Seville has grown into the financial capital of Southern Spain. Located on the River Guadalquivir, the area has a cultural and artistic flair for plants, native food, architecture and more. Seville oranges drip from trees and are just decorative but visitors insist that they have to take a bite of the luscious smelling fruit. What a surprise when a sour lemon hits their taste buds.

The history of Seville goes back many centuries and is duly noted as the Cathedral of Seville stands proudly in the city. Built sometime between 1401 and 1519, the structure is the largest of all medieval and Gothis cathedrals in the country. Alcazar features Arab baths and an area called Mazquita is also popular with tourists that enjoy culture and history.

Arriving in Seville can make one a little anxious by being in a strange country. The best way to address this feeling is to book accommodations online well in advance of your travel. There are many holiday apartments to select from depending on what area, style and number of people will be traveling. Two families taking a holiday trip together can find a large 3-4-bedroom apartment in Seville or villa instead of hotel rooms that separate the group. Seville vacation rentals  are much less expensive than hotels and offer the latest in modern or cultural décor.

The cuisine of the area is unique and worth bringing home for later meals. With an oven, microwave, refrigerator and all cooking tools needed, you can snack on the wondrous treat of polvorones and mantecados, made with almonds and sugar. Roscos fritos, pastries that resemble sugarcoated donuts and are deep fried, are wonderful to enjoy with your morning coffee.

A favorite past time of the locals and visitors is tapas. Tapas are small covers or lids that are used to cover drinks in bars. Often filled with unique types of food, everyone will have a blast trying to name that food. Fried and grilled seafood, including squid, cuttlefish, swordfish, dogfish and ortiguillas take on a whole new flavor when prepared by the experienced hands of the Sevillians. Yummy snails, lamb kidneys and gazpacho are other specialties that are served with pride in restaurants.

The nightlife is an event of large proportion. Head out to Calle Betis in Triana around midnight and order a pitcher of Agua de Sevilla that packs a real punch. Made with four different liquors, champagne, pineapple juice and cream, it will send an explosion of taste through your mouth. View the magnificent river while meeting new people.

Seville is not your ordinary vacation spot but one that will be remembered for a long time. Plan a visit in April when the Semana Santa Festival and Seville Fair are in full swing. The weeklong event of dancing, festive attire, food and socializing bring out the best in this area. Seville is a great cultural adventure and one that you will want to visit year after year.