Ronda

What Ronda is really like: the Puente Nuevo over the El Tajo gorge, a Moorish old town and an easy day trip inland from the Costa del Sol.

Málaga

What Malaga is really like: the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, Picasso’s birthplace, La Malagueta beach and a walkable Costa del Sol capital.

What Barcelona is really like: Gaudi landmarks, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach and an easy-to-walk Mediterranean capital in Catalonia.

What La Línea de la Concepción is really like: sandy beaches with Rock-of-Gibraltar views, a walkable border and an easy base for the bay.

What San Fernando is really like: Camposoto beach, salt flats, Carnival roots and easy Cádiz access on the Costa de la Luz.

What Algeciras is really like: the historic Plaza Alta, Getares beach, Strait of Gibraltar views, and ferries to Morocco on the Costa de la Luz.

What Motril is really like: Costa Tropical beaches, 1,000 years of sugar-cane history, a local rum distillery, and ferries to North Africa.

What Almería is really like: the free-entry Alcazaba fortress, the fortress-cathedral, old-town tapas, and the gateway to Cabo de Gata beaches.

What Murcia is really like: the Baroque cathedral, the Real Casino, huerta tapas on Plaza de las Flores, and the gateway to Costa Calida beaches.

Guide to Canet de Berenguer — the Blue Flag Racó beach, Sagunto’s neighbour on the Costa de Valencia, and a quieter base 30 minutes from Valencia.