Seductive and hedonistic, the city of Sevilla, capital of Andalucia, in many ways embodies the romance of the region. First choice for many visitors to the region, this is the brightest star in the Andalucian tapas firmament and has a post-reconquest architectural heritage unmatched in the south, from the evocative Alcazar to the giant Gothic cathedral. Sevilla was the focal point of the golden Age of Spanish painting, and many of the country's most memorable canvases are to be seen here. The city's famed Semanta Santa processions are the largest and best known of the solemn Easter celebrations in Spain. Hard on its heels though, the riotous Feria de Abril exemplifies many features of the other side of the Andalucian character.

Andy Symington hails from Australia and, after much time spent prowling and working in various corners of the world, he settled in Spain, where he has now lived for several years. He is enamoured of the art, architecture, wildernesses, and tapas of Andalucia, which never ceases to offer up hitherto unknown corners to explore. Andy has extensive experience as a travel writer and is the author of several Footprint guidebooks.