One of the best things about Alicante is that it is a city that has all the amenities in the world. It is not as big as Madrid or Barcelona, but it still has everything you could wish for; it has access to the sea and an integrated beach, a spectacular climate all year round, and the area where I live – San Juan beach – is particularly quiet, which allows me to disconnect and unwind a lot. One of my favourite things to do to relax is to go to Cabo de la Huerta, close to the lighthouse, and walk along the wild beach at sunset. It is truly stunning.
Whenever friends come to visit, I always recommend they go to a tapas bar called Manero. It’s original and creative in terms of concept, which resonates with me because that has always been my modus operandi for HOFF. The tapas menu is incredible and not overly expensive either. The interior design, created by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, offers a cosy atmosphere.Â
They have two restaurants in Alicante and another one in Madrid, but I would say that, of the three, (because I have tried them all!) my favourite, for aesthetics and atmosphere, is the original one on Calle Médico Manero Mollá. Don’t leave Alicante without trying it.
Ryan Thompson is a UK-based menswear and lifestyle writer, whose work has appeared in, among others, the Financial Times, Mr Porter, The Rake and Ape to Gentleman
