Rent a Car Tour: Spain - Magical Andalusia

About the destination: Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, exudes art from every brick. Considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe, this cosmopolitan port is buoyantly modern yet it hangs on to its vast historic past. The palm-lined Paseo el Parque will take you below Alcazaba, a Moorish palace whose fortified walls enclose fragrant gardens and an archaeological museum. The lofty Gibralfaro Castle crowns a nearby hill, with outstanding views of the sprawling city below. Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum that, aside from an impressive artistic patrimony, offers educational activities and cultural events. Málaga deserves a good night visit: do not miss a good walk along the harbour where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars) and enjoy the illuminated Alcazaba, which watches over the city from Mount Gibralfaro.

About the destination: Discovering the Enchanting Granada Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a captivating city where rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture converge. At the heart of its allure is the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the city's Moorish past. This sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses offers breathtaking views and intricate designs that transport visitors to a bygone era. Be sure to explore the Nasrid Palaces, where the delicate stucco work and tranquil courtyards provide an insight into the opulence of the Moorish rulers. Beyond the Alhambra, Granada's historic Albaicín district awaits with its labyrinthine streets and whitewashed houses. This charming neighborhood, with its narrow alleyways and stunning vistas of the Alhambra, is a perfect place to wander and lose yourself in the echoes of history. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll encounter lively plazas and quaint shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás, a popular viewpoint offering one of the most iconic panoramas of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. Granada is also a city that delights the senses with its culinary offerings. The local tradition of free tapas with drinks is a delightful way to experience the city's flavors. From bustling tapas bars to fine dining establishments, Granada offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Be sure to try local specialties such as "tortilla del Sacromonte" and "piononos," a sweet treat that hails from the nearby town of Santa Fe. As night falls, the city's vibrant nightlife comes alive, with flamenco shows and lively bars offering a taste of Andalusian passion and rhythm. Whether you're drawn to its history, culture, or cuisine, Granada promises an unforgettable journey. Its blend of Moorish heritage and modern vibrancy makes it a unique destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, savoring its culinary delights, or simply soaking in its breathtaking views, Granada invites you to uncover its many layers and experience the magic that makes it one of Spain's most treasured cities.

About the destination: Ronda is a town in Malaga. The millennial city of Ronda possesses one of the most beautiful historical centers of Spain. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1966, containing a rich and diverse historic heritage. Its old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs all inhabited these lands, which were reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. Several bridges unite the two halves of one of the most interesting towns on the route of the Whitewashed Villages, in the heart of the Ronda hills, only a few kilometers from the Costa del Sol.

About the destination: Seville has a special colour, this effervescent city is filled with captivating traditional architecture in colours of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir runs approximately north-south through Seville. Most of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana lies on the west bank. At midnight, impromptu singing, clapping and guitar playing fill bars and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes apparent. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, hordes of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to spark the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unimpressive; you must go inside to get some sense of its dimensions. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the barbed spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air able to hypnotize and if you know how to live it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Jerez de la Frontera is in Costa de la Luz, in Cádiz. It is one of the major cities in Andalusia. Historically, Jerez has gradually become the logistics center, major transport place and the main economic engine in the province of Cádiz. Jerez offers numerous possibilities: the incredible equestrian shows at the Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art) and the Yeguada Hierro del Bocado (the Hierro del Bocado Stud Farm); a visit to the incomparable Jerez wineries, “cathedrals” in which wine and brandy are born; the daily pleasure of enjoying the purest Flamenco, its Old Centre, declared a Conjunto Monumental Histórico-Artíst, in which churches, old public edifices and unique buildings can be discovered amongst orange trees and fountains throughout the squares, streets and nooks and crannies; also numerous are the museums and heritage centers that feature fighting bulls, horses, Flamenco or wine, together with others of great interest in which the tradition and heritage of Jerez are captured.

About the destination: Cádiz is located in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia. Its coastline is part of the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) and features numerous golden sandy beaches, including everything from beaches in urban areas to extensive, practically unspoilt stretches of sand. In the interior, the popular White Villages Route is highly recommended. It has three festivals of International Tourist Interest: the prestigious Carnival of Cadiz, the unique horse racing events on the beach at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and the elegant Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera. Part of the province also lies within the Doñana National Park, and there are also another five nature reserves in Cadiz's exceptional natural environment. Cadiz is also known for its delicious gastronomy, and particularly for its “pescaíto frito” (perfectly-fried platters of assorted fresh fish) and shellfish, ideally accompanied by the wines to be found on the Wine and Brandy routes in the Marco de Jerez region.

About the destination: Conil de la Frontera is a little white village located in the Atlantic Coast of the Cadiz province in southern Spain. Conil is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, its nice people and wonderful weather all year round. Conil is one of the most interesting towns of the Costa de la Luz, it is considered a summer resort although in recent years there is a big offer for sports tourism all year round. Apart from the beaches, the other main thing to do here is walk around the white cobbled streets of the village with its enchanting small Andalusian houses with lovely decorated patios. In the old town, between the sea and the Conil gate, there are some interesting historical sites to visit, such as Plaza Santa Catalina, home to the Torre de Guzmán, a tower once part of a castle, the Capilla de Jesús, and a local history museum, the Museo de Raíces Conileñas. There are, as well, some excellent small restaurants in the Old Town of Conil.

About the destination: Vejer de la Frontera is a Spanish hilltop town and municipality in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, on the right bank of the river Barbate. The town of Vejer de la Frontera occupies a low hill overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar and surrounded by orchards and orange groves. It contains several ancient churches and convents, and the architecture of many of its houses recalls the period of Moorish rule, which lasted from 711 until the town was captured by Saint Ferdinand of Castile in 1248. Agriculture and fruit-farming are the chief industries; fighting bulls are also bred in the neighborhood and a running of the bulls is held annually.

About the destination: Estepona is a town and municipality in Costa del Sol. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism. Notwithstanding, all the tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops. Numerous street cafes and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies and the steep, cobbled, narrow streets seem more suited to horses than cars. You'll also find unusual shops and bodegas in Estepona, where you'd least expect them, all very inviting, very friendly and cheap. Playa Del Cristo is five minutes west of Estepona Port. It is a small cove with lifeguards on station and "chiringuitos" or beach front bar/restaurants. Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Estepona is the exhibition and congress center of Estepona. This center is home to nearly all of Estepona's organized events including product presentations, fairs, commercial exhibitions, concerts and more.

About the destination: Mijas is a white town with Arabic structure, situated at only 30 km of Málaga at the Costa del Sol. A white pearl in the mountains! The steep path to this small town greets its visitors with red flowers in blue flowerpots that sparkle on the white walls. The town is most famous for its unique “donkey cabs”, popular among tourists from all over the world, the small bull arena, the old Arabic wall, the churches and the much visited Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña, the sanctuary of the patron saint of the town. You don’t want to come here for authenticity, but you do want to come here for a day of relaxation in one of the most touristic white villages of Málaga.

About the destination: Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, exudes art from every brick. Considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe, this cosmopolitan port is buoyantly modern yet it hangs on to its vast historic past. The palm-lined Paseo el Parque will take you below Alcazaba, a Moorish palace whose fortified walls enclose fragrant gardens and an archaeological museum. The lofty Gibralfaro Castle crowns a nearby hill, with outstanding views of the sprawling city below. Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum that, aside from an impressive artistic patrimony, offers educational activities and cultural events. Málaga deserves a good night visit: do not miss a good walk along the harbour where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars) and enjoy the illuminated Alcazaba, which watches over the city from Mount Gibralfaro.