Cadiz

Friday, midday

Cadiz is famous amongst Spaniards as a beach destination so check in by a gorgeous sweep of Atlantic sand at luxurious Melia Sancti Petri ( doubles from £ 150, www. melia. com).

1pm

Head into Cadiz and a tapas lunch around the Mercado Central, which has recently been brilliantly refurbished to become a real foodie magnet.

2: 30pm

Enjoy a wander around an old town alive with the ghosts of the Phoenicians and Romans in what is said to be Europe’s oldest city.

4pm

Cadiz is awash with grand ecclesiastical buildings. The most impressive is Cadiz Cathedral, a real hotchpotch of styles. Make sure to climb one of the bell towers for epic views.

8pm

Dine al fresco back at the Melia in Agua. Try the local grilled langoustines simply grilled followed by sea bass cooked in a salt crust, washed down with a crisp Cadiz Province white wine, before a stroll along the beach.

Saturday, 9am

Drive to Puerto de Santa Maria to explore the sherry tradition at Osborne, a bodega with rich layers of history.

Midday

Seafood is the star in this part of the world. Order the fried hake speciality at Casa Paco Ceballos ( Calle Ribera del Marisco). A medium portion will suffice as the racions are massive.

1: 30pm

Catch the ferry across to Cadiz old town to appreciate its spectacular setting surrounded by the Atlantic on three sides, hinting at its glorious maritime past.

3pm

Sift through the myriad layers of Cadiz’s story at the Museum of Cadiz. Roman remnants rub shoulders with fine arts, with paintings by Miró.

7pm

Choose between the seafood restaurant and the tapas bar at El Faro de Cadiz ( www. elfarodecadiz. com).

Sunday, 9am

Laze by one of the hotel swimming pools or enjoy a dip in the Atlantic just outside. ■

Robin Mckelvie

Easyjet fly to Seville ( www. easyjet. com) from Edinburgh with returns from £ 124.22. A car is the best mode of transport. Holiday Autos can arrange