t The Puente Nuevo, linking the two sides of Ronda.
Discover Seville and Andalucía Itineraries
The spirit of old al-Andalus is strongest in Granada. Start your day in the old Moorish neighbourhood of the Albaicín, whose narrow lanes are lined with craft shops, bathhouses and cafés. Stop for lunch at Mirador de Morayma, which has fabulous views, then head up to explore the Alhambra’s honeycomb-like rooms and arcaded patios, as well as the Generalife gardens. In the evening, take in a clandestine flamenco show in one of the caves in Sacromonte, where the art form originated. We love Zambra Maria la Canastera, where the eponymous dancer performed (www.marialacanastera.com).
A two-hour drive west of Granada is Córdoba. When you reach the city, head straight for the Mercado Victoria – a gourmet food hall. At Córdoba’s heart is the Mezquita, where you can easily spend a couple of hours walking beneath the hallowed arches. Next, wander the narrow lanes of the former Jewish Quarter to the Sinagoga. Take in the beautiful interior before seeking out the statue of Maimonides, the philosopher. Finish your day with supper at Bodegas Campos (www.bodegascampos.com), where you can dine in the library, office or the Sala los Célebres (Room of Celebrities).
Wake up early to allow yourself plenty of time to explore your next stop, Seville. After the 90-minute drive there, potter around the evocative Barrio Santa Cruz and climb La Giralda. When you’re peckish, nibble on tapas at time-warped Casa Plácido (www.casaplacido.es). Allow a couple of hours to visit the Real Alcázar, one of Spain’s most dazzling buildings. In the evening, cross the river to Triana for some flamenco.
It’s best to arrive early in Ronda, so that you beat the coach-trippers. It’s a beautiful city in its own right, perched astride a gorge, but its bullring steals the show. With its colonnaded stands curving around the vast sandy stage, it seems straight out of Ancient Rome. Then, stroll across the vertigo-inducing Puente Nuevo for lunch at Bardal (www.restaurantebardal.com) in the Old Town. It’s a 90-minute drive from Ronda to Málaga. Once you reach the city, make for the Museo Picasso Málaga, before seeking out an old-school seafood bar. Our favourite is El Tintero II, where the waiters carry around dishes for diners to peruse (Avenida Salvador Allende 340; 952 20 68 26).
Begin your final day with a visit to the imposing Alcazaba, and perhaps a little window-shopping along the nearby Calle Marqués de Larios. Then, it’s time to head for the beach at El Pedregalejo for a long lunch at one of the seafood restaurants, before you sleep it off in the shade. The Centre Pompidou Málaga is open until 8pm so explore this collection of contemporary art once the sun has gone down. Round off your tour with a tasty traditional meal of crispy-skinned lamb at Restaurante Miguel (www.restaurantemiguel.es).
Discover Seville and Andalucía Itineraries
t The Puente Nuevo, linking the two sides of Ronda.