The capital of Andalusia is the most intense city in Spain: flamenco in the tablaos, the Alcazar with its Arab gardens, the Gothic cathedral and the white quarters of Triana and Santa Cruz.
Seville: Andalusia in its purest form
Seville is perhaps the most emotionally intense Spanish city: the human warmth, the Moorish architecture, the scent of bitter oranges, the sound of guitars in the white lanes of Santa Cruz.
The Real Alcazar
The royal palace of Seville (10th-16th century) is one of the most beautiful in the world: Mudejar architecture (Christians using Arab style), the most beautiful azulejos in Spain, the gardens with fountains and orange groves that still inspire designers around the world. A UNESCO site since 1987.
Book online: tickets sell out quickly, especially in spring.
Flamenco
Flamenco was born in Andalusia and Seville is its capital. The tablaos (flamenco theatres) offer daily shows: La Casa del Flamenco (Barrio Santa Cruz) is one of the most authentic. Beware of the super-touristy shows on the Plaza de Espana - mediocre quality, high prices.
Semana Santa
Seville's Holy Week (March/April) is the most impressive religious spectacle in Europe: the brotherhoods parade for 12 days carrying enormous devotional floats through a crowd in tears. Book accommodation a year in advance.