Seville

Seville is a warm, welcoming, and sunny city. The capital of Andalusia, it lies in southern Spain, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. A major tourist destination, it is visited each year by millions of people captivated by its rich history, expressed through remarkable architecture and a unique blend of cultures, not to mention its delicious cuisine and the rhythm of flamenco dance. Seville is a city for epicureans and bon vivants. It awakens all the senses and overflows with a multitude of activities to explore.

Discover the heart of Seville

Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic center: it's home to treasures like the cathedral, the Alcázar, and the Santa Cruz district. Seville is a city of contrasts, with its bright white walls, vibrant colors, and flower-filled patios. It's constantly evolving, with numerous restoration projects underway to preserve its heritage while looking towards the future.

Seville is also characterized by its distinctive colors and patterns. Near Maria Luisa Park, the famous azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles) adorn the facades, the benches of the Plaza de España, and the interiors of buildings. These mural works of art can be found in religious architecture as well as in working-class neighborhoods like Triana.

Picture-perfect scenery to discover in every season, day or night, the city is relatively flat. Exploring its bridges and terraces will reward you with magnificent views. Bring comfortable shoes to explore this human-scale city on foot, where streets open onto large, sunny squares and wind their way down to the riverbanks.

The Guadalquivir, a shimmering artery, is inseparable from Seville's identity. Let yourself be charmed by its traditional boats. Once used for trade, they now offer a unique perspective on the city's historical monuments. A river cruise is the perfect way to discover the city from a new angle, directly from its waters.

While strolling along the Guadalquivir, two iconic monuments inevitably attract attention.

The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, one of the oldest and most famous bullrings in Spain, impresses with its unique Baroque architecture, painted in white and ochre. Beyond its function, it houses an essential museum for those who want to understand the history and culture of Andalusian bullfighting.

Not far from there stands the Torre del Oro. This dodecagonal (twelve-sided) watchtower is a remnant of the 13th-century Almohad fortifications. It takes its name from the golden sheen its ceramic tiles once projected. It served both to monitor the river and to store the gold and silver arriving from the Americas via the East India Company fleet. Today, it houses the Seville Naval Museum.

Seville is the ideal destination for history and culture enthusiasts. The city is brimming with religious monuments, iconic buildings, museums, parks, and historical sites. You'll need several days to explore the rich cultural heritage of this captivating city.

For nightlife enthusiasts, Seville does not disappoint. Its bars, clubs, and flamenco shows guarantee lively and varied evenings.

Sevillian gastronomy

A stay in Seville would be incomplete without a total immersion in its generous gastronomy. Far from being mere snacks, the dishes that make up Sevillian cuisine are the very essence of the Andalusian way of life, where sharing and conviviality reign supreme.

The first step on any culinary journey in Seville is discovering tapas, this iconic concept that has conquered the world. But here in Seville, tapas are an institution. They aren't just small portions, but veritable miniature dishes that allow you to sample a wide variety of flavors in a single evening. You wander from bar to bar, nibbling on "montaditos", small sandwiches filled with everything from "pringá" (shredded stewed meat) to tortilla. And you simply can't miss the tapas of " jamón ibérico," Iberian ham, sliced thinly, or "queso manchego", a local sheep's cheese.

In warm weather, Sevillian cuisine offers remedies that are as delicious as they are refreshing. Gazpacho and salmorejo are the two stars of cold soups. The former is a light and fragrant liquid soup made from blended vegetables, while the latter, thicker and creamier thanks to the addition of bread, is often served with toppings such as Iberian ham and hard-boiled eggs. These two dishes perfectly reflect a simple yet refined cuisine that elevates the bounty of the sun.

But Seville's cuisine isn't limited to what you find throughout Spain. The city has its own specialties, born from its history and culture. "Espinacas con garbanzos" (spinach with chickpeas) is a typical and flavorful vegetarian dish, often served in traditional tapas bars. For meat lovers, "cola de toro" (bull's tail) is a must-try. Slow-cooked until the meat is incredibly tender, it's an explosion of flavors. Another specialty not to be missed is "carrillada", braised and melt-in-your-mouth pork or beef cheeks.

Finally, you absolutely must try Sevillian sweets. "Churros con chocolate" are a staple for breakfast or a sweet treat. These fried dough sticks, dipped in a cup of thick, hot chocolate, are a delicacy to be enjoyed without restraint.

The festive soul of Seville

Unlike other cities that may seem calmer, Seville has a decidedly festive soul, expressed through its many traditional celebrations. These festivals are not mere events, but rather a reflection of a deeply rooted culture that shapes the city's daily life.

In spring, Seville is radically transformed for its two most iconic events.

• First, Holy Week (Semana Santa), a week of religious fervor where solemn processions parade day and night through the city. The atmosphere is unique, both mystical and passionate.
• Then, two weeks later, comes the Feria de Abril, a huge festive fair where people gather in "casetas" (sort of like tents) to dance the sevillanas, sing and party.

Beyond these major events, the city pulsates to the rhythm of many other festivals.

• The Velá de Santiago y Santa Ana in July animates the Triana district with concerts and street parties.
• In September and October, the Flamenco Biennial attracts the greatest artists of this art so intimately linked to Andalusia.
• And of course, the Christmas period illuminates the city with decorations, markets, nativity scenes and traditional processions.

These celebrations are the perfect time to immerse yourself in the local culture, observe traditional costumes, and share in the joy of the people of Seville. They are a gateway to the soul of the city, its history, and its passions.

Explore the area around Seville and the rest of Andalusia

How about exploring the towns surrounding Seville to soak up even more of that Spanish atmosphere? To do so, hop on a high-speed train (AVE), an intercity bus, or rent a car and off we go!

• Just 45 minutes away by high-speed train (AVE), Córdoba is a city with an immense historical heritage. Its jewel, the Mezquita-Catedral, is an architectural masterpiece unlike any other in the world. Don't forget to visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs) and stroll through its magnificent gardens, true oases of coolness and tranquility. Then wander through the old Jewish quarter (the Judería), lose yourself in its flower-filled alleyways, and discover the secret patios for which it is famous.

• The world capital of sherry wine and equestrian art, Jerez de la Frontera is a fascinating getaway. Visit a "bodega" to taste this famous fortified wine and watch an equestrian show featuring Andalusian horses, renowned for their elegance. The city is also a major center for flamenco.

• Located about an hour and a half from Seville by train, Cadiz (Cádiz) is the oldest city in Western Europe. Nicknamed "Little Havana", it offers magnificent beaches, a vibrant carnival and a historic center encircled by the ocean, ideal for a relaxing day.

• Although a bit further away (about three hours by train and two and a half hours by car), Granada is a must-see destination. It's home to the incredible Alhambra, a palace-fortress of exceptional beauty, perched on a hill overlooking the city. It's one of the most visited monuments in Spain, so be sure to book your ticket well in advance.

• On the coast, Malaga (Málaga) is a perfect blend of culture and seaside living. This vibrant city, located about two and a half hours from Seville by train or car, has a lively historic center, world-renowned museums like the Picasso Museum, and beaches where you can relax and refresh yourself.

• If you rent a car, venture into the hills to discover the famous white villages. These picturesque villages, with their whitewashed houses and narrow streets, offer spectacular views. Towns like Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ronda, or Osuna are perfect stops for an immersion in a more traditional Andalusia.