Three days in Seville
Day 1: the cathedral quarter
- Visit the cathedral and climb the Giralda, the former minaret, by its ramps rather than stairs.
- Spend the afternoon in the Real Alcázar, a royal palace with courtyards and gardens. Entry is timed and limited, so book ahead.
- Wander the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, in the evening when the heat eases.
Day 2: parks and the river
- Walk through María Luisa Park to the Plaza de España, a vast semicircle of brick and tiles built for the 1929 exhibition.
- Cross the river to Triana, a district known for ceramics and flamenco, and its covered market.
- Look out for a flamenco performance in a small venue. Check what kind of show it is before you buy.
Day 3: day trip to Córdoba
High-speed trains reach Córdoba in under an hour. The Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita), with its forest of striped arches, is the reason to go, and the old quarter around it is lovely in spring when courtyard flowers are out. Book trains ahead, since the fastest services are reserved-seat only.
Granada and the Alhambra
Granada is reachable from Seville by train or bus in a few hours. It deserves at least one night of its own.
- Book Alhambra tickets first. Daily numbers are capped and tickets often sell out weeks ahead in busy seasons. Book only through the official ticket channel.
- Note your palace time. The Nasrid Palaces have a fixed entry slot printed on the ticket. Missing it usually means missing the palaces.
- Bring the right ID. Tickets are personal and may be checked against your passport or ID card.
- Plan your evening. Watch sunset over the Alhambra from the Albaicín quarter, which faces it across the valley.
Getting around by train
| Route | Typical journey | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid to Seville | About 2.5 hours by high-speed train | Several operators compete; book early for lower fares |
| Seville to Córdoba | Under an hour by fast train | An easy day trip |
| Seville to Granada | Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours | Check whether train or bus is quicker on your date |
| Seville to Cádiz | Under 2 hours by regional or medium-distance train | Old port city on the Atlantic |
Journey times are approximate and vary by service. High-speed stations in Spain often have luggage scanning, so arrive with a few minutes to spare.
Heat and timing
Summer is hot. In July and August inland Andalusia often sees temperatures far above what many visitors are used to. Sightsee early, rest in the afternoon, go out again after dark, and carry water.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Seville's Holy Week (Semana Santa) and April Fair bring huge crowds and higher demand for rooms, so book early or avoid those dates.
Where to stay
In Seville, Santa Cruz and the streets around the cathedral are central but busy. Alfalfa and the area near the Alameda are lively and local. Triana is a short walk over the river. In Granada, the centre near the cathedral is practical; the Albaicín is atmospheric but steep.