Spring in Seville, Spain
- Dara Wissinger Pütz
- May 12
- 6 min read
This trip was special for many reasons other than drinking Tinto de Verano every day. We not only celebrated my birthday and explored a new city, but we also reunited with our best friends! Living abroad leads to the most beautiful friendships and inevitable goodbyes as we go back home or move on to the next assignment. We are incredibly blessed to have many friends all over the world and several of whom will adventure to new places with us.
As my birthday is the first week of March, we wanted a warm and sunny location to visit in escape of the grey and cold northern European winters. Direct flights to Seville just so happened to be possible from both locations where we were living across Europe, which made it the perfect reunion location. Temperatures have average highs around 20°C (68°F) with evening lows around 9°C (48°F) – the perfect winter getaway to explore a new city. Anytime from March to May is the perfect time to visit this stunning city!
Not only was the weather perfect this time of year but so was the aroma of the city. You heard me right – Seville smelled like a fruity heaven while we were there. We were extremely lucky to experience all the orange blossoms blooming together during our weekend and around every corner wafted the pleasant smell of orange blossoms. Now, every time I smell fresh orange blossoms I imagine I am back in Seville.
Seeing the sights in Seville
Seville offers plenty to do in a long weekend to ensure you see all the city has to offer. We visited the Setas de Sevila, The Royal Alcazar, Torre del Oro, Casa de Pilatos, Catedral de Sevilla, Plaza de Espana and a local market. Although we visited many locations, there were numerous additional museums and historical sites that we did not have the opportunity to explore. Ensure to plan with ticket purchases (especially in the high travel season such as the summer) for locations such as The Royal Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos. In between seeing the amazing sites ensure to leave enough time to relax, eat all the amazing food, and shop in the many local shopping streets throughout the city.
Catedral de Sevilla
Just like its sister city Cordoba, Sevilla also had its fair change of religions over the years with Roman, Christian and Moorish influences on its cathedrals and architecture. What this cathedral is famous for is its tower or The Giralda. It was originally a minaret for the call to prayer as the city’s mosque used to be the on the cathedral location. This specific minaret is special as there are no stairs to reach the top. Instead, it has many sloping ramps which at the time of its construction, allowed the sultan to ride to the top via horseback. Tickets for the Giralda can be purchased separately from the Cathedral. Make sure to check the official website as once a week for a few hours’ entry is free with a prebooked ticket.
The Royal Alcazar
Unfortunately, the day we arrived at the Royal Alcazar it had been raining in the morning and off and on throughout the day. Manageable rain I may add. We did not realize if it rains, they close the famous gardens attached to the Alcazar. Not only are these gardens gorgeous (as I have seen via photos sadly not in person) but they are famous for being a filming location for Game of Thrones. While we were saddened to be unable to see the gardens this simply means I will have to return to Seville someday to see them for myself. Though, the palace itself is stunning and even without the gardens it is a must see of Seville with its breathtaking tile work which surrounds you in every room.
Traveling to Naboo
My husband and I are huge Star Wars nerds and part of the reason why we wanted to visit Seville is because scenes from Episode II – Attack of the Clones were filmed in Plaza de Espana! The famous scene filmed here is when Anakin and Padme arrive on Naboo with R2-D2 beside them. Plaza de Espana and the surrounding gardens really do make you feel like you are on another planet. A planet filled with architecture that shines in the warm sunlight surrounded by lush greenery. Allow for several hours to explore the plaza as well as the surrounding gardens.
Food & Entertainment
Spanish food and entertainment are world renowned and for good reason. I could live on tapas and Tinto de Verano alone for the rest of my days. Notice how I did not mention Sangria, and this is because it is not traditionally Andalusian (the region where Seville is). Tinto de Verano is more authentic and more affordable. While sangria usually has fruit within the drink Tinto de Verano does not. It is red wine mixed with citrus flavored soda. If you want to take some home with you, all supermarkets sell the traditional and most authentic citrus flavored sodas (such as La Casera). Do note, once you fall in love with Tinto de Verano you can also make it at home with 7-Up or Sprite and it will do the trick – especially as a refreshing and cool drink on a hot summer evening.
While tapas (small plates for sharing many dishes) are well known across Spain, Seville and the Andalusia region specialize in certain ones. Salmorejo is a cold tomato soup much like a gazpacho, but this version is served with a hard-boiled egg and ham. Espinacas con Garbanzos is a cooked spinach stew served with chickpeas. Another popular tapa for this region is pescado frito or fried dish with its proximity to the sea. Make sure to try as many tapas dishes as you can and change them up each time you go to a new location for a meal. While you enjoy some tapas and Tinto de Verano don’t forget to save stomach space for churros with warm melted chocolate for dessert.
The art of Flamenco dance is believed to have originated in Seville. Attending an authentic Flamenco show (not only seeing a street performance) is a must to fully experience the heart of Seville. There are several local companies who perform several nights a week with a traditional folk band alongside the Flamenco dancers. The performance we attended lasted about an hour and we could purchase drinks and snacks to enjoy. Some performances throughout the city may also include dinner with the show. Make sure to read the reviews ahead of time to ensure the experience is truly authentic and not merely a tourist destination.
Day Trip to Cordoba
Seville isn’t the only stunning city in the Andalusian region of Spain. Cordoba is an equally spectacular city with history dating back to Columbus (he lived here for a good portion of his life) as well as its mix of Moorish, Christian and Roman influences. While the city has had a bit of a religious identity crisis over the years, the result of that is the majestic Mezquita Cathedral. What could have been a hodge podge of multiple religions overriding each other over the centuries has instead turned this cathedral into a piece of art itself with the best parts of each religion contributing to its beauty.
Cordoba was easily reachable by train from Seville. The journey is around an hour one way and tickets can easily be purchased online. Both train stations are walking distance from the city centers and main attractions make it easy to add Cordoba as a day trip from Seville. There is much to explore in Cordoba as well and I would recommend staying here for at least a night if possible, in your itinerary.
Seville is the perfect picture location to easily visit the charm and magic of Southern Spain without the madness of a million beach tourists. With Spain’s user friendly and extensive train network it is super easy to reach any major Spanish city within a day. Make sure to add Seville to your spring bucket list to experience the rich culture, delectable food, kind people, and unforgettable ambiance. The rest of southern Spain is most definitely on my travel list with a stop off again in Seville for sure!
Meet Dara
Originally I am from the very first and second smallest state in America, Delaware. After achieving my masters degree I wanted to take a 'gap year' to work in Shanghai, China with Disney. I met my husband in Shanghai and somehow that 'gap year' turned into more than 8 years of living abroad! I have lived across three continents and four countries before I turned 30 and I wouldn't be surprised if those statistics change again before I am 40. I currently reside in the land of fairytale inspiration itself, Bavaria, Germany with my German husband. I love the thrill of visiting somewhere new and I am passionate about planning every single detail for all of our trips. I have always wanted to share my knowledge and expertise from this magical life abroad and thus this column was born. Join me as I take you from Delaware to Everywhere.
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