If you’re wondering what to do in Seville and the surrounding area, wonder no more. This past spring, I spent time exploring the city and several other destinations in Andalucia on a day trip. It was the perfect time for a visit. Late April is warm but not too hot, hovering around the upper 70s/low 80s.
What to Do in Seville
Seville has a fairytale-like atmosphere, with many historic treasures from Seville Cathedral to the Royal Palace of Seville. Plus, three of the top white villages are nearby: Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Ronda.
As the focus of this trip was Asturias, I had limited time here, so I had to use it wisely. When creating your own itinerary, you’ll want to spend some time considering what to do in Seville based on your own interests. I also recommend saving a day for a guided tour that explores the white villages.
Tour Seville Cathedral
Seville boasts several iconic landmarks, one of which is Seville Cathedral. Constructed on the site of a former mosque, it took over a century to build, starting from around 1401.
While the exterior is impressive to look at, what it holds inside draws many: the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It was a mystery for many years as to whether the remains were actually his, but just recently, following two decades of research and DNA testing, a forensic medical expert said the answer was definitively “yes.” The remains are indeed those of Columbus. There is just a small part of him is here, however. In fact, the remains weigh only about 100 grams. That said, these are the only remains of the explorer that have been officially identified. His tomb is held aloft by four allegorical figures. They represent the four kingdoms of Spain during his life: Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Leon.
Taking a small group or private tour of the cathedral is the best way to get the most out of your visit, with expert insight that tells the story behind it all. Tours typically include the vast Gothic-style interior with magnificent stained-glass windows, Columbus’ tomb, the Main Altarpiece, the Orange Tree Courtyard, the Royal Chapel with the tomb of King Ferdinand III, and the Giralda Tower. From the tower, you’ll be able to take in a panoramic view over the city.
Admire the Royal Alcazar
Many tours of the cathedral also include the Royal Alcazar, which is the old Arabic palace of Seville. Today, the UNESCO-listed palace serves as the Royal Residence of the Kings of Spain. Built by the Moorish rulers who occupied the area from the 8th century, much of what you see today dates to the 12th century. Elements of Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque designs were added under the Catholics of Spain.
“Game of Thrones” fan? The gardens were the real-life location for the Water Gardens of Dorne. The immaculate grounds are reason enough to visit alone. You’ll see free-roaming peacocks, bubbling fountains, and over 170 different plant species from across the globe.
Be sure to look into the trees. You might just find something looking back at you like the rose-ringed parakeet. It was originally introduced into Spain as a pet, but after being released (or escaping), the birds grew into a large, wild population. Staying at the Legado Alcazar Hotel, I spent quite a bit of time watching the peacocks and the parakeets right from my balcony that overlooked the Alcazar grounds.
Plaza de España
Another one of the top attractions in Seville is Plaza de España, its most famous square. A landmark example of Regionalism architecture, it combines elements of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Moorish Revival styles. Designed for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition, it’s worth visiting just for the photo op. You’ll see a canal spanned by four ornately decorated bridges around the plaza, which represent Spain’s four ancient kingdoms. At its edge are many tiled benches with details linked to the country’s various provinces.
Join a Wine & Tapas Tour
Seville also boasts a booming tapas scene. Best experienced on a wine and tapas tour, you’ll get to sample a variety of traditional tapas and local wines while exploring the city on foot.
One of my favorite tapas was the Solomillo al Whisky, pork tenderloin pieces smothered in a garlic and whiskey sauce. If it’s not included on your tour, you can sample it at Bodega Santa Cruz near the cathedral.
Check out the Markets
There are many markets to explore in Seville, but the most famous is the Mercado de Triana. There are vendors selling fresh local produce and other items that are perfect for a picnic, along with a good mix of tapas bars.
If you’re in Seville on the third Sunday of the month, visit Parque de María Luisa. Local craftspeople will be selling their homemade wares and other items, incluing clothing, jewelery, candles, and much more.
Take in A Flamenco Performance
As the “City of Flamenco,” one of the top things to do in Seville is to take in a live performance. There are many venues to choose from, including Casa del Flamenco, which hosts shows in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It’s one of the few where no amplification of any kind is used. Casa de la Memoria offers traditional shows every night in an intimate environment that includes guitar, singing, and dancing. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is yet another option, with the show complemented by authentic Andalusian cuisine.
A Day Trip to the White Villages: Ronda, Zahara de la Sierra, & Setenil de las Bodegas
One of the best day trips you can take from Seville explores the pueblos blancos, or white villages, of southern Spain, including Ronda. Tucked into the Serrania de Ronda Mountains, it sits on a clifftop overlooking a gorge while surrounded by lush river valleys. The Puento Nuevo bridge, completed in 1793, spans the gorge, joining the old Moorish town and the newer part of the city referred to as El Mercadillo. By descending the steep trail to the west of the lookout, you’ll get a great view of the bridge and waterfalls.
Traces of Ronda’s prehistoric past can be seen throughout, including the famous rock paintings of Cueva de la Pileta. In the old Arab Quarter, you’ll see a 13th-century bath with a big cauldron that was once used to heat the water. The city also has a strong connection to bullfighting, home to the Romero dynasty of matadors who developed modern rules in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1785 Plaza de Toros stands as a testament to its famous custom and is the second-oldest bullfighting ring in Spain.
The roughly 3,000 residents who call Setenil de las Bodegas home literally live under a rock. Their dwellings were carved out of the rock overhangs that overlook the Rio Trejo. With the village extending along the course of the river, it’s an awe-inspiring scene. We stopped here for a delicious lunch, enjoyed beneath a rock ceiling with a view of water.
Zahara de la Sierra is near Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It’s best known for its beautiful hilltop Moorish castle that’s visible for miles around. A maze of narrow alleyways lined with Moorish buildings and splashed with colorful bougainvillea, it’s a photographer’s dream while providing an intriguing glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
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