Famous

Under the Nasrids, it was the site of the early 14^th century Palace. Later, when the Catholic Monarchs were besieging Granada, Queen Isabella I of Castile vowed that, after the victory, she would build a shrine in the Alhambra to her beloved Saint Francis.

A five-star hotel, spa and golf resort, Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol is considered by many to be one of the finest hotels in Spain. Most of Andalucia's landmark hotels - ones which are well known for their unusual or visually stunning buildings - are housed in historic buildings: old convents, castles or palaces. But a few are in cleverly-designed modern structures - though you'd never know it.

Located on La Barrosa beach, on the Costa de la Luz, this sleek, modern hotel with Andalucian features has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa, and is located near three golf courses. The Gran Melia Sancti Petri is the only five-star GL hotel in Cadiz province.

Built in the style of a traditional Alpine lodge, with a dramatic setting of snow-capped mountains, this hotel is located in the resort of Monachil at 2400m above sea level, and has direct access to ski runs – you can ski right to the door. It is the only five-star hotel in the Sierra Nevada.

This beachfront hotel is named after a Roman bridge, which is at the centre of its lush grounds. Situated on Marbella's Golden Mile, the Puente Romano boasts nine bars and restaurants, including Japanese and Italian.

Michelle Obama chose this hotel to stay in during her visit to Marbella in 2010. A grand Italianate palace decorated in classical style, with an elegant and exclusive air which attracts many other celebrities, it hosts the annual Starlite Gala charity event.

The Parador of Granada enjoys one of the most unforgettable locations in Spain: inside the celebrated Alhambra complex of Christian and Moorish palaces, set high on a hilltop above Granada.

The Jaen Parador, also known as the Parador de Santa Catalina, has a spectacular setting: it is in a restored castle on a hill overlooking the ancient city of Jaen, and the countryside and mountains beyond. In Andalucia.

This classy beachfront hotel is an institution in Andalucia's most glamorous beach resort, with a fascinating history and a cachet other establishments would kill for. Marbella is famous for its mild microclimate, enjoying more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Europe.

This five-star GL hotel, near Loja in Granada province, is world-famous; it has been described as a cross between a parador and a pueblo blanco. Placido Domingo, Tom Cruise and King Juan Carlos of Spain have all stayed here.

The proudest hotel in the city of Algeciras is the Hotel Reina Cristina. Kings and Queens have stayed there. So have statesmen such as Churchill and Roosevelt and film stars like Rock Hudson and Deborah Kerr. Hotel Reina Cristina was opened in 1901 and the building includes ancient ruins. There are parts of an 8th-Century Mosque and a Moorish well. The hotel is next to Algeciras Port. The beach is 10 minutes away.