Málaga, on the Costa del Sol, blends golden beaches, mild Mediterranean weather and mountain shelter. One of the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago, it was shaped by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Highlights include the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, 30+ museums, Picasso's museum, Centre Pompidou, lively street art, chic dining and traditional porra antequerana. Nearby white villages add Andalusian charm.

Cádiz, on the Costa de la Luz, is an elegant seaport and one of Europe's oldest inhabited cities, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Its beaches-especially La Caleta and La Victoria-are among Spain's best, and its history and culture are equally rich. Las Puertas de Tierra lead into the old center, with barrios like La Viña and Santa María, a cradle of flamenco. Nearby, Andalusian horses, Jerez sherry, and Seville's Alcázar and Plaza de España add to the region's appeal.

Tangier, the dreamy "White City" where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, offers a labyrinthine medina, mint tea in Grand Socco, white-sand beaches, and the Caves of Hercules with its Africa-shaped sea window. At night, try Populaire Saveur de Poison for shark and baby squid tagine, or visit the legendary Gran Café de Paris, a literary landmark since 1927 and seen in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Marbella, on Spain's Costa del Sol, is a stylish seaside resort backed by the Sierra Blanca. Its beaches include Playa de Venus and Playa Casablanca, with upscale dining nearby. In the historic Casco Antiguo, Plaza de los Naranjos is a charming square shaded by orange trees and lined with cafés. By the waterfront, Avenida del Mar displays 10 bronze Dalí sculptures, and nearby Puerto Banús is a yacht-filled marina known for luxury shopping.

Founded by Carthaginians circa 220 BC, Cartagena has one of the world's oldest naval bases and rich Roman archaeology. Highlights include the 1st-century Roman theater, Barrio del Foro Romano, Casa de la Fortuna, and the Punic Wall Interpretation Center. The ARQUA Museum displays finds from off Murcia's coast, and Castillo de la Concepción offers panoramic views. Beyond history, Cartagena has coves, beaches, fine dining, and activities for divers, hikers, golfers, and windsurfers.

Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands, is known for La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria over the bay, the nearby Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle, which houses the city museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum has 70 works by major 20th-century Spanish avant-garde artists. Mallorca also offers beaches, shopping on Jaime III and Passeig del Born, and sights like the monastery where George Sand and Chopin stayed and Cuevas del Drach.

La Ràpita is a seaside town of promenades, blue Mediterranean waters, and easy sea dips. At its edge lies the Ebro Delta, with shimmering rice fields, salt flats, and lagoons tinted pink by flamingos. Local rice becomes steaming paellas, often with prized tuna from nearby waters. Its history blends Moorish origins, a medieval monastic community, and Bourbon-era redesigns that shaped its squares, churches, and viewpoints, making it one of Catalonia's most distinctive corners.

Barcelona is a walkable global city known for breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, bustling markets, parks, and fashion. Start at Montjuïc Castle for city views, then visit the Joan Miró and National Art Museum. Spend a day in the Gothic Quarter and Museu Picasso. The city is especially famous for Antoni Gaudí's work, from La Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Along La Rambla, you'll find more architecture, designer shopping, and great tapas.