Seville

The southern Spanish city of Seville is a popular city break destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the rich Andalucian culture of the region. An exciting time to visit is during the festivals that are celebrated with passion and revelry during the week of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the April Fair, with parades winding around the narrow cobbled streets filled with the scent of blossoming orange trees.

The birthplace of tapas, gastronomy is an important part of the social scene here. With 1,000s of tapas bars serving endless local delicacies, from manchego cheese and the Spanish black pudding "morcillo" to spicy chorizo sausage and grilled whitebait. With a young and vibrant nightlife, it's popular for both locals and visitors to hop from bar to bar sampling delicious nibbles as they go.

Throughout your Seville holiday, everywhere you look you'll see evidence of the various cultures that inhabited this great city over the centuries - in the architecture of the enormous Gothic cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, the intricately-tiled walls of the royal Alcazar palace (originally a Moorish fort), the collection of fine paintings in the Museo de Belles Artes (museum of fine arts) - even the simple winding lanes and hidden plazas hold indelible traces of times gone by.

With direct flights from Dublin to Seville and fantastic hotel options to suit all price ranges, search for short trips to Seville, and come and explore this amazing city on your next holiday. Here you can learn of the legend of Don Juan, take a flamenco dance class, shop in the local markets, see a traditional bullfight or simply enjoy a glass of wine beside the banks of the Guadalquivir river.

Holidays in Seville

Its vibrant districts & museums

Santa Cruz Quarter: A maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and bursts of rich colours, this district was previosuly the Jewish Quarter of Seville. Here you'll find the Alcazar Palace and the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral.

Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla: The museum is in an old 17th Century complex. Its striking façade will be the first thing to grab your attention followed by its collection of art from the 'Golden Age' of Sevillian paininting. You'll see art from the Gothic period through to the 20th century, by predominantely Spanish artists.

Triana District and Ceramic Centre: This is the most colourful area of Seville and is best reached by walking over the Puente de Triana. It still has an authentic flair, with little ceramic shops and Flamenco shows. Make sure to stop by the Ceramic Centre to learn more about the famous iconic azulejos (ceramic tiles).

Its impressive architecture

Plaza de España: Maybe the most picturesque and magical place in Seville. The plaza sparkles with an expansive mosaic patio with a canal running along, bridges crossing over and a crescent-shaped neo-Moorish building situated right alongside it.

Real Alcázar: Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Real Alcázar is a symbol for the survival of cultures and civilisations, all being brought together in one place. Wander around this stunning complex, admiring what once used to be a Moorish fort.

Metropol Parasol: A giant wooden structure that offers rooftop walkways, a bar to have a drink, and views that you won’t forget. Best enjoyed during sunset, with a drink in one hand.

Cathedral & Bell Tower: Seville's Cathedral is the largest gothic church in the world, and the 3rd largest church in Europe. It took 104 years to complete and is the final resting place of Christopher Colombus. The Giralda Tower pre-dates the cathedral and offers stunning views of the city.

Its parks & flamenco

Parque de Maria Luisa: Dating back to the 15th Century, the Parque de Maria Luisa is filled with beautiful details. Remodelled in 1911, the park now is now adorned with an ornamental pond, a pavilion, a tiled fountain and many sculptures dotted around.

La Carbonería: A trip to Seville isn’t complete without a trip to a flamenco show. Head to La Carbonería to see authentic flamenco dancers performing. The show is for free, though it’s nice to have a sangria or two while you’re there.