Seville by Motorhome
We’re driving from the coastal town of Chipiona to visit Seville by motorhome on a hot Sunday in April.
Heading inland, the route takes us closer to large wetlands before arriving at Seville. Initially we try and park at a motorhome stopover within walking distance to the centre. Then we realise all slip roads from the motorway into Seville are closed off.
In the distance we see large marquees and preparations underway for Seville’s big annual event, and this evening is opening night.
This week long April festival is apparently a huge affair. Not only do locals dress in their finest Spanish attire, but the festival is all about flamenco, horses, food and drink!
We knew the festival was taking place, but we don’t really know much about it. So it’s going to be an exciting couple of days watching the celebrations unfold.
Overnight Parking – Seville by Motorhome
After checking our Apps for somewhere else to park overnight we realise there’s not much choice.
About the only option from our location is dedicated motorhome parking at a small marina. We arrive at Port al Gelves and drive up to automatic gates which are shut. There’s an intercom next to the entrance and soon we’re speaking to the port office who open the gates.
Once inside we park outside the port building where we register and are shown where to park. We have the last space along a motorhome parking area, running along the marina. It’s a nice setting really, with a river behind and boats of the marina in front.
Motorhome owners have access to a toilet, shower and laundry in the price of €30 per night. It’s a little steep, but we can’t be choosy during the busy festival week.
Bus into Seville
Outside the Port complex is the bus stop for the number 140 bus to the centre of Seville. Unfortunately, we’re waiting ages, and eventually when a bus arrives it’s absolutely full to bursting.
Of course, everyone is heading for the opening night of the festival and they’re all dressed for the occasion.
It’s incredible to see, with beautiful styling and immaculate appearances and flamenco dresses in various colours, the frills floating to the floor. There’s not a hair out of place and make up is pristine with high heels and fancy accessories finishing the look.
It’s not only the dresses which are fabulous, but suits too, with people everywhere and an obvious full blown effort to look their best.
Unfortunately, because of the festival, the bus doesn’t go into the centre, but stops about a 15 minute walk away.
We’ve no idea what’s happening and have to go by what everyone else is doing! By the time the hot, busy bus comes to a halt beside a park, the masses steadily vacate, leaving us with no option to follow.
Grand Sights of Seville
We’ve only just got here and already walked miles, or so it seems. Working our way through the lines of flamenco dresses brings us to one of the longest rivers in Spain, the Guadalquivir. Crossing the wide river bridge takes us towards the city centre and the beginning of the grand sights of Seville.
There are horse and carriages everywhere, taking families in their amazing outfits on tours of the city. It’s a grand affair, with folk mingling between the main festival show ground and the city centre.
In no time at all, we’re at the cathedral area. This grand spectacle has the unique Giralda tower with a ramp to the top instead of steps.
We’ll have to return tomorrow to explore more, because by now it’s evening and time for food. Opting for an Italian meal of Ravioli on a pavement restaurant immerses ourselves in the atmosphere. A jug of Sangria and Tiramisu desert goes down well, as the streets come alive to the spirit of the festival.
Now it’s time for the walk back to find the bus stop, where a very long wait follows. The queue for buses is enormous, but eventually we make it back to the campervan.
Quick Note: Number 140 bus is approx 10 minutes ride away from the port motorhome parking and cost €3.60 for 2 adults with us paying on the bus.
Parque de Maria Luisa
After a good nights sleep at the motorhome parking, it’s time for an early start into Seville. We’re back on the number 140 bus without any wait, so far everything is going much smoother than yesterday.
It soon becomes apparent that Seville is an easy city to navigate and also has plenty of tourist signs.
At the Parque de Maria Luisa we become immersed in its magnificent green spaces which cover an astonishing 34 hectares.
Not only is it extremely beautiful, but it’s also shady, making a welcome break from the heat. Although it’s only April, it seems very warm to us Welsh.
Along wide bridleways through the park, horse and carriages ride. Amongst numerous walkways, we find water features, ponds and fountains which bring a calming feel in what’s already a space of tranquillity.
Swans and ducks glide across the water, whilst we watch from the sidelines and listen to birdsong in this leafy oasis.
The most famous square in Seville
It’s mid morning and we really need to find a loo and there’s very few here. Following a sign for public toilets brings us to a main thoroughfare where 60 cents buys a toilet stop.
That’s better! Now, we’re ready for the most famous square in Seville and most impressive plaza we’ve ever seen.
Welcome to the Plaza de Espana, one of the most beautiful designs of a public area you can imagine. The sweeping curves of vast brick buildings hug the vast plaza complex. These are now government offices with arched detailing and colourful tile artwork lining its frontage.
There are 52 benches with tiles depicting provincial scenes from each region of Spain. In fact there are over 7000 tiles adorning the complex and we feel like we want to study each in detail.
Ornamental canals and boat rides
The Plaza de Espana resembles a movie scene, which is possibly why it’s been used in quite a few, including Star Wars.
Ornamental canals and ponds span out across the plaza, with boats available for hire to enjoy the ambience.
This whole plaza is possibly the most spectacular display of serenity. It’s made all the more special by the wonderful flamenco dresses and smart suits of those gracing the walkways. Watching the lavish attire of those passing by and posing for photographs within this fabulous plaza is quite extraordinary.
A cathedral visit
Leaving the plaza behind, it’s time to head for the cathedral complex. We’ve booked tickets online, costing €12 each with a time slot of 5pm.
Spending the day walking the busy streets of Seville, taking in the parks, shopping areas and leafy squares has been relatively easy.
This cathedral is huge, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world in fact. There’s a small queue to enter and once inside we head to the tower first as it looks fairly quiet.
The Giralda tower is unusual due to having 35 ramps where guards would ride up on horseback. It’s 104m tall and gives fine views from its bell tower summit.
The rest of the cathedral is filled with thick stone columns, wooden carvings and the tomb of Christopher Columbus no less. This is quite unexpected, as usual we haven’t done much research, so it’s quite fascinating.
Outside in the courtyard are 66 neatly planted orange trees, surrounding a fountain, it’s quite beautiful.
Bull ring and aching legs – Seville by Motorhome
It’s been a long day exploring Seville and before we catch the bus back to the campervan, we somehow reach the bustling entrance to Seville bull ring.
Here crowds from the festival arrive in their droves, with queues surrounding the round structure.
Horse and carriages pull up alongside, dropping off spectators for their evening entertainment.
With aching legs and a long wait for the bus back, we’re ready for an early night.
Seville has been amazing, bringing dazzling sights in such a fabulous setting. We think it’s a ‘must see’ city, with charm in bucket loads and authentic traditions of Spain in all its splendour.
Thanks for reading ‘Seville by Motorhome’.
