El Jardí – Oasis in the city

I love El Jardì not so much for what it is, but for where it is – right at the heart of the tourist maelstrom. Yes, just a few yards from the thick of the throb, you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing, reasonably priced, drink and snack in chiringuito (beach bar) like surroundings.

The affable owner, Artur, is an expert windsurfer, and you’ll see old windsurfing boards hanging on the walls.

The trees provide welcome shade. It’s a good cooling off point when running errands in the city centre – especially in the summer. And it’s a good spot to meet up with friends for a chinwag; unlike a lot of city centre bars you can hear yourself and your friends speak. It’s often so quiet you can hear birdsong. And it’s a good place to situate yourself with your laptop. Ask the friendly bar staff for the wi-fi key.

Sandwiches (€3) are available through the day, as well as light snacks such as olives and potato crisps. And they serve draft Moritz and Moritz Epidor (always a sign of a good bar) as well as a good selection of bottled beers. And they’ll mash you a reasonable mojito for €5.

To find this cool, tree-frocked oasis look for a white camel stood in the doorway to El Mercadillo – a clothes and accessories market. Head straight through the market to a set of steps which will take you up onto the terrace.