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The attraction of this drive is the pueblos blancos (see Pueblos Blancos) along the way, in particular Grazalema, Zahara and Arcos de la Frontera. You can also include the Roman ruins at Ronda la Vieja, and a sidetrip to Olvera.

This wild sweep of the Costa de la Luz is the best of the Atlantic shore. Expect immense cliffs, mammoth sand dunes and a scattering of rather subdued resorts. The villages of Bolonia, with its ancient Roman sites, and Vejer de la Frontera, which is steeped in Moorish heritage, both make excellent sidetrips.

This zone comprises scores of villages and hamlets, many perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Begin at Lanjarón, then head for the market town of Órgiva. Continuing eastward, the landscape becomes more arid; eventually you’ll come to Yegen, made famous by Gerald Brenan’s autobiographical South from Granada .

Málaga Province’s most dramatic natural sight is this limestone massif, carved by the weather over countless millennia into bizarre forms. The visitors’ centre explains how the wonders came to be.

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

Football (soccer) is a national obsession, stirring up the deepest of passions. In season, you’ll encounter it in every bar, blaring out from the TV.

So copious are the golf courses that the Costa del Sol has often been dubbed the “Costa del Golf”. Courses include everything from world masterpieces, designed by top golfers, to putting greens (see Costa del Sol Golf Courses).

This British-style golf club was designed by Gary Player.

Lose yourself in the maze of hilly streets in the Albaicín district (see Moorish Granada: Albaicín).

This hike begins in Pitres and descends south, to arrive first at Mecinilla, then along a ravine to Mecina-Fondales. From here, you take the short or long route to Ferreirola, climb up to Atalbéitar and then back to Pitres.