Into Seville (under two hours away) with Aer Lingus direct from Dublin or into Jerez de la Frontera (45 minutes away) from London Stansted with Ryanair.

So what's to see then?

Well, staying with our 'foodie' theme for the week that's in it, you should immerse yourself in the old fisherman's quarter, the Barrio de la Vina, a white-washed, narrowstreeted area that exudes atmosphere and really comes into its own after dark when the tapas bars spill out on to the street and the area comes alive with locals and their extended families.

The golden-domed cathedral is at the heart of this part of the city but it's the tapas that you'll remember. That and the local speciality of small fried fish . . . sardines, anchovies and the like. For 'posh' tapas check out El Faro (the bar, not the adjacent, even swankier restaurant of the same name) on Calle San Felix.

For something casual, try Cafe Bar Madrileno on Piazza Mina . . . good for seafood and cheap tapas.

And accommodation?

You can't beat the Parador Atlantico for location . . .right out, as its name suggests, on the edge of the Atlantic. All of the rooms have views of the sea and you are right beside the abovementioned old barrio and alongside the city's Caletta beach.

Check out www. parador. es or contact Lorna Roberts, who represents the Parador group in Ireland, on 095 23511 for current rates and offers.