Andalusia road trip: Wild trails and golden beaches

Your plane is about to land, and you've got your sunglasses ready. 'Hola, España!'
Over 400 beaches, beautiful cities, white villages and sun that never lets up – sound like your vibe? Then grab your hire car, crank up the tunes and give the accelerator what it deserves. Road trip mode: ON. Andalusia awaits! Between endless olive groves and fields of bright yellow sunflowers lies the Hotel Cortijo del Marqués, your own personal getaway with 100% Andalusian vibes. No noise, no stress, just relaxed slow living. Pool, wine, sunsets – the set-up is perfect. Here, you switch right into chill mode and let Andalusia speak for itself.

The manor house may almost be too beautiful to leave, but do you really want to miss out on all the mad nature? Lace up your hiking boots, get on a mountain bike or saddle up a horse (optional, payable on site) – it's time to discover Andalusia's wild side. The trails lead past ancient olive trees, glistening lakes and deep gorges, sometimes over wobbly hanging bridges and sometimes through epic landscapes – pure outdoor goals. If you want to turn things up a notch, head straight for the Sierra Nevada, where you can hike with a view of the snow-covered peaks. Beach and snow in one trip? Only in Andalusia! Want to shake things up a bit? Granada it is. Its old town winds its way up the mountain in narrow alleyways, and everywhere are white houses, hidden courtyards and tapas bars. Just let yourself drift. And of course, it's also home to the famous Alhambra. The city's fortress complex, with its Moorish palaces, is next level and a must-see for anyone who really wants to feel the true Granada (optional, payable on site).

Córdoba is calling. But first, it's time for a break in nature. Before you head into the city, a true natural highlight awaits: the Sierra Mágina. Endless valleys full of olive groves, surrounded by massive mountain ranges – this is Andalusia at its best. You continue on foot, past tropical cherry and almond trees, to the Zurreón Waterfall, where you chill for a bit, enjoy the splashing cascades, take a deep breath and soak up the pure nature vibes. Now it's off to Córdoba, a city where Romans, Arabs and Spaniards alike have all left their marks. First up: the Mezquita. This incredible work of art was once a mosque, then a church and today, it remains one of the most impressive buildings in Andalusia – an absolute must-see! Afterwards, you take a little stroll across the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, which has connected the city with the other side of the river for over 2,000 years. Its stones have witnessed more history than you can imagine, and with the view of the Guadalquivir River, Córdoba suddenly feels even more magical.

Rise and shine! The sun breaks the horizon, you grab your keys and cruise through Andalusia's magical landscapes. Next stop: Seville, the heart of flamenco and Spanish joie de vivre! Seville isn't just known for its fiery flamenco moves. It's also famous for its architecture, which is so impressive that it was even immortalised in Game of Thrones. Almost as soon as you check into your accommodation, you're off into Andalusia's beating heart! First up: the Plaza de España, a 656-foot-long, semi-circular plaza framed by a majestic building with huge towers, ornate archways and filigree bridges that span a serene canal. It's almost like a little Venice right in the middle of Seville – simply royal! Then it's on to the Alcázar of Seville. If you like fantasy series, you'll immediately recognise the Moorish arches and lush gardens.