The quest for paradise

As the summer approaches, Cataluña’s 350 mile-long coastline blossoms into life as dozens of dormant wooden huts arise from their winter hibernation. Almost as if the heat of the sun has woken them, they slowly sprout up from the sand and begin dusting themselves down in preparation for the summer.

“Chiringuito´s” (as they are known in Spain) may look like a bunch of garden sheds placed randomly in the sand, but they are in fact fully functional bars – and are genuinely stocked full of alcohol rather than your dad’s old tools and last years Christmas decorations as appearances may suggest.

These gloriously located bars shoot up at the same time every year to provide a little piece of paradise to thousands of beachgoers who descend on the sand around them over the summer months. These bars offer sun, sea, sand and chilled refreshments - all in one perfect, blissful location.

Given that most people’s idealistic definition of ´paradise´ would involve all 4 of these aforementioned elements, you would think that all these Chiringuito´s are able to provide this heavenly experience to the beach going public of Cataluña. Well, you’d be wrong!

The remarkable truth is that it is exceptionally difficult to find a Chiringuito that truly offers this blissful experience to its customers - and there are two very common reasons that turn many Chiringuito´s taste of paradise distinctly sour. Firstly, abusing their perfect location by seriously over inflating drinks prices, and secondly, being subjected to drastic over crowding. Sipping a 7 euro glass of beer while being deafened by the baby crying on the table 20 centimetres away from you is not exactly the relaxing experience most people have in mind.

But there is a shining light at the end of this crowded and overpriced tunnel. To sample a true tranquil Chiringuito experience, head 10 miles south of the overcrowded beaches of Barcelona to Platja de Castelldefels.

On a beach that is a favourite of Barcelona’s residents seeking quieter surroundings, Chiringuito “El Capo” shoots out of the sand every summer, just 20 feet from the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Looking at the understated typically wooden structure, you could be forgiven for thinking ´well what makes this place so special?’ The most overpowering reason is charm. So many bars lose their raw charm by trying too hard, but it’s the laid back, effortless vibe of El Capo that provides its appeal. At the bottom of their understated and reasonably priced menu, you’ll find the slogan “la brisa ligera del verano que esperabas” (the light breeze of the summer that you were waiting for). As you first sit back and gaze the short distance towards the strikingly blue Mediterranean waters, you’ll quickly begin to realise that this motto is completely true.

The secret to El Capo’s success is that it doesn’t overcomplicate things. Decoration is modest - white cotton drapes provide shelter from the sun, and a selection of potted plants dotted around the decked terrace give some refreshing colour, but that aside its basically just you and the ocean.

As the soles of your feet brush the warm sand under the table, you’ll be treated to a soundtrack of gentle chill-out reggae, set at a perfect level to accompany you as you laze your way through a summer’s afternoon. For those of you who’d rather kick back and take your lounging to a more horizontal level, there’s even an inviting cushion covered bed on which to indulge further your little taste of paradise.

Everything about this bar just oozes charisma, and the fact that it’s so reasonably priced only adds to El Capo’s already huge appeal. A word of warning though - make sure you embark on your quest for paradise before October. As when the autumn winds of change arrive, the light summer breeze is blown away into the sand, and El Capo literally disappears as it once again begins its winter hibernation.

For more information on El Capo, search “Chiringuito El Capo” in Facebook and become a fan