Spain sits near the top of many people's European travel wish list and those who visit are spoiled for choice when it comes to sensational places to see. From the famous foodie cities of the Basque Country up north and the cosmopolitan capital Madrid in the center to the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Valencia on the Mediterranean and the multitude of romantic towns like Toledo and Segovia in between, the country is loaded with great destinations.
Any conversation about where to go in Spain should include Seville (Sevilla in Spanish), which is the fourth biggest city in the country and the capital of southern Spain's Andalucia region. I recently returned from my first visit to the city, and the following list offers up just a few of the reasons why it should be on your—or your client's—radar.
A Strong Shot of Spain
It may be a clunky phrase, but Seville is often described as the "most Spanish city in Spain" and multiple people I spoke to there more or less agreed with the assessment.
What this means to a traveler is that many of the quintessential things that you may associate with Spain are embraced in Seville with a gusto unmatched in other big cities in the country.
Fiestas and impromptu street parties where sherry wine flows like water? Seville has 'em in spades. Fantastic, larger-than-life processions to mark Holy Week and other holidays? Seville is the epicenter of the annual observances. Tapas? They are said to have been born in Andalucia.
And when it comes to Spain's most famous musical/cultural export, Seville is to flamenco as New Orleans is to jazz. While the exact origin of flamenco is disputed between Seville and other locations in Andalucia, most people agree that Seville played a crucial role in its development.
Add into this mix that Seville and Andalucia maintain the richest cultural treasure connected to Spain's Moorish heritage (the name Andalucia comes from the Arabic word Al-Andalus), you have a magical combination that can't be beaten.
Alcazar of Seville. (Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Seville See and Do
When it comes to attractions, Seville has two that are absolutely world renowned: The Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcazar. The former is one of the biggest & most interesting cathedrals in the world (its La Giralda tower is a symbol of the city) and the latter is a stunning royal palace loaded with flourishes of Muslim and Christian architectural features that you may recognize from Game of Thrones.
Other popular sights include the ultra-modern Setas de Sevilla (an artsy canopy that provides shade and a backdrop for millions of social media snaps), the stately Plaza de Espana and the historic Real Maestranza bullring. The city also has a deep connection with the Age of Exploration, including the voyages of both Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan.
You can't leave Seville without seeing some flamenco at one of the scores of venues all over town (ranging from polished theaters to casual venues) and I'd also make a case for visiting the many bustling food markets, bouncing between characterful back alley tapas bars and swinging by one of the local convents that sell cookies as great things to do in Seville, too.
Market in Seville, Spain (Photo Credit: Scott Hartbeck)
Food & Drink Details
Seville may not have as many Michelin stars as some other cities in Spain, but I walked away thoroughly impressed by the approachable, delicious food available all over the city and I'm sure you—or your client—will too.
Just a few of the highlights of the local specialties are a decadent spinach & chickpeas dish called espinacas con garbanzos, salmorejo soup (like gazpacho but better), overstuffed croquettes and a bounty of seafood from the Andalucian coast. And this is to say nothing about the sensational Iberian ham, of which many of the finest varieties come from the surrounding mountains.
When it comes to wine, sherry is the name of the game, with this world-famous wine being produced in the region and bottles upon bottles behind almost every bar in town.
About the Base
For my money, Seville offers the best day trip opportunities of any big city in Spain. Cordoba's pretty patios & mesmerizing La Mezquita, the sherry wine bodegas of Jerez and the historic salty seaside city of Cadiz and its wonderful seafood all sit a short train ride away.
Further afield (but still relatively close and perfect for a combined trip) sits Granada & its enchanted Alhambra, dramatically perched hill town Ronda, Malaga and the tanned beach resorts of the Costa del Sol.
Golden tower (Torre del Oro) in Seville, Spain (Photo via MarquesPhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
It's Always Sunny in Seville
Craving a winter or spring getaway that is almost sure to have some pleasant temperatures and some sunshine? Then look at Seville, Europe's warmest big city. Think of it a bit like Phoenix: you may want to avoid July and August, but you're pretty much good to go the rest of the year.
Add to this the fact that on-the-ground expenses are extremely reasonable and you have a top-notch European destination. I know I'll be back, so maybe I'll see you there.
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