Originally founded as a Roman city and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Seville is bursting with antique charm. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the Cathedral will impress you with its beauty and its status as the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure, a massive mix of grids and swirls that contains a market and a terrace observatory.

Malaga, Pablo Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to the Costa del Sol, is a hectic, sometimes unruly city of 550,000. An impressive number of museums and monuments, including the 11th-century Alcazaba fort and Museu Picasso Malaga, provide plenty of diversions for those who opt not to spend all their time on the coast's famed beaches and in their accompanying bars. The old city bustles with taverns and bistros. The generous Paseo del Parque offers a delightful stroll past banana trees and fountains.

Tradition blends with tourism in Roquetas de Mar, where Blue Flag beaches and fresh seafood restaurants draw lovers of coastal life. Set on Spain's Costa de Almeria, the fishing town caters to different interests with a 17th-century castle, waterpark, and nature reserves.

As the gateway to Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is a modern city preserving the great charms of the Andalusian tradition. Here visitors enjoy more than 300 sunny days every year, comfortable temperatures (avg. 19ºC/66ºF) and 7km of beaches along the sparkling Mediterranean. Away from the sea and sand, travellers can explore the old fisherman’s district of “La Carihuela,” or sample the city’s cuisine – including regional favourite Pescalto Frito (fried fish) – in hundreds of restaurants and bars.

<p>While most visitors choose Benalmadena for its glorious beaches, there are plenty of other attractions to keep your family amused. Take a trip out to sea on a boat or a ferry; you can even go whale and dolphin watching. A cable car ride would make a welcome change, or perhaps a visit to Bil Bil Castle. The castle is distinctive with its Arabian architecture, and it hosts concerts as well as art exhibitions. Visit the Sea Life Centre, where you can walk through the transparent tunnels in the underwater park or watch feeding demonstrations; the centre even has a mini golf course. At the end of a relaxing day, Benalmadena becomes a great place for nightlife. Whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, you are sure to find a restaurant that will suit your family's tastes. </p>

Travel into Spain's Moorish and Christian history with every step you take in compact, walkable Granada. The famous Alhambra fortress is a required visit, as are the Alcaiceria (marketplace), the Cathedral and too many architectural sites to name. Wander through Granada's fascinating Moorish old quarter, the labyrinthine Albaicin; then plan to head out again by night, because the nightlife here is particularly lively.

In the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, hints of its former Moorish occupation mingle with modern-day resort amenities. Bask on the sands of famous La Fontanilla beach or ricochet among the area's family-oriented water, wildlife and theme parks. Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, filled with whitewashed buildings, remnants of a ninth-century Arab fortress and fragrant orange trees. End a relaxing day with a dish of the cold almond soup ajoblanco and some of the region's excellent dessert wine.

Córdoba was once the premier city of the Western World, the greatest metropolis west of Constantinople, and the seat of Europe’s first university. Today, there’s a modern commercial center, but most travelers love strolling the town’s ancient cobblestone streets, peeking through gates for glimpses of lush flowers and beautiful tiled fountains.

Positioned at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, Nerja boasts nearly 10 miles of powdery beaches featuring activities like water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Although tourist-oriented, it hasn't been overtaken by high-rises, and its huge promenade delivers panoramic Mediterranean views.

The second most visited site in Europe: this breathtaking palace-city is a sophisticated blend of medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles..

Roman Catholic church that was once a mosque. Blending many architectural styles, the structure evolved over the centuries.

Beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Spanish Christian and Moorish architecture.

This majestic Cathedral dates back to the 15th century and claims to be the third largest building of its kind in the world.

Built between 1057 and 1063, this is probably the most important military fortification remaining from the Hispanic-Arabic period.

The Barrio Santa Cruz used to be the Jewish quarter. The streets are narrow and form a labyrinth. It’s easy to get lost among the jasmine-scented streets… only to discover a convent or a palace or a hotel. Many of the palaces have wrought iron gates suitable for peeping into their beautiful patios. There are many small stores and some artisan shops, as well as good art galleries.

Marbella's Old Town, known locally as Casco Antiguo, is a fascinating contrast to the town's luxurious beach resorts. travelers are drawn to the area's quaint cobblestone streets and its colorful and diverse history. Take a walk along the former Moorish city walls, originally built to keep out intruders, or head to Plaza de los Naranjos, a picturesque square lined with orange trees and home to the Town Hall. A walking tour is a great way to see the top sights in the area, including the Hermitage of Santiago. For a quieter experience, plan to visit between October and March, outside of peak tourist season. – Tripadvisor