Rota / Andalusia, Spain

"This is how Spaniards eat. Every bar has free tapas with drinks."

In Cadiz province, many bars still give a free tapa with every drink ordered — jamón ibérico, tortilla española, salmorejo, boquerones. The way to eat in Andalusia is tapeo — moving from bar to bar, one drink and tapa at each. The locals know which bars have the best tapas.

"Atlantic seafood in an Andalusian beach town."

Rota's beach restaurants serve fresh Atlantic seafood — langostinos de Sanlúcar (the region's famous prawns), fresh fish (urta, dorada, lubina), and coquinas (small clams) in garlic and white wine. Simple, exceptional, and very affordable.

"The world's best manzanilla is made 15 minutes from base."

Sanlúcar de Barrameda produces the world's best manzanilla sherry — a bone-dry, tangy fortified wine that pairs perfectly with fresh seafood. Bodega tours are excellent and tasting rooms give you 3-4 wines for a few euros.

"The oldest city in Western Europe. 3,000 years of history."

Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western world — founded by Phoenicians around 1100 BC. The cathedral, the old city walls, and the Tavira Tower (Camera Obscura) are extraordinary. The Cadiz Carnival (February) is the most famous in Spain outside Rio.

"One of Europe's great wildlife reserves. Spanish lynx and flamingos."

Doñana is Europe's most important wetland — the wintering ground for millions of migratory birds, home to the critically endangered Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle. Jeep safaris into the park are excellent.

"The most beautiful building in Spain. Possibly in the world."

The Alhambra palace complex in Granada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the finest example of Moorish architecture in existence — intricate carved plasterwork, geometric tile work, water features, and the Generalife gardens above the city.

"The Atlantic Coast of Light. Wild, wide beaches."

The Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) runs north and south of Rota with wide Atlantic beaches backed by pine forests. Less developed and more windswept than the Mediterranean Costa del Sol — surfing, kiteboarding, and long walks on largely empty sand.

"White villages, gorges, and Iberian vultures. 1 hour inland."

Grazalema is Europe's "rainiest spot" and has extraordinary gorges, wildflowers in spring, and the famous Ruta del Torreón hiking route. The white villages (pueblos blancos) of the Sierra are among the most beautiful in Spain.

"The flamenco capital. One of Europe's most beautiful cities. 90 minutes."

Seville is 1.5 hours from Rota — the Alcázar palace (still in royal use), the Gothic Cathedral (Giralda tower), La Triana neighborhood (flamenco bars, ceramics), and the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril festivals that are two of the greatest spectacles in Europe.

"Sherry wine, Andalusian horses, and flamenco. 30 minutes north."

Jerez is the home of sherry (Jerez = Sherry) and the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre — a Spanish horsemanship school with breathtaking performances. The bodegas of Jerez produce everything from dry fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.

"Africa is 35 minutes from Tarifa by ferry."

Tarifa is the southernmost point of Europe — 14km from Africa. Ferries to Tangier and Ceuta run frequently. A day trip to Morocco for the medina, tajine, and mint tea is an extraordinary experience for families.