Seville

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and, with more than 700,000 inhabitants, the fourth largest city in Spain. Legend says the Greek demigod Heracles founded it, and later Julius Caesar built Hispalis on the spot. The Moors took over in 712 and brought a golden age of culture and trade that lasted until the Christian Reconquista in 1248. After Columbus reached the port in 1493, Seville became the hub of trade with the New World and grew immensely rich until Cádiz took over its monopoly in the 18th century. Most of the main sights lie within the narrow streets of the picturesque old town, including the Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, whose tower, the Giralda, began as the minaret of a Moorish mosque. Nearby, the royal Alcázar is among the best preserved examples of Mudéjar architecture, blending Islamic design with Gothic and Renaissance styles. Seville is also considered the birthplace of tapas culture, so a visit to one of its many taverns is a must. The climate is the warmest in Spain, with short mild winters, very hot summers and long, pleasant springs and autumns. July and August are best avoided, as sightseeing in the midday heat is exhausting and the city empties as many Spaniards go on holiday.

Because of the warm weather, going out in Seville is largely an open-air affair, and sometimes more happens in front of the bars than inside. This is especially true around the park along the Alameda de Hércules, a popular spot for a drink and a chat with friends. Bar follows bar here, and all of them are at least gay-friendly while the gay bars welcome straight guests, so the crowd is usually mixed and easy-going. Most of the talking and flirting happens in groups of friends who enjoy the company of one another and of open-minded strangers. If you are travelling alone or looking for more action, you can head on after midnight to the bars and clubs in the nearby streets. Nightlife is much quieter in July and August.

The annual highlights include Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March or April, the Seville Spring Fair two weeks after Semana Santa, and Seville Gay Pride (Orgullo de Andalucía), usually held at the end of June.