One of our all-time favourite life hacks at Secret London is booking a September holiday. It’s the perfect way to give your summer a nifty extension whilst beating the high-season crowds. And if you go to the right places, you can also count on glorious weather, even as the summer draws to a close. Last minute holiday to Seville anyone?
Situated in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, Seville is the capital of the mountainous Andalusia region. Graced with blue skies and fair weather (even in the winter months!) it truly is one of the best cities in Europe for a September city break.
With fascinating culture, stunning architecture, ancient gin distilleries and mouth watering tapas at every turn, you’ve got all of the ingredients for a blissful September escape.
1. Marvel at the Plaza de España
This remarkable semi-circle plaza is hard to miss as you stroll through the picturesque Parque de María Luisa. The Baroque/Renaissance government building sits on beautifully mosaiced floors, crafted from Andalusian tiles. A waterway adorned with cute bridges lies before it – and with rented boats floating through the canal and a fountain spouting in the centre, the entire scene wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale.
2. Stroll around stunning historic palace gardens
Just a short walk from the Plaza de España (and very much continuing with the fairytale-esque theme!), the Royal Alcázar of Seville sits in the city centre, next to the equally beautiful cathedral. Parts of this magnificent Renaissance/Gothic palace are open to the public, with the upper floors still inhabited by the royal family on occasion. But whether or not you decide to take a guided tour of the palace itself, the grounds, teeming with exotic plants, roaming peacocks, orange trees and perfectly manicured hedges, are like a Spanish edition of the Queen of Hearts’ garden.
3. Taste the flavours of Spain in the city’s excellent tapas bars
You are never more than a few metres away from top tier tapas in Seville. From cheap-and-cheerful tabernas, to more contemporary fusion restaurants, the options are quite literally endless. To list all of our favourite spots would be an impossible task – but we’ll give you a few recs to give you a taste of what’s to come, and you can let your nose guide you the rest of the way!
It might be tucked out of sight on a little cobbled side street, but that doesn’t stop people flocking to Espacio Eslava for their exceptional tapas. You can dine indoors, or take a high table out on the street and feast on classic dishes with a modern twist. If you really want to rub shoulders with the Sevillans, Casa Ricardo Antiguo is a proper, traditional Taberna. Bustling with locals, it’s perfect if you’re travelling in a smaller group, so you can just stand at the bar, soak up the atmosphere, and graze on whatever the bartender slides your way. You can find plenty more recommendations on the best places to eat in Seville here.
4. Sip delicious gin on a tour of Puerto De Indias
Your holiday to Seville is sure to be something of a gastronomic extravaganza – and there’s no reason to stop at the food. Puerto de Indias is the oldest distillery in the region (running since 1880!), and the home of the world’s first natural strawberry gin.
The century-old distillery offers a range of multi-sensory tours where you can discover the story behind its world-renowned spirits, learning about the fascinating production process, with plenty of opportunities to sample along the way. Opt for the 1.5 hour guided tour and tasting if you’re looking to visit amidst a busy day of sightseeing, or go for the longer guided tour and premium tasting, or guided tour and distillery workshop for a truly immersive experience where you can get hands on with the distilling process and taste even more Puerto de Indias gin.
5. Pick up delectable local produce in Mercado de Triana
Just across the Puente de Triana (which takes its name from the adjacent neighbourhood) you’ll find the Mercado de Triana. Inside this bustling indoor market you’ll find an abundance of exquisite local produce, from the finest Ibérico ham and cheeses to juicy olives. There’s also plenty of places to pull up a bar stool and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat – think steaming hot plates of paella and freshly fried croquettes.
6. Soak in the city views from the top of Las Setas
Las Setas, or ‘The Mushrooms’, sit in the middle of Plaza de la Encarnación – a mammoth, futuristic-looking wooden structure, which you can climb for only a couple of euros. Once you make it to the top of the walkways you’ll find panoramic views of the city – it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.
7. Take a day trip to Carmona
If your holiday to Seville is going to be on the longer side and you’ve got time to squeeze in a little day trip, we’d recommend Carmona. Only 37km away from the city, this peaceful town (one of Andalusia’s oldest!) sits on a ridge overlooking the region’s central plane and is brimming with natural beauty. Here you’ll find charming restaurants, historic architecture, and breathtaking views – it’s the ultimate place to wind down at the end of your Andalusian adventure.