Andalucia, Spain for sunny holidays

The sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca have been attracting tourists for decades. Tourism is well developed here with plenty of family orientated amenities such as water parks and seafront amusements. Malaga is a lively coastal city where some elements of a Moorish past remain. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and there are several galleries where you can see his paintings.

Torremolinos is the place to come for budget accommodation, 24-hour partying and rowdy water sports. Marbella offers a more refined atmosphere with an interesting medieval centre to explore, a casino and a marina filled with expensive yachts.

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Inland there is much to discover. Granada is home to the mysterious Alhambra Palace. This imposing fortification is a wonderful example of Moorish architecture, complete with intricate decoration and courtyard fountains. The white towns, a string of pretty villages, are found north of Cadiz. They provide a picturesque base for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Built by the Moors, the fortress town of Gaucin is a fascinating place to spend an afternoon wandering amongst the narrow cobbled streets, set with traditional architecture and authentic tapas bars.

Seville is a historic city built on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Notable sights include the cathedral, the Alcazar and the Maestranza Bullring. Seville is the original home of tapas and the city’s tapas bars serve mouth-watering treats such as meatballs in tomato sauce, Serrano ham and juicy garlic prawns.

Outside of the city, visit the Natural Park of the Aracena Sierra for hiking through the lush forest or fishing in the Aracena Lake.

Self-catering villas and apartments to rent in Andalucia, Spain: