I have fallen in love with Spain’s Andalusia region. The history and diversity of the area is breathtaking! I’ll take you on a visual tour of the “white villages”, amazing Sentil de las Bodegas, fabulous Ronda, and finish with beautiful Marbella. On a future post we’ll visit fabulous Grenada and Seville.

The rugged beauty of the “Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema.”

The road heads leads to a “Pueblos Blancos”, or “White Village” nestled in the mountains. There are a number of fascinating white-washed villages in this region.

The ancient town square of Grazelema.

A definite must on a trip to Andalusia is one of the most unusual places I’ve ever seen, “Sentinel de las Bodegas.” Many of the buildings are literally under and into rock overhangs. The town’s history dates back at least to the Roman period and possibly thousands of years earlier.

Overhanging rocks over cafes and shops in the town.

It is such a fascinating and unusual place.

The natural world dictates how architecture must adapt.

The beautiful city of Ronda is a must on any itinerary.

This aerial view shows the deep gorge (El Tajo) which separates the city’s circa-15th-century new town from its old town, dating to Moorish rule.

“Puente Nuevo”, or”New Bridge”, towers 390 feet above the canyon below. The building of the bridge commenced in 1751 and took until 1793 to complete.

The town has wonderful walkways for viewing the gorgeous surroundings and the valley below.

The views from the terrace of the beautiful Catalonia Reina Victoria Hotel.

Ronda has drawn many famous writers and artists over the years. Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Welles both spent time in Ronda. Statues for both men are in the Paseo de Blas Infante. Hemingway loved Ronda & Anadalucia and some of his novels take place here.

Though bullfighting is banned in much of Spain, the rules are somewhat different in Andalucia.

We say goodbye to gorgeous Ronda.

After all the Andalucia exploring it is time for a relaxing seaside break. Marbella is a jewel on Spain’s Costa del Sol with lovely beaches, international restaurants galore, an enchanting old town, and October weather in the mid-seventies.

Marla admires a Salvador Dali bronze sculpture on the Avenida Del Mar.

There are 10 Dali sculptures on the Avenida Del Mar.

We walked through “Parque de la Constitucion” on our way to explore Marbella’s Old Town.

I’m admiring the painted ceramic tiles on the fountain.

The area is full of tiny shops and cafes.

Plaza de los Naranjos is a beautiful square in town.

The Old Town is known for its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, quaint squares, and a rich history that dates back to Roman times.

Marla gets into the beach groove at Fontanilla Beach.

I’m having fresh grilled sea bass.

These Marbella card playing regulars have wind protection down to a science!

PHOTOS: Dick Gentry (except aerial Ronda photo). Not to be used without permission.