Founded by the Phoenicians as a trading colony, Cádiz remained an important port city under the Romans. It came to the fore again in 1717, when the monopoly on trade with the Americas was transferred to Cádiz. Its coastal defences and watchtowers are testaments to its maritime heritage and strategic location.
Best-known internationally for its sherry bodegas and dancing horses, Jerez de la Frontera is also one of the cradles of flamenco. Add to that its medieval fortress, the beautifully-presented archaeological museum, the central market with an amazing array of fish and seafood, and gourmet tapas served up in historic tabancos – there’s something for everyone.
This itinerary focusses on the Renaissance architecture of Granada and Jaén provinces. You’ll see masterpieces of the great architects Diego de Siloé and Andrés de Vandelvira, including the cathedrals in Granada and Baeza, and the Sacra Capilla del Salvador, a spectacular funerary chapel in Úbeda.
Marbella makes a great day trip from Málaga or any of the resorts on the Costa del Sol. It has a charming old town with flower-filled white-washed streets and a seaside promenade that goes on for miles.
The Guadalquivir has played a pivotal role in Andalcuía’s history and development. This itinerary takes you the whole length of the river, from its source in the Sierras de Cazorla to its mouth at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
This itinerary takes in the key sights while also stepping away from the tourist magnets into Seville’s most colourful and bustling neighbourhoods.
Get a flavour of the city of Granada and the mountain villages of the Alpujarra, both redolent of their Muslim past. Finish your itinerary with a day – or more – of hiking through the rugged mountain scenery in the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Capital of both the Roman province of Baetica and Al-Andalus, Córdoba’s rich cultural heritage is preserved in its architecture, customs and cuisine. It’s worth lingering for a few nights to do the city justice and to experience its more tranquil side once the day-trippers have left.
Seville and Córdoba have a wealth of historic monuments, including must-see sights like the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Seville Cathedral and the royal palaces (Alcázares) in both cities. As well as them, this itinerary gives you time to explore traditional Andalucian neighbourhoods, experience the passion of a flamenco performance and sample the local cuisine.
Antequera, with its ancient dolmens and charming old town, sits right in the heart of Andalucía, strategically placed on Spain’s high-speed rail network, which makes it an excellent day trip from Málaga, Córdoba, Granada or Seville.
