In the first of the Spain series, let me take you to Andalusia in southern Spain.
Southern Spain has lots of Moorish influences, having been invaded and ruled by Islamic armies for years. And Córdoba is no exception. The evidence is everwhere - from its architecture to its food.
In the 10th century Córdoba was said to be the most populous city in the world. However, today you'd be hard pressed to imagine it, especially if you come from a city like Mumbai! Córdoba truly caught my fancy for its quaintness and beauty - its whitewashed walls decorated with pots of flowers, its winding alleys leading to quiet courtyards, and its numerous churches of all shapes and sizes.
Inside, it is unlike any church you have ever seen - 'surreal' is the only word to describe it. Apart from installing chapels and a cathedral nave, the Christians left most of the Moorish architecture unchanged. The arcaded main hall has hundreds of pillars made of marble, granite and onyx, topped by double arches in alternating red and white stones. The highly ornate mihrab (the semi-cricular niche that denotes the direction of Mecca) is still retained. The mosque's minaret was converted into the church's bell tower. The massive complex houses the large Orange Tree Courtyard, which is planted with not just orange trees, but also palm, olive & cypress trees. 
Everywhere you turn, and especially down the Calleja de las Flores, the walls are studded with cobalt blue plant-holders from which burst a profusion of flowers and trailing vines. These gorgeous displays are on all year around, but every May, Córdoba really transforms into a riot of colours.
Patios are a standard feature in most homes in Córdoba since Roman times. Homes are centred around an inner courtyard, which is filled with plants, flowers and water fountains to keep the house cool. The Patio Festival is a chance to get a look inside the private courtyards, which are otherwise off-limits. Don't miss the Palacio de Viana (open all year around), which has not one, not two but twelve patios, all stunningly decorated!
Getting there
Turkish Airlines flies to Madrid via Istanbul. Take the AVE (Spain's high-speed train network) and you will be in Córdoba in less than 2 hours. Cordoba is also connected to most major cities in Spain by AVE.
Where to stay & eat in Cordoba
The gorgeous Las Casas De La Judería is an elegant, boutique hotel in the Jewish quarter of Córdoba. The hotel was a former stately home and retains its 14th-century architecture and charm - there are pretty patios, water fountains and cosy nooks, not to mention labyrinthian (and confusing) corridors that connect the rooms & restaurants. The 64 rooms are tastefully & uniquely done up; they are very spacious and filled with typical furniture, decorations, and artwork of the region.
La Fragua is an atmospheric restaurant just around the corner from the hotel, housed in a 15th-century building. You can get a taste of fresh and seasonal Andalusian cuisine - from the traditional Salmorejo (a gazpacho-like, cold soup made with tomatoes, bread, olive oil and garlic) to Berenjana con miel (deep-fried aubergine slices drizzled with honey). Wash down your meal with the locally-brewed artisanal Califa Beer or a glass of the dark ruby red, sweet wine Pedro Ximénex Amanecer.
La Fragua is an atmospheric restaurant just around the corner from the hotel, housed in a 15th-century building. You can get a taste of fresh and seasonal Andalusian cuisine - from the traditional Salmorejo (a gazpacho-like, cold soup made with tomatoes, bread, olive oil and garlic) to Berenjana con miel (deep-fried aubergine slices drizzled with honey). Wash down your meal with the locally-brewed artisanal Califa Beer or a glass of the dark ruby red, sweet wine Pedro Ximénex Amanecer. 
Disclosure - My visit to Córdoba was courtesy Tourism Office of Spain and Turkish Airlines.