Grand Tour Andalucia: Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera and Ronda

The first thought that comes to mind on hearing ‘Granada’ is the Alhambra. And indeed, the impressive Moorish palace is the symbol of the city for good reason, yet Granada has so much more to offer. From the stunning Islamic architecture which lines the streets of the Arab Quarter to the picturesque location at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, the city is truly spectacular. Add to this the lively and open-minded spirit, numerous bars, traditional restaurants and bohemian cafes, and Granada really has it all.

As one of Spain’s most beautiful and mesmerising cities, Córdoba dazzles with its diverse historical buildings, which mix influences from Moorish, Medieval and Roman times. The main draw is the Mezquita, a world-famous and intricately decorated mosque built while Spain was the capital of Islamic Europe. Get lost in the city’s winding streets and soak up its enchanting atmosphere in one of the many bars and tapas restaurants.

Seville, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, is the fourth largest city in Spain and presents itself as a very diverse destination with a history going back more than two thousand years. The city has one of the largest Old Town areas in Europe and is famous for its beautiful architecture and rich culture. In 1992 Seville was also the venue of the World Expo. The bustling art & folklore scene, numerous festivals and a thriving nightlife make Seville an exceptionally attractive destination.

Often overlooked in favour of its more famous Andalusian neighbours, Jerez de la Frontera is a delightful destination in its own right. The Cadiz town is the capital of Andalusian horse culture and the cradle of Spanish flamenco. What’s more, it’s renowned globally for its famous wines and is home to some of the world’s finest sherry producers. The coastal city has its fair share of monuments, too – like the 12th-century Moorish fortress and the imposing cathedral. With so much to see and do, Jerez makes for a great holiday.

The small town of Ronda was built on a rocky plateau in the mountains hollowed out by the Río Guadalevín. Its spectacular location, dramatic history and its status as the largest of the white towns in Andalusia have made it a popular tourist destination. The old town is marked by a time when Ronda was an important Islamic cultural center with various mosques & palaces. On the steep cliffs in the north, the grid-shaped new town is enthroned with parks and promenades which offer a beautiful panorama at the majestical surrounding mountains.

Revamped and reborn, Malaga deserves a place on the top of your travel wish list. Once the jumping-off point for neighbouring resort towns, the thriving city now garners some star appeal of its own. There are few locations in the world where you can mix up sunbathing, shopping and museum-hopping with a trip back in time at a castle, fortress and cathedral – but Malaga is one of them. And the fun doesn’t end there.