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Traditionally, this evening commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings at the infant Jesus’s manger crib. Parades across the region feature the trio, lavishly dressed, progressing through towns in small carriages drawn by tractors or horses. The next day, Epiphany, is the day that children receive gifts.

In Málaga Province at Puerta de la Torre, this is a day for practical jokers and a chance to wear funny hats. It dates back to Moorish times.

This mix of bullfights, exhibitions and dancing is particularly noteworthy in Seville, Úbeda and the Albaicín quarter of Granada. In Torremolinos it closes the summer season in festive style.

Set amid green hills, this converted ranch is filled with an eclectic mix of furniture, paintings, pottery and books. Rooms are all distinctive, whether due to hand-painted walls, Oriental hangings, a bathtub with a view, or a fireplace. In spring, the valley below the house is filled with white heather, primroses and the sound of nightingales; summer days can be spent beside the spectacular pool.

This charming 16th-century farmhouse sits amid olive groves. The interior is welcoming and comfortable, with original stone floors. Outside, the grounds are spacious, with a wide terrace, a barbecue and a pool.

A fabulous resort, reminiscent of a tiny Moorish village with its own chapel. It is interlaced with gardens and patios.

Clear, crisp and dry, with an aroma of almonds, fino is served chilled as an aperitif.

Local catch includes black perch, eel, gambusia, tuna, monkfish, sardines, anchovies and cephalopods.

Mediterranean and Atlantic bounty offers a vast array of fish and shellfish.

The array of sopas de mariscos or pescado (shellfish or fish soups) seems to be limited only to the cooks’ imagination. Málaga favourites include sopa viña , a sherry-spiked version, and cachoreñas , with orange flavouring. Cádiz is known for its guisos marineros (seafood stews), made with the best fish of the region.