A SPANIARD living in the UK has revealed the six big mistakes tourists make on holiday in Spain.
Jorge Hinojosa Mena, 24, has been visiting the Spanish holiday hotspot of Marbella in the Costa del Sol since he was a young child.
Jorge Hinojosa MenaA Spanish man living in the UK has revealed the biggest mistakes Brits make visiting Marbella[/caption]
Jorge Hinojosa MenaJorge has been going to Marbella with his family since he was a young child[/caption]
Originally from Madrid, Jorge’s family started holidaying in Marbella after his uncle Eugenio visited the Spanish seaside town.
From where we stay to what we eat, he believes there are often better ways Brits can experience Marbella.
Public transport
Jorge told the Sun Online Travel: “Don’t get a hotel in the outskirts of town because the public transport is difficult.
“The public transport is awful because most of the buses finish at 11pm, which makes it difficult if you want to eat dinner late or go to a party.”
While it may seem tempting to book cheaper accommodation further away from the centre, Jorge recommended the opposite.
He explained that taxis in Marbella can be quite expensive, so Brits are better off booking somewhere to stay within walking distance of the main sites.
Paella for dinner
Ordering the wrong food at a restaurant can also make Brits stand out like a sore thumb.
Jorge explained: “In Spain, we have paella for lunch whereas most Brits order this as an evening meal. For dinner, we have something lighter like fried fish.”
If Jorge and his family see a group of Brit tourists dining in a restaurant, they’re likely to avoid going inside.
“If we see lots of Brits going inside, then we know it’s most likely a tourist trap.”
If you’re a Brit who’s after an authentic Spanish dinner, then Jorge suggested dining in restaurants where the menus aren’t written in English.
Buying items on the beach
While not moving from the beach may sound ideal buying items like sun cream from beach vendors is a mistake.
He explained: “Never buy any sun cream from the shops you see on the beach because they’re always overpriced and they’re poor quality.
“They’ll overcharge you for a pair of flip-flops that are really bad quality too.”
Dressing as a flamenco dancer
If you want to really dress like a local, then you should seek to avoid wearing traditional dresses.
He said: “Families with young children should avoid dressing the little kids in a flamenco dress.
“Locals don’t normally wear that to walk around in, we only wear it for the festivals.”
Drinking in the midday sun
Jorge said: “Brits also seem to drink quite a lot when it’s really warm and sunny.
“Spanish people will instead head to the beach early in the morning and lunch from 1 to 5pm, while Brits will sit at in the midday heat.
Going all-inclusive
“Avoid hotels that are all-inclusive, the food in the town is way better and means you can eat like a local.”
A firm favorite with Jorge’s family is Gaspar in Marbella.
Although according to the Spaniard, a table here needs to be booked weeks in advance.
He said: “I would have the Paella for lunch and the tortilla for dinner.”
For a bite to eat that’s more spontaneous, Jorge recommended grabbing drinks and bar snacks at Chiringuito – a local beach bar.
Jorge isn’t the only person who’s got a firm understanding of the mistakes Brits make in Spain, one British expat has revealed the three big mistakes tourists make while they’re on holiday in the country.
This includes eating at restaurants with laminated menus containing pictures and being too reliant on taxis and private transfers.
Meanwhile, a British couple have revealed the best and worst things about living in Spain.
Jorge Hinojosa MenaHe visits Marbella nearly every month and has wanted Brits to stay away from stalls on the beach[/caption]
Jorge Hinojosa MenaJorge recommended booking accommodation in the city centre[/caption] Read More