START IN STYLE: SEVILLE

Home of the fiesta, flamenco, tapas and medieval cobblestone alleyways, Seville is an ancient blend of Christian and Moorish architecture. Spend the morning basking in the Gothic splendour of Seville Cathedral. The intricately carved, gold covered altar, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and views from the ‘La Giralda’ bell tower are mesmerising. The Alcázar of Seville, one of Europe’s most ornate royal palaces, is another legendary UNESCO landmark, complete with fountains and peacocks sauntering about.
Hire a bicycle and discover the vast Parque de María Luisa – a green and pleasant space to escape the heat. Dotted with duck ponds and tranquil gardens, relax here before visiting the nearby Museo Arqueológico, and Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares that’s dedicated to Andalusian customs and costumes.
But the city’s not all ancient history. You literally can’t miss the 30 metre-high Metropol Parasol that opened in 2011. This giant, wooden sunshade with its undulating honeycomb roof and mushroom-like pillars lets you take a lift up to the winding walkway at the top.