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Seville

• 700.000 inhabitants, from Nerja 265 km (3 hours)

Seville – capital of Andalusia – is a vibrant city, full of character and beautiful architecture. With 700.000 inhabitants it’s the biggest Spanish city after Madrid and Barcelona. The Moorish, Jewish, gypsy and Andalusian mixture defines both the looks of this city as well as the people of Seville. It’s famous for its huge festivals, just the Eastern processions of Semana Santa are known of all over the world. Seville got part of its fame because of the World Exhibition in 1992, the year in which it was 500 years after the collapse of the Moorish regime. The exhibition site is now home to the theme park ‘Magic Island’ which is said to be good fun for the whole family. In this area also lies the Parque Maria Luisa which was established in 1829 and next to this park are some nice restaurants and bars.

The icon of Seville is the cathedral next to it the tower of La Giralda. The cathedral is the second largest of Europe and they claim that Columbus is buried here. Also the huge Plaza de Espana is very famous. This half-round Renaissance building has typical pillars and is younger than it seems. The park next to it is also lovely to visit, especially during the hot siesta time. You won’t be alone, because the Spanish also love to come here.

The river Rio Guadalquivir has been Seville’s economic live source for years and years for all kinds of trade and transport. On the other side of the river lies the Triana District, another area worth visiting.

Of course Seville isinteresting to wander around in and have a drink and a tapas here and there. However, in our experience, if you really want to see a lot you need to prepare a little, because some places are quite hidden and are often far apart.

- Restaurants you find the Jewish district Barrio de Santa Cruz and pleasant terraces you’ll find on Plaza Alfalfa.

- It's a crime to visit the centre by car. Just leave your car in the first parking garage and use a bus, taxi or even a bike, there is so much more to see this way.

- The road between Seville and Ronda is spectacularly beautiful (A360). If you have the time (maybe with one night staying in a hotel), these two cities make a great combination and this saves you having to make the same long trip twice.

- Seville and shopping are two peas in a pod. Clothing, shoes, bags etc. and it’s much cheaper than in Northern Europe. By the way, Seville is known for its nice ‘azulejos’ (hand painted Spanish tiles).

- Museo de Bellas Artes is said to be one of the most beautiful museums in Spain. There are many 15th century paintings, one of which is ‘La Inmaculada’. It’s free for EU-citizens so don’t forget your passport (Mondays closed).

- The Real Alcazar is the royal palace on the Plaza del Triunfo. Is was founded in 1364 and still is the home of the royal family when they are in this area. The exterior of the palace shows the different influences from the Moors and Christians. You can also visit the palace from Tuesday to Sunday.

- Particularly at Whitsun, and on other Christian holidays people can make a pilgrim trip to the village of El Rocio. This town looks like it was the film set of a cowboy movie and all the partying pilgrims give the tour a special atmosphere. The tour partially goes through the National Park La Donana (normally it isn’t allowed to go here) and you could also visit the monastery La Rabida, where Columbus once got the support for his famous boat trip.

Various markets in Seville
Feria Sevile: end of April