With their unique blend of cultures, magnificent architectural gems, vibrant nightlife and warm, welcoming people, the towns and cities of southern Spain offer an enchanting, thrilling and exotic experience that will remain with you long after your holiday has ended.
Wander the region's pretty villages and charming cities and discover the diversity and history that are the product of the numerous cultures who have made it their home over the centuries.
The Santa Cruz quarter of Seville, with its whitewashed buildings, iron-grilled windows and inner courtyards is a definite must-see and the perfect place to start. When heading for the Triana neighbourhood be sure to take your camera, as you're guaranteed to want to capture the fabulous ceramic tiles in the Plaza de España, the splendour of the Giralda bell tower and the Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic building in Europe.
Equally impressive is Granada's legendary Alhambra, a symphony of ornate buildings and fountain-filled gardens straight out of The Arabian Nights. Next door you'll find the Albaicín quarter, once home to the artists who worked on the palaces of the Alhambra and now an enticing place to ramble, grab a bite to eat or shop.
In Cordoba a walk through the narrow streets of the historic centre and a visit to the extraordinary Mosque, considered the most important Islamic work of art in the western world, will give a glimpse of the splendour of the region's Moorish heritage. While further south, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, you'll discover Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. A trip to the Picasso Museum is a must for any true art lover and keen golfers and watersports enthusiasts will revel in the city's excellent golf courses and glorious beaches.
Further east is the alluring city of Cadiz. A non-stop celebration destination during Carnival, the city also features a neoclassical cathedral and fascinating traditional neighbourhoods.
In search of something a bit more off the beaten path? Try the province of Jaen, which is home to Úbeda and Baeza, whose amazing Renaissance buildings are World Heritage Sites, too. Also well worth a visit are the striking fortress-like Cathedral of Almeria, constructed to fend off attack by pirates, and the narrow, winding streets of Huelva in which the city's seafaring tradition abound.
After your adventures through history, you'll be ready to sample the local cuisine and nightlife. Eat as the Spaniards do and go tapas hopping, sampling delicious Andalusian specialties by dropping in on a variety of local watering holes. Finally, no trip to southern Spain would be complete without a flamenco show, the magical music and dance spectacular which conveys the very heart and soul of the Andalusian people.
Photo: Turespaña
Photo: Turespaña
Photo: Turespaña
