Seville's location is ideal for holiday trips out to historic cities such as Cordoba, less than an hour by train. It's just over an hour to the coast and the cities of Cadiz and Jerez while nature lovers will be drawn to the Coto de Donana, one of Europe's finest wildlife sites.
Cordoba
Upstream from Seville on the Guadalquivir, and only 40min away on the fast AVE train, Cordoba is famous as the home of the Mezquita, or Great Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings of the world.
Cordoba was, for a time, the most important city in Europe - for over three centuries it was the capital of the Moorish Caliphate. Today, apart from the crowds visiting the Mezquita, it's a pleasant yet somewhat sleepy provincial city, very much a contrast with the bustle and growth of Seville.
It's a long walk, or short taxi or bus ride, from Cordoba's modern combined railway and bus station to the Mezquita, the focus of virtually every visit. It was the largest, and certainly the most beautiful mosque in Spain. Today, it's a Christian cathedral but, except for the altar and coro in its centre, is still very much the original Moorish building.
Cadiz
It's an easy train ride - and Cadiz' rail station is conveniently near the Old Town - or under an hour by road from Seville. One of the oldest cities in Spain, Cadiz oozes atmosphere and history. The 18th century was its golden age when silting of the Guadalquivir River transferred trade with the Americas from Seville to Cadiz.
The city seems, in places, to be crumbling away as the salty atmosphere eats away at the limestone buildings. But it's a relaxed city, easy to navigate as the sea is never far away in the Old Town, a fortified peninsular sticking out in to the Atlantic.
Jerez
If you've enjoyed sipping Fino and Manzanilla in Seville, it may be worth visiting the home of Sherry, the elegant city of Jerez de la Frontera. Manzanilla comes from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a smaller and sleepier town nearby and close to the sea, which is said to give the drink its 'salty' character.
In Jerez, there are tours of the sherry bodegas - Gonzáles Byass and Pedro Domecq are the big names. The Cathedral and Alcazar are also worth a visit, while tapas bars and restaurants can be found throughout the central part of town.
Coto de Donana
This one of the finest wildlife sites in Europe, with marshes and cork-oak forests attracting huge numbers of birds, including flamingos, the Spanish Imperial Eagle and numerous rare species. Rarity extends to the animals too - it's one of the last outposts of the Spanish lynx.
Visits for serious bird-watchers are best organised in advance. There are boat trips from Sanlúcar, and four-hour all terrain bus trips - booking is essential. Call 959 448 711 or donana@mma.es
Costa de la Luz
Compared with the Costa del Sol, the Costa de la Luz, the coastal strip north of Tarifa, is a total contrast. It's seen very restricted development and features wide, wind-swept beaches - it's fabulous windsurfing territory - and white, Moorish-style towns like Vejer de la Frontera. You'll need a car to get round as public transport is limited.
Cordoba Cathedral
Jerez
Coto de Donana
Costa de la Luz
