If you’re in need of a getaway this Spring in the sun to combat the Irish weather, we at The Circular couldn’t recommend Seville, Spain enough. We used to live in this energetic city is located in the south of the country in the Andalusian region. Temperatures at this time of the year reach up to a beautiful 22 degrees. However, be warned that you should avoid a trip in Summer at all costs. That is unless you enjoy baking yourself in oven like temperatures as it soars up to 40 degrees.
Seville embodies all the stereotypical images that come to mind when you think of Spain – flamenco, bullfighting, partying, the list is endless. This city really has something for everyone. Food lovers will be in their element as the tapas scene here is thriving. While architecture fanatics will be spoilt for choice at the variety of styles dotted across the city.
If you’d like to know a local’s recommendations to get the most of what Seville has to offer, then keep on reading.
La Giralda
La Giralda is the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. It’s nestled in the heart of the city on the bustling Avenida de La Constitucion. We would recommend wearing your most comfortable pair of shoes as you’ll be climbing thirty-four ramps to arrive to the top. But trust us, the reward will be more than worth it for the incredible views across the city. The tower is joined to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. Inside it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus himself! If you’re feeling a bit thirsty after all the climbing why not take a trip to the EME hotel rooftop bar which is only a stones throwaway. Sit back with a cold glass of sangria and watch the sun set behind the Cathedral. It’s a sight you simply cannot miss.
Real Alcazar Gardens
If you’re an avid follower of the series, “The Game of Thrones”, then you’ll definitely recognize this magnificent palace and its gardens as the backdrop for the Dorne and Meereen kingdoms. The beauty of this place will have your jaw on the floor. The Mudejar architecture style captures Seville’s Christian and Moorish history to a tee. The details and the colours will have your Instagram likes going ninety. The entrance fee is just under €10 which is money well spent. Even if it’s just for the Instagram photo alone.
Plaza de España
No trip to Seville would be complete without paying this spectacular square a visit. Located in the center of the Maria Luisa park, this half-moon shaped plaza is a feast for the eyes with its abundance of colour and detailed ceramic tiles. It’s been the location for a few movies like Stars Wars “Attack of the Clones” and “The Dictator”. It’s no wonder movie directors fall in love with the place. Why not take a boat trip along the moat with your significant other or rent a bike around the park and get exploring.
La Feria – April Fair
The biggest social event in the calendar year for Seville – La Feria. This festival takes place two weeks after Easter where the city unfolds its charm to the max. When it first started back in 1846 it was a livestock fair. Fast forward a few years later to a week of constant dancing, eating, drinking and socialising. Us Irish would feel right at home. You’ll find the locals munching on jamón and guzzling back the oh so refreshing drink rebujito – a young white wine mixed with 7up. It’s also the only time of the year when the Sevillanos done their traditional flamenco dresses.
Tapas – Food glorious food
With the city’s endless supply of modern and traditional restaurants you’ll be spoiled for choice. On Calle Calatrava you’ll find Duotapas, where traditional fuses with modern effortlessly. If you’re lucky enough to grab a table on their terrace you will be the envy of the rest of the diners. Firm favourites here would have to be the mushroom risotto, the prawns in a filo pastry and the tempura vegetables. With tapas ranging from €3 to €8.50 a pop you’ll dine like royalty.
If you’re after traditional tapas then head to Bodega Santa Cruz in the Jewish quarter, on Calle Rodrigo Caro. If you like things old school, then this is the place for you. The waiters keep track of your order by writing it on the counter in chalk. Must haves here would be the solimillo al whisky, a gorgeous pork dish in whiskey sauce and the salmorejo a cold tomato soup served with jamón on top.
High street heaven
One simply cannot go to Spain without popping into Zara for a gawk. Especially since it’s that bit cheaper in its homeland, it would be rude not to. Calle Tetuán is high street heaven where you can find the usual suspects like Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear. During the hotter months there’s a veranda above to block out the sweltering sun.
Fiesta until siesta
In the neighbourhood of Triana across the bridge you’ll find the bar Los Martinez where you can marvel at the impromptu flamenco dancing in its natural form. Puerto de Cuba just off Plaza de Cuba is a great spot for drinks and dancing the night away with the river Guadalquivir in the background. Alameda which is known as the more hipster part of town is a great area to spend the night hopping from bar to bar and making new friends along the way.
Planning the trip
How to get there: Ryanair run the perfect weekend round trip with a direct flight from Dublin to Seville on Fridays with the return flight on Mondays.
Where to stay: Splurge option EME Hotel. Save option Airbnb.
