Have the new chiringuito regulations ruined one of the iconic elements of the Costa del Sol?

Visiting a local Chiringuito (or ‘beach bar’) on the Costa del Sol has got to be one of the highlights of the Spanish summer. It’s Spanish cuisine and relaxed way of life at its very best. Local meats, delicious salads and the best fresh fish, often barbecued on the beach in full view of hungry diners, just adds to the whole al-fresco dining experience. Sun-worshippers can soak up the rays on the ‘hamacas’ (sun loungers) which line the beach close to the bar, tempting diners towards the ocean for a cooling dip before deciding on what delights the menu may have to offer.

You may have noticed some big changes to these iconic chiringuitos in recent years: not only have the prices increased (by quite a large margin in some cases), but they have almost all been rebuilt. Gone are the dated, old ramshackle buildings, ancient kitchens, crumbling bar areas and very basic toilets. The Costa del Sol has re-developed the shoreline with the assistance of local government grants, resulting in a plethora of modern, ‘designer’ chiringuitos all along the coast.

The new look Chiringuito – new and improved or atmosphere ruined?

Most of the old traditional wooden bars have now been replaced by shiny new purpose-built concrete and glass constructions. All sparkly, clean and fresh! Some will say they have lost much of their original charm, but others are delighted with the contemporary look and better facilities.

The general structure of all the bars appears to be quite similar in design, although many owners have sought to put their own ‘stamp’ on their particular establishment. Perhaps by creating a theme-bar or adding a colour scheme and some ‘different’ furnishing etc. Some have succeeded…some sadly, have failed miserably!

If you search hard enough you will still find a few ‘traditional’ chiringuitos dotted along the coast but these too, in time, will succumb to the stringent new Spanish laws so time is probably running out for the traditional Costa del Sol beach bar.

Head down to a chiringuito or two this month and let us know what you think of the change.

Beach Bars in September

September is the perfect month to sample the chiringuito experience, the sun loungers are still out during the day and it’s lovely weather for the beach – but without the crowds. The balmy evenings and stunning sunsets make sipping cocktails while the sun goes down a wonderful experience too.

If you love the beach, check out our collection of beachside holiday rental properties on our website, or contact us and ask us what we have close to your favourite beach or chiringuito.

Here are a few recommendations for chiringuitos within walking distance from our holiday rental properties.

Cubanga Beach Club located in Duquesa Port in Manilva. Lively beach bar and restaurants, which often has live music. Within walking distance of Cubanga and all the other great bars and restaurants in Duquesa Port is this 2 bedroom apartment in a lovely community with landscaped gardens, pools, kids’ play area, tennis courts and BBQ area.

Chiringuito Tropical is a traditional chiringuito close to Estepona Port with friendly service and good simple food. This is within a short walk of this 2 bedroom Estepona holiday apartment in the development of Puerto Alto. It is in a great location for anyone who likes the beach, but also the buzz of Estepona and its fun port area.

Alegria Beach Restaurant is a firm favourite for holiday makers and residents in Marbella. The location on the beach, close to the port is great and the service and food comes highly recommended. This great beach bar and the nightlife of the Puerto Deportivo in Marbella is just a few steps from this one bedroom front line beach apartment. It’s a fantastic location to enjoy everything Marbella has to offer.

These are just a few of the incredible chiringuitos you can enjoy on your next Costa del Sol holiday. We’re here to help you find the best holiday rental to make that holiday perfect, so please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for our advice and recommendations.