Andalusia is bounded to the east by the Mediterranean, south by the Straits of Gibraltar and west by the Atlantic.
It has the most varied geography and vegetation of any region in Spain, from the lofty peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush Sierra de Grazalema, from the fertile Guadalquivir valley to the sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol, from the Donana National Park wetlands in the west and Europe’s only true desert at Cabo de Gata in the east.
The key hubs to base yourself in for the bucket list experiences, and broader exploration, are as follows:
Seville
Extravagant and sensuous, Spain’s fourth city entices with brilliant monuments, gardens, tapas bars, flamenco shows and full-on nightlife. Visit opulent churches, bar-hop on sherry and tapas, watch a flamenco show or feel the city at its most intense, during its famous fiestas, Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Feria de Abril.
Cordoba
A fascinating city of labyrinthine lanes and Roman and Moorish monuments, from the 9th to the 11th centuries, Cordoba was the most brilliant metropolis in Europe, a past glory that lingers in its sublime Mezquita (Great Mosque), one of the world’s most extraordinary buildings.
Granada
Magnificently set under the tallest mountains in Spain, Granada – capital of the Nasrid kings and the last stand of the Moors in Spain – is a city with a fairytale aura. Crowned by the incomparable hilltop citadel and gardens of the Alhambra, this is an atmospheric city steeped in history.
Malaga
Spain’s increasingly hip sixth city, Malaga has 3,000 years of history to explore and gorgeous sandy beaches. Wander through fascinating Old Malaga, with its Moorish citadels and gardens, explore the lively contemporary art scene, including the Picasso and Carmen Thyssen Museums or simply laze beside the glittering sea.
Jerez
One of the region’s most delightful small cities, Jerez is famous for flamenco, fino (sherry), and horses; the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrianism is one of the city’s biggest draws. Discover Moorish palaces alongside contemporary architecture, and buzzing café culture, based around tabancos (simple sherry bars).
