Southern Spain: Granada, Seville & the coast

Welcome to Andalucía, a region steeped in culture and tradition, brimming with natural riches. Touching down in Málaga, a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to Granada, where you’ll be spending your first few days. The final stronghold of the Moorish caliphate, which fell to the Catholics in 1492, nowhere captures the sense of Andalucía’s Nasrid past like this intriguing city. There’ll be time to freshen up and meet your guide before tonight’s welcome activity: an experiential tapas tour, where you’ll sample all kinds of local appetizers from traditional flamenquines (fried ham and cheese rolls) to creamy salmorejo (chilled tomato and garlic soup). A tasty start to your trip. 

Today, you’ll be visiting one of Spain’s most iconic sights: the opulent Alhambra Palace. This 13th-century fortress is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe, its walls adorned with intricate tiles and calligraphy. Spend the morning exploring its courtyards and hallways, seeing how the Moors achieved their vision of paradise through the principles of beauty and symmetry. Later, you’ll explore the evocative Albaicín – the city’s medieval Arab Quarter – which also happens to be the home of flamenco. Here, within the walls of one of the city’s most historic schools, you’ll embark on a private flamenco lesson, feeling the passion of the dance as you learn some signature steps. An essential life skill, we think.

Fuel up at breakfast, as today you’re headed for the foothills of the lofty Sierra Nevada – a tranquil region of fertile valleys dotted with wild flowers, almond orchards and olive groves on the range’s southern flanks. From the sleepy riverside village of Monachil, an easy but adventurous trail runs through a dramatic gorge. Negotiating suspension bridges and rocky overhangs, past waterfalls and narrow caves, the trail opens up to an amazing viewpoint over the Andalucían countryside. From here, you’ll be taken to La Herradura for some beach time. Only an hour from the soaring mountains, you’ll marvel at the change in scenery and glistening blue waters.

Goodbye Granada, hello Seville. But first, a little stop in iconic Ronda en route. Set on a mountain above a deep gorge, Ronda is famed for its whitewashed classic architecture and stunning views; it’s the perfect spot to break up your journey. After an afternoon exploring, it’ll be time to continue on to Seville, Andalucía’s charismatic capital. Conjuring up images of flamenco dancing and street parades, stylish shops and crowded bars, it encompasses all the romance and passion of this hot, hedonistic region. With its Moorish and Renaissance architecture – from the Real Alcázar palace to the Catedral de Sevilla – the wealth of culture here is remarkable, so spend your free evening getting lost in its beauty.

Your proper introduction to the city will be on a guided cycling tour this morning, delving into its citrus-scented backstreets and uncovering some lesser-known spots in the cooler part of the day. Then, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Admire the cathedral and its landmark Giralda bell tower, once a great mosque and 12th-century minaret. Pause to admire the exotic royal palace, Real Alcázar, and explore the maze of narrow streets in Seville’s historic centre. Later on, it’ll be time for your immersive cooking class. Led by an expert chef, you’ll learn to perfect four Spanish dishes, with two of them – salmorejo and paella – being famed for their connection to Andalucía.

It’s time to hit the beach. After breakfast, you’ll leave Seville and start your journey to the wild, undeveloped Costa de la Luz. You’re headed for Tarifa, at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. Just nine miles from Morocco, the laid back surf town has a tangible North African feel, with its walled windswept old town and winding whitewashed streets. It also has some of the region’s longest sandy beaches, making it a hub for watersports. There’s a special afternoon in store, as you’ll be heading out to sea on a private cruise (weather permitting). Accompanied by a marine expert, you’ll scan the waves for pilot whales, fin whales and resident pods of dolphins.   

It’s your final full day and we couldn’t let you leave Tarifa without some dedicated time at the beach. This morning, you’ll don a wetsuit and take a private surf lesson with your group. Led by an expert instructor, you’ll cheer each other on as you master the basics of paddling out, popping up and having fun in the waves. Tired but contented, there’ll be time to chill out on the powder-white sand before setting off on the final leg of your journey back to Málaga. Tonight, you’ll be heading out to a top-notch restaurant for a farewell dinner with your group. It might have only been a week, but you’ve made memories to last a lifetime. 

After breakfast, your Spanish adventure has come to an end. It’s now over to you to make your way to the airport – your guide can help you arrange a transfer. If you’re interested in extending your European adventure, why not take a look at our adventures to Portugal, Italy or Greece?