DK Travel : Andalucía and Costa del Sol

The diverse and politically semi-autonomous region of Andalucía has a population of some 7 million and embodies what is thought of as typically Spanish – an accurate portrait of the place and its people must include the bullfight, flamenco, gypsies, remote white villages, high sierras and mass tourism on endless stretches of beach. The memories you take with you after a visit here will be colourful, joyous, intense and deeply stirring.

Bar La Reja, Écija

This local favourite offers a wide choice of tapas and raciones and the leisurely atmosphere invites sitting around and eavesdropping on local gossip.
Bar Lalo, Aroche

A little bar with balconies looking on to the plaza. For something different try the local liqueur made from bellotas (acorns).
Bar Plaza, Carmona

In the heart of town, with terrace seating out in the square, this is a great little place for tapas . Go for the assortment menu if you want to be adventurous. One of the specialities is the rustic stew pisto , a concoction of vegetables with a poached egg.
Bar San Lorenzo

Virtually the same since it opened in 1893; expect a littered floor, old wood, lots of regulars and some choice comestibles. An Alameda district institution.
Baraka, Córdoba

For good-quality souvenirs this is likely spot. Choose from ceramics, leather goods, glassware and other accessories, all handmade.
Barbacoa Coloniales

On a pleasant square, between the Iglesia San Salvador and the Convento de Santa Paula, lies this old-fashioned bar. The walls are decorated with faded photos of Seville in an earlier era.
Barrio de Triana

This quarter, once home to Seville’s gypsies, was known for producing flamenco artists and bullfighters. It still creates fine ceramics (see Cerámica Santa Ana).
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Murillo (1618–82) was the most successful of the Baroque painters from Seville. He received countless commissions to produce devotional works, notably the many Immaculate Conceptions seen in Andalucía.
Beer

Cruz Campo is a local, Pilsner-type cerveza (beer) that is among Spain’s best.
Boabdil

The final Moorish ruler (r.1482–92) lost Granada to the Catholic Monarchs.