The main courtyard is typically Mudejar in style, with exquisite plaster-decorated arches, and later elements of Gothic, Renaissance and romantic. Built at the end of the 15th century by Pedro Enríquez and Catalina de Rivera, the patio features an open patio surrounded by irregularly sized arches.

The marble Renaissance entrance arch of the palace which dominates the north side of Plaza de Pilatos (the palace's western façade) was designed and manufactured for Don Fadrique in Genoa in 1529; the Italian port city was an important trading partner of Seville.

The initial construction of the palace was begun by Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones (1435-1492), IV Chief Governor of Andalucía, a noble title bestowed by the King, and his second wife Catalina de Rivera, founder of the Casa de Alcalá, and completed by their son Fadrique Enríquez de Rivera (1476 - 1539), First Marquess of Tarifa.

Much has been written about the Osborne bulls, large black sherry advertisements which you may well have seen by the roadside all around Spain. Another, less well-known but equally classic, advertisement that has become a historic and cultural element is "Nitrato de Chile".

You may have noticed while driving around Andalucia a number of small, solid-looking, single-storey stone buildings beside the road, often with a distinctive station platform-style terrace in front, and often with large stone block castellated corners, pitched roof and two chimneys.

You may have noticed old concrete milestones by the side of Andalucian roads - local and national, not motorways. While most of these were replaced long ago by painted metal signs, a few still remain, reminders of a bygone age of road travel.

All it takes is a drive across Spain to see the legendary brandy advertisement that has become a symbol of Spanish culture both here at home and abroad. The Osborne Bull is the black silhouette of bull that stands on hilltops and along the roadside in many – but not all – parts of Spain.

One of the most relaxing traditions of Arab Spain are the baths, or “hammam” as they are called in Arabic. With so many years of moorish rule and culture, the city of Granada was a natural starting point for the return of this long lost custom.

There are more gyms and fitness centres in Andalucía than ever before. Whereas in the early 1980s you’d have been pushed to find the odd male-dominated weights room, there are now many centres.

Today many four and five-star hotels in Andalucia, especially on the coast, have spas for guests to use, offering hydrotherapy circuit and beauty treatments and therapies for ultimate pampering and relaxation, as well as treating muscular ailments and offering help with stress, digestive problems and weight loss. You will feel the effects immediately, your energy levels restored, your body and mind relaxed and revitalised, ready to face the world.

In this section we have suggested some itineraries that you can use as a base for tours in Andalucia. These itineraries also link together many other information pages. As always the greatest problem is how to fit so much in a limited period of time and have a holiday as well rather than win an endurance award. You will need a good map.

Virtually unknown outside of Andalucia, these ubiquitous rural eating places arose from bygone days when much of the region's seasonal work was done by itinerant labour. Cheap, hearty meals were thus much in demand as the few restaurants that were available, tended to be expensive. Some enterprising country housewife saw the opportunity and decided to provide 'Ventas' – meals for sale and the idea was quickly taken up by others and the 'Venta' was born.

Spain used to be a vegetarian's nightmare with all those hanging hams and meaty tapas. Vegetarians had no option but to constantly opt for ensaladilla Rusa (the Russan-Spanish potato salad usually served as a tapa), tortilla (Spanish omelette), or the famous main course of huevos con patatas fritos (egg and chips), with the occasional greasy green pepper on the side.

Granada, home of the Alhambra, is also heir to the Moorish tradition of the 'tetería' or tea room. Don't be lulled into a sense of sedate scones and afternoon tea however. The 'tetería' scene in Granada is a highly exotic experience, following the Arabic tradition of sipping exquisite aromatic herbal teas in an ambience mid way between bohemian and opulent.

One of the delights of living in Andalucía or, indeed, anywhere in Spain is the many excellent pavement cafés and bars and in particular, their delicious coffee and inexpensive prices. Few countries (if any) can match Spain for the variety, quality and economy of its watering holes.

A beach bar or chiriniguito is was typically a wooden shack on the beach with an relaxed alternative atmosphere serving simple inexpensive food and drinks. Nowadays you have such a range, from the simple traditional beach bars to the high end chiringuitos, with fusion cuisine and designer decor.

Traditional medicinal spas operate across the region, and are generally visited for healing. If you're in good health they can be visited, for rest, relaxation and curiosity but the discerning tourist is more likely to feel at home in the pampering surroundings of the modern beauty clinics and spa resorts.