music and DJ sets, making it a perfect place to enjoy the island’s famous party atmosphere in a more relaxed setting. Finally, in the Canary Islands, the rooftop of the Iberostar Grand Mencey in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a unique dining experience with views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant, called The Mencey Lounge, serves traditional Canarian dishes with a modern twist. Try the papas arrugadas, small potatoes boiled in salted water and served with mojo sauce, or the gofio mousse, a dessert made from a traditional Canarian flour. The rooftop also hosts cooking classes and wine tastings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culinary culture.
