From tasty tapas to fabulous flamenco, 10 reasons to visit Seville

AUTUMN is the perfect time to visit sizzling Seville.

Switch the fierce heat and crowds of summer for cooler sunny days strolling around this Spanish gem.

4

It ideal for a city break that promises historic treasures, great food and exciting entertainment.

Classic sight

THE city is home to 30 centuries of history, with beautiful, well-preserved Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish architecture.

But the must-see is the Royal Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with origins tht date back to the 11th century.

The palace features an incredible mix of Spanish and Islamic design — and was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Don’t miss the eye-opening Maiden’s Courtyard, complete with geometric archways, a “reflection pool” and orange trees. Book online in advance to avoid the queues.

Fun neighbourhood

THE historic Santa Cruz district, the former Jewish quarter, is filled with winding cobbled streets and hole-in-the-wall tapas bars serving cheap glasses of tangy orange wine — a local speciality.

As the sun begins to set, I move up to the Eme rooftop bar, and sip on a salt-rimmed margarita.

In front of me I watch, mesmerised, as the rays hit the intricate cornicing of the walls of the cathedral and adjacent La Giralda bell tower, originally part of the city’s first mosque.

The wow moment

ANOTHER neighbourhood worth exploring is Triana, thought to be the birthplace of flamenco dancing.

For a chance to admire the passionate displays like a local, check out the tucked-away tavern, La Carboneria

New for 2022

If you’re looking for a more budget hotel option, check out the newly-opened ibis Styles Sevilla City Santa Justa.

The modern, chic property has a fabulous rooftop pool and a large shaded courtyard for a morning coffee or evening cocktail.

Rooms from £80 a night.

The Grand Hotel

INDULGE in a stay at the grand Hotel Alfonso XIII — in the heart of the city, and a speedy €4 (£3.49) bus from the airport.

The hotel was built in 1929 by King Alfonso XIII — and has all the regal ambience you would expect. From crowns on lamps to first-class service and a view of a real-life palace — the Palacio de San Telmo — across the street.

Fantastic feast

FOR a special occasion, reserve a table at Mariatrifulca, which serves refined Mediterranean cuisine on a terrace with the best riverside views at sunset.

Similarly, Mamarracha is a trendy, leafy oasis off a busy central street where the Iberian sirloin steak is on point.

Cultural fix

The Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure, known better as Las Setas, or “The Mushrooms”.

Stroll around the produce market and explore the museum containing Roman and medieval finds that were discovered during its construction.

Top tour

Climb aboard e-scooters for a tapas tour.

We booked through Airbnb Experiences and joined tour guide Luis as he whizzed through the city teaching us its history, pausing to tuck into the locals’ favourite dishes.

We ate slabs of Spanish goat’s cheese, called Payoyo, at Barrabas Triana, then oxtail stew at Pepe Hillo, which is decorated with a bull-fighting theme. Both served the Sevillian beer Cruzcampo, ice-cool on tap.

With the kids

TAKE to the river at the grand Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park — perfect for cooling off after a stroll through the city streets.

Or take a trip through history with fun rides at the Isla Mágica theme park.

One more treat

The Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a former fish market on the riverbank, has been converted into a tapas lover’s dream.

Along from the Iberian ham and the empanada counters, I grabbed a plate of hearty chorizo paella for the equivalent of a few quid.

Down on the terrace, the G&Ts toasted the perfect end to the weekend. It was a little bit of what you fancy and more — just like Seville itself.

4

4

4