Played San Roque New Course which has become one of my favourites in the Sotogrande area. The tees, fairways and greens could only be described as faultless.

Perhaps the fact that I actually won the match this time made the game and the course seem even better.

This is one course I would thoroughly recommend having played it several times and never been disappointed.

We last played here in October during a spell of exceptionally good weather yet the course could only be described as distinctly ’squelchy’ with water lying on most of the fairways which to make matters worse had not been cut in several days. As it had not rained in  days this seemed very odd.

We raised this with one of the course marshalls who seemed to have no explanation for the excessive water all over the course or the poor state of the fairways! All he could say was that no-one else had complained.

So cannot recommend Almenara which could only be described as scruffy and poorly maitained!

Casa de Pilatos

Located in the ancient Jewish quarter, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Casa de Pilatos is one of Sevilla’s most often visited sites. This 16th century mansion contains royal carriages, Greek and Roman statues and paintings by Goya. The home is filled with antique furniture and decorated with vases that would be notable even in the finest museums.

Equally stunning are the views of Sevilla from the patios. Standing amid architecture that is an interesting mixture of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance influences, Casa de Pilatos reflects the blend that is Sevilla itself. Stroll around the gardens briefly with the scent of oranges and you’ll never want to leave.

Alcazar

An even more often visited royal residence is Sevilla’s famed alcazar, a series of palaces that combine elements of the Mudejar, Gothic, Baroque and many more. Filled with stunning tapestries and equally awe-inspiring carved wooden ceilings, inlaid and featuring gold leaf, it is a highlight of any trip to the Andalucian city. Be sure not to miss the Ceiling Room of Carlos V or Felipe II, done in the Mudejar style.

The exterior is equally impressive, offering peaceful gardens that provide an oasis in this hectic Spanish city. The New Garden section houses a fascinating mixture of English and Moorish styles. The Pool of Mercury is a capstone to any tour that must include the Doña María de Padilla baths.

Sevilla Cathedral

Like many great cities, Sevilla doesn’t lack for buildings that have been public since their beginning. The Catedral de Sevilla is one of the more notable ones on view.

Constructed in the 16th century, it is by no means as old as churches in Europe go. But the style is surpassed by none. With an entrance similar to that of Notre Dame in Paris, it remains a favorite of visitors.

Inside there are over a thousand Biblical scenes around the walls, carved at a time when few churchgoers could read and hence had to learn the stories by seeing images. The High Altar is a masterpiece, gargantuan at 27 meters (88 feet) high and 18 meters (59 feet) wide. Yet the Gothic vault that hovers above is still higher at 37 meters (121 feet).

Not least of the attractions of the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Supported by four figures representing the four former Spanish kingdoms (Castile, Leon, Aragon and Navarre), it is a highlight of the visit.

Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes

Last, but far from least, one should never leave Sevilla without visiting one of the finest fine arts museums in Europe: the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes de Sevilla.

First opened to the public in 1841, it is housed in a former convent built in the early 17th century, the Convento de la Merced. There are works by the Spanish masters Francisco de Zurbaran and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, along with hundreds of other lesser known, but equally skilled artists.

The galleries are arranged around three courtyards that alone make the visit worthwhile. Surrounded by art from the 14th through the 18th centuries, visitors in this setting can easily imagine themselves transported back to those eras.

Stop at the Casa del Rey Moro. Built in the 1700s, a set of Moorish steps leads from the garden down to a delightful gorge. Look back up and enjoy a view that was once enjoyed by the King of Ronda himself.

See a still-functioning convent and church, the Church of Saint Isabel of the Angels, housed in buildings begun during the Moorish occupation of Spain. Established in the 16th century as an order of St Francis of Assisi, the convent has seen substantial restoration since the Spanish Civil War.

Step back even further in time and stroll around Espiritu Santo, the church of the Holy Spirit, begun in 1485. Constructed on the ruins of a mosque, one can still see touches of the earlier building here and there.

One of the oldest extant religious structures in Ronda is the Minarete de San Sebastian, one of the remains of a 14th century mosque. Renamed after King Alfonso drove the Moors from Spain, it is a marvel of period architecture. The stereotypical arch is dotted with turquoise ceramic tiles from the original construction.

Another church built on the ruins of a mosque is the Santa Maria La Mayor. It sports an outstanding Mirhab arch on which one can still clearly see many of the Moorish decorations from the period. Though begun in the late 15th century, it wasn’t completed until the end of the 17th. As a result, there is a mix of architectural styles that will fascinate those who look closely.

Be sure not to miss seeing the Moorish Baths, built in the 13th century and still very much the way they looked then. Constructed near the Arroyo de las Culebras (Stream of the Snakes), a waterwheel (now long gone) carried water through an aqueduct to feed them, similar to the Roman method.

But if viewing architecture is not enough to fill up your visit to Ronda, not to worry. Modern bullfighting has its home here in Spain’s oldest arena, the Ronda Bullring. Or, have a fine meal in the restaurant at the Hotel La Fonda and enjoy the view of the Alavero de los Banos. Take a stroll through the Mondragon Palace (Ronda Museum) and enjoy the gardens.

Not far outside the city is a great hike in Pinsapar, filled with refreshing trees and views of the mountains. Or, walk over to the edge of the Gargante Verde (Green Gorge), or down to the Moorish Mines.

When you visit Ronda, be prepared for some vigorous walking. There are hundreds of steps to some sights, and hills all around.

Not least of the attractions is The Alhambra, one of the most often visited sites in all Europe.

Built chiefly from 1338 to 1390, it served as the royal residence for many generations afterward. From the 740 meter (2400 feet) high terrace one gains a view of Granada which is matched only by the Mirador de San Nicolas at the other end of the city.

One of the most outstanding sights, a difficult choice among so many, is the Court of the Lions. A fountain supported by lions – a practically unknown element in Islamic architecture – is at the center of a large courtyard. Around the rim are dozens of medium height classic Moorish arches supported by highly decorative columns.

Not far from Alhambra are the renowned Generalife Gardens of Granada, a must-see for anyone looking for an oasis in what can be a very hot city at times. Originally begun in the 13th century, they continued to evolve long after. There is also an annual festival held here at The Patio de la Acequia, a particularly beautiful section based on an Oriental garden design.

One of the best views of the Alhambra is available from the aforementioned Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicin district. This high hill offers several fine cafes from which to sit and enjoy not only the palace but equally stunning views of the Peinador de la Reina, the Torres Bermejas and other outstanding features of Granada.

Here you can sip a glass of wine and enjoy the soft clicking of castanets and the low thump of bongos as you enjoy an unparalleled sunset.

Down in the valley below is the impressive Granada Cathedral. Constructed at a time when the architectural style of Spain was transitioning from Gothic to Renaissance, it is a stellar mix of the two. The Capilla Mayor is one of the highlights of any tour of the church. But there are also illuminated manuscripts, paintings by Botticelli and van der Weyden, and much more.

Stroll through the Capilla Real, the royal chapel, and sit on the very spot once occupied by Isabella of Spain before she met with Christopher Columbus. Then go visit the tomb containing the crypt of Isabella and her husband, Ferdinand.

Begun in 1523 at the height of the Queen’s reign, it wasn’t completed until the 18th century, taking just over 180 years to complete the work. The latter date is evident in the massive organs housed inside the cathedral.

The Rock of Gibraltar, of course, is famous. But that fame derives from much more than merely being a curiosity in a large body of crystal blue water.

Among other things, it is the home to several tribes of Barbary Macaques, tailless monkeys who were carried here centuries earlier by traders. The only wild monkeys in Europe, these residents of The Rock freely make their way around among the humans, stealing ice cream and cameras when they can. Tourists, be on guard.

Visit about 160 of them in the Apes Den at Queens Gate, or near the area of the Great Seige Tunnels. Part of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it’s perched 420m (1380 ft) above the water and also houses buzzards and Barbary partridges.

Further up, which can easily be reached by cable car, there are spectacular views of the Mediterranean as well as Spain, visible in the distance. Down below there is also much to see and do, not least of which is St. Michael’s Cave.

Actually a vast system of caves, full of stalagmites and stalactites, they are reminiscent of the caves of Nerja on the Spanish mainland. Used as a hospital during WWII, it now holds many wonders for the fit, a requirement to hike within. Not least of those is a huge auditorium where concerts are performed.

Nearby are the Seige Tunnels, built by the British during the Great Siege of the late 18th century. From 1779-1783 the French and Spanish laid siege to the British citizens of Gibraltar, but failed to drive them out. The tunnels were carved during those years in order to move and place artillery throughout the Rock of Gibraltar without being fired upon by the enemy. One such, known as The Notch, is over 600 feet (183 m) long.

Also not far away, and part of The Reserve, is the Moorish Castle. Built in the 14th century during the Moorish occupation of Spain, it is yet one more example of the diversity of Andalucia.

One of the most popular attractions of Gibraltar is the Governor’s House, also known as The Convent. The latter name derives from the ground’s use as a Franciscan convent from 1531-1704. Next door is the King’s Chapel, a small structure once part of the Franciscan convent, later the garrison church.

Guarded by soldiers of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, the changing of the guards is one of the highlights of any visit. As a British colony, Gibraltar maintains many of the traditions of the empire. Nowhere is this more evident than in the guard changing ceremony. Another is the fact that the site has been the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar, officially a British subject, since 1728. At first glance, things seem to have changed little since then.

The Mezquita of Cordoba is one that would easily make the list. Built in 785 AD by the local ruler of the time, it remains one of the city’s most outstanding tourist attractions. Original mosaics still cover the walls and floors. Its red and white arches beckon visitors to enter and see them. The large horseshoe shapes were constructed from onyx, marble and granite and would be considered works of art anywhere.

Once inside, even older parts are visible, including the remains of the Visigothic church on which Moors built the mosque. ‘New’ features are just as prominent, including the 13th century nave built after the Moorish rulers were driven out during the long Reconquest period. Walking among the dozens of columns it’s easy to imagine living in those days.

Next door is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress built by and for the conquerers. Today, that war is an item in history books that won’t intrude on the peaceful atmosphere created by the numerous gardens and fountains in the interior. Watermills on the nearby Guadalquivir River supply the water that irrigates the plants.

Begun in 1328 AD, it was the site at which Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbus before he set sail. It also served as one seat of the Holy Inquisition, begun by her in 1492. Walking past the gardens one finds many ancient Arab-style baths covered with Roman mosaics. This is typical of the cosmopolitan city that is Cordoba.

Behind the mosque is La Juderia, the ancient Jewish quarter. This warren of narrow passageways holds many of Cordoba’s finest restaurants, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. There are also souvenir shops, bars and sidewalk cafes.

Along one of the streets is a synagogue built in the 14th century. Among other delightful sights, it holds a monument to the famed philosopher Maimonides, who lived in the city during the 12th century.

An excellent view of these sights, and many others, can be gained from atop the Torre de la Calahorra. Built in 1369 to serve as a defensive tower, it now supplies one of Cordoba’s most spectacular tourist thrills.

Located next to the ancient Roman Bridge, the tower was used as a prison in the 18th century and later, in the 19th, as a school for women. Today it houses the Living Museum of Al-Andalus, which contains many interesting bits of information about this Andalucian city.

One of the sights visible from the tower is the Palacio Museo de Viana, one of the few royal palaces accessible to visitors here. Just past the entrance is the carriage house where one can see many examples of this fine mode of transport used by its former residents.

Visitors can enjoy any of twelve different courtyards, each with a distinctive air. Some of that air is scented with jasmine, bougainvillea and wisteria. The sights are equally lovely, thanks to the orange and lemon trees, along with an ancient Holm oak.

Be sure to leave time to visit the Museo de Bellas Artes in Plaza del Potro. It offers many works by Spanish masters, including Goya, Murillo and Zurbaran. The museum houses paintings and sculpture from the 14th through the 20th centuries. Outside is an outstanding sculpture of a stallion in a fountain created in 1557.

Get a view of the whole city and the harbor by climbing to the top of the Torre Tavira. Cadiz once proudly boasted over a hundred such towers and this is one of the finest still in existence. It also houses one of the earliest known examples of a camera obscura, a ‘pinhole’ camera device. In this case it’s formed from darkened rooms with mirrors that project views of the city beyond onto screens.

Any tourist lucky enough to find him or herself in Cadiz will want to visit the city’s famed Catedral de Cadiz. The magnificent 50-meter high dome is alone worth the walk. Begun in the early 18th century, the cathedral was completed in 1838. Yet the design harkens back centuries earlier, incorporating many elements of Spain’s Moorish past.

To see some truly ancient works visit The Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum in Plaza de Mina. Here you’ll find a large collection of relics from the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. But it also houses a number of fine paintings by the 17th century Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran.

Naturally, visitors to the Andalucian coast of Spain will want to take advantage of some of Europe’s finest beaches to soak up some sun. With over a mile of golden sand stretching along the warm Mediterranean waters, it’s the perfect place to sit at a sidewalk cafe and have a bit of the local sherry.

Not far away are the giant Ficus trees in the gardens near Playa la Caleta. These wider-than-your-arms-outstretched trees are like nothing you’ve ever seen in a botanical garden. Part of the Alameda Apocada waterfront park, there are also several beautiful tiled fountains in the area. Take a stroll along the stone pier and you’ll have memories for a lifetime.

There are other sites of natural beauty in and around Cadiz apart from the handsome population, that is. Not far from the city the Sierra de Grazalema natural park offers dozens of limestone cliffs, caves and over 50,000 acres of greenery to explore. The cliff walls tower 400m/1300ft above the Garganta Verde gorge and houses a colony of vultures that are a must-see for any nature lover.

Cadiz is the perfect place in Andalucia to feel young, among sights that are as old as civilization itself.

Wine is produced in many areas of Spain. The hot sun and Mediterranean breezes make for some stellar Palomino grapes. But the capital of one type – sherry – has to be assigned to Jerez de la Frontera, a city in the Cadiz section of Andalucia. The very name means ’sherry’, a derivative of the Arabic word for this sweet nectar.

The nearby beaches of white sand backed by majestic mountains get an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. That makes this area on the Spanish coast the perfect spot to have a winery and the locals take good advantage of the opportunity. Yet, unlike many wine growing regions, the wineries are actually in the center of town. That gives an idea of how revered this fine art is in Cadiz.

The Valdespino winery, for example, dates back to 1264 when the then-recently reestablished Christian king granted 30 acres of land to one of his grateful knights.

After creating sherry for centuries, their produce was discovered (or so the legend goes) by Sir Francis Drake, who carried many barrels back to England. From there the beverage’s fame spread all over the world. More than 700 years later, the Valdespino winery is still making sherry. The story is easy to believe given the number of British winemakers still active here.

Nestled near the Costa de la Luz, south of Sevilla, a trip to the bodegas (wineries) is practically a must when visiting the province. Many of them today offer a delightful mixture of multimedia presentation and personally-guided walk. That’s the best of both worlds, since visitors can share the enthusiasm of the owners first hand while getting a wider view of what’s on offer.

The González Byass is one of the highest rated wineries of Jerez, thanks to a combination of fine product, an outstanding tour and a dome designed by the creator of the Eiffel Tower. Pedro Domecq is another local favorite, featuring outstanding sherry served under arches that resemble those of Cordoba’s famed La Mezquita.

On the way there one is highly likely to pass a group of flamenco dancers in the Gypsy quarter that will entertain in much the same way their forebears have for generations. Jerez’s peña flamenca style is particularly admired as representing the peak of this Andalucian art of dance.

It’s easy to catch a show by simply stopping into any of the local tapas bars and having a fine meal and a glass of the local vino. The town itself offers wide, uncrowded streets that are shaded by large palms and populated by friendly citizens.

Along with the bodega tours one should make time to see the famed dancing horses of the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art. It’s a rousing show in one of the country’s most relaxed atmospheres in an already very laid back area of Spain. Come visit and see for yourself why Jerez rightly deserves the title ‘Sherry Capital of the World’.

Madrid, Barcelona. These are among the most well-known and sought after vacation spots in Spain. But there is another region, one on the Mediterranean that deserves equal time: Andalucia. Here, tourists will find a golden land, filled with things to do that even experienced travelers will find new and surprising.

There is the mighty port city of Cadiz, in the province of the same name. With roots stretching back to the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, it’s no surprise that the sights cover the period since. The fine arts museum and the famed cathedral, completed in the 19th century, are only two of the more recent.

In Jerez de la Frontera, also part of Cadiz province, there is the Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecuestre horse show. The horses are young, but their ancestors have been part of this region for thousands of years. Some of the bodegas have been making sherry for nearly that long, too.

Even older are the famed caves of Nerja near Malaga. Discovered only in 1959, they have been the subject of archaeological exploration ever since. But one need not be Indiana Jones to appreciate the fascinating stalactites, one of which is nearly 100 feet high. For those who enjoy more modern delights, the opportunity to hear a contemporary concert inside a billion year old cave is an experience not to be missed.

On the other hand, Malaga Cathedral may not be anywhere near so ancient, but the views within are just as awe-inspiring. While exploring things old and new, don’t miss seeing the Alcazaba fortress here, either, which contains a bit of both. The fortress dates ‘only’ from the Moorish occuption of the Middle Ages. But the Roman amphitheater nearby dates from the 2nd century AD.

Religious architecture is abundant in Ronda. The Espiritu Santo, begun in 1485, is only the beginning of the marvels to be found here. The Santa Maria La Mayor provides a good look at the transition between Moorish and Spanish Renaissance, especially since it took nearly 200 years to complete.

Speaking of interesting mixtures, visitors curious about Spain’s heritage will want to spend time in Cordoba. Another of Andalucia’s historic cities, it rose to prominence during the five-century Moorish occupation. There’s no more fascinating example of what can be seen here than The Mezquita (Spanish for ‘mosque’). Built on a torn down Visigothic church, it is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest instances of Islamic architecture anywhere.

Next door is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress built by those who drove the Moors south during the long Reconquest. Begun in 1328, it has been the site of everything from the grandeur of Queen Isabella receiving Christopher Columbus before he sailed to the beginning of the dreaded Inquisition.

La Juderia, the ancient Jewish quarter nearby, is equally deserving of a visit. This maze of narrow streets holds a 14th century synagogue that is among the wonders of the medieval world. It offers also modern delights in the form of many of the city’s best cafes and bars.

Fortresses dot Spain, just as they do much of Europe. But few are as fascinating as one in Granada: The Alhambra. Built during the mid-14th century, it is set atop a terrace over 2,400 feet high. The views looking up at it or down from it are both amazing.

Then there is, ahh… hardly last, Sevilla. A ‘mere’ 2,500 years old, it too is filled with some of the most spectacular sights not only of Spain but all Europe.

The 16th century mansion here called Casa de Pilatos holds everything from Greek and Roman statues to paintings by Goya. Not to be outdone, there is the world famous alcazar. This series of palaces that combine Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque elements is often voted among the architectural wonders of the world by experts.

Sevilla also offers one of the continent’s best-kept fine arts museum secrets: the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes. Francisco de Zurbaran is only one of many Spanish masters with works on display here.

Come to Andalucia a few days before Easter and you’ll be treated to the sights and sounds of Semana Santa, the Holy Week. During the festival you’ll be treated to one of Spain’s most exciting events.

In a land that offers so many, that’s a difficult claim to live up to. Visit Andalucia and see why it’s no idle boast.