Returning to Sevilla

As you may have previously read, I spent a day in Sevilla back in February 2015. (Read about that trip here.) This time however, I was lucky enough to have three whole days in this stunning city.

Sevilla definitely has a different vibe in the summer, tourists become a lot more noticeable, but the locals are still about in June. I wouldn’t recommend July and August as the Sevillanos scarper to the coast and the city becomes overridden with summer schools.  Besides, the heat is unbearable!

I managed to cover the majority of the sights on my last visit but there are a couple of things to add to the list:

• The Nomad Hostel

My first hostel experience got off to a great start here. The Nomad is in a prime location –  bang in the centre of the city. It has recently been refurbished and has a lovely laid back vibe, including a fantastic roof terrace equipped with its own bar!

• A Religious Parade

I hadn’t been in Spain for five minutes before seeing a religious procession make its way through the streets of Sevilla. This one was part of the Rocio Pilgrimage (which I explain in my Huelva post.) Everyone involved was dressed in traditional flamenco attire and followed a typically ostentatious float pulled by two huge bulls. A pretty standard evening in a Spanish city!

• Plaza de España

This is an absolute must see: a magnificent square and impressive adjacent building equipped with bridges, fountains and mini canals. Each region in Spain is represented with a separate artwork and map made out of Sevillan azulejos (tiles). The showiness of the place takes your breath away. Plus, the Plaza is surrounded by the city’s finest park, Parque Maria Luisa, which is full of tropical trees and peaceful resting spots.

• Alcázar

The grand Alcázar is another very impressive attraction. Dating back before the time of the Moors, the palace has strong Muslim influenced architecture. With an infinite amount of halls and patios, I was rather overwhelmed by its sheer splendour – the attention to detail is a lot to take in. If the palace isn’t enough, the vast grandiose gardens stretch out behind the complex.

• Bar Embarcadero

I returned to a spot to recreate a photo that was taken two years earlier outside the Golden Tower (or Torre del Oro.) It’s a wonderful area to meander along the river. I also discovered Bar Embarcadero – a sweet little bar tucked away on the other side of the river with superb views of the tower. A lovely little place for a drink.

• Triana

I had the chance to explore the Triana neighbourhood in greater depth. It’s a lovely, underrated area of the city with a great ceramic museum accompanied by two beautiful gift shops. You can also walk down by the river’s edge and admire the city from a different perspective.

• Night time 

I loved my first taste of Sevilla’s nightlife. First along the bars by the river, which are great fun in the evening, then in Alameda de Hercules: a neighbourhood which was buzzing with life until the early hours. Sevilla transforms itself when the sun goes down – this seems to be when most people take to the streets after sheltering indoors from the strong daytime sun.

NB: If you fancy a long weekend somewhere, I can highly recommend this city; it still ranks as one of my favourites!

Next stop: Huelva