Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller to Andalucia, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this unforgettable experience:

The “Nazarenos” are the members of the “cofradías” who participate in the processions. They are also known as the “penitentes” (penitent ones).

Seville’s April fair has a long and varied history. Here are a few facts and figures associated with its past, and its present traditions. The first thing you'll see when you arrive at the Seville Fair from the city centre is the portada - the gateway, where you traditionally enter the fairground. Everyone gets their photo taken in front of the portada.

There are few better ways to learn about Andalucia than through its food, with all the fabuous local produce available, from the Sierra de Huelva's pure-bred acorn-fed free-range pork (cerdo iberico, which is made into the famous jamon iberico) to the unparalleled selection of mariscos (seafood) on the Costa de la Luz, salmorejo (thick cold tomato soup) from Cordoba, wild mushrooms in the Sierra de Grazalema, olive oil from Jaen.

You will need a passport to enter Gibraltar unless you are an EU citizen with a valid national identity card. Citizens from many countries are required to obtain a visa before entering Gibraltar.

Gibraltar is so small (about 6 square kilometres) that getting around town - and around The Rock, in general - is a feasible option, if you have the time and energy.

Find tourist offices in Gibraltar at the following locations: Casemates Square, Airport Arrivals Hall, Gibraltar Coach Terminus, Gibraltar Cruise Terminal, Frontier

Traditionally, British ex-pats living in nearby Spain have flocked to Gibraltar to bank and to shop for those tastes of home such as Cheddar cheese and tea bags. The latter are now freely available in Spain but the ex-pats still flock to the Rock for a different shopping experience.

Gibraltar is a multi-racial community so it follows that its range of restaurants reflects the tastes of its inhabitants. Running parallel to Main Street is the pedestrianised Irish Town that is well worth a visit with its historic coffee houses, specialist ironmongers, Irish pubs and attractive restaurants.

The Rock of Gibraltar is a giant slab of jagged Jurassic limestone. It has dominated the Straits of Gibraltar for around 200 million years and of course over such a period has continually changed and evolved. The porous limestone ensures that the Rock always has a plentiful water supply. So when nearby Spain is often arid and brown the Rock will be lush and green.

There are two marinas in Gibraltar, Ocean Village and Queensway Quay offering excellent berthing facilities, shops and restaurants. Sailing boats are available for charter.

The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week both for vehicles and pedestrians. There is no limit on the number of frontier crossings you can make.

Gibraltar does not lack accommodation and has several luxury hotels, as well as more basic, affordable ones. There are also many self-catering rental options, including apartments and villas, for those who would like a bit more privacy or simply prefer to rent.

While Gibraltar has much in common with its next door neighbour, southern Spain, it also has a fascinating history all its own as well as special climatic conditions, its own particular geography, and of course a unique culture.

If you are buying property in Spain, investing or starting a business, or making a will (among other reasons), you should definitely employ the services of an experienced lawyer. You will find that fees are generally lower than those charged by lawyers in northern European countries and when preparing contracts involving a sum of money, (ie property purchase), fees are calculated as a percentage of the sum involved.

Depending upon your personal situation, there may be several safety considerations to keep in mind. The family with small children or elderly or handicapped members needs to pay attention to some or all of the following issues, while others are valid for any age and are simply things to consider when looking for a home.

It's the new year, time for new starts and new resolutions. Many of us swear we will get fit when January arrives, to rid ourselves of all the excesses from Christmas over-indulgence, but it can be hard to keep the motivation going. If you join a gym, try to do it with a friend so you can convince each other to keep up your attendance, and check out the classes on offer.

It can be quite a culture shock to up sticks and live abroad. Many people decide to settle in Andalucia, after many years of spending pleasant vacations in this beautiful part of Spain. However, if you have been used to hotels, rented accommodation or perhaps staying with friends and family.

With the continuing changes in social security regulations across Europe and its neighbours, your situation as a visitor to Andalucía deserves clarification. Residents of EU countries and participating neighbour countries are covered by the reciprocal health care agreements struck by these countries.