Known as the “doorway to the past”, Seville is renowned for its rich culture, breath-taking architecture, mouth-watering food, and it’s famous siestas. Cultural explorers get ready to take a step back in time and navigate through cobble-stone alleyways and admire beautifully aged Spanish tiles. Travel Beyond’s Events Director, Angela travelled throughout this exquisite Spanish paradise and gives us the five things she likes about Seville…
Country: Spain
Closest International Airport: Madrid Airport
Airlines (Sydney, Australia to Madrid, Spain): Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific
Travelling from Madrid to Seville: The AVE Train takes you directly to Seville.
Traveller Types: The No-Hassle Traveller, the Free-Spirit, the Cultural Explorer, the Authentic Experiencer, the Newbie, the Eat-Pray-Love Traveller
Best Time of Year to Visit: March to May
Maximum Temperature: 27 degrees
Minimum Temperature: 13 degrees
Budget (for five days): $3000.00+ (AUD)
1. Accommodation at Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville
Included in the Luxury Hotel Collection as one of Spain’s most prestigious hotels, Hotel Alfonso XIII defines Spanish charm in every corner of the property. The Arabic style arches, glistening marble floors, golden chandeliers, and characteristic ceramic tiles feature in each of the 151 guestrooms and suites.
Oozing with grand opulence and lavish details, Hotel Alfonso XIII features new dining and lounge facilities, fitness centre and swimming pool, boutique shopping, and a high-class beauty salon. Located just minutes from the heart of town and the Alcazar of Seville, the property is ideal for those wanting the authentic Spanish experience in all its beauty.
Address: San Fernando 2, Seville 41004, Spain
Phone: (+34) 954 917 000
Photo: Virtuoso Ltd
Photo: Virtuoso Ltd
Photo: Virtuoso Ltd
Photo: Virtuoso Ltd
2. Exploring the Alcazar of Seville
Built in the 1300’s (The Dark Ages), the Alcazar of Seville is known for its intricate architecture and delicate design. Previously a royal palace, the Upper Royal Quaters were used by the Spanish royal families on their visits to Seville.
Serious Game of Thrones fans will recognise the Morish architecture and detailed ceramic tiles and golden ceilings from the recreation of the Water Gardens of Dorne in Season 5. To wander the exquisite alleyways and explore this impeccable palace, you will need to block out at least two or three hours of your day.
Alcazar of Seville
Photo: Lonely Planet
3. Flamenco Dancing Show
Known as the dance of love and passion, Flamenco Dancing is best seen in Seville where it is famous for the finest Flamenco in Spain. The art of Flamenco is not a tourist-driven cliche to entice travellers to Spain; this is the real Seville in all its passion and beauty.
Flamenco is a must see for any cultural explorer and with its roots deep in Seville’s heritage, you can practically feel the rhythms and colours throughout the cobblestone streets. Compromising of four main elements: Cante (voice), Baile (dance), Toque (guitar), and Jaleo (hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and shouts of encouragement), the performance is deeply moving and will leave you desperately wanting more…
Photo: flamencotickets.com
4. Tapas and Cocktails at El Pinton
Explore the heart and soul of Seville and step into El Pinton and let the rich, Spanish aromas sink into your pores. Devour an expansive menu from Burrata cheese and sun-dried tomatoes with a rich arbequina olive oil, or a mouth-watering dish of mussels steamed to perfection, drowned in spicy tomato and basil sauce.
You are bound to find incredibly fresh seafood and colourful tapas bars around any corner. To eat your way around Seville, pick the places where napkins and toothpicks fill the entire floor. The floors are not cleaned until the very end of the day – the dirtiest floor will be the best place to eat in Seville!
Address: Francos 42, Seville 41004, Spain
Phone: (+34) 955 075 153
Photo: El Pinton
Photo: El Pinton
5. Intricate Tiles and Detailed Ceramics at Plaza de Espana
Known as the ‘Spanish Square”, Plaza de Espana is a budding photographer’s dream. With intricate detail in the millions of ceramic tiles illustrating years of Spanish history; this is a must see attraction.
Hailed as one of the most beautiful sites in Seville, explore this semi-circular architecture on foot or hire a small boat to row in the canals.
Plaza de Espana
Spanish Tiles
Want to explore Seville like a local? Angela is only one call away! Leave a comment for her below or Contact Us
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