
A treat for the winter, Seville in southern Spain
You could almost say Seville has it all...
As a balmy November evening draws in and the honey-coloured Plaza de España is bathed in the last drops of the Andalusian sunshine, I know we’ve arrived in paradise, yes, Seville.
There are not too many cities that Gary and I have returned to, and would still return back to, but, for me, it’s Seville every time. This southern Spanish city has such a welcoming, relaxed vibe and incredible Moorish architecture like you’d never believe.

El Divino Salvador church
What’s not to love about strolling through ancient narrow streets, following in the footsteps of thousands of years of history. Then settling down beneath the Sevillian winter sun and enjoying a chilled glass of Manzanilla. Does a city break get any better?
We’ve now visited Seville three times, two of which were during our Spanish road trip adventures. And all three visits were through autumn or winter, I really don’t think I’m cut out for the 40-degree heat in the summer months.
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A typical bar
There’s something alluring about Seville, that not only is it delightful visiting its famous historical sites. But you get the sense that there are even more fascinating little alleyways and plazas to discover that are hidden away.
Although, don’t just take our word for it, treat yourself. Here are a few of Seville’s charming qualities that I’m sure like us you won’t be able to resist for a little winter break;
Architecture
The Moors
One of my favourite eras in architecture is most definitely Moorish. I just love it, it’s both beautiful and rustic at the same time, and you feel that the ancient walls and ramparts have a million stories to tell.

The Torre del Oro from across the Guadalquivir river
Perhaps this is why I’ve become to love Spain, and it’s alluring historic villages, towns and cities so much in recent years.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is one of my favourite places in Seville, it’s so stunning. I just love strolling around the perimeter of the semi-circular plaza, discovering all about Spain’s fascinating regions, which are scattered north, south, east and west across the country. Each little alcove is decorated in beautiful Spanish ceramic tiles depicting the capital of its region and what that Province is famed for.

The Canaries tiled alcove of the Plaza de España
Meandering through the plaza is an inviting arched river, I’m sure you’ll find it a struggle to resist just hopping in a boat and going for a row.

Boating at the Plaza de España
We’ve visited the Plaza de España over different times of the day; however, it really feels special during the evening twilight.
Just sitting watching families and friends enjoying each other’s company.
Gratis to all
What’s lovely about Plaza de España is that it’s free for everyone to enjoy.
Metropol Parasol
Also known as the Mushroom, it’s quite an imposing structure, and I think people either love it or loathe it, I’m certainly one of the former. I like to see the old mixing with the new if it’s tastefully done.

The Metropol Parasol, or Mushroom (as the locals call it)
The Metropol Parasol was completed in 2011, and for a small charge, you can catch a lift to the top and have a stroll around. There are some wonderful views from here across the rooftops of Seville.
A helpful guide
Ahhh the call of Andalucía, I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our southern Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
History
Alcázar of Seville
Ahhh, the stunning Alcázar of Seville, I’m not really one for telling people what they should and shouldn’t visit, as I feel it’s each to their own. However, there’s no escaping that the Alcázar of Seville is magnificent.

Moorish design in the Alcázar
The beautiful ornate interior is mind-blowing, and at times the opulence really does stop you in your tracks. The splendour is an understatement when it comes to this palace.

Moorish design in the Alcázar
Oh yes, then there are the gardens, so immaculately manicured. It’s such a pleasure to spend time sitting and admiring the immense amount of work, that goes into maintaining them.
Arrive early or….
Ensure you arrive early to visit the Alcázar of Seville and Seville Cathedral as the queues quickly start to form.
Alternatively, why not ‘skip the line’ and join the 3-hour guided tour of both the Alcázar and the Cathedral. That way you can have leisurely breakfast.
Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is stunning and sits proudly as the centrepiece of the city. Built in the early 16th century, this beautiful basilica is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.

Seville Cathedral
I know it seems weird to say, as obviously, it is vast from the outside.
However, when you step inside and see the enormity of the imposing pillars stretching up to the rafters, it really is breath-taking.

Inside the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral are 80 separate chapels surrounding the central nave and it also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Did someone say UNESCO?
Plaza de Toros
Seville’s bullring, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but equally this is part of Spain’s history. The Plaza de Toros has a fascinating museum into Spain’s bullfighting and matador past. If you’d like to visit, you’ll be given a guided tour around the bullring and also the museum.

The entrance to the Bullring
The historic circular Plaza de Toros was built in 1765 and is a fantastic looking structure. The beautiful Baroque architecture is seen throughout, and I must admit although I wouldn’t go to a bullfight the Plaza de Toros is incredible.

The seating at the Bullring
In our opinion
Culture
Barrio Santa Cruz
One of the reasons I fell in love with Seville was strolling the tiny lanes around the old town.
Not knowing what you’ll find around each corner, another attractive little courtyard or a bustling, lively plaza. It’s just wonderful.

Quiet lanes of Seville
We even managed to get lost on our first evening, as you think you wandered through the lanes before, and then you find somewhere new.
Seville’s beautiful Plazas
The fun of strolling around anywhere is the anticipation of what you’ll discover along each path. While we were out and about one day, we came across Plaza de Doña Elvira, it really put a smile on my face. It was just how you’d dream a Spanish square to be.

The fountain in the centre of Plaza de Doña Elvira
Beautiful ceramic tiling, lush trees were providing welcoming dappled shade, a fountain for children to enjoy and of course, the lovely local restaurants pouring out onto the streets.
Casa Placido
Casa Placido is our treasured tapas bar in the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz. Prior to visiting Seville if I had a vision of what a tapas bar should be this was it.

The bar of Casa Placido
Iberico hams hanging from the ceiling, passionate flamenco dancers were adorning the walls and the waft of Sherry as you stroll through the door.

Inside Casa Placido
This is also where we made the decision to give up our 9 to 5 lives and take the leap of faith into travel blogging.
Watch out for!
Be sure to pack your ‘hard hat’! Like me, you may just be minding your own business enjoying the shade of a Seville orange tree and THUMP. An orange lands on you from a great height. One of us found it funny, and it wasn’t me….
Food and Drink
Mercado de Triana
Triana is on the opposite side of the river to Seville’s main tourist sights, but indeed a place to head. Historically Triana is known for its pottery and ceramics, take a little stroll around its lanes as some evidence of this can still be found.

A fruit and vegetable stall in the Mercado de Triana
However, you really should pop into the Mercado de Triana. If like us, you enjoy wandering around bustling food markets, then you’ll love it here.
Sherry
Ahh, Sherry now forget all those preconceived ideas of warm sickly Sherry consumed at Christmas and taste Spanish Sherry how it is meant to be enjoyed.

Two glasses of sherry
You’ll be surprised at how many different types there are to choose from. I personally like the Manzanilla, which is clear, crisp and served chilled. Although I do actually enjoy them all.
Tapas and Paella
Spain wouldn’t be Spain if you didn’t indulge in a little tapas and paella. When we strolled through Plaza de Doña Elvira, we came across a lovely restaurant with tables outside in the dappled sun. So, we found a spot and enjoyed a delicious paella.

Paella at La Cueva, Plaza de Doña Elvira
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Inspired to visit Seville?
Would you like to take a stroll in the historical quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz and get lost in the lanes?
Go on take a peek at the latest deals on Booking.Com?

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Comments
I’m very keen to visit Seville, and now I’m even keener! Lots of reasons here to book an autumn or winter trip, lovely photos too. #farawayfiles
Thanks Nancy, Seville is beautiful I love the architecture. It’s a city that won my heart as soon as we arrived.
Love Seville, it’s full of so much history and character. All those Moorish influences really add to the place. And the food, some of the best tapas in the country.
Yes I really love the Moorish architecture too. It’s also great discovering all the little courtyards and lanes around the Santa Cruz district.
This almost has me booking a trip right now! We have only visited once, in late October when the temperature was perfect. WE loved it and vowed to return….we are yet to do so. We did visit the Plaza de Toros, and although like you would not go to a bull fight were fascinated by the history and size of the place. I love that you made the jump into travel blogging in a tapas bar in seville #farawayfiles
Go on book it, you won’t regret it. October is a lovely time to go, we have also visited in November and that was perfect too.
Yes, we had been contemplating the jump for a while, we just thought it was now or never.
Aaah Seville! It really appealed to me too. I went with my son on a school trip and adored it. I’d love to go back without a gaggle of schoolchildren in tow. It has the most wonderful feel to it and I love the sound of that tapas bar you found. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Seville really does have a relaxed vibe about it, whether it’s because a lot of it is pedestrianised or narrow roads and lanes. I’m not too sure.
You should return, it will probably be completely different kind of trip.
I’m really inspired to visit Seville by your piece. I’ve been to Madrid and Barcelona but I’ve only seen Seville from a viewpoint on a road trip. Did you dance the Sevillana? While in Madrid I was taken to a club where people danced this beautiful, sexy dance – young women, old women, women with women, old men, young men, children, strangers dancing with strangers just to enjoy the dance. I was told by one of the dancers that in Seville, everyone learns the dance in school.
Thanks Ferne, Seville really is a beautiful city, the architecture is incredible. No, I didn’t dance the Sevillana, sounds like fun, that’s perhaps one fo next time.
It’s nearly 20 years since I last visited Seville. It seems much has changed since then so I may need to go back. Lots of good info here for when I do.
Thanks Suzanne, in 20 years there has probably been some changes for the good and the bad. Although I would probably say more for the better.
The lanes look absolutely enchanting. And that sherry…. mmm. You can ‘t beat a good sherry, in my view!
It is a beautiful city and wonderful this time of year. We were converted to the delights of Sherry when we visited bodega in Jerez, never looked back, I didn’t realise there we so many to choose from.
It’s a city that I’d love to visit. Thanks for the comprehensive list of highlights.
Gary and I adore Seville, it has such a relaxed feel about it and I absolutely love Moorish architecture, so it’s a win win.