It is the night market! If you are out walking the paseo along San Cristóbal Beach, you will be in for a treat to browse the booths each summer.
This is our summer night market and a perfect reason to get out and enjoy the great weather.
2026 Calendar La Herradura & Almuñécar Holidays, Ferias & Fiestas
The Holiday calendar below provides the days and dates for La Herradura and Almuñécar public holidays (local & national), ferias, fiestas, and additional public school days off.
Fiesta Noche de San Juan In Costa Tropical (June 23 & 24) 2026
If you are in Costa Tropical during June, you may hear people speaking of Fiesta de San Juan or Noche de San Juan. You likely assumed it was some sort of celebration, but it may also leave you with several questions. Who is San Juan? What is the fiesta de San Juan in celebration of? Why do some people say it is June 23rd and others say it is June 24th? Let us help you figure it all out!
How To Recycle In Spain – Household Waste, Electronics & More
As any responsible society should, Spain has a well-developed system of recycling used materials like paper, plastic, or soda cans. You can find recycling bins, receptacles, and containers all over the country.
Brunch / Breakfast Almuñécar & La Herradura Restaurants In The Spotlight
If you’ve spent any time living on the Costa Tropical, you’ll already know that breakfast in Spain is usually a simple, no-fuss affair. A typical desayuno often consists of a toasted baguette (tostada) topped with crushed tomato, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt—sometimes with jamón or cheese. Coffee is essential, whether it’s a café con leche or a strong espresso to start the day.
For something sweet, churros dipped in thick hot chocolate are a popular treat, especially on weekends or during cooler months. In recent years, avocado toast has also made its way onto many menus, particularly in more international or health-conscious cafés.
But while traditional Spanish breakfasts are light and quick, there’s a growing appetite—especially among expats—for something a bit more substantial. Whether you’re craving a full cooked breakfast, perfectly poached eggs, or a leisurely brunch with friends, Almuñécar and La Herradura have an increasing number of spots that go beyond the classic tostada. From various crepes, pancakes, and pastries to hearty breakfasts, egg dishes, and creative brunch masterpieces. There are plenty of places where breakfast becomes an experience rather than just a quick bite.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the best breakfast spots on the Costa Tropical where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a more filling start to your day. These are the places that deliver on quality, variety, and that little extra something—perfect for lazy mornings, catching up with friends, or treating visiting family to a proper breakfast out.
It doesn’t cover every location in the area, but we highlight several. If you have more to add, contact us.
Prices in Almuñécar and La Herradura usually range from €10 to €20, depending on the restaurant and location.
Brunch – Breakfast Restaurants in Almuñécar
Below are some solid options for enjoying a good breakfast or brunch in Almuñécar. (Menus and prices can change, so think of this as a guide rather than a guarantee.)
🍽️ Lolita Café Brunch
Location: Almuñécar Playa San Cristóbal
Right across from the beach, in front of the Ibersol Hotel. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and it is worth the wait. From fresh cakes and cinnamon rolls to egg dishes, fruits, and more.
Address: P.º San Cristóbal, 8, bajo 5
18690 Almuñécar
🍽️ D’Brunch
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular: Tucked in the corner at the end of the beach. Great menu options, quaint atmosphere, with good food and service.
Address: P.º de la China 1
18690 Almuñécar
Hotel Helios, lower level
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it stands out: An extravagant Breakfast Buffet, open to the public from 08:00 – 10:30 daily. All you can eat and drink for about 14 euros. This includes all of your food, pastries, cheese, meat, full English, egg chef, cereals, juices, coffee, and sometimes cava.
Address: P.º San Cristóbal, 12
18690 Almuñécar,
🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular: Known for its ambiance and ideal location on the beach. good breakfast menu, and popular throughout the year
Address: Playa de San Cristobal,
P.º de las Flores,
El Café de Inés
Location: Central Almuñécar / Plaza Magnolios
Why it’s popular: Good outdoor ambiance
Address: Plaza los Magnolios,
18690 Almuñécar
Brunch – Breakfast Restaurants in La Herradura
La Herradura also has some excellent breakfast menus!
Lisboa Slow
Location: Paseo Andrés Segovia, 20 La Herradura center
Why locals love it: Great coffee, a good selection of brunch items, and indoor/outdoor seating.
Address: P.º Andrés Segovia, 20,
18697 La Herradur
Szimple
Location: Paseo Andrés Segovia, 56, Playa La Herradura
Why try it: Charming and cozy ambiance with good food and service. Menu
Address: P.º Andrés Segovia, 56
18697 La Herradura
Restaurant Hideaway Bar
Location: La Herradura village, hidden behind the Mercado Municipal
Why locals love it: Breakfast and comfort food
Address: C. Gonzalo Barbero, 22
18697 La Herradura
If you have more great locations to add, please send me the information
(including the restaurant name, the location, a photo, and why you like it)
Looking for more local food tips on the Costa Tropical? Explore my guides to tapas in Almuñécar, tapas bars in La Herradura, vegan and vegetarian options, don’t forget some great choices for the menu del dia, fine dining, and affordable local restaurants along the Costa Tropical.
Where To Find Scrumptious Tapas In La Herradura Granada
As you meander the streets of La Herradura or stroll along the beach or paseo, eventually you will likely stop for some tapas. We’ll help you find scrumptious tapas in La Herradura. It may just seem like any regular restaurant from the outside, or it may feel more like a beach-side cafe, but either way, they are going to have some Spanish tapas for you! Just sit down and order a drink to let the magic happen of the Spanish lifestyle happen.
Friday Market Almunecar – Mercadillo Almuñécar & La Herradura
Friday Market Almunecar Mercadillo Almuñécar
The market’s real name is “Almuñécar Mercadillo Los Viernes”, The Friday Market or to some Almunecar Friday markt. The entrance right in the heart of the town at the Arc de Triomphe Puerta de Almuñécar (Blas Infantes Arches), this is also the main fairgrounds in the month of August. It lies between the main road (N-340) and the one and only “McDonald’s”. 
Continue reading
After-School Activities in Almuñécar & La Herradura
🌞 A Practical Guide for Families Living on the Costa Tropical
If you live in Almuñécar or La Herradura, one of the first challenges as a parent is finding reliable, engaging after-school activities for your children.
Unlike larger Spanish cities, options here are more community-based and less heavily advertised. But once you know where to look, you’ll find a strong mix of:
- Academic tutoring and homework support
- Municipal sports programmes
- Creative workshops and STEM activities
- Affordable local clubs for all ages
This guide brings together the most useful and trusted options for expat families on the Costa Tropical.
📚 Tutoring & Academic Support in Almuñécar
✏️ Dígame Academia – Almuñécar
A well-known local tutoring centre supporting students with school subjects and language learning.
- 📍 Avenida Costa del Sol, Almuñécar
- 📘 Services: Maths, English, Spanish support, homework help, exam preparation
- 👶 Ages: Primary to Secondary school students
- 📞 Contact: Best visited in person or via local school recommendations
Dígame is especially popular with expat families, helping children adapt to the Spanish education system.
🤖 Mr. C Workshops – Robotics & STEM Learning
A creative alternative to traditional tutoring, focusing on hands-on learning.
- 📍 Various venues across Almuñécar & La Herradura
- 🧠 Focus: Robotics, STEM projects, creative education
- 👶 Ages: Primary and early secondary
- 📞 Contact: Typically via social media or school announcements
These workshops are ideal for children who enjoy practical, interactive learning.
⚽ Municipal Sports & After-School Activities (Almuñécar & La Herradura)
One of the biggest advantages of living in this area is the excellent municipal sports programme, which offers affordable activities for children throughout the year.
🏟️ Almuñécar Municipal Sports Centre
- 📍 Avenida Amelia Sánchez de Alcázar, Almuñécar
- 📞 Contact: Ayuntamiento de Almuñécar – Concejalía de Deportes
- 🏀 Activities include: website
- Football (fútbol sala and outdoor teams)
- Basketball
- Swimming (municipal pool)
- Athletics
- Taekwondo and martial arts
- Gymnastics
💡 This is the main hub for organised youth sport in Almuñécar and is very affordable compared to private clubs.
🎾 La Herradura Sports Centre
- 📍 Calle Real de la Herradura, La Herradura
- 📞 Contact: Local sports department (Ayuntamiento de Almuñécar – La Herradura office)
- 🎾 Activities include:
- Padel tennis
- Football training
- Fitness classes
- Martial arts (seasonal taekwondo programmes)
- Multi-sport youth camps
💡 Padel is one of the most popular after-school sports in La Herradura.
♟️ Chess Club – Almuñécar
- 📍 Cultural centres or municipal venues (varies by season)
- 📞 Contact: Patronato Municipal de Deportes or cultural centre
- 🧠 Activities:
- Weekly training sessions
- Youth competitions
- Beginner and advanced groups
A quiet but active community-based activity often linked with schools.
🥋 Taekwondo & Martial Arts (Local Clubs)
Martial arts are widely available through:
- Municipal sports programmes
- Private clubs and gyms
- School extracurricular activities
📍 Common locations:
- Almuñécar Sports Centre
- La Herradura Sports Centre
- Local fitness studios
💡 These classes are popular for discipline, confidence, and fitness.
🎾 Padel Tennis (Very Popular Locally)
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the Costa Tropical.
- 📍 Public courts in both Almuñécar and La Herradura
- 📞 Booking: Through municipal sports systems or reception desks
- 👨👩👧 Suitable for: children, teens, and families
💡 Many expat families also play socially after school hours.
🎨 Other After-School Activities in Almuñécar & La Herradura
Beyond sports and tutoring, there are additional creative and cultural options:
🎵 MUSIC SCHOOLS & LESSONS
🎼 Escuela Municipal de Música de Almuñécar
📍 Almuñécar (Municipal Music School)
- Piano, guitar, voice, theory, ensemble groups
- Often used for children and teens in structured programmes
- Linked to the town’s cultural department
🎸 Private Music Teachers (Almuñécar town centre)
📍 Centro de Almuñécar
- Guitar (very popular locally)
- Piano and violin
- English-speaking private tutors occasionally available
🎶 Cultural Centre Music Workshops
📍 Casa de la Cultura de Almuñécar
- Seasonal music workshops
- Youth cultural programmes
- Occasional choir or group classes
💃 DANCE SCHOOLS & STUDIOS
💃 Escuela de Danza (Almuñécar Municipal / Private Dance School Options)
📍 Almuñécar
- Ballet
- Modern dance
- Contemporary dance
- End-of-year performances (very Spanish tradition!)
💃 Flamenco Schools (Very Costa Tropical!)
📍 Almuñécar & La Herradura
- Traditional flamenco classes for children and teens
- Also, adult beginner classes (popular with expat mums!)
- Often run from small studios or cultural centres
🩰 Ballet / Dance Academies (La Herradura & Surrounding Area)
📍 La Herradura
- Ballet and creative movement
- Often combined with gymnastics or fitness programmes
- Small local studios rather than large schools
🤸 Rhythm & Fitness Dance (Zumba / Kids Dance / Modern)
📍 Sports centres & gyms (both towns)
- Zumba for teens
- Kids’ dance fitness classes
- Seasonal municipal programmes
📍 Where to Find Updated Information
Because many activities are locally organised, the best sources of up-to-date information are:
- Ayuntamiento de Almuñécar (Town Hall)
- La Herradura municipal office
- School newsletters and WhatsApp groups
- Local Facebook expat communities
- Sports centre reception desks
Programmes often change slightly each term, especially seasonal sports and workshops.
🌿 Final Thoughts: Raising Children on the Costa Tropical
While Almuñécar and La Herradura may not offer the huge range of after-school activities found in major cities, what they do offer is:
- Affordable municipal sports
- Friendly, community-based clubs
- Personalised tutoring options
- A strong outdoor and active lifestyle
If you have more to add, please let us know.
Menú del día Almuñécar & La Herradura Restaurants In The Spotlight
If you live on (or are visiting) the Costa Tropical, you’ll quickly hear locals talking about the menú del día. It’s one of Spain’s best-kept everyday pleasures: good food, multiple courses, and excellent value – all enjoyed at a relaxed, local pace. Here is a starter list of restaurantes con menu del dia (restaurants with a menu of the day).
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what the menú del día is, how it works in Almuñécar and La Herradura, and then spotlight a selection of restaurants where you can enjoy a great lunchtime menu. Whether you’re a resident, long‑term visitor, or just passing through, this list will help you eat well without breaking the bank. It doesn’t cover every location in the area, but we highlight several. If you have more to add, contact us.
What Is a Menú del Día?
The menú del día (menu of the day) is a fixed-price lunchtime menu offered by many Spanish restaurants, typically Monday to Friday. It was originally introduced to ensure workers could enjoy a proper midday meal, and it remains a cornerstone of Spanish food culture.
A typical menú del día includes:
- First course (Primer plato) – soup, salad, vegetables, rice, pasta, or legumes
- Second course (Segundo plato) – meat or fish, often grilled or stewed
- Bread
- Drink – usually water, soft drink, beer, or wine
- Dessert or coffee
Prices in Almuñécar and La Herradura usually range from €10 to €20, depending on the restaurant and location.
How the Menú del Día Works in Practice
A few things to know before you go:
- 🕐 Lunchtime only: Most menus are served roughly between 13:30 and 16:00
- 📅 Weekdays are best: Many places don’t offer a menú del día at weekends or on public holidays, but there may be a couple.
- 📝 Changes daily: Menus are often handwritten on a board and change every day. While other locations have a permanent set menu.
- 🐟 Fresh, seasonal food: Dishes usually reflect what’s fresh and local.
- 💬 Spanish helps: Some menus aren’t translated, but staff are usually happy to explain. Alternatively, Google Lens is a great help, as it can take a photo and translate it.
Menú del Día Restaurants in Almuñécar
Below are some solid options for enjoying a good menú del día in Almuñécar. (Menus and prices can change, so think of this as a guide rather than a guarantee.)
🍽️ Meson Francisco II
Location: Almuñécar Old Town / Near Playa Puerta del Mar, tucked away in the pedestrian area in a little plaza with indoor/outdoor seating
C. Alta del Mar, 12, 18690 Almuñécar
958 63 98 42
Why it’s popular:
- Known for friendly service, many selections on the menu del dia, and traditional home‑style cooking
- A regular menu del dia is posted in front and offered on the weekends as well
Sample dishes might include:
- First courses: Shrimp cocktail, berenjenas, soup, mixed salad
- Second courses: Grilled pork loin, baked fish, chicken in sauce
- Dessert: Flan, fruit, ice cream or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table or call to reserve Friday- Sunday.
🍽️Restaurante El Mirador De La Corregidora Casa de Comidas
Location: Cotobro off of the N340 on the west side of town
82 83 78 73
Why it’s popular:
- Known for the amazing views and good food. Fabulous homemade food, they cater well for veggies too.
- The menu del dia changes often, so it is always a treat
Sample dishes might include:
- First courses: Croquettes, Lentil stew, mixed salad and more
- Second courses: Meat, Fish, or Vegetarian
- Dessert: Flan, fruit, or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table, or best to make reservations for the terrace.
🍽️ Bodega Francisco I
Location: in the heart of the old town of Almuñécar (Calle Real 7)
958 63 01 68
Why it stands out:
- Friendly, traditional, no‑frills atmosphere, with Jamón hanging all around.
- They don’t close during siesta
Sample dishes:
- Fresh fish or the meat of the day
🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for its ambiance and ideal location on the beach. good breakfast menu too, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant Sabina
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for great menu del dia choices, good services and food, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant La China
Location: Paseo de Cotobro , Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for good food and service. The wife is the chief, and the husband runs the restaurant, with the most exquisite home-cooked food, excellent value and variety. You will definitely want to return time and time once you have eaten here.
🍽️ Restaurant Naandus
Location: Central Almuñécar / Avenida Juan Carlos I / Near the beach
Why it’s popular:
- Known for quick service and Indian cuisine, close to the beach.
🍽️ Restaurant China Town II
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for good prices for the menu del dia
🍽️ Restaurant Playa Andalusi
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
- Known for food and ambiance, popular all year long. A seaside bar with a terrace serving excellent and generous tapas, as well as more substantial dishes.
🍽️ Restaurante Asiático Sheng Almuñécar (Sheng)
Location: P4 Near the stadium and the Friday market in Almuñécar
Why it stands out:
- Asian food choices and a few menus to choose from
- They don’t close during siesta
More options that our readers have mentioned:
- Plaza Higuitos, Emilio
- Bar Higuitos in Almuñécar: fantastic Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, including pizza and homemade pasta.
- mar de plata
- Menu del dia, Tandoori House in Almunecar. Excellent value.
- Menu del Dia at Chiringuito Tropical in Velilla is an amazing deal at €8.
Menú del Día Restaurants in La Herradura
La Herradura also has some excellent lunchtime menus, often with a more relaxed, village feel.
🍽️ Restaurant Pizzería Venezia
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it:
- Their first plate of mushroom pilpil is gorgeous, I’m always spoiled for choice for a second plate, but mainly because their homemade TIRAMISU IS TO DIE FOR!
- Homemade desserts are a highlight
🍽️ Restaurant Hideaway Bar
Location: La Herradura village, hidden behind the Mercado Municipal
Why locals love it: Breakfast, menu del dia and comfort food
🍽️ Restaurant Txoko
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it: good food, quality products, and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home
website
What to Expect as a Foreigner or Visitor
If you’re new to Spain, the menú del día might feel surprisingly generous – and slow. That’s normal! Lunch is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Ask what dishes are included
- Swap dessert for coffee (“¿Puedo tomar café?”)
- Sit back and enjoy the rhythm of local life
- Ask for the bill
Why the Menú del Día Is Worth Seeking Out
The menú del día is one of the best ways to experience everyday Spanish food culture in Almuñécar and La Herradura. It’s affordable, filling, and often far more authentic than ordering à la carte.
I’ll keep updating this list as I discover new places and menus worth sharing. If you have a favourite menú del día spot in Almuñécar or La Herradura, feel free to let me know. Please tell me why you like it, and send a photo with your permission for me to share it on my site.
Looking for more local food tips on the Costa Tropical? Explore my guides to tapas in Almuñécar, tapas bars in La Herradura, vegan and vegetarian options, fine dining, and affordable local restaurants along the Costa Tropical.
Fiestas de San José La Herradura Feria, March 18-22, 2026
In the middle of March, we are always in for a treat with the La Herradura Feria and Fiestas de San José! This is the place to be to celebrate San José, Father’s Day, the coming of Spring, and all people named José. Be prepared for a few days and nights with activities, events, food, drink, and parties.
