Cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Rome, and Venice continue to draw tourists because of their architecture, cuisine, nightlife, rich cultural histories, etc. However, many fabulous, less famous European destinations offer fewer crowds and lower costs (especially in high season). These places would take you off the beaten path and expose you to unique travel experiences while saving you money. Before choosing your next destination, I invite you to discover Seville, Spain, before everyone else.
Seville lies in the southern and sunny region of Andalusia. This delightful city boasts bustling narrow, winding, medieval lanes and romantic, hidden plazas soaked in the scent of orange blossom, making it the perfect Spanish destination for lovers. Seville is the city of Prosper Merimée's "Carmen" who couldn't decide between the officer Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo and is the birthplace of the legendary "Don Juan" who stole women's hearts across all of Europe. Not quite as busy as Barcelona or as hectic as Madrid, Seville is at the very heart of Andalusian culture. It is the birthplace of Flamenco, the center of bullfighting, and home to Spain's most festive and romantic annual fairs, the best tapas bars, fabulous nightlife, and arguably Spain's most friendly and funloving residents.
Seville offers countless cultural sites to explore. Its rich Moorish heritage is on display in many magnificent monuments and buildings, such as the Giralda, the Alcazar, and the Cathedral, which was initially a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th century. There are also many natural treasures, including the Doñana Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, and the Sierra Norte Nature Reserve, the ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, and bicycling. Seville's location in the south of Spain also makes it a perfect base for exploring Andalusia. Most cities in the region are just a day trip away. For instance, splendid beaches at Matalascañas and Cadiz are within an hour or two drive.
Must-Dos in Seville Spain:
Explore the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower
Take in a bullfight in the Plaza de Toros and visit the bullring museum to learn about the history of bullfighting, matadors, and their fantastic outfits. (I won't be doing this!)
Take a tour of the tremendous Alcazar (Palace)
Cross the river to Triana. Visit their world-famous pottery shops, and enjoy a Cerveza (beer) at a bar along the Guadalquivir river.
Eat at a tapas bar and try a regional specialty.
Stroll the Plaza de Espana
Unwind and relax at ancient Arab Baths.
Stroll hand in hand down the Calle Sierpes and the winding streets off of Plaza Nueva. Window shop and nibble on tapas and sweets along the way.
Visit the Golden Tower (the Toro del Oro) and Naval Museum along the Guadalquivir River.
Tour the Flamenco Dance Museum.
Attend a traditional Flamenco dinner show.
Visit the Museo Bella Artes, Seville's museum of fine art.
Take a walk through Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter.
Visit Parque de Maria Luisa.
Stop by and see Iglesia Colegial del Salvador, a beautiful church near the Cathedral.
Sit in Plaza del Triunfo, the plaza adjacent to the Cathederal.
Visit the Casa de Pilatos, a fantastic palace that is part museum and residence of the current duchess.
Stroll through the Iglesia de la Caridad, the most beautiful baroque church in Seville.
So, skip the Barcelona and Madrid crowds and head to Spain's most romantic city instead. You'll enjoy just a fantastic culture, beaches, etc. But more importantly, the people in Seville are much more relaxed and love to show off their city to visitors; you'll have a blast! You need to discover Seville before everyone else does.