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This town, wonderfully rich in history and cultural importance, is also small enough to cover easily and enjoyably on foot. It has a delightfully contrasting mix of sights, from the architectural splendour of the great mosque – with a Christian church oddly sprouting out of its centre – to the whitewashed glories of the old Jewish quarter, the splendid Alcázar, and the frankly morbid museum dedicated to the bullfight. There are other engaging museums as well, featuring works of art by both Old Masters and local artists, and ancient artifacts evoking the area’s influential past.

This was once the most important city in Europe, a fact that is illustrated by the architectural masterpiece of La Mezquita, the Great Mosque (see Córdoba City).

This festival celebrates the miracle of Transubstantiation, when the host becomes the body of Christ and the wine His blood. Granada’s celebration is the most famous, with parades and partying, followed by bull-fights and flamenco.

Dominated by a 13th-century castle, this is one of the largest towns in the area.

A converted 17th-century farmhouse 3 km (2 miles) southeast of town. Surrounded by olive groves and walls covered in bougainvillea, the atmosphere is intimate. Facilities include a restaurant, pool, horse-riding and a library.

Set in mountainous scenery but facing the sea (and with a pool too!), the structure maintains its rustic charm whilst providing many modern comforts.

This stretch of Atlantic coast, named after its characteristic bright light (luz ) and covering the area from Chipiona to Tarifa, is still off the beaten path despite recent attempts to exploit its wild loveliness. Part of what protects it are the prevailing winds, wonderful for windsurfers but wretched for sunbathers, who may have to face wind-tossed sands travelling at fairly high speeds. Still, there are excellent beaches that can be enjoyed, often backed by cliffs, and modest resorts, such as Chipiona, mostly frequented by Spaniards.

From the wealthiest of the yachting-set enclaves to all-inclusive package deals for young families, this famous expanse of sand and former fishing villages has something for everyone.

Still living up to its well-earned reputation as one of the world centres for sun, surf and cheap, superficial fun, this string of former Mediterranean fishing villages nevertheless retains more than at first meets the eye. To those who care to look beyond the brash tourist enclaves, there is still much authentic charm on offer here – and even a good share of places that offer the chance of tranquil reflection – especially in the towns of Estepona, Nerja, Mijas and ultra-classy Marbella. Year-round golf makes the whole area a great attraction for international lovers of the sport (see Costa del Sol Golf Courses) and, in high season in particular, Torremolinos is the place to find some of Spain’s liveliest nightlife.

The hand-tooled leather of Córdoba, silver and gold filigree jewellery, pottery, silk and embroidered goods, and inlaid creations all owe their existence to the Moors’ 800-year hegemony.