Seville, the largest city in Andalucia, is one of Spain's most fascinating spots. And as well as being the most atmospheric of the great cities of Spain, Seville is one of the most intensive in terms of sights, beginning with the emblematic Giralda, Seville Cathedral's bell tower, which you will probably spy on your approach to the city.

Seville's blend of cultures, splendid climate and laid-back lifestyle combine to make it one of the most romantic places in the world - appropriately, for this is the city of the world's most legendary lover and cad, be he called Don Juan, Don Giovanni, or Don Juan Tenorio, and home to Carmen herself. The flamenco form called Sevillanas is one of the catchiest, most accessible types of flamenco and, it being a collective dance, tourists are often tempted to join in.

Seville was renamed Išbiliyyah by the Moors, who took it almost immediately when they conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 711. Their influence lasted until the reconquest reached Seville in 1248, and even persisted thereafter - the historic centre has a decidedly Arabian feel to it, created by the Moorish elements in the architecture.