IT’S no secret that the Costa del Sol has become swamped by ‘luxury’ beach clubs and restaurants in recent years.
As Marbella works hard to convince the world it is the Dubai of Europe, entrepreneurs have taken full advantage.
Bars, restaurants and even chiringuitos are becoming increasingly expensive, with cocktails in the likes of Marbella Club, for example, costing upwards of €30.
But the phenomenon has spread beyond Marbella, as luxury property developments are turning Estepona and other areas into high-value hotspots.
These bring new bars and restaurants that feel comfortable hiking up prices as there are wealthy punters willing to pay them – all the while pricing out locals and expats who moved to the area 20-plus years ago.
It means it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find decent Spanish restaurants serving fresh food at reasonable prices.
Enter the Velerin beach club, situated between Marbella’s San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.
Tucked away on a secluded beach next to the historic Torre de Velerin, this traditional Spanish joint is a hit with both the locals and international community (the menu is in Russian, Spanish and English).
The chiringuito is unashamedly Spanish and will remind those of us who have known the Costa del Sol for decades of the good old days.
While the waiters are buzzing around like flies, you will have to get on Spanish time, so don’t expect 100mph service.
However, you cannot argue when you’re getting great food at very good prices.
Myself and a friend shared a tomato and onion salad (if you know, you know), which was just €6.50. The tomato was fresh and the onion crunchy, doused with the perfect amount of olive oil and seasoning.
We then shared a seafood paella for two people, which was just €16 each – instead of the usual €20-€40 per person you could easily expect elsewhere, and sometimes even more.
Throw in four Coke Zeros and the bill came in at just €51. Not bad for a very filling beachside lunch – plus they throw in a free mini Magnum ice cream with the bill, nice touch.
Do you have any good food recommendations in Spain? Contact us at [email protected]
