Cheap flights to Sevilla from EUR18*

Seville, the capital of Andalusia in the south of the Iberian peninsula, is a joy to explore and impossible to leave behind. It’s hard to forget standing in awe inside Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral ever built, with 500 years’ worth of architectural styles and feats. Or exploring Reales Alcázares de Sevilla, the Moorish fort that has been transformed into a stunning royal palace and a study in Mudéjar art. Long after you’ve returned home, you’ll still hear the sounds of flamenco that filled the air on that sultry night you strolled along Triana’s vibrant waterfront and still taste that crisp fino sherry you sipped at historic El Rinconcillo. And who wouldn’t remember watching the sun sink from atop Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure and a drop of contemporary in an ocean of medieval marvels. But above all, you’re bound to relive again and again Seville’s intoxicating energy that leaves nobody untouched – and unchanged.

 

Travel to Seville, Spain for

The beating heart of Andalucía

“No me ha dejado” (“She has not abandoned me"), NO8DO in short, Seville’s fitting motto reads wherever you look in the city. Legend has it that Spaniard King Alfonso X of Castile bestowed it on Seville when his son, the ruthless Sancho IV of Castile, took up arms against his father but sevillanos remained loyal to him. By the time this (allegedly) happened, the Reconquista of Seville had already taken place, having put an end to an over 500-year-long Muslim occupation. Ishbiliya, as it was known during this period, had seen a huge cultural and economic boom during the 12th century as the Almohad capital but that pales in comparison to the status and riches the discovery of the Americas brought about in the 16th century. With a monopoly on Spanish trade with the New World, Seville entered a new golden age as an insanely rich, cultured, cosmopolitan city, which has left its marks on its every corner.

 

A medley of cultures, styles and historical periods

Seville is easy to navigate and best discovered one barrio (neighbourhood) at a time, each with their own distinct history and character. Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish neighbourhood is where most visitors flock to first and we’re not going to disagree. "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad," a group of clerics allegedly proposed in the 15th century and long story short, they did. By the 16th century, the Seville Cathedral stood as the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, a title it still holds today. Make sure to climb up the 104-metre high Giralda Tower, formerly a minaret, for superb views over the city. The adjoining Royal Alcázar of Seville is Europe’s oldest royal residence in use and also one of the most spectacular ones, blending Mudéjar architecture with Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque details. Once the epicentre of Seville’s New World trade, El Arenal is still one of the city’s liveliest and most authentic neighbourhoods. Immerse yourself in its buzzing streets and make your way to the 13th-century Torre del Oro and the Maestranza, the city’s famous, 12,000-capacity bullring. Cross the Isabel II bridge over the Guadalquivir river to reach Triana for a picture-postcard waterfront, fiery flamenco tablaos, stunning ceramics and some of the best tapas you’ve ever had. Make sure to visit Seville’s green lung, Parque de María Luisa. In true Seville fashion, the lavish 34-hectare city park offers more than just shady paths to walk on, boasting duck ponds, tiled fountains, swaying palms and fragrant orange trees as well as the spectacular, semi-circular Plaza de España.

 

¡Vamos de tapas!

Seville proudly calls itself the tapas capital of the world and with good reason. Tapeo, essentially a tapas bar crawl, has long been the locals’ favourite way to socialise. Legend has it they have (yet again) 13th-century King Alfonso X of Castile to thank for this. So let’s get the basics covered, shall we? A tapa is a snack-sized version of a Spanish dish. They come hot and cold, stewed and battered, and go great with an ice-cold glass of sangria. Eating with friends? Supersize your order: media raciones is the half-plate and raciones is the full-plate portion of meals to be shared among the table. You’ll be spoilt for choice but carrillada de cerdo (pork cheek), Seville’s signature dish is a solid one, and so is solomillo al whiskey, aka grilled pork glazed in whisky-garlic-olive oil sauce. El Rinconcillo is a must-stop for foodies, sherry connoisseurs and history buffs alike. Run by the De Rueda family on El Centro’s Gerona Street, Seville’s oldest tavern dates back to 1670 and oozes old world charm and character, with a mahogany bar, 17th-century tiling and whisky-barrel tables. A glass of dry manzanilla sherry is non-negotiable. El Arenal’s Casa Morales is another piece of living Sevilla history that first opened as a wine shop in 1850. Today it’s bustling with locals and tourists who flock García de Vinuesa Street for its mouth-watering montaditos, aka tiny sandwiches that are more fine art than food. Hit Cafetería Doña Carmen for the ultimate Spanish comfort food, churros, and throw in a cup of hot chocolate for good measure.

 

Fiesta time

The parallel-running streets of Tetuan and Sierpes are Seville’s main shopping arteries, with Teuan stocking well-known local and international labels and Sierpes offering a tempting array of independent boutiques. Triana is the place to shop ceramics and pottery: buy your favourite azulejos pattern on San Jorge Street in any form imaginable, from fridge magnets through photo frames to piggy banks. Find your perfect flamenco dress in the Alfalfa neighbourhood and your new favourite pair of espadrilles on Sagasta Street. Ready to plug into Seville’s after-dark energy? Then you’ll have some difficult choices to make. No one does fiesta like the Andalusian capital, awash with classic tapas bars, intimate flamenco clubs, cosy rooftop terraces and pulsing nightclubs. Join the hip and restless as they throng the tree- and bar-lined Alameda de Hercules, catch a flamenco show at Triana’s Casa La Teatro, get an idea of what Semana Santa is about at El Arenal’s quirky Garlochí and close the night (or start the day) on the dancefloors of the aptly named Fun Club.

 

A gateway to the south of Spain

In addition to being a treat in itself, Seville is also a perfect base for exploring Spain’s southernmost region, Andalusia. Visit the nearby Pueblos Blancos (“white towns”), with steep, winding alleyways, whitewashed houses and dreamy squares. Gaze into the 120-metre-deep chasm that splits the 15th-century town of Ronda of bullfighting fame. Climb up to the breathtaking Alhambra in Granada, the former seat of Moorish monarchs, whose beauty is only rivalled by its backdrop, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Or hop on a train to reach Cordóba and admire its Great Mosque, a stunning architectural setting where Islam, Christianity, and Judaism once converged.

 

Seville weather

Seville has a Mediterranean climate with (very) hot summers and (very) mild winters. In fact, the Andalusian capital is considered the warmest city both across Spain and Europe. Summers are dry and last from May to October, when temperatures will go up to as high as 30°C. The best time to visit is April and early May, plus the second half of October, right before the somewhat rainy winter kicks off.

 

Seville airport

Located 10 kilometres east of Seville, Seville Airport is Western Andalusia’s main airport, operating with one two-storey terminal and one runway. Shopping and eating options abound, including restaurants and cafés, boutiques and book and magazine shops. Use the Airport Express urban transport line to reach Plaza de Armas in Seville’s centre in about 35 minutes. Taxi and car rental services are also available.