For those looking for sun, sand, sea and a bit of luxury, this campervan tour of Southern Spain is the obvious choice. But Andalusia is more than just a luxury trip. The southern region of Spain is also renowned for its culinary excellence, rivalling gastronomic superstars such as the Basque Country or Catalonia.
Andalusia is a country that everyone loves, with its white-stone villages and sun-kissed beaches, the sounds of flamenco and the fresh scent of orange trees in the air. But for food lovers, who enjoy tasty, unique and culturally relevant dishes, Analusia is a true gastronomic paradise.
On this Andalusian itinerary, which includes the region's most interesting and enticing culinary spots, you will have the chance to enjoy flavours that are as unforgettable as the place where you enjoy them.
1 Discovering Malaga
The start of a culinary adventure in south-western Spain is a city whose pulse is strictly synchronised with the rhythm of gastronomy. Malaga, once a bit of a doldrums, is now transformed into a true gourmet paradise, with gastro-bars and modern cafés springing up like mushrooms everywhere.
With castles on the hills and contemporary art, the birthplace of Picasso is full of life. Malaga is a vibrant city where you can enjoy delicious seafood and, when the sun goes down, the relentless bar scene.
Recharge your batteries with boquerones fritos - fried anchovies. They're so popular in Andalusia that even the locals now use the word! Don't forget to visit the cathedral before enjoying lunch at the Atarazanas market.
Stop by the ultramarino and fill your backpack with Iberian jamón hams and cheeses to enjoy at the campsite. Enjoy the sunset on one of the many roof terraces.
For dinner, be sure to try the special dishes of garlic ajoblanco soup, followed by coffee with tarta Malagueña cake. If you want to dine by the beach, opt for espetos, fish grilled on skewers over an open fire.
2 Marbella - a hedonist's dream and a fiesta for the taste buds
Feeling full and energised, head to the next stop on your Southern Spain tour: the dazzling, bold and glittering Queen of the Costa del Sol - Marbella.
But don't be fooled - the city offers more than chic clubs, supercars and a private yacht club. All this glamour is also a culinary treasure trove. Local produce is transformed into mouth-melting masterpieces in the hands of virtuoso chefs, making a delicious meal in Marbella an unmissable pleasure.
The first choice should be "gambas al pil pil": prawns sautéed with garlic and chilli peppers, served with enough bread to feed a village. Caution, if you are going to wear tight clothes later on, it is better to opt for the lighter and fresher dish "ensalada Malagueña".
Once you've had your fill, set off to explore the luxury and splendour of Puerto Banús, or head to the surrounding vineyards for a wine tourism adventure.
As the sun goes down, immerse yourself in the true Spanish ritual of the "tapeo", a night out in which you can visit different bars and enjoy delicious tapas and local drinks. After all, that's how the people of Marbella spend their free time, and they're probably the ones who know best how to party in style.
3 Ronda - a gastronomic paradise among the white Andalusian rocks
We're on our way to the gastronomic wonders of Ronda!
Ronda, one of Andalusia's most famous pueblos blancos - white towns - is spectacular, hanging on a 150-metre-high gorge. Famous for its white stone architecture, this place will be a wonderful stop on your tour of south-western Spain.
In Ronda, you'll not only get your fill of culture with a visit to the Plaza de Toros, the magnificent bullfighting arena. From traditional tapas to Argentinian steaks, it's a gastronomic paradise. The Serranía de Ronda also produces delicious red wines just waiting to be tasted.
Enjoy the hike down to the gorge and back. Treat yourself at Ronda Sweet Bakery, which also runs baking workshops. Work at Ronda Sweet Bakery, a bakery that also offers baking classes. Take in the breathtaking views from El Balcon del Coño, or learn about Ronda's history of rebellious inhabitants and criminals at the Bandito Museum.
If gory stories don't scare you, enjoy afternoon tea at the Victoria Hotel, whose gardens inspired the German poet Rilke. Don't forget to try the serranita sandwiches and stock up on yemas de Ronda - sweet yolk sweets - before you leave.
4 Cadiz - the culinary charm of an old European country
Surrounded by mountains, pine forests, endless skies and endless beaches, Cádiz seems more remote, exotic and wild than other Andalusian cities. With its Arabic forts, palaces and crumbling sea walls on which the Atlantic waves crash, it is undoubtedly romantic. It's also a true gourmet's paradise.
Cadiz is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Stroll through the old town and discover hidden corners of history. Admire the golden dome of the cathedral.
Fill up on "tortillitas de camarones" - crispy prawn fritters. Or for something more substantial to energise your trip to south-west Spain, try pollo a la canilla - chicken marinated in cherese wine. After all, Cádiz is an important point in the Sherry Triangle.
Take a stroll along the seafront, and after dark, head to the neon-lit, napkin-strewn Freideria, where mountains of delicious salted fish await. Before going to bed, immerse yourself in the rhythm of flamenco at the local peña - flamenco club.
5 Jerez de la Frontera - the capital of Sherry, where flamenco meets horse dancing
Jerez - tapas, flamenco, cheres and, of course, horses. Some of the best horses in the world are trained and bred here. So if you've ever dreamed of horse ballet, Jerez is your dream come true.
You will also find exceptional gastronomic delights. In Jerez, famous as the birthplace of sherry, you can enjoy the best of Andalusian cuisine. So take a look at this often undeservedly forgotten drink and continue on your Andalusian itinerary.
Your stay in Jerez will certainly be full of tastings (just remember - the combination of a steering wheel and a glass is not the best!). And the best place to start is with a traditional "tabanco" - a wine and tapas bar, the most famous of which is Tabanco el Pasaje.
Enjoy traditional stew, meatballs, tortillas and mussels alongside a glass of sherry. Stroll through streets lined with palm and orange trees, admire the soft pink buildings and baroque churches. Relax in the grand Plaza del Arenal.
If you plan your trip to south-western Spain right, you could end up at the Feria de Caballo, a centuries-old festival centred on the famous Jerez horses.
6 Seville - the finale of a culinary journey through south-western Spain, drowning in the scent of orange blossom
Seville - with its palaces, churches, flamenco clubs and 14,000 orange trees - is immediately enchanting. Intense and fiery, it's the perfect end to a culinary tour of south-west Spain.
In Seville, everything comes from the heart. The passion that flows in flamenco songs and dances also pulsates in the kitchens of famous restaurants. So dive into the last gourmet paradise on this itinerary - the Moorish capital that just... makes you want more.
First, head to the magnificent cathedral. And don't forget the Metropol Parasol or the Alcazar Palace. Take shelter from the sun at the Palacio de las Dueñas, or consider attending a cooking class at the Triana Market.
For lunch, choose the carrillada de cerdo - braised pork cheeks - or the serranito de Lomo - Seville's signature sandwich. Take in the stunning views by climbing the Giralda Tower.
As the sun goes down, enjoy a bar marathon on Calle Feria in La Macarena and be sure to try the "solomillo al whiskey" - pork carved with whiskey sauce. How did whisky end up in Spain? We don't know exactly, but the dish is really tasty.
