Andalusia

Adventures in Andalusia: Moorish architecture, majestic mountains, and sun-baked beaches

A 10-day itinerary from Seville’s colourful streets to Marbella’s glitzy beaches

Andalusia is one of those heart-stoppingly beautiful destinations which will have you dreaming of your return – before you’ve even left its whitewashed hilltop villages, wild dunes, and citrus-scented cities. As the birthplace of many quintessentially Spanish traditions (flamenco and tapas, to name just two), this alluring southern region holds the key to authentic get-under-the-skin experiences – whether you’re after a city, beach, alpine, or countryside break, Andalusia really does have it all.

At a glance

  • 10-day independent itinerary, based on flying into Seville and out of Málaga.
  • Combine city break action with mountain-backed, beachfront relaxation, staying in handpicked boutique hotels along the way.
  • Highlights include tapas bar-hopping, tea ceremonies in traditional teterías, poolside sushi and yacht-spotting, and admiring art in Picasso’s hometown.

Start in moorish style: Seville

Slow-paced days in sun-drenched Seville are for discovering a mish-mash of centuries-old sites – in between putting your feet up and sipping vino tinto beneath a shady orange tree as horse-drawn carriages clip-clop by. This small but perfectly formed city is brimming with architectural points of interest, from Mudéjar masterpieces to vivid Moorish mosaics. The tempo picks up as the sun starts to set, when it’s time to hop from one tapas bar to the next, before the seductive sound of stamping shoes and swirling polka-dot dresses draws you to the flamenco floor.

Shop for brightly-painted tiles in the charming Santa Cruz district, get lost in the fragrant gardens, arched hallways, and sculpture-filled courtyards of the Real Alcázar, and climb to the top of the Torre del Oro for enchanting views over the city.

Where to stay: Seeing the sights is included in your stay without even setting foot outside the walls of Hotel Palacio de Villapanés, an 18th century Andalusian palace with a jaw-dropping rooftop – expect baroque architecture, marble columns and tiles, ornate archways, carved doors, and parquet floors – all on the edge of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.

Seaside stopover: Marbella

Two hours by car from Granada, the cosmopolitan beach resort of Marbella is the perfect place to rest city-break-weary feet. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a star-studded hub for the party-loving yacht crowd, thanks to its exclusive nightclubs and glitzy marina. The Old Town is a tangle of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and lively squares (Calle Carmen is particularly photogenic, with its plant pot-dotted walls). Cool off in the shaded, fountain-scattered Alameda Park, before hitting one of the many golden, glamorous beaches.

WHERE TO STAY: Kick back by the pool with a bento box at Nobu Hotel Marbella, or wander down to the Golden Mile beach for glittering waters and sugar-white sand. The spacious rooms and suites are light-filled and airy, styled in a neutral palette of sun bleached wooden furniture and breezy textiles. SUGGESTED STAY 2-3 NIGHTS.

Travel tips

Andalusia’s cities can reach rather sweltering temperatures during the summer months (and draw larger crowds, particularly in August when the Spanish tend to take holiday), so we’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season (September and October, or April and May). Bring a comfortable pair of flats with you to navigate cobblestone streets, hilly walks, and steep steps down to beaches – plus a cover-up for entering churches and mosques. Take the Spanish siesta tradition into account for your sightseeing plans, as many shops and attractions shut during the heat of the day.

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