Out and about

ONE of the most well-known and loved Spanish cities, Seville is the very centre of Andalusian culture with bullfighting and Flamenco music.

The beautiful Spanish city has been home to some of history's famous and infamous figures - the legendary 'Don Juan' set out from here to conquer the hearts of women across all Europe, while Columbus started out on his voyage to discovery a new world from a port close to Seville.

Seville is Spain's fourth largest city with a population of some 710,000 people. It is a city with soaring summer temperatures, which have on occasion approached 50ºC.

Things to Do

NOWHERE else in Spain complies so closely with the foreigner's perception of stereotypical Spain as Seville.

Here flamenco, bullfighting and fiesta are a way of life and never more so than during the Feria de Abril (two weeks after Easter Sunday) when everyone seems to hit the streets for a week-long party.

When you visit the city do as the Andalusians do and take life easy. Take a break from the sightseeing from time to time and have a few tapas - typical small Spanish dishes - and a glass of Sherry wine in one of the city's many bars.

There is plenty to see and do in the city and a visit to the Cathedral - the Catedral de Santa Maria da la Sede - reckoned to be the world's largest church is a must. It was built on the site of Muslim Seville's main mosque between 1401 and 1507. A highlight of the Cathedral's lavish interior is the supposed tomb of Christopher Columbus inside the south door.

Inside the Cathedral visitors can take the steps to the top of the 90m high La Giralda, the tower that adjoins the Cathedral. The tower was the former mosque's minaret and dates from the 12th century.

The climb to the top provides some picturesque views and perfect photo opportunities, but it's not for the faint hearted.

Next door to the Cathedral you will find the Alcazar, originally a Moorish fort but now a royal palace. The Alcazar served as a hideout for Muslim and Christian royalty for many centuries.

On the banks of the River Guadalquivir stands the Torre de Oro, one of Sevilles major landmarks - it was originally built by the Moors as a way to close access to the harbour by attaching a chain to it and the opposite bank of the river.

A visit to Seville wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza - Seville's bullring. Even though the 'sport' itself is extremely cruel, the bullring itself is one of the oldest and most famous in Spain and a masterpiece of design.

The Plaza de Espana, the centrepiece of the 1929 Spanish-Americas fair, contains beautiful fountains and mini-canals and is surrounded by a display of tile work representing all the provinces of Spain.

Where to stay

THE Hotel Alfonso XIII in the heart of Seville has been a landmark since 1928.

The hotel symbolises the city's Moorish influences and provides access to the renowned Santa Cruz quarter and Guadalquivir River.

The hotel's décor, from the lobby to the inner-courtyard, reflects the typical Sevillian-style.

This ambiance also pervades into the outdoor swimming pool and gardens, which entice guests to relax and refresh under the warm Andalusian sun.

A three-night stay in a Deluxe room on the hotel's Taste of Luxury package costs from £275 per room per night.

On a tight-budget? Then check into the Samay Hostel, Seville's newest backpackers & travellers' hostel.

Located in the heart of the city's oldest and most romantic neighborhood, 'Barrio Santa Cruz', you can take a stroll through the dim, maze-like streets and alleyways and bask in the city's ancient past.

You don't have to travel far for a bite to eat, as there are many Tapas bars located just outside the door.

If it is flamenco or bullfighting you're after, the Samay are a stone's throw from the bullring and some of Seville`s best flamenco bars.

Samay also has a superb rooftop terrace so whether you want to catch the last rays of light from the setting Andalucian sun, enjoy a cocktail from our bar, or just enjoy a good book or conversation, the terrace has you covered.

Rooms start from just £10 per person per night.

Getting there

EASYJET flies to Malaga from Belfast International for around £50 return, including taxes and charges but excluding baggage costs.

You can take a bus from Malaga Airport to Malaga bus station where you can get the train to Seville.

There is a train from Malaga to Seville nearly every hour between 6.45am and 8.15pm.

The journey itself only takes under two-hours.

Train tickets cost around £25 return per person.

For more info on Seville log on to www.turismo.sevilla.org.