The spirit of old al-Andalus is strongest in Granada. Start off your tour in the old Moorish neighbourhood of the Albaicín, whose narrow lanes are lined with craft shops, bathhouses and cafés. Stop for lunch at Carmen Verde Luna (www.carmenverdeluna.com), then head up to explore the Alhambra’s honeycomb-like rooms and arcaded patios, as well as the Generalife gardens. In the evening, take in a clandestine flamenco show in one of the caves in Sacromonte, where the art form originated. We love Zambra Maria la Canastera, where the eponymous dancer performed (www.marialacanastera.com).

A two-hour drive west of Granada is Córdoba. When you reach the city, head straight for the Mercado Victoria – a gourmet food hall. At Córdoba’s heart is the Mezquita, where you can easily spend a couple of hours walking beneath the hallowed arches. Next, wander the narrow lanes of the former Jewish Quarter to the Sinagoga. Take in the beautiful interior before seeking out the statue of Maimonides, the philosopher. Finish your day with supper at Bodegas Campos (www.bodegascampos.com), where you can dine in the library, office or the Sala los Célebres (Room of Celebrities).

Wake up early to allow yourself plenty of time to explore the endlessly romantic city of Seville. After the 90-minute drive there, potter around the evocative Barrio Santa Cruz and then climb La Giralda. When you’re peckish, nibble on tapas at time-warped Casa Plácido. Allow a couple of hours to visit the Real Alcázar, one of Spain’s most dazzling buildings. In the evening, cross the river to Triana for some spontaneous flamenco.

It’s best to arrive early in Ronda, so that you beat the inevitable coach-trippers. It’s a beautiful city in its own right, perched astride a deep gorge, but its bullring steals the show. Marvel at the colonnaded stands curving around the vast sandy stage. Then, stroll across the vertigo-inducing Puente Nuevo for lunch at Bardal (www.restaurantebardal.com) in the Old Town. It’s a 90-minute drive from Ronda to Málaga. Start your trip to the city by visiting the Museo Picasso Málaga, before seeking out the old-school seafood bars. Our favourite is El Tintero II, where the waiters carry around dishes for diners to peruse.

Begin with a visit to Málaga’s cathedral, and perhaps a little window-shopping along the nearby Calle Marqués de Larios. Then, it’s time to head for the beach at El Pedregalejo for a long lunch at one of the seafood restaurants, before you sleep it off in the shade. The Centre Pompidou Málaga is open until 8pm so explore this collection of contemporary art once the sun has gone down. Andalucía is Spain’s most traditional region, so round off your tour with a typical Spanish meal of crispy-skinned lamb at Restaurante Miguel (www.restaurantemiguel.es).