Andalucía, land of foot stompers, hand clappers and flamenco twirlers is one of the warmest regions in Europe (Spain), with its Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild winters it’s a great place to visit all year round, having an average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Its eight provinces are vast and varied, from sandy beaches to mountains ranges there’s so much to enjoy and admire, a slow travel trip is needed to each province to appreciate it’s individual beauty and diversity.

Less than an hour from the coast of Granada province, Costa Tropical, is the Sierra Nevada with its peaks of 3,400m. So you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on a beach in the afternoon. This magnificent mountain range creates a microclimate for Granada city keeping it cooler than its neighbours, Córdoba and Seville which frequently get to above 39C, in the summer months.

With an abundance of historical cities, culture and gastronomy not to mention the great wines, along with the almost never ceasing sunshine it’s not unusual in the height of the summer to see children out with their parents in the bars and restaurants until the early hours.

The national eating habits makes it difficult to get an evening meal before 9.30 in the evening and lunchtime from 2ish until whenever, but tapas and tostadas are always available.

Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva and Málaga are the coastal provinces; Cordoba, Jaén and Seville are inland. Each province has its own gems and customs, some better known than others, but all unique and well worth an eye-opening visit, it’s tempting to try and rush a day or two in as many as possible, but don’t. Choose one main city and explore it, experience it and get to know it, then move on to the next one.