Of all the beautiful cities in Andalucia, Seville is my favourite.

Typically Spanish, its people are passionate and the city is vibrant – particularly at fiesta time. Spain hosts some of the most exciting, colourful and flamboyant festivals in Europe, and the annual Feria de Abril in Seville is one of the best.

Held every April, music, dancing and traditional dress is the order of the day during feria time,  the streets are packed with revellers, and the bars are adorned with bunting and paper lanterns to celebrate this fabulous event.One of the highlights of the Feria is the Paseo de Caballos , which is a fantastic procession of decorated horses and carriages, which takes place around the centre of Seville from 12 noon. If you´re in need of refreshment, try one of the traditional ´rebujito´ drinks – sherry based and unique to Seville.
As night falls, most revellers head for the fairground where the fun continues until dawn.  Music and dancing plays a big part at this feria, and the city plays host to many flamenco events during the week to keep visitors entertained.

But there is much more to Seville than the feria.
Renowned for its tapas bars and excellent restaurants, there is something to suit all budgets in this fabulous city.  If you really want to push the boat out you can stay at the luxurious Alfonso XIII Hotel close to the river, or for travellers on a budget, there are plenty of cheap and cheerful hostals around the city centre.  The tapas are much tastier and much cheaper than in most bars on the coast, and there are many offers on accommodation to be had in the warmer months.  If you like the heat, visit Seville in the summer when average temperatures rise to over 40 degrees.

Once the capital of Spain, Seville is only two hour´s drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and boasts some of the most stunning buildings and monuments in southern Spain, including the incredible cathedral which dominates the city´s skyline. The Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest gothic cathedral, and the fourth largest Christian church in the world.  The intricate detail and ornate stone work displayed in the Cathedral make it one of the most incredible examples of Sevillian architecture you are ever likely to see from this period of history. It is impossible to imagine how this imposing building was ever completed without modern machinery.

Sports fans are also well catered for in Seville. Held annually, the Seville marathon is one of Andalucia´s most popular events, and covers over 42 kilometres of this beautiful city.
Hundreds of runners congregate at the Olympic Stadium on the morning of February 1st, and the race begins at 9am.  The fastest runners usually finish at around 11am, but there are many more stragglers who arrive back at the Stadium later in the day.

Some of the most stunning parts of the city can be seen along the route, including the famous Guadalquivir River, which is crossed at four points, and the historic city centre, with its amazing architecture.Seville also boasts some of the finest bars and restaurants in southern Spain, and long after the marathon has finished, the celebrations and festivities continue around the city.

Attracting spectators and top tour golfers from all over Europe, is the Spanish Open Golf Tournament, held annually at the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla.The European Tour remains a lucrative and prestigious alternative to the more famous PGA Tour, and the season includes events as far afield as South Africa, Australia, Qatar, Taiwan and Hong Kong.  Now commonly known as the European Tour International Schedule, the Seville tournament is a highlight of the busy schedule.Lee Westwood, Phil Mickleson and Miguel Angel Jiménez are just some of the top name players who are expected to compete.

If you are holidaying on the Costa del Sol or closer to Seville with the family,the fabulous Isla Magica Amusement Park is a must-visit attraction.  The amusement park attracts thrill-seekers from all over Andalucia, and is easily reached from the resort towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol.Opened in 1997, and located on the original Expo site in Seville, this exciting and modern fun park provides everything for a fantastic family day out, with rides and activities to suit all ages.
Centred around a man-made lake, the Isla Magica is divided into seven themed areas, which represent different stories of Spanish history.

As well as the small children´s rides and cartoon characters, there are many terrifying attractions, such as the 80km suspended rollercoaster ride, El Jaguar, with 360 degree loops and fast turns, the water ride, El Anaconda, with hair raising drops, and the spectacular Crashendo, which represents a virtual rollercoaster ride through the streets of San Francisco.There are plenty of bars, cafés and themed restaurants throughout the park, to keep visitors fed and watered throughout the day, and reasonably priced souvenirs to take home.

Steeped in religion, culture and tradition, the city of Seville hosts the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Inmaculada every December, and attracts visitors from all over Europe.The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is the city´s patron saint, and is celebrated in style with hundreds of children and locals performing songs and dances in and around San Pablo´s impressive cathedral.

Large choirs of children sing in the streets, and perform the ´danza de los seises´ on the second day of the celebrations, which includes many traditional dance steps. Verses from famous poets and singers in the 16th century are still sung at this festival, including the words ´Let all the world declare, that you were conceived without original sin.´

Visit Seville in the winter or spring to and take advantage of the mild weather and the beautiful riverside bars and restaurants.  Seville really is a city with everything.