Sun, sea, and a chiringuito: that’s the ideal holiday for many. A chiringuito is a small beach bar or restaurant, usually rustic, located on the sand. They’re often set up in summer and taken down in winter. Chiringuitos are where you can enjoy a drink, try some tapas, have a meal, or even dance the night away. You can find them all along Spain’s coastline, and they’re perfect for taking a break from the sun, cooling off, and enjoying a cold drink or a delicious meal. The sound of the waves, the sunshine, and a breeze coming off the sea… there’s nothing quite like it. What would you like to drink? Perhaps a cold beer or a refreshing tinto de verano? Would you prefer a soft drink or a tropical cocktail? Or maybe you’d like to try a local drink like rebujito or sangría. As for food, chiringuitos offer a wide variety of options, including seafood, grilled sardines, rice dishes, tapas, and more. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy a pleasant meal in a relaxed setting. We recommend you visit some of the best chiringuitos in Spain, from the Canary Islands and the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca and the Costa Dorada. Playa del Papagayo, in Lanzarote, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands. The chiringuito there has stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. In Málaga, the Costa del Sol is famous for its chiringuitos, where you can enjoy dishes like espetos (grilled sardines). In the Costa Blanca, there are many beaches with chiringuitos, but Playa de la Albufereta in Alicante is a standout. Its chiringuito offers a wide variety of tapas and local specialties. In the Costa Dorada, near Tarragona, Playa de la Arrabassada is a popular spot with a chiringuito that serves fresh seafood and paella. And finally, in the Balearic Islands, the chiringuito on Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views.
The Costa Brava, with its rugged coastline and hidden coves, is home to some of Spain’s most charming chiringuitos. In the picturesque town of Cadaqués, you’ll find a delightful beach bar nestled among the rocks, offering spectacular views of the turquoise waters. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of cava while watching the fishing boats bobbing gently in the bay. The menu features a range of Catalan specialties, including suquet de peix (fish stew) and escalivada (grilled vegetables), all prepared using fresh, local ingredients. As the sun sets, the chiringuito comes alive with the sound of live music, creating a magical atmosphere that will linger in your memory long after the summer is over. Venturing further north to the Basque Country, you’ll discover a different kind of chiringuito experience. The rugged coastline is dotted with small beach bars that serve up some of the finest pintxos (Basque tapas) you’ll ever taste. In San Sebastián, the Playa de la Concha is a mustvisit destination. The chiringuito here is famous for its grilled octopus and txakoli, a crisp, slightly sparkling white wine that pairs perfectly with the seafood. As you savor the flavors, you can take in the stunning views of the bay, with its golden sands and lush green hillsides. For those who love to dance, the chiringuitos of Ibiza are legendary. The island’s vibrant nightlife extends to its beach bars, where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset before hitting the dance floor. One of the most iconic chiringuitos is located on Cala Jondal, a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by pineclad hills. By day, it’s a relaxed spot for sunbathing and swimming, but by night, it transforms into a lively party venue, with worldclass DJs spinning tunes until the early hours. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet drink or a night of dancing, Ibiza’s chiringuitos offer something for everyone. Finally, no tour of Spain’s chiringuitos would be complete without a visit to the Costa de la Luz, on the country’s southwestern coast. Here, the beaches are wide and sandy, with a laidback vibe that’s perfect for unwinding. In the charming village of Conil de la Frontera, you’ll find a chiringuito perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views are breathtaking, and the food is equally impressive. Try the local specialty, atún rojo (red tuna), served with a side of pimientos del piquillo (roasted red peppers). As you dine, you can watch the waves crashing against the cliffs below, creating a soothing soundtrack to your meal. Spain’s chiringuitos offer a unique way to experience the country’s diverse coastline. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in Formentera or enjoying a plate of pintxos in San Sebastián, these beach bars provide the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
