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In Almería Province a stretch of pristine coastline has been set aside as a nature reserve, with towering rocks setting off beaches and coves. The semi-desert massif was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The zone is excellent for scuba-diving.

Start at the northeast corner of Plaza de España and circumambulate the city, taking in the seascapes and gardens.

This pedestrianized promenade is the principal shopping street of old Seville. Here’s the place to window-shop for all the traditional flamenco and feria gear, and certainly the place to be seen during the early evening paseo .

The fight (corrida ) begins with a procession of all the bullfighters.

At the end of the fight, a band plays, roses are tossed, hankies are waved, and the matador may be carried out on his men’s shoulders.

Cádiz Province has some very special beach resorts that lack the high tourism of further along the coast, and Chipiona is one of the nicest. The beaches are excellent and, as an added plus, the town has retained its age-old traditions. It’s still a thriving fishing port, for example, as well as a renowned producer of the local sweet muscatel wine. In addition, historic attractions include the longest jetty in the Guadalquivir estuary, known as Turris Caepionis to the Romans and these days as Torre Scipio.

Have a free-form wander around the ancient Jewish quarter and then make for the Puente Romano for sunset views (see Córdoba City).

Off Gibraltar you can check out the many sunken ships, while the wilds around Cabo de Gata offer the most profuse underwater life. The Costa de la Luz also has some good spots, including watersport heaven, Tarifa.

Starting to the east of Córdoba, in the attractive hill town of Montoro, this drive follows the river downstream. West of Córdoba, visit the once-fabulous Medina Azahara, enjoy the view from the castle walls at Almodóvar del Río, and end at Palma del Río.