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This organic wine producer employs an old system called solera , in which young wines on top are blended with older ones below, until they mature.

Brandy is distilled in Cádiz Province, Córdoba Province and Huelva Province.

This brandy is made by ageing wine spirits in casks that have previously been used to age sherry. It is sweeter and more caramelized than French brandy.

All along the coast, you will encounter whole baby calamares (squids) served grilled – the essence of simplicity and delicious as long as they are fresh. A common alternative is to cut them into rings and batter-fry them – again, if they are fresh, they will taste sweet and tender. A complete fritura de pescado or fritura mixta (mixed fish fry) might add anchovies, prawns, chunks of cod or whatever is good that day.

A 15th-century mansion, embellished with mosaics from Itálica.

Ceramics come in almost as many styles and forms as there are towns – items as diverse as traditional azulejos (glazed tiles), botijos (double-spouted pitchers) and Hispano-Moorish lustreware. Most tend towards the Islamic style but many carry on the European tradition of depicting scenes from daily life or myths.

Mushrooms sautéed with garlic are a standard item on tapas menus. Other popular vegetable dishes include judias (green beans), particularly good stewed with tomatoes and garlic, and escalibadas (aubergines/eggplants) served in a salad that also features pimientos (green peppers).

Goat’s and sometimes sheep’s milk are used to make most local cheeses.

This pretty resort town is crowded with Spanish beach enthusiasts in high season. The pace of life is leisurely, consisting of surf and miles of golden sand during the day, then strolls and ice cream until late in the evening.