Boutique hotels in Seville

Other than July and August – when the heat is oppressive – Seville is a year-round delight. Spring and autumn are seductively less crowded; winters are mild and orange-scented.

Influenced by its colourful history, southern Spain’s cuisine is a melting pot of flavours. Paella is a gift of the Arabs, cold gazpacho just the thing on a hot summer’s day and pork (minced, roasted and sliced) on all the menus. Stop by Abades Triana for a contemporary take on Andalucian classics with great views to boot. Housed in a 19th-century mansion, Taberna del Alabardero has private dining rooms fit for a royal feast.

Make time for cold, tepid and scalding hot dips in Aire de Sevilla, the city’s sultry Arab baths.

Like in much of Spain, Seville nights kick off late and end even later, so squeeze in a siesta when you can.The Calle Bettis, El Arenal, Alfalfa and Alameda districts are studded with tapas bars and cervecerias drawing a hip, younger crowd.

Stay in the historic city centre for easy access to markets, medieval quarters and the divine courtyards of the Alcazar palace. Serene Heliopolis has flourishing gardens and grand whitewashed houses in the Andalucian style. Head to the countryside for thriving olive estates and pampering boltholes in the Sierra Morena Mountains.

Seville airport has daily flights to domestic and European destinations. Santa Justa train station serves high-speed trains to Cordoba and Malaga, and beyond to Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.