3 Days Winter Festive Travel Itinerary of Seville

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Little did I realize during my visit to Barcelona in spring of 2023 that the city had distinct characteristics in its cuisine, culture, and traditions that differed greatly from the Andalusian region of Spain. And how is that? When I couldn't find Mantecados de Estepa, a popular dessert in Andalusia, but instead discovered its counterpart, Crème catalana. Additionally, the flamenco dance that I witnessed in Barcelona actually originated in Andalusia, specifically in the cities of Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, and Cádiz. Despite being part of the same country, Catalonia and Andalusia are remarkably different in many aspects, yet they also share numerous cultural similarities. These discoveries inspired me to plan a holiday in Andalusia, and what better place to have as the perfect starting point - Seville. Seville is the capital city of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain.

Good to know: Andalusia is divided into eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville.

How many days in Seville

My 3 days travel itinerary in Seville consisted of a well-planned three-day and two-night stay, allowing us ample time to explore all the attractions in Seville and also do a day trip to Ronda. For those with more than three days, there are also options to visit nearby destinations such as Córdoba or the surf city of Cádiz. However, even if you only have a single day, it is essential to make time for gorgeous spots like Plaza Espana and Giralda in Seville. These iconic landmarks should not be missed!

How to get to Seville

Seville is easily accessible by air, with direct flights available from major international airports in the EU. Airlines such as Transavia, Vueling Airways, and Ryanair offer direct flights to Seville. If you prefer to drive, it is possible to reach Seville from Portugal, with Faro being just a two-hour drive away. However, driving from other neighboring countries may be more challenging due to the long journey times. Renting a car within Spain, from cities like Barcelona (9 hours) or Madrid (5 hours), is also an option for those who enjoy road trips. Another convenient option is to fly into Malaga, a nearby large city with a domestic airport, and rent a car for the approximately two-hour drive to Seville. Need help with booking flights? Book your flights here.

For those traveling within Spain, there are also train and bus options available. The high-speed train, known as the AVE, connects cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga to Seville. Companies like ALSA and Avanza operate bus routes from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga to Seville.

Parking in Seville

If you haven't made arrangements for parking yet, it can be quite a challenge when you arrive at your destination. We had booked a hotel that offered free parking, but when we drove into the city center, we had to park in a parking garage and boy, were the prices high! We ended up paying a staggering €30 for the day. If you're looking for a parking option close to all the action in Seville, I recommend Parking Plaza Nueva SL.

Accommodations

Ilunion Alcora Seville - Experience the luxury of a beautiful 4-star hotel located just a 15-minute drive from the vibrant city center of Seville. This stunning hotel offers cozy accommodations and lavish services, including a delicious breakfast spread, a restaurant serving dinner and brunch, a salon for your pampering needs, and a helpful concierge service. They have a swimming pool where kids can splurge and have a ball of a time. More importantly they offer free parking, which makes it totally worth it! Book your hotel stay here.

Things to see in Seville

Day 1: Seville Cathedral, Giralda, Royal Alcazar and El Centro neighbourhood

We were incredibly fortunate during our trip to Seville, as we had the foresight to book our tours well in advance. Traveling during the busy week of Christmas and New Year's Eve, it would have been a disaster if we hadn't planned ahead. Thankfully, we had secured our tickets for the Cathedral and Royal Alcazar nearly a month prior, ensuring that we had slots available on the days we were in Seville. The queues for both attractions were unimaginably long, and we witnessed many disappointed individuals being turned away due to tickets being sold out for the day.

To ensure you don't miss out on visiting the Cathedral and Alcazar in Seville, it is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance. To book your tickets and secure early spots, you can visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville and Sevilla Cathedral with Giralda tower guided tour links.

Giralda Tower

Before delving into the cathedral, we made our way to the Giralda tower. The Giralda is an Islamic minaret that was constructed in 1184 by the architect Ben Basso. To reach the top of this iconic Sevillian monument, you must climb 34 flight of ramps, which can be quite challenging, especially for those with mobility issues or the elderly. But because there are ramps instead of stairs, it's fun for the kids to run up and easier also to move a buggy up and down.

From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The Giralda also boasts 24 bells, making it the largest belfry in all of Spain. After descending from the tower, we were ready to begin our exploration of the cathedral.

Cathedral of Sevilla

We decided to start our day with a tour of the Cathedral in the morning, followed by lunch, and then continue with the Alcazar tour in the evening. It's important to note that there are several entrances to the cathedral, so it's crucial to know which entrance is indicated on your ticket to avoid confusion. Our entry point was through the lizard gate.

The Cathedral of Seville is not only an impressive architectural marvel but also houses the third most important collection of art in all of Spain, following the Prado Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. It holds the title of being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest Christian church globally, surpassed only by St. Peter's in the Vatican and St. Paul's in London. The cathedral, also known as the Magna Hispalensis, encompasses the Courtyard of the Orange Trees and the iconic Giralda tower, which is one of the city's most famous landmarks. In 1987, the cathedral and the Giralda were jointly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Inside the cathedral, there are numerous notable highlights to explore. These include the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Prince's door, the Neo-classical clock, the mural of St. Christopher, the silver altar, the Virgin of Remedies (one of the oldest paintings in the cathedral), the chapter house, and the chapel of La Antigua.

For Cathedral of Seville guided tour with priority access, book your tour here.

El Centro neighbourhood and Santa Cruz district

After an informative hour-long audio tour of the cathedral, we took some time to wander around the city center El Centro. It is the central neighborhood in the heart of historic Seville, situated north of the grand Cathedral, where key central areas like El Arenal, Santa Cruz, Macarena, and San Vicente converge. We walked around Santa Cruz district that encompasses the historic and artistic quarter of Seville, marvelling at the stunning Gothic and Moorish 12th-century architecture of the buildings. Some of the impressive structures here include the Royal Dockyards, the dodecagonal watchtower Torre del Oro, the General Archive of the Indies, the baroque architecture of the Hospital de la Caridad (Hospital of the Venerable), and the barouqe palace and government seat Palacio de San Telmo. As we explored, we couldn't help but notice a long queue forming outside the Teatro de la Maestranza, the city's performing arts theatre. There was a special performance depicting the nativity and birth of Christ through flamenco Christmas carols.

Good to Know: As we strolled along, we were greeted and enticed by horse carriage riders to take a ride around the city on their special carriage. It is €45 to €50 for a half an hour ride.

Royal Alcazar of Seville

After enjoying a delicious lunch, we hurriedly made our way to the Real Alcazar. It's important to note that if you have a private tour of the royal residence, you need to carefully check the information on your ticket. There is no one there to guide you to the designated assembly point, and if you miss the tour, there are no replacements available. We didn’t know about this and unfortunately couldn’t be accommodated in the private tour although we had the tickets. For skip-the-line and guided tour of the Royal Alcazar, book your tickets here.

The Royal Alcazar is a breathtaking Moorish palace located in the heart of the city. The upper portion of the palace still serves as the residence of the royal family. Our main purpose in visiting was to marvel at the stunning medieval Islamic architecture of the palace. We had the opportunity to explore its 34 exquisite rooms, each showcasing intricate details and beautiful craftsmanship. The Royal Alcazar also has 7 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens. Kids enjoyed exploring the gardens and learning about the palace's rich history. As we wandered through the palace, we couldn't help but be in awe of its grandeur.

Originally built as a fort for the Cordoban governors of Seville in 913, the Royal Alcazar is a remarkable blend of Christian and Moorish architectural styles. It gained the designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In recent years, the Alcazar has gained even more popularity due to its use as a filming location for the Game of Thrones TV series.

The Doll's room is a special courtyard in the palace that I found really interesting. It is a place where the palace's private area is organized. What makes it unique are the cute doll heads that decorate the arches near the entrance. The columns and capitals in this room are very carefully made and have a long history that goes back to the time of the Caliphal and Roman periods.

Souvenir shopping

After our delightful visit to the Alcazar, we couldn't resist the temptation to bring home a souvenir as a memento of our time in Seville. With this in mind, we made our way to Calle de Placentines, a charming street just a short 4-minute walk from the Alcazar. Artesanias Medina is your go-to place for all souvenirs in Seville, with a fixed price and wide exlcusive range, it is easy and hassle free to shop here.

After purchasing our souvenir, we worked up quite an appetite and decided it was time for dinner. We made our way to the bustling Calle Sierpes where we found a cozy restaurant to settle in for a delicious meal. Another exciting day had come to an end.

Day 2: Gruta de las Maravillas cave, Historic centre of Aracena Flamenco dance show and shopping at Calle Sierpes

This morning, we embarked on a one-hour drive to the beautiful white town of Aracena. Our main objective for the day was to embark on an exciting expedition with the kids - cave exploration! And what better cave to explore than the Gruta de las Maravillas.

Gruta de las Maravillas cave

This cave holds the distinction of being the first Spanish cave to be opened to the public back in 1913. Located in the heart of the urban area of Aracena, in the northern part of the province of Huelva, the cave is easily accessible via the N-433 highway from Seville.

Upon arrival, we discovered that the cave offers a guided tour in Spanish that lasts for about an hour. However, for tourists, they also provide an audio tour in various other languages. The cave itself stretches for an impressive 2 kilometers and boasts two galleries that showcase a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. The natural formations are truly a sight to behold, with their intricate shapes and formations. Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave, but this rule is in place to preserve the cave's natural habitat.

The highlight of the cave is undoubtedly the mesmerizing blue waters that contrast beautifully against the dark brown cave stone. The suspended stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the stalagmites rising from the ground create a breathtaking visual. It's incredible to think that some of these formations date back around 50,000 years.

After a much deserved tour of the cave, it was already time for lunch. So along the A La Gruta Main Street itself there are several restaurants with terraces basking in the sun for you to relish their food. We opted the Restaurant Casas for lunch on the A La Gruta Main Street. The square adjoining it has plethora of charming shops and delightful cafes and restaurants that add to the vibrant and lively ambiance of the town center.

Good to Know: Make sure not to overlook the line of bitter orange trees that begin next to the restaurant and extend all the way to the entrance of the cave. You'll notice bitter orange trees everywhere in Seville; initially introduced by the Moors for their beauty, they have now become an essential element of the city's appearance.

Historic Center of Aracena

If you have more time, be sure to explore the charming historic town center of Aracena. The town center is a true delight, with its narrow cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As you wander through the streets, you'll be surrounded by white walls and brown roofs, showcasing a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

One of the highlights of the town center is the impressive Castle of Aracena, a medieval fortress that offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the picturesque countryside. Another must-see is the Church of Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture that is sure to leave you in awe.

Flamenco Dance Show

It was an hour’s drive back to Seville from Aracena and we were just in time for our cultural exploration - the Flamenco dance performance. The show organised at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla is one of the most watched performances by travellers in Seville. They have three shows everyday at 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM and 9 PM that lasts for an hour. In contrast to the city of Barcelona, where we had to secure front row seats for the best views, in Seville, we discovered that even the cheaper seats at the back offered perfect views of the performance. This was because the seating arrangement was designed in an upward manner, ensuring that everyone had a clear view of the show, even from the last seat in the back row.

For those unfamiliar with Flamenco, it is a dance form that originated from marginalized gypsy communities, known as the Romani people. They blended their own musical and dance traditions with influences from Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian cultures. The Flamenco show we attended was a captivating fusion of various dance styles, including the lively and festive movements of Sevillanas, the slow and dramatic expressions of Soleá, the joyful and upbeat movements of Alegrias, the individual skills and creativity showcased in Bulerías, the masculine style of Farruca, and the flirtatious movements of Tangos.

After experiencing the emotionally charged Flamenco show, we were filled with excitement for the rest of our night in Seville. For the flamenco dance show at theatre, book your tickets here.

Shopping in Calle Sierpes and festivities in Seville

Shopping and Spanish people are a match made in retail heaven. It's no surprise that Amancio Ortega's INDITEX group, with its stylish brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, and Oysho, reigns supreme in Spain's fashion scene. And in Seville, the energy from enthusiastic shoppers is off the charts. It's a retail frenzy you won't want to miss!

We eventually arrived at the lively Calle Sierpes shopping street. This bustling street was lined with a variety of shops, from well-known brands to charming boutiques, offering a wide range of products. The street was abuzz with activity, as locals and tourists alike hurriedly made their way in and out of stores, taking advantage of the post-Christmas sales. The air was filled with excitement, and the sight of people carrying large shopping bags added to the brilliant atmosphere of the street. We decided to buy the kids a toy each and thus based on friends's recommendations we visited the popular store Juguetrónica which had an amazing collection of toys.

Good to Know: In Seville, it's important to note that shops have a unique opening schedule. They typically open in the morning and then close for a siesta in the afternoon, only to reopen in the evening. This is a common practice in Spain, allowing people to take a break and rest during the hottest part of the day.

In the evenings, the shopping streets are bustling with activity, with long queues forming at the cashiers as people shop for gifts and treats. The Calle Serpies neighborhood in Seville is particularly vibrant during this time, with festive lights illuminating the streets and families enjoying the holiday spirit. People dress stylishly and can be seen strolling around with their loved ones, indulging in churros, sipping hot chocolate, and simply enjoying the festive atmosphere.

We walked around the neighborhood soaking in much of the fervour and excitement of the night. The glittering lights and decorations suspended high above radiated the entire city. There were several outdoor performances by young and old, singing, dancing and buskers creating street entertainment that were unseen before. We chose the best Mexican restaurant in town, clearly going by their reviews of the food and ambience. Ta’Kool has one of the best tacos that I’ve eaten in my life. After a sumptuous dinner and walk back to the parking garage all the way through the festivities again, it was now time to head back to our hotel and snuggle in happily with the kids awaiting another day of much excitement.

Day 3: Ronda - Puente Nuevo bridge and Plaza de Toros de Ronda (bullfighting arena)

The following morning, we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before setting off for Ronda. Although we could have spent more time exploring Seville, including the iconic Plaza de España, we made the decision to prioritize our visit to the historic town of Ronda.

Top: I suggest visiting Parque de María Luisa in Seville, which is home to the magnificent Plaza de España. This park offers ample green space, making it an ideal location for a family picnic or a leisurely walk.

Puente Nuevo bridge and Viejo (Old Town)

Ronda, a historic city located about an hour and a half drive south of Seville towards Malaga, was our next destination. We made sure to make a reservation at Las Marvellas, one of the renowned Andalusian restaurants in Ronda, for lunch. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the tourist season, as the restaurant tends to get quite busy.

Oh, Ronda is absolutely breathtaking! I was completely blown away by its beauty. The city is perched on top of a deep gorge, and the views from the Puente Nuevo bridge are simply stunning. We spent two hours just admiring the panoramic vistas from many viewpoints. With kids, please be mindful as they might attempt climbing the railings or walls.

For the audio guide walking tour of Puento Nuebo bridge and Viejo, book your tickets here.

Plaza de Toros de Ronda (bullfighting arena)

One of the memorable moments of our trip was our visit to the Plaza de Toros de Ronda. Sidd had been intrigued by its historical significance as the first purpose-built bullfighting arena in the world, and we were both eager to experience the tradition and drama of this iconic sport. The bullring in Ronda is renowned for its picturesque setting and its magnificent sandstone architecture. As we stood in awe of the structure, I couldn't help but imagine the excitement and intensity that must have filled the arena during the bullfights. It was fascinating to learn that the first bullfight took place here in 1785, with local matadors showcasing their skills and bravery.

Aside from the bullring, Ronda has so much to offer. The old town is filled with narrow, winding streets and charming white-washed buildings. I loved exploring the local shops and cafes, especially indulging in Tocino del Cielo (dessert made of egg yolks, sugar, and water) and a latte macchiato at a cafe called La Ibense de Ronda.

Places to Eat

It's important to note that many restaurants in Seville only open for dinner at around 8 PM. It's worth mentioning that the Spanish culture embraces late dinners, which can be quite different from other parts of Western Europe. During the festive season, it's not uncommon to see children staying out late, much like in Indian culture, which may surprise visitors from other parts of Europe.

El Sembrao - We chose this Andalusian restaurant just around the corner of the shopping district Calle Sierpes for a hearty lunch of Gambas al ajillo which is basically prawns swimming in rich garlic oil and green salty peppers pimientos de padrón.

Heladeria Maria Limones - luscious creamy ice creams in Seville. They have 3 branches, one very close to the Alcazar. The mango ice cream was very much like the original mango fruit and I was very intrigued with the taste of cream catalana in the form of an ice cream in this store.

Pelayo Bar de Tapas - Just adjacent to the ice cream store Maria Limones is the Pelayo Tapas Bar which has a very intriguing decor and ambience. One of the must-visit spots in town is a restaurant that boasts a wall adorned with hanging legs of ham, making it a famous destination for those seeking to indulge in Jamón Serrano or Spanish ham. This gastronomic delight is a must-try for first-time visitors to the country.

Ta’Kool - Famed for its Mexican cuisine in Seville, Ta’Kool dishes out some really authentic Mexican food. The specialty here is the Tacos with cactus and potato. The cocktails weren’t that great but they did wonders with their food. Try the spicy chicken tacos ‘chicken tinga’, the nachos with guacamole.

El Rincón De Kevin - This restaurant offers Andalusian food that customizes it for its tourists. My husband who is allergic to shell fish had his paella customized to make it only with  chicken and veggies. Their salmarejo (cold tomato soup with ham and egg pieces ) and espinacas con garbanzos(spinach and chickpeas) was just too good to be true. They also made a very delicious Pasta Bolognaise for the kids.

Bar Comercio - Many claim they’re the best Chocolate con Churros in Seville. We wouldn’t know because it was swarming with people and we couldn’t get a table even after waiting for half n hour! This charming bar was founded in 1904 and is still part of the Rivera family.

Final Thoughts

After experiencing the festive atmosphere in Barcelona during April and now in Seville during December, I have made up my mind that Spain is the perfect destination for any vacation during the festive period. Among all the countries in Europe, I have not seen any other country that celebrates with such enthusiasm and joy, where families come together in such a grand way to celebrate.

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