'Seville, the pearl' of Spain!

Hey dear readers!

In this blog post, I'd like to take you along on my short trip through Andalusia (part one). This time, I wasn't alone, but with my sister and a friend. My sister turned 50 this year. And this calls for a celebration. And what's more fun than making memories together?!

Landing in Seville felt like an instant vacation! The airport isn't very big, and you're immediately among the locals.

"Seville" is, according to the Spanish, the queen of cities and one of the most beautiful in Spain. Well, I completely agree! As far as I'm concerned, it's "the pearl of Spain"! Wow, what a beautiful city! It enchants you with all its authenticity and its hip twist.

In principle, you only need three days to visit this city. I'd recommend adding an extra day or two. That way, you can easily get lost, enjoy a drink on a terrace, and perhaps even take a dip in the pool at your accommodation.

Skip the summer heat! Seville is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn.

We arrived on a Sunday afternoon in May. A taxi took us right to the city center in twenty minutes. We paid €28 because it was a Sunday; weekdays the price is €23. We quickly dropped off our bags and set off to stroll and explore this city full of discoveries. I was actually amazed the whole time. The Moorish influences still linger in the air; you can feel the history on every street corner, from the magnificent palaces to the narrow streets. And on top of that, the streets and squares were a vibrant purple with the jacarandas in bloom. Wonderful!

Late afternoon, aperitif time, so we indulged in Spanish specialties on a terrace! Pure delight!

Before we knew it, we were completely immersed in the local rhythm. At sunset, we were still strolling through that majestic city. The atmosphere was lively, relaxed, and charming. We came across the Metropol Parasol, a striking wooden structure designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer. It covers the Plaza de la Encarnación and protects passersby from the sun with its six parasols, each 26 meters high. A walkway has been built on the structure, offering stunning views of all of Seville. Instead, we opted for a delicious meal at Lasanta . We were planning to visit it later, but unfortunately, we'd forgotten.

Early bird catches the worm! It was so calm and slow on a Monday morning in the city. As if everyone was still asleep... Our first stop was the trendy breakfast bar Parceria Café . Of course, the day couldn't start without a delicious cappuccino, right?! We decided to quietly get lost in the city together... no obligations, just feel what we wanted!

And that worked out well, for me the perfect way to get to know a city. Walking past the cathedral was quite impressive. This Gothic cathedral, the oldest in the world, was built in the 15th century and stands right in the city center. Both day and night, the church exudes a special feeling. We didn't go inside. If you have the time, definitely do it ; it's supposedly worth it. On Mondays, you can visit some of the sights for free, but you need to book in advance.

Passing through the Puerto de la Macarena, one of the three remaining gates of the old Almohad wall built in the 12th century by Sultan Ali Ibn Yusuf, we entered the Santa Cruz district. This picturesque Jewish quarter has a lot to offer. Our walk led us through charming narrow streets where we admired the beautiful white houses with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, typical shops, and charming squares lined with orange trees. We appreciated sights like the Puerte del Leon, Real Alcazar, Plaza Dona Elvira, Plaza Patio de Banderas, and Hospital de los Venerables from the outside. During the Spanish siesta, we cooled off in the pool! Hehe, just what we needed to dive back into the city refreshed in the evening.

On day three, we rented bikes. Luckily, because the temperature had risen by ten degrees that day. We rode along the Guadalquivir River, past the beautiful Torre del Oro, over the Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II), and into the Triana neighborhood. It was just as pleasant everywhere, perhaps a little less crowded. A waterside terrace invited us to rest for a moment with a refreshing drink. Our journey continued along the water, over the Puento de S. Telmo, and into the beautiful Parque Maria Luisa. A sense of serenity immediately washes over you as you cycle or walk into this park.

At the center of this park lies Seville's most beautiful square, Plaza de España. This semicircular square is surrounded by stately buildings. Two tall towers rise on either side, like sentinels guarding the silence between stone and sky.

What makes this place truly special are the 52 benches, each facing one of the 52 frescoes, tile artworks depicting the provinces of Spain. At the foot of the building, the azulejos tell their story: each province in its own unique color palette, patterns so typically Andalusian that you can almost taste the salt in the air.

All right! As fun as it was on the bike, it was time to celebrate my sister's birthday with dinner. On the outskirts of the city, in a peaceful oasis at Casa Ozama, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch with all the trimmings! Wow, what a great place! The interior alone was fantastic, with delicious cocktails, wonderful food, and not expensive! In my opinion, a top-notch place! Wonderful, we had a blast!

In the evening, as it cooled down, it was pleasant to be in the city. We strolled leisurely across the Guadalquivir River into the Triana neighborhood. Seville by night felt pleasantly laid-back. We also stopped at a typical tapas bar . Nom nom!

If Seville is the pearl, what else is hidden in Andalusia? Stay tuned!

Ready to go!

Love en kisses, Helena 💖🦩