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Along the coast you’ll see agave, brought here from America in the 18th century. Also prickly pear, bullrush, club rush, oleander and arbutus.

This part of the Sierra Morena in Huelva Province is very rural in character; traditions cling tighter here, notably the culinary techniques that give rise to its world-famous ham, jamón ibérico . Again, these forested hills lend themselves to exploration on foot or horseback (see Parque de la Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche).

In eastern Jaén Province, this vast and enormously diverse park is home to some 1,300 known species of flora, including 20 that are unique to the zone. Steep cliffs, deep gorges and an intricate pattern of rivers, lakes and streams typify the terrain. The landscape offers plenty of walking opportunities along marked trails.

Some 132,200 acres of verdant wilderness were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984. Access is strictly controlled and is only possible on foot.

Sevilla Province’s northern reaches are wild and beautiful. In fact, hiking is a better option than driving in many cases, due to rough, pot-holed roads. The area is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts of any sort – anglers, hunters and climbers are in their element here.

The resort near Granada, Solynieve, is the only possibility in Andalucía. Although a little too sleek compared to its Alpine cousins, it offers a variety of runs and, best of all, skiing fairly late in the season.

Warblers include the red-legged partridge, collared pratincole and hoopoe.

The region is home to some of the world’s most interesting caves, many of them commercially developed. For information and organized jaunts, contact Safari Shop.

Cádiz Province’s – and Europe’s – southernmost point is one of the best spots in the world for devotees of the West Wind. The fact is that the wind practically never ceases blowing here, which makes it a top beach for windsurfers and the like, but something of a misery for sun-bathers. Still, it is possible to find protected niches that protect you from the wind, and the nightlife and sense of fun here are second to none.

Usually three groups fight two bulls each. Each of the six confrontations is a drama in several acts, called tercios .