ONE: RONDA
There is an unbreakable quality about that place: it’s perfect; not intimidating yet not popular either, not humble yet by no means brassy, audacious yet familiar. Ideally situated in the mountains only 40 minutes drive from the sea, the city is fractured in the middle by an abyss, the two halves united by an old bridge.
Ronda hangs over the most magnificent abrupt rocks without being terrifying or cold, it has small paved streets with charming boutiques, a Museo de los Ladrones (The Thieves’ Museum) and the most beautiful Plaza de Torros (the bullfighting arena) in the world. The most spectacular corrida in the world takes place here, the Corrida Goyesca. It is the only bullfighting show still happening in Ronda, is inspired by Goya’s paintings and it takes place during the Pedro Romero Feria, every year at the beginning of September.
TWO: STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
The drive along the Strait of Gibraltar is another unmissable experience for the passionate driver. As the landscape shifts, subtly at first, then dramatically, you feel a magnetic pull towards this colossal natural stage where continents almost touch. At some point Gibraltar itself – the iconic Rock, rises defiantly from the sea like a sentinel guarding the ancient passage.
To reach this British outpost you drive through La Linea, on the Spanish side, and across the airport runway (unless you stop at the red light to let an airplane taxi along). Despite its tiny size – barely seven square kilometers – Gibraltar packs centuries of naval history and a distinct “Gibraltarian” identity, a fierce blend of British, Spanish, and Genovese influences. Climb the famous Rock to take snapshots of the Barbary apes and soak in mind-blowing views spanning two continents and two vast seas.
THREE: CADIZ
Cadiz is an absolute surprise, and it leaves its mark. Perched on a sliver of land, entirely pointed into the Atlantic, this ancient port city feels like an off-Europe island. Its golden-domed cathedral rises majestically from a tangle of narrow, sun-drenched streets, and life spills out onto charming plazas, where locals gather for tapas when the scorching sun allows. Old Cadiz possesses a timeless soul, feeling distinctly different from the Moorish grandeur of Granada or Seville. Cadiz is all about the striking blue grandeur of the ocean.
FOUR: SEVILLE
Seville isn’t just the capital of Andalusia; it’s a city that breathes passion and ego. It boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and its iconic Giralda tower offers unparalleled city views. Right next door lies the Real Alcázar, the royal palace complex renowned for its stunning Moorish architecture and lush gardens. Expect the air to be thick with the scent of orange blossoms, the epic heat and the flamenco beat.
FIVE: CORDOBA
Cordoba is a city that will utterly disarm you with its surprising twists of history and character. The Mezquita-Cathedral is both a puzzle and a wonder: this is where an ancient mosque’s columns and arches embrace a soaring Catholic cathedral into an architectural marvel that speaks volumes about all those centuries of intertwined cultures. But don’t just visit and flee. Explore the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter discover the insta-perfect corners of its famous patios, overflowing with geraniums and bougainvillea and try the equally hidden traditional taverns to sample the best ox tail ever.
SIX: GRANADA
The city’s unique position, nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains, adds another layer of drama on top of the Moorish splendour. Granada is defined by its masterpiece: the Alhambra. This vast fortress is a city within a city, and Moorish art at its best. Don’t make it a day trip, spend the night here: you need an entire day to truly explore its Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens, and the Alcazaba. The wonders here never cease. But afterwards, you need to get lost in the Albaicín, the ancient Arab quarter, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that offer music and taverns and the most iconic, postcard-perfect views of the Alhambra, especially at sunset.
SEVEN: THE ATLANTIC COAST
In tune with the Andalusian spirit, no Med glitz or concrete developments made it to the top. Marbella’s old center is delightful for an off-season stroll, Nerja is also quite charming, but if you truly crave the raw power of the sea, endless sand, and wide-open views, set your sights on Costa de la Luz. The Atlantic Coast is wild, authentic, and utterly refreshing – it may be because only the ocean is a worthy match for Andalusia’s untamed spirit. Think wide stretches of golden sands backed by dunes and pine forests, the deep blue of the ocean, perfect water sports breeze and the views of Africa. Tarifa, Bolonia, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil de la Frontera – they are the true riviera stars: charming fishing villages with fresh seafood (including the prized Almadraba tuna) and uncrowded beaches.
