With strong Islamic roots and a history of unrelenting poverty, Andalucía is perhaps the least European part of Western Europe. But the region's heritage is Spanish as well as Moorish. It gave us Velazquez, Picasso, and Federico García Lorca, and is also a hotbed of flamenco, fiesta and the bloody local sport, bullfighting. The Islamic palaces, picturesque little villages, ragged mountains and endless coastline make it an exotic and stunning place. Happy hours start at midnight and the cities of Seville and Málaga have a kicking nightlife. You can party, hike, sunbathe and sightsee: It's no wonder Andalucía is such a holiday hotspot.

Capital : Seville
Area : 87 268 sq km
Population : 7.48 million
People : spanish, gipsy, moroccan
Language : spanish
Religion : catholicism, islam, judaism
President (of Andalucia) : Manuel Chaves-Gonzalez