Continental Europe’s warmest city, Seville, is an inland pocket of sunshine and high temperatures that offers exceptional year-round weather.
This historic city is far away from any coastal cooling influences, meaning that hot weather is the norm even in the winter months, with the lowest average high reaching around 16C in December and January, up to a sweltering 36C in August.
However, it’s not just Seville’s spectacular weather that makes it worthy of a visit, as cultural attractions, historical sites and a way of life that is exceedingly relaxed and enjoyable have made it popular with both domestic and international visitors.
And unlike other cities in Spain, visitors only need to spend three days in Seville to experience its best.
The pre-eminent landmarks include Unesco-listed monuments, one of the world’s largest cathedrals and palaces that date back over a millennium.
A vibrant park and the banks of the Guadalquivir give the city some beautiful natural sites, while a slew of lesser-seen neighbourhoods and an abundance of cultural flair are visible in its festivals and traditions such as flamenco dancing. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in the Pearl of Andalusia.
1. Tour the Alcazar
Despite its impressive cathedral, most will agree that Seville’s premier tourist attraction is the Real Alcazar. This palace complex, a fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture, traces its roots back to the 10th century, with several additions giving it its different Moorish, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and even Romanesque features.
The complex contains several different palaces, each linked by large courtyards and extensive gardens filled with typically Andalusian plants and trees. Different palaces have different features – the Cuarto Real Alto still hosts members of the royal family when they visit Seville, while the Palacio Gotico has vaulted halls adorned with large tapestries – but the highlight is the Palacio de Don Pedro, replete with intricate tile work, beautiful arches, magnificent domes, plaster work brought from the Alhambra and even gold ceilings.
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2. Visit the Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de Espana
