Andalusia

The stunning city of Seville’s is Andalusia’s capital

Seville’s cathedral is a must-see

The Alcazar is its other star attraction, a 14th-century palace/fortress of heart-stopping beauty

The dome in the Hall of Ambassadors inside the Alcazar shows off the extraordinarily intricate Mudejar architecture and styling

Cordoba is another beautiful and fascinating city

Cordoba is best known for its incredible Mezquita (or Mosque-Cathedral)

Also stop by the 14th-century Chapel of Iglesia San Bartolome for fine Mudejar art

On Andalusia’s southern coast is the port city of Malaga

It’s Spain’s 6th largest city

Malaga has a reputation for cheap tourism and ugly high-rise resorts, but that’s only in certain areas along the coast, easily avoided

Malaga’s main city is a delight. It’s history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe

Picasso was born in Malaga – there’s a museum with over 250 of his works in the city

Walk the Caminito del Rey – if you dare – 1 hour outside of Malaga

Little Granada is a city rich in Andalusian culture, history and tradition

Granada’s world-famous Alhambra Palace is of course a must-visit

The Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaraies) in the Alhambra complex

It has a lovely, historic town, dominated by its impressive cathedral

The Jerez de la Frontera region just outside of Cadiz is the world’s Sherry capital – a must for wine lovers

Visit atmospheric, traditional local bodegas for tours and tastings

Jerez is also home to the Royal Andalusian Equestrian School – see the famous Andalusian horses perform

Andalusia was the birthplace of Flamenco and remains a strong tradition. Book in for a dinner and a show at one of the many excellent clubs

Arabic baths and hammams are another tradition – soak muscles tired after sightseeing in these evocative thermal spa pools

If you have time, escape the cities to explore Andalusia’s spectacular rolling countryside

Start in the small city of Ronda, not far from Malaga

See Ronda’s famous bridge ‘Puente Nuevo’

Then head off to explore the so-called ‘White Villages’ like Zahara de la Sierra

The villages of all-white buildings are built on hilltops

They sprawl down the unique topography, to stunning effect as here at Arcos de la Frontera

Vejer de la Frontera is another famous ‘White village’

Go to Andalusia at Easter to witness Holy Week (Semana Santa), with processions held in cities and towns across the region

See the sinister-looking parades of the ‘brotherhoods’

After Holy Week, Seville let’s its hair down to party for the April Fair

Tradition, costume and horses combine at Jerez de la Frontera’s annual Horse Fair, held in May

Go in June, and join the party at the wonderfully bonkers Cadiz Carnival