When we were originally planning our spring 2025 trip, we were not thinking about Spain at all. Our primary goal was the UK and Ireland, but our late-March start meant it would be a little too cold to enjoy.
So instead, we decided to stay a couple of weeks in the Algarve region of Portugal along the southern coast, possibly Lagos and Faro.
Then came the offer to speak at the Fast Track Europe conference for International Living in Albufeira, Portugal. When looking at the map, we noticed how close we would be to Seville, Spain. A quick check on Flixbus told us we could get a bus from Lagos to Seville for just $18 each, so we quickly decided to change our plans. We would spend a few days in Lagos, travel to Seville for about a week, and then return to the conference in Albufeira before heading on to Lisbon and then the UK.
We are so glad we did! Although we had a little difficulty getting to Seville due to a stupid mistake on my part, everything else about the visit was just wonderful.
We found the city to be very safe, extremely walkable, and full of beautiful buildings and parks. We were especially awed by the Plaza de España , which we walked to on our first day. The Cathedral of Seville was also a beautiful way to spend an hour or two.
Word of advice about the Cathedral. When looking online for tickets, we were getting prices from €35-48 per person, and warnings that tickets were sold out. However, we identified an entry line, and a guard assured us we could buy tickets at the door. When we got to the ticket window, we found that with the senior discount our tickets were just €7 each.
Quite a difference.
What can I say about the food? On our first day, we found a little tapas bar on San Jacinto (a street known for its tapas) that became our “local” during our stay. Great food, low prices, tasty beers €2 each. It was a Sunday when we first tried it, and the taberna was a boisterous, noisy place, with people packed four deep in front of the bar and the wait staff yelling orders back and forth. A beautiful example of controlled chaos.
Our other visits were much calmer, but every time we were there the staff made us feel right at home.
We had the pleasure of eating at a restaurant near the old Jewish Quarter that first opened its doors more than 100 years before Columbus sailed.
Speaking of Columbus, we also saw his tomb in the Seville Cathedral.
Probably the best food we had was at a Flamenco show. Your tickets could include either drinks only, a tapas menu with drinks, or a full meal with drinks. We opted for the tapas and were not disappointed. Four cold tapas, three hot tapas, and a dessert, and each course was better than the last.
We crammed a lot into the few days we were there, but it never seemed like we were rushed. The city has a very laid back and relaxed feel, and at that time of year even the tourist spots were not incredibly crowded.
One last thing I should mention is the Metropol Parasol. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, rising above the plaza and surrounded by shops and restaurants. From the top you have wonderful 360 degree views of the city, and a 15-minute immersive video about Seville.
Seville felt like a city we could comfortably stay for an extended period of time. Like I mentioned, grocery prices were low, and there were neighborhood mercados with even better prices. If we had more time, we would have rented a car and explored some of the old cities between Seville and the coast. We do plan on returning to Spain some day, but it is a big country, so I don’t know if we will ever make it back to Seville. But I’m sure it will remain one of our favorite memories, and a place I highly recommend as a travel destination.
Don’t forget you can find pictures and videos of Seville and many other destinations on our Travel Photos pages, Instagram and YouTube.
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