A long weekend in... Seville

“Be careful with the car in the city, the streets are very narrow, and the drivers stop for no-one” was probably not the most confidence-inspiring welcome to Spain. Flying to Malaga Airport, me, my husband and our baby daughter were picking up a brand-new hire car to make the 220km(ish) journey to the capital of Andalusia, and the home of Flamenco, beautiful Seville for a long weekend of food, wine and walking.

A surprisingly easy car journey later, we checked into our apartment in the city’s Arenal district. Close to the historic centre where the magnificent Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral presides over orange tree-lined squares and cobbled streets, we were in the ideal spot for taking our pick of tapas bars and sightseeing ‘must dos’ for the long weekend ahead.

Cold but clear January days made lots of layers a must, but as a time to visit, winter is perfect for avoiding the crowds and the queues that line the city’s famous attractions. Sitting in the so-called ‘frying pan of Spain’ only the brave take to Seville’s scorching avenidas in July and August.

Famed for its Moorish masterpieces and Flamenco bars, the city offers plenty to cram into a short break. Or choose to take the more leisurely option and drop into a couple of the headliners, spending the rest of your time getting lost in the maze of charming old streets and colourful districts including the famous Gypsy quarter, Triana.

For me, the Real Alcázar was a must. Hidden behind huge walls, the Royal Palace is an oasis in the middle of the city. Harking back to the days when Spain fell under Islamic rule, the beautiful gardens, domed roofs and breath-taking pools made for unforgettable viewing. Beat the queues by pre-booking a private tour from just £27pp and let a guide unravel the fascinating history of the palace – a great call for history buffs and culture vultures alike.

Hop-on bus tours circle the streets if you prefer to get from A to B quickly but, with a pram in tow, the relatively compact and flat centre made walking easy enough. Plus, all the easier to spot cosy-looking tapas bars to drop into for a glass of the region’s sweet sherry wine and a huge choice of very reasonably priced small plates.

Seville is the perfect destination for a short-haul city break full of vibrant culture, friendly locals and delicious food. With a bottle of wine and eight tapas coming in at around €30 it’s a treat on the pocket too.

Getting there: Direct flights to Seville are available from London, but in my experience flying from Manchester and driving the inland road leading from the Malaga coast to the city offers up both amazing views and the chance to explore some more of the region on route. Don’t forget, if you’re visiting Cadiz on a cruise then lots of people use this as a gateway to Seville (although I loved Cadiz too, but that’s another blog!)

Prefer your breaks a little on the hotter side? Spring, Autumn and early or late summer are ideal times to see the city – and a trip during March or April might even coincide with Semana Santa or Feria de Abril, where the Spanish take to the streets in their masses with colourful parades and parties to celebrate the passing of Easter.

Has this whet your appetite for a trip to Andalusia’s capital? Let me use my insider knowledge to plan your perfect long weekend. I’ll be happy to help!