Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Because I'm about to take you on a journey to one of the most captivating cities in Spain - Seville! And guess what? I am not alone. I embarked on this trip with two of my lovely girlfriends, and we had the time of our lives!
In March 2019, we spent five fun-filled days exploring Seville's beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and lively culture. We saw live Flamenco shows, rode horse carriages, visited breath-taking palaces, and indulged in some much-needed retail therapy. But let me tell you, that is just scratching the surface.
So, fasten your seatbelts, grab some snacks, and get ready for an adventure you will never forget. Because in this blog post, I am going to take you through each day of our trip and share some fun facts that will make you fall in love with Seville just like we did!
Day 1:
Touchdown in Seville! We hit the ground running, dropping our bags at the hotel, changing, and scurrying out to find something to eat. The local restaurants had us salivating with their tantalizing menus. But wait a minute...butter is not a thing in Seville?! We learned the hard way when we got our breadbasket, and it was a little dry. We soon found out that dipping bread in oil was more common, so if you're a butter-lover like me, you've been warned 😉
Our adventure officially began with a visit to the stunning Maria Luisa Park, a true oasis of tranquillity. The park boasts several beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, offering a much-needed break from the city's hustle and bustle. But the real surprise was stumbling upon a live Flamenco show while wandering through the park. The music, the footwork, and the emotions of the performers left us absolutely spellbound. It was an unforgettable experience that we'll be raving about for years to come.
But that was just the beginning of our day! We then headed to the iconic Plaza de Espana, which sits on the edge of the Maria Luisa Park. This semi-circular plaza is designed to reflect the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. The plaza features a large central fountain, a canal that visitors can ride boats in, and a beautiful, tiled alcove representing different provinces in Spain. Let me tell you, this place is a feast for the eyes! The colours and structural architecture of the plaza are truly awe-inspiring, with intricate tile work, beautiful fountains, and stunning bridges. No wonder it's been featured in several famous films, including Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. To soak in the beauty of this place even more, we took a picturesque horse carriage ride that left us feeling like royalty. We must have taken a million pictures here, as every corner felt like it had to be documented.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to the charming Casa de la Memoria, a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the raw emotion and passion of Flamenco. The intimate setting of the venue allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the art form as we dined on delectable Spanish cuisine. The live performance was truly unforgettable, with the dancers' rhythmic footwork and hauntingly beautiful vocals creating an atmosphere that left us spellbound.
Day 2:
On the second day of our girls' getaway, we hopped on a train and took a short 45-minute journey to the charming city of Cordoba. This city, famous for its rich history and breath-taking architecture, did not disappoint.
Our free walking tour guide was an absolute delight, regaling us with fascinating stories and little-known facts about the city. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the Mezquita, a stunning former mosque that has been converted into a cathedral. The intricate Islamic architecture was humbling.
But Cordoba had much more to offer beyond the Mezquita. The city's streets were brimming with delightful shops and eateries, especially in the Medieval quarter. Here, nestled in the heart of "La Judería" - the once-thriving Jewish community - we stumbled upon a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, and enchanting floral-filled patios that left us in love with this place. And we cannot forget the picturesque squares like La Plaza del Potro that were begging to be explored! If you're lucky enough to visit in early May, you'll witness the pride of homeowners as they compete for the coveted title of "most beautiful courtyard" by decorating their patios with an incredible array of colourful flowers.
As we made our way back to the train station, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a special place. Cordoba may be small, but it's packed with so much charm and history that it's impossible not to fall in love with it.
Day 3:
Our third day in Seville was off to a fabulous start with a visit to the stunning Casa de Pilatos, a stunning Andalusian palace adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. The palace's intricate architecture and stunning art collections left us in awe, and we could not get enough of the striking courtyards and serene gardens.
After immersing ourselves in the splendour of Casa de Pilatos, we ventured to Seville Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The moment we stepped into the cathedral's majestic halls, we were awestruck by the grandeur of the architecture and the stunning artwork adorning the walls. However, after all the sightseeing, our stomachs were grumbling, and we were ready for a satisfying meal. We headed to a lively square nearby, eager to bask in the warm sunshine and savour some mouth-watering food.
Our memories of that lunch are still fresh in our minds - the vibrant ambiance, the spectacular scenery, and, of course, the succulent lobster that we relished with pure delight. It was one of those meals that made us grateful for life's simple pleasures and appreciate each other's company. As we left the square, we felt content and thankful for the unforgettable experience we had just shared. Our next destination was the Real Alcazar, a place where Game of Thrones fans like us could indulge in our fantasies, as it was the location for the beautiful gardens of Dorne.
And let me tell you, this place did not disappoint! We were in awe of the stunning architecture, and the lush greenery that surrounded us at every turn. We even tried to recreate a famous scene from the show, which had us taking a million pictures while passers-by thought we were bonkers. But that's what made it all the more fun!
After a day of adventure, we finally reached our last stop: the Santa Cruz Jewish quarter. Eager to add some excitement to our exploration, we decided to rent bikes and zoom through the streets of Seville like a pack of wild adventurers! We felt the wind in our hair as we rode along the sparkling waterfront walkways and couldn't help but laugh and hoot with joy.
The history and culture of Seville came alive as we explored the winding streets and charming alleyways of the Jewish quarter. It was like stepping back in time, and we couldn't resist imagining what life would have been like in this vibrant community centuries ago. The experience left us feeling invigorated and inspired, with memories that will last a lifetime!
Day 4:
On the fourth day of our trip, we embarked on a day trip to Grenada to explore the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally constructed in the 9th century as a small fortress, but it was later renovated and expanded by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, each with their own unique features and designs. The mesmerizing architecture, intricate designs, and exquisite gardens left us awestruck. Despite the windy and chilly weather due to the high altitude, we didn't let that stop us from capturing the stunning scenery in our very own fashion shoot. Our tour group members found us amusing as we swiftly dropped our coats to strike the perfect pose for the camera. We highly recommend taking a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Day 5:
We spent our last day taking a leisurely stroll around the city, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant Spanish gem. But let's be real here, what's a vacation without some serious retail therapy, right? So, we made our way to the famous Calle Sierpes, one of the most famous shopping streets in Seville. The lively atmosphere and unique boutiques offered us an unforgettable shopping experience. We even bought matching dresses as a souvenir to remember our trip!
To wrap up our unforgettable journey, we visited the famous Triana Market, where the tantalizing aromas of fresh food and tea filled the air. We couldn't resist sampling some of the mouth-watering pastries and cakes on offer. It was the perfect way to end our incredible trip before heading back to the airport.
Overall, our trip was an unforgettable experience that we will always cherish. From the rich history to the vibrant culture and incredible shopping, we could not have asked for a more perfect vacation. Needless to say, we will forever cherish the memories we made in this enchanting city. Seville, we'll be back before you know it!
Wow what a great trip! You've inspired me to add Seville to my bucket list 😘