The largest city on the Costa del Sol, Malaga features Moorish-inspired hilltop citadels, outstanding art galleries and a nightlife that is unrivalled in Spain. Witness personal belongings and early artworks of Pablo Picasso at his childhood home and admire Europe’s largest collection of musical instruments at the Interactive Museum of Music. Kick back on the sands of La Malagueta and feast on skewered sardines at one of the beachfront chiringuito bars.

One of Spain’s most ecologically important areas, the Sierra de la Grazalema is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the first national park to be designated in Andalusia. It features rugged limestone cliffs, Spanish fir forests and dramatic gorges while being home to colonies of threatened Egyptian vultures. Marvel at the spectacular galleries of the Hundidero-Gato cave and bunk down in the charming white pueblos beneath Pico del Reloj and Pico de San Cristóbal.

The enchanting capital of Andalusia, Seville is renowned for its monumental Gothic cathedral and the Mudéjar castle complex of Alcázar, as well as atmospheric medieval streets that are packed with flamenco clubs. Soak up the city views from the bell tower of La Giralda and stand on a real-life “Star Wars” set at the Plaza de España, then party until the early hours in the open-air nightclubs of Isla Cartuja.

The sun-drenched capital of the Algarve, Faro features charming Iberian and Moorish-inspired buildings overlooking the North Atlantic. The cobblestone streets of its historic centre are accessed through the monumental Arco da Vila, with the 13th-century Faro Cathedral adorned in stunning azulejos tile work. Kick back on the lively sands of Praia de Faro or jump aboard a boat to explore the bird-filled lagoons and picturesque beaches of the Ria Formosa.

Sprawling across seven hills overlooking the River Tagus, Lisbon is the energetic capital of Portugal and just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic beaches. It combines ancient ruins and atmospheric cobblestone streets with striking modern architecture, outstanding museums and eclectic neighbourhoods. Take in the sweeping views from the Moorish-inspired São Jorge Castle and admire the beautiful tile work at the National Azulejo Museum, then discover the lively nightlife in the streets of Bairro Alto.

Serving as the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra centres around a beautifully preserved old town and its Romanesque Sé Velha cathedral. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest universities that is renowned for its magnificent baroque library and boasts a lively student atmosphere in its alternative bars and cafes. Soak up the city views while kayaking on the Mondego River and listen to the distinctive sounds of Coimbra Fado performed on traditional guitarras.

Famed for its fortified port wine, Porto clusters around the medieval Ribeira district on the banks of the Douro River. It’s home to the lavish 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa and its Moorish-inspired Arab Room, as well as the highly-ornate Church of São Francisco. Sample its world-renowned port on a tour of the Vila Nova de Gaia cellars and admire the cutting-edge contemporary artworks at the acclaimed Serralves Museum.

Perched on a plateau near the Spanish border, Bragança is the historic capital of Portugal’s Trás-os-Montes (“Behind the Mountains”) region. It’s home to 12th-century castle ruins and the intriguing Romanesque building of Domus Municipalis, as well as a fascinating folklore and cultural museum exhibiting traditional costumes and masks. Dine in one of the charming restaurants in the historic Cidadela and go hiking through the wildlife-filled landscapes of Montesinho Natural Park.

Renowned for its ancient Roman aqueduct and diverse architectural landmarks, Segovia is a UNESCO-listed city backed by the Sierra de Guadarrama. It’s dominated by the Alcázar that perches on a rocky crag overlooking Segovia and boasts a fascinating history as a fortress, royal palace and state prison. Discover the regional specialties at the Gastronomic Museum of Segovia and wander through the stunning gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja in nearby San Ildefonso.

Exuding an infectious energy, the Spanish capital of Madrid is home to extravagant palaces and world-class museums. Famous works by Spanish masters are displayed at the world-renowned Prado while the Palacio Real features stunning rooms adorned in royal artefacts and frescoes. Feast on artisan local produce in the Mercado de San Miguel, experience the passion of a flamenco show and make a pilgrimage to see Real Madrid play at the Santiago Bernabeu.