Granada and Cordoba, two Andalucian cities famous for their Moorish buildings and quarters, succeed in combining the arts of the Arab world with both old and new Spain. Easy to get to and see in a day from your home on the Costa del Sol, we really recommend you stay at least one night to fully enjoy the food, culture and sights in these two cities.

Granada
Famed for the Alhambra, Granada is steeped in Moorish history with the fascinating tea rooms of the Albaicin offering a welcome respite for the weary walker who has made their way up to the Alhambra for a day taking in some culture. The Alhambra should be top of your list of things to see (book well in advance), but also make sure you check out the view from the Mirador San Nicolas. The mirador affords those who make their way up the hill with stunning views over the city and across to the Alhambra.
Tapas are the only meal you'll need in Granada, with it being one of the few cities in Spain where they are included in the cost of the drink. Head to Plaza Nueva for the best places to enjoy tapas with an ice cold beer, a Sherry or a glass of Vino Tinto de Verano - a mix of red wine and lemonade, designed to cool you down on sunny days.

Cordoba
Cordoba is not quite as famous as Seville and Granada and so you'll find it's less touristy and a lot less crowded. The Mezquita, a mosque that has been converted into a Catholic church is a beautiful combination of two religions. The Moorish red and white arches almost frame the Catholic reliquaries, with the sun streaming in through the stained class windows, further enhancing the beauty of this place. Take a walk through the surrounding Jewish quarter and watch the world go by at the Plaza del Corregidor which is where the locals hang out on a warm evening. Just a short walk from the Roman bridge in one direction and a Roman temple in the other, it's an enormous town square with cafés and restaurants strategically placed under the arches serving local food and drink until the small hours. En route back home, head to Medina Azahara, a city palace which was once the stronghold of a self -proclaimed caliph who, according to legend, named it after his favourite wife.

Both cities boast temperatures in the mid to late 30s in the peak of summer so make sure you take plenty of water and sun cream.

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