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Set off by pairs of columns at either end – the southern set are ancient Roman and are surmounted by 16th-century sculptures of Hercules and Julius Caesar – this once fashionable promenade is now a rather dusty affair, but is very popular for its nightlife.

The only links course in Spain opened in 1992, designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark.

Another of the major delights of Córdoba are the grounds of this palace. The gardens are lavishly done in Moorish style, indulging in a profusion of colour – wisteria, bougainvillea, calla lilies and geraniums, to name only a few – gorgeously setting off the sun-bleached stone walls and ancient carvings.

The main resort on the Costa Tropical of Granada Province is a more relaxed alternative to the intensity of the Costa del Sol. The two central beaches are the Playa San Cristóbal and the Playa Puerto del Mar, separated by a headland. Good diving and wind-surfing spots can be found along here (see Almuñécar & Around).

Andalucía’s westernmost town is located at the mouth of Río Guadiana, and just to the east are the beach resorts Isla Canela and Isla Cristina. Isla Canela has a long, broad beach and a laidback array of bars and bungalows, while Isla Cristina boasts a fine sandy stretch and an attractive harbour.

From Plaza del Pópulo most of the main sights are found in a counterclockwise direction (see Baeza and Úbeda).

Next the banderilleros enter on foot, sticking pairs of spikes in his back, to provoke the bull further into a frenzy.

With so many marinas along the coast, sailing is big here. For deep-sea fishing, you need to obtain a five-year licence; for freshwater fishing, you’ll need a two-week licence. Contact the Spanish Fishing Federation for details.

In the Spanish view, this is not really a sport, but an art form, and to many Andalucíans, it embodies the soul of the region. The fight season runs from April to October and tickets are available from bullrings.

Almería Province offers some of the finest unspoilt beaches in the region, centred on this natural park. The main resort town is San José, and from here you can walk to a number of perfect finds, including the Cala de la Media Luna and the Playa de Mónsul (see Cabo de Gata-Níjar).