Seville
Andalucia's compact capital is an ideal place to acquaint yourself with the Spanish way of life. Flamenco and fiestas, tapas and bullfights are all on offer in this seductive city.
Arrive
Ryanair (website: www.ryanair.com) flies direct from Liverpool and London Stansted and Iberia (website: www.iberia.com) flies direct from London Heathrow.
Why now?
Seville isn't for the faint-hearted during its peak summer months, as it scorches under an intense sun. But the city's average temperature in October is a pleasant 26°C (79°F), making it the perfect time to visit the city.
See
Don't miss the 15th-century cathedral (website: www.catedralsevilla.org). This gargantuan building is the world's largest gothic temple and third largest Christian church after St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London. La Giralda (the bell tower) affords the best views of Seville's terracotta and white cityscape.
Do
Get your adrenaline rushing at Isla Magica (website: www.islamagica.es), a multi-ride amusement park themed around the golden days of Seville's illustrious seafaring trade. Not quite what you'd expect from an old town like Seville, but fun all the same.
Taste
Egaña Oriza is one of Seville's most upmarket restaurants, serving beautifully presented Basque cuisine.
If you're on a budget, El Rinconcillo is a cheap and charismatic bar/restaurant dating back to 1670 and purported to be the birthplace of tapas.
Shop
If you want something uniquely Spanish head to Seville's best open-air markets, Mercadillo de Los Jueves, Plaza Alameda de Hércules (Thursday 0700-1500) and the Mercadillo del Duque y la Magdalena, Plaza del Duque/Plaza de la Magdalena (Thursday to Sunday 1000-2100).
Night Out
A good starting point to the evening is at one of the bars in the Santa Cruz district. From there, Calle Betis and Plaza Alfalfa is where the in-crowd parties until the early hours.
Sleep
Casa Romana (website: www.hotelcasaromana.com) is a light and airy boutique hotel centred around two internal patios and located close to the main shopping area.
If you're after something cheaper, Londres offers simple and clean rooms within easy striking distance of all the main sights and attractions.
Did you know?
Seville is said to be the setting for the legend of Don Juan who left a trail of broken hearts, angry husbands, and outraged fathers.
01 October 2007
