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This beachside establishment has al fresco tables so you can people-watch while sampling tasty tapas . The speciality is, of course, fresh fish and seafood. Try raya (skate) in one of its various manifestations.

Now a part of Seville University, this handsome 18th-century edifice is the second-largest building in Spain, after El Escorial in Madrid. Famous for its fun-loving female workers, who at one time rolled three-quarters of Europe’s cigars, the old factory has been immortalized by Carmen , the world’s most popular opera. The doomed heroine, a hot-blooded gypsy cigarrera, remains, for many, the incarnation of Spanish passion.

The Granada-born writer (1898–1936) was also an artist, musician, theatre director and more. Homosexual and Socialist too, he was murdered by Franco’s Nationalists at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His work shows his love for Andalucían culture.

A native of Seville, this left-wing leader (1982–96) brought rapid change to Spain and to Andalucía, which was given relative autonomy.

Felipe V (1700–46) had his court in Seville until a claim to the throne by Archduke Charles of Austria led to the War of Spanish Succession.

Held in Seville two weeks after Easter, this is the largest fair in Spain (see Seville).

Late summer and autumn sees the traditional matanza (slaughter) of pigs and several celebrations of ham, notably in Trevélez.

This fair in Jerez de la Frontera centres on Andalucían horses.

The olive is celebrated in the Jaén province town of Martos.

The Festival of the Crosses celebrates the discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century by St Helena. Modes of veneration vary widely in the region, but may include competitions for producing the most gorgeous flower-decked cross.