Tag: Seville's Old Town

There are some cities in Europe that just bonds you to its own groove and vibe while some others seduce you slowly with its heartbeat and soul. Then, there is Seville, the small sun-soaked sensual Andalusian capital in Southern Spain. Its fingerprint — an aristocratic past, centuries old tradition, fabulously delicious tapas, the intensity and intimacy of its exotic flamenco rhythms, sunsets and great times. It is a city that leaves its mark on visitors.

If you are planning a visit to Seville and wondering when and where to go, what to see and do, places to eat or stay, then this Seville Travel is the perfect guide for you. I have you covered on each of the categories mentioned.

I have written several articles on Seville, with each encompassing a detail guide to specific cultural interests or activities. References are given in this article, so you could learn more.

In this article on Seville Travel there are suggestions on the very best things to do in Seville, as well as tips and recommendations that adds value to your visit in Seville. Read along on Seville Travel, as we begin with an overview of the charming city followed by the best time to travel, how to get to Seville, highlights on places to stay and the very best things to do in Seville including suggestions on the off the beaten track palaces, museums and churches.

This article has everything you need for timeless experiences of Seville. So, ensure you read along till the end, but if you are short on time, you could always bookmark the page or pin on Pinterest to revisit later.

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SEVILLE, ANDALUSIA

The unfailing charm of this bijou city is the colossal Gothic cathedral, the intoxicating magnificent mix of Mudéjar palaces and Baroque churches. History oozes through its very pores at every turn with ancient Moorish walls, Roman ruins and narrow alleyways built so very long ago. Horse-drawn carriages and a bull-ring is not amiss. The aroma of citrus fills the air around Seville square. The sweet tangy scent of oranges follows you wherever you go!

While Seville’s resplendent and glorious past is all around you, the enchanting city celebrates the here and now just as much. It is about joining the locals at the hole-in-the-wall bars, sip cañas of beer, eating tapas in a crowded bar and wander the medieval alleyways and get lost, but you never really get lost in this compact city.

Explore the historic neighbourhood with the orange trees dotted around and grab a shady spot on a tiled bench, just to savour those moments from the steamy-rays of November sun. Afterwards, when dusk, head to the rooftops of a terrace bar and admire the famous Gothic cathedral in the world glow as the sun sets over Sevilla while seeing out the end of day over a drink. If you prefer, head out to Guadalquivir River to watch the tranquil and gorgeous golden glows of the dipping sun. Better still, go across the ancient river to the cradle of flamenco to marvel at the passionate artform. Sultry Seville, well-known as the romantic city of Southern Spain does not disappoint.

Yes! It was November when we visited and Seville does not bother with winter. The temperature at the end of November is a pleasant 18° Celsius. When it drops, it is only a touch to a gentle 15° Celsius. December to February is 16° Celsius making Seville, the Andalusian marvel a perfect winter-sun European destination.

Though Fall was a perfect time for our visit, this Andalusian jewel is an ideal destination at any time of the year.

BEST TIME FOR SEVILLE TRAVEL

Many travellers would consider the best time to visit Seville is during the spring months, between March and May. The weather is mild and fresh, when orange trees blossom, and they may witness two of Seville’s popular celebrations, the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. Just a note though, the weeks of Semana Santa (Holy Week – the days before Easter) and Feria de Abril (two weeks after Easter) are extremely busy and hotels may be booked up, something to bear in mind if you are considering visiting.

Summer comes along from the months of June to August but it tends to slip into September as well. Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe. Days are long and the scorching temperatures drive the Sevillanos to the coast for their annual holidays. As a result some bars and restaurants may be closed for a few weeks in August and September. The summer months are a high season for tourists who can brave the sultry weather in Seville. Attractions stay open during this time.

The autumn months in the sultry city are brief and are typically from October to November. The temperature begins to drop around October and it is the start when the summer tourist crowd lessen. Sevillanos return from their coastal holidays and the city is alive again. Though it begins to feel a little chilly, it is still warm than the rest of Europe.

Winter, from December to February is considered a low season for Seville travel and tourism. The weather is mild with plenty of sunshine but it may rain at times also. December is a busy month for the locals, with winter lights and festivities along with open-air chestnut roasting.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE

Our specific guide on the neighbourhoods in Seville gives a good selection of accommodations to select from. However, here are four quick links for you to peruse for Seville travel:

1 | EME Catedral Hotel, Seville for luxury and modern feel, housed in a 16th century building. Located within 50 yards of Seville Cathedral.

2 | Hotel Mercer Sevilla. Rated as superb, Hotel Mercer boasts all the modern amenities along with an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Nearest airport is less than 6 miles.

3 | Petit Palace Marques Santa Ana, Seville is a travel sustainable property and a modern boutique hotel housed in 19th century building. Less than five minutes to Seville Cathedral.

4 | Hotel Casa 1800 Seville is a converted 19th century mansion, located only steps away from Seville Cathedral.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED FOR SEVILLE TRAVEL?

An ideal time frame for Seville travel would be a minimum of three days for first-time visitors but if you have more time, add an extra day. Four days to begin with will be a great start at a city where you are sure to return in a heartbeat to explore more. Some neighbourhoods are best explored a little at a time while some others offer so much, that you can’t ignore but return everyday during your Seville travel.

That said, travellers spend a lot more time in this sultry city, from a week to longer. The warm weather is a major attraction. It’s cool vibes, slow-paced yet vibrant nightlife together with a reasonable cost of living , makes Seville a great destination for longer vacation as well as for nomadic travellers.

Moreover, Seville is a great base from whence you could explore the nearby cities such as Cadiz, Cordoba, Ronda and Granada. Accommodations range from budget to highend five-star hotels and you could easily pick and choose to meet your budget and duration of stay.

HOW TO GET TO SEVILLE, ANDALUSIA

Seville can be reached by air, rail, road and by sea (Guadalquivir River).

By Air

If you are travelling by air, Seville’s nearest airport is Seville Airport (SVQ) located about 7.9 kilometres away. It is the primary international airport serving western Andalusia and nearby provinces. SVQ is well connected to 42 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Therefore, if you are flying in from the USA, Asian countries or South American countries, you will have to fly into Madrid or Barcelona and get a connecting flight to Seville. You could also fly into any of the 42 destinations in Europe and then take a connecting flight to Seville.

UK travellers to Seville can fly direct from seven airports: Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, Luton, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh. Depending on the airline you fly with, Ryanair and EasyJet offer cheap flights to Seville all year round.

By Road

There is good network of motorways connecting Seville in Andalusia to the rest of Spain and Europe. Driving is on the right and the minimum age is 18. Visitors to Spain are required to have a valid driving licence, and third party insurance if you wish to drive in Seville.

Coach services are available through ALSA coach company. It connects all major cities in Spain and travel across Europe in partnership with Eurolines.

By Train

Spain’s modern high-speed network AVE, connects a number of the major cities including Seville. Seville’s main train station is located in the north of the city, Estacion de Santa Justa on Avenida Kansas City.

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WHERE TO GO IN SEVILLE | GUIDE TO NEIGHBOURHOODS

Seville’s neighbourhoods are really cool! You don’t have to go too far before you are met with a jaw-dropping monument, quaint and colourful streets, the tranquil parks or the romantic evening scenes of the tapas bars. We share our top three neighbourhoods in Seville. Each individual post is a complete guide to where to stay, eat and things to do along with landmarks not to miss for your Seville travel.

1 | The Santa Cruz Neighbourhood

Often known as the charming Old Jewish Quarter of Seville, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood is the busiest and most popular of areas for tourists. Full of character, colours, narrow cobbled streets and romantic squares, barrio Santa Cruz has not lost its centuries old small town aura. Sitting amongst the orange trees, ancient squares, and a maze of alleyways, are breathtaking monuments, bodegas and some of the best flamenco joints. Wandering around the neighbourhood is an experience in itself.

Read along our complete and best guide to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. The post details some of the best places to stay, 14 highlights of things to do in and around the heart of Seville along with top places to try some of the very best in Sevillano’s food. All brought together for you to make an informed Seville travel itinerary.

Read: Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville | The Best Guide to Where to Stay, Eat & Things to do.

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2 | The Bohemian Neighbourhood

The Bohemian neighbourhood in Seville has great spontaneity along with vibrant nightlife. The neighbourhood is sprinkled with charming little squares, several narrow cobbled alleys around Calle Feria, whitewashed walls with terracotta roofs, colourful markets that are alive as well as ancient monuments. In the midst of these bohemian ambience, you shall find some of the very best tapas bars. Read along our complete guide to the bohemia barrios (4 small neighbourhoods, all within 10 minutes of each other) in Seville.

Read: A Complete Guide to the 4 cool neighbourhoods that make-up the hive of this city. This guide suggests places to stay and food to try.

3 | Triana Neighbourhood

There is something about Triana that stokes curiosities and its not just because it is on the other side of the river, reputed to be the ‘other city’ in Seville. The history of Triana goes back to Tartessian times, where a small settlement was used by the Romans to set up their position right opposite the Hispalis. When the Almohads came along, they built a bridge, connecting both sides of the river. This bridge made way for something more permanent as the maritime expeditions got underway. The present Triana bridge was built in 1852.

Away from the bundle of energy in the Old Jewish Quarter, Triana welcomes you to a different heartbeat – a rhythm of soulfulness, buzzing nightlife and the dreamy colours of the Azulejos ceramics. Read along our guide on this fabulous barrio in Seville.

Read: Triana Seville – Where to Stay Eat & Explore

VERY BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE

Where to go, what to see and do depends very much on how much time you have when you Seville travel.

Though Seville is regarded a small city but it is the largest city and the capital of the autonomous region Andalusia of Spain in the southwest of the Iberian peninsula. The city sits ideally on both sides of the lower reaches of the ancient Guadalquivir River, and offers a huge number of possibilities for water activities and cruises. With history stretching back centuries, you shall find the city is sprinkled with ancient monuments, delightful architecture and secret alleyways, along with an array of streets lined with cute little shops and restaurants that serve the best Iberico ham and seafood pasta.

Some may say there are certain monuments that you quite simply Must See and some activities which you Must do. We have compiled a selection of the unmissable experiences when you Seville travel for you to consider in your itinerary.

1 | Plaza de Espana

The Plaza Espana or Spain Square is one of Seville’s famous monument and a cultural meeting place. Built for the Ibero-American Convention in 1929, the Plaza Espana is located within the Maria Luisa Park. The main building houses the offices of the central government but the rest of the plaza is pretty much open to the public 7-days a week. Highlights include:

i | The sensational alcoves with a bench each, decorated with colourful painted ceramics representing the fifty-two provinces of Spain;

ii | A huge fountain in the middle of the square makes a great photo op;

iii | and you may want to experience the Venice of Seville by taking a canal ride.

iv | The four bridges representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.

If you are lucky, you may get to witness a flamenco performance by street artists.

A must-see for Star Wars fans as Plaza Espana was used in one of the filming locations for “Attack of the Clones” series.

Give yourself at least an hour, longer if possible.

Open to the general public all year round and it is free. Charges apply for the canal ride.

Read: Plaza Espana Seville – An absurdly wondrous square.

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2 | Stroll through the Maria Luisa Park

After enjoying the splendour of Plaza Espana in your Seville travel, stroll through the Maria Luisa Park. A shady paradise. Take a refreshing walk through the shaded alleys where you shall come across some fountains, lakes and ponds. Highlights include:

i | Plaza America also known as “Pigeon Square”

ii | Look out for the Frog Fountain, and the Lion Fountain;

iii | Seville Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.

One can easily spend about 2 hours here.

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An exceptional testament to the civilisation of the city of Seville are the three monumental complexes in the heart of the city’s Jewish Quarter. The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede and the Royal Alcázar of Seville along with the Archivo General de Indias de Sevilla. The first two are hugely popular attractions while the third, not so much but it is said to worth a quick visit.

3 | The Royal Alcazar of Seville

Visit the world renowned Royal Palace of Seville and be blown away with its Mudejar art of mesmerising poetry in colours, water features, frescoes and ceramics. Deeply rooted in history, legends and secrets, this is an experience that will take you back to a whole different world. When at the Alcazar while you Seville travel, take your time to appreciate the details, the colours and the serenity that surrounds each pond, fountain along with the simplicity of some of the Almohad’s creations. Highlights include:

i | Courtyard of the Maidens;

ii | The Hall of Ambassadors;

iii | The hidden baths of Maria de Padilla;

iv | The Enchanting Mercury Pond at the Alcazar.

Read our complete guide to this magical palace and best ticket options. The guide comes with plenty of photos and clear step-by-step plan to view twenty-two highlights in the palace.

Visiting the Alcazar in your Seville travel may take anything from 2 to 4.5 hours. Practical tips are included in the article also. Click on the link below to read.

Read: The magical palace of Real Alcazar of Seville

Watch a snippet of the Alcazar on our YouTube channel.

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4 | Catedral de Santa María de la Sede | Things to do in Seville

Just next to the Alcazar of Seville, sits a magnificent monument. The most visited in Seville is the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede (Seville Cathedral). Built upon the foundations of a mosque that existed here since the Almohad’s rule, the Seville Cathedral is huge, and sumptuous! When visiting, you should not miss:

i | The Capilla Mayor;

ii| The tomb of Christopher Columbus;

iii | Capilla Real;

iv | Sacristy and Treasury.

v | The Giralda Tower.

Read along our comprehensive guide to Seville Cathedral for visitors so you don’t miss anything.

To get a sense of its majestic interior, watch our YouTube channel.

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5 | General Archive of the Indies in Seville

An important historic monument that sits alongside the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede and the Royal Alcázar of Seville is the Archivo General de Indias de Sevilla. This attraction is less touristy and the visit is free.

Like most visitors, we gave this monument a miss but only because we were running late for another item on our itinerary. It is definitely on the list for our next visit.

Apparently, and understandably the ‘storage files’ are empty but the architecture is said to be remarkable. You may want to add this to your Seville travel itinerary.

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6 | The Bullring of Seville | Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla

Yes, you can do away with the full name – Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla and just call it The Bullring of Seville. This majestic arena is worth visiting on your Seville travel itinerary.

A visit here is only by a guided tour. The entry ticket allows for a visit to the museum and ample time in the arena.

Whether you are for or against bullfighting, you will note that the bullfighting tradition is very strong in the Southern capital. The Plaza de toros still hosts events between April and October. One of their annual major event is the Feria de Abril, held at two weeks after Easter.

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7 | Torre del Oro Seville

Within minutes of the Bullring of Seville and situated along the Guadalquivir River, is the historic Torre del Oro, known as the Tower of Gold in English. Built to defend the city against enemy invasion, the tower is presently home to the Maritime Museum. It has a terrace offering panoramic views of the city and Triana across the river.

Time needed is at least half-an hour unless you need more time on the terrace.

The Tower of Gold is an important meeting point for city cruises.

Read about the Noble Torre del Oro in Seville

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8 | Metropol Parasol | Things to do in Seville

A large wooden structure at the La Encarnación square is affectionately known as the ‘mushroom’ or Las Setas in Spanish. Though an unusual architecture when compared to the traditional Andalusian style, this modern addition to the city has become the meeting point for the young Sevillanos and for musical gigs. An unmissable item for your Seville travel itinerary and the following are some of the highlights for you to consider:

i | Take the lift to the top of the Metropol Parasol and walk along the walkway for an unparalleled 360-degree view of Seville city;

ii | If you can, visit in the evening for an amazing sunset view as well as a magical display of lights;

iii | Visit the Antiquarium Room in the basement;

iv | Visit the La Encarnación Market on the first floor for some authentic Spanish food and local sandwiches.

Read: Metropol Parasol Seville | A Gigantic Cozy Oasis

Read: The remarkable Antiquarium Room in Old Seville

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9 | The Old Jewish Quarter | Seville travel

The Old Jewish Quarter of Seville is the heart of the city of Seville. Though there is an unshakable feeling in the air of the city’s dark moments in history, the Jewish Quarter is a delightful area to wander, wonder, and explore. Pretty little squares, cute shops, white-washed buildings, cobbled streets and the many alleyways exudes a defining quaint charm that is unique to this area. An unmissable item for your Seville travel schedule.

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10 | Top Museums in Seville

Seville’s rich art and history from the Neolithic age to contemporary modern art is beautifully represented and housed in buildings previously owned by Andalusian ancestors. Visiting any of the museums adds to the cultural adventure when visiting the sultry city.

There are well over twenty museums in Seville and the following is by no means an exhaustive list for your Seville travel itinerary. Here are our selection of the top three which you may like to visit:

10.1 | Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)

A former convent founded during the reign of King Ferdinand III of Castille, the building is now an art gallery. The Museum of Fine Arts in Seville is an important art museum in Spain. It has built a unique collection of Renaissance and Baroque Sevillian paintings , in particular the 17th century “Golden Age” works by some of the city’s best painters and sculptors, notably Murillo, Zurbarán, and Francisco de Herrera.

Address: Pl. del Museo, 9, 41001 Sevilla, Spain | +34 954 78 64 98

10.2 | Museo de Arte Andaluz Contemporaneo (CAAC) | Andalusian Museum of Contemporary Art

Housed in a former monastery at Santa Maria de las Cuevas (also known as La Cartuja) the Andalusian Museum of Contemporary Art has a grand collection of 3,200 works of art. Well-known not just for its art collection but also for its ancient and modern architecture along with the rotating nature of its exhibits. There are also events such as jazz and flamenco hosted on some days.

Address: Avenida de Américo Vespucio, 2. Camino de los Descubrimientos, s/n.41092  Sevilla, Seville  (Andalusia)

10.3 | Museo del Baile Flamenco | Museum of Flamenco Dance

When you visit the city that introduced flamenco to the world, it seems almost inevitable that a visit to the Flamenco Museum of Seville is on the Seville travel itinerary. The Museum of Dance in Seville takes you through a journey that begins in the 18th century through a series of interactive exhibits along with photos and traditional garments.

The building itself is quite special. Built on a former Roman temple, this 18th century building is surrounded by orange trees. A popular venue for visitors as well as for the locals. A visit to the Flamenco Musem is a must – book in advance to secure your place. Explore the museum before grabbing yourself a front row seat to experience an electrifying performance.

Address: Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3, 41004

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11 | Other Palaces, Museums and Churches to Visit in Seville

1 | Palacio de las Dueñas

Palacio de las Dueñas is a historic home belonging to the House of Alba. Built in the 15th century, the palace is a combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Mudejar styles. You can visit the ground floor of the palace and areas renowned for its quintessential patios and lemon garden.

You can book a Visit to Palacio de las Dueñas + Audioguide directly here

2 | Hospital de los Venerables

Once a hospital and a textile factory, Hospital de los Venerables is a 17th century Baroque building that houses the works of the famous Spanish painter, Diego Velázquez. Take a guided tour of this amazing museum and learn of its interesting history while admiring the stunning frescoes in the church and sacristy.

Visit the Hospital de los Venerables with a tour guide.

3 | Centro Cerámica Triana

You will learn everything there is about the ceramic tradition and its art.

4 | Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador (Church of the Divine Saviour) Seville

Built on the site of a former mosque between 1674 and 1712, the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador overlooks the delightful Plaza del Salvador. It has a soaring dome, magnificent altar and extravagant gold altarpieces. Worth visiting.

5 | La Casa de Pilatos, (Pilate’s House) Seville

After the Alcazar, Casa de Pilatos is the most beautiful palaca in Seville. Encompassing Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance, this palace was built by Don Pedro Enriquez and, continued on by his son Fadrique Enriques de Ribera who was inspired by the house of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem.

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12 | Seville Travel with Children

The city of Seville is a fun destination for travel with kids and we recommend the following two:

12.1 | Acuaria de Sevilla (Aquarium of Seville)

The Aquarium of Seville is a great place for children to totally immerse in the exotic fish, sharks, turtles, starfishes and so much more. You could book your tickets for Seville Aquarium now.

12.2 | La Isla Magica

La Isla Magica is a theme park with rides and it also has a water park with slides. Ideally requiring almost a complete day, La Isla Magica is suitable for all ages but as with all theme parks there is height restrictions. It is better to buy your tickets before your day of visit to avoid waiting in a long queue. Book your tickets for La Isla Magica now.

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13 | Awesome Day Trips from Seville

When you have discovered the best things to do in Seville city, and if your itinerary allows, it would be great if you could make time to see the nearby cities also. The following cities have been highly rated for its historical and cultural values.

13.1 | Cordoba

Cordoba was an important Islamic centre in the Middle Ages and is best admired for La Mezquita, the colossal mosque dating from 784 AD. This historic city is full of little streets and courtyards filled with flowers.

You can reach Cordoba by train in 40 minutes from Seville. If you prefer, the better option is to opt for a guided tour from Seville to Cordoba. This guided tour comes with everything included – transportation, live guide and entrance to the La Mezquita.

13.2 | Ronda

Built on a rocky hill, Ronda is one of the most beautiful villages in Southern Spain offering beautiful panoramic views over its valleys. Unmissable is the Puente Nuevo built in the 18th century that links two parts of the town.

You can reach Ronda by car or by bus in about 2 hours. If you are not up to driving in Andalusia, then best to opt for a day trip guided tour from Seville to Ronda. You get so much more on this guided tour as it includes visits to other typical white villages in Andalusia such as picturesque white village of Zahara de la Sierra.

13.3 | Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera

The ancient port city of Cádiz in Andalusia is almost entirely surrounded by water and has more than 100 watchtowers. Home to the remarkable Cádiz Cathedral, Roman Theatre and the Castle of San Sebastian makes this Andalusian city a worthwhile visit.

You can either drive or take a train to Cádiz in under two hours. If you opt for the train, you can check train schedules and prices here.

For a perfect day trip from Seville, combine a visit to Cádiz with Jerez de la Frontera, simply known as Jerez that is home to an ancient Moorish fortress built in the 11th century.

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WHERE TO EAT IN SEVILLE

For an authentic experience, explore the bars, cafes and bodegas that are dotted around Seville, or you may want to opt for a guided tapas tour. On the other hand, if after a long day of walking and exploring, you wish to have a relaxed evening in a nice atmospheric restaurant, look no further than SEIS. Service was good, food was good and we enjoyed our experience. It is a popular restaurant and getting a last-minute dinner slot might be challenging. Always best to pre-book and cancel later if plans change.

Try Flores Gourmet for best Jamón ibérico and Lobo Lopez for a cool and contemporary setting.

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As a minimum for your Seville travel itinerary, we recommend that you visit the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral, experience the mesmerising poetry in stone at the oldest palace in Europe, the rich exotic flamenco dancing and the Sevillanos quintessential eating ritual.

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Have a fabulous time in sultry Seville, xoxo

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