Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, lives up to its reputation as one of Europe's sunniest cities, offering highs of up to 27C in early November and 30C in October, according to the Met Office. Just under three hours from the UK by direct flight, the city proved an ideal autumnal escape from dreary British weather.
A Warm Welcome in October
During a five-night trip in mid-October, the city experienced blistering rays of 30C every single day, a stark contrast to the 12C the UK had been enduring. The city receives almost 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, making it a year-round destination for sun-seekers.
Seville, the fourth-largest city in Spain, is packed with things to see and do, with its Moorish-inspired and Gothic architecture at the centre of it all. The Catedral de Sevilla takes centre stage, with its tower offering panoramic views over the city.
Landmarks and Attractions
The Royal Alcázar of Seville, one of the official residences of the Spanish Royal Family, is a hugely popular attraction with spectacular grounds. Visitors can wander around after purchasing a ticket, but it gets booked weeks in advance. Tourists are welcome to queue on the day for tickets if they're sold out, as a small number are available.
Plaza de España, an iconic square in Maria Luisa Park, features four fairy-tale bridges spanning a serene moat, representing Spain's ancient kingdoms, and 52 tiled benches depicting various Spanish provinces. The Setas de Sevilla, also known as the 'Mushrooms of Seville', is said to be the world's largest wooden structure, best visited at sunset.
Food, Drink, and Culture
The Spanish Pilsner-style lager Cruzcampo originated in Seville, and at just €3.50 (£2.93) in most bars, it was hard to say no. A glass of sangria or wine costs the same price, complemented by never-ending tapas in the evening, with tapas starting from €5 a plate (£4.19).
Seville's food scene is an absolute standout, with lively food markets like Triana Market and Mercado de Feria offering fresh seafood, meats, cheese, and sandwiches. The city's deep-rooted flamenco scene is also not to be missed, with an hour-long show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla offering an authentic experience.
Seville is incredibly walkable, with bikes available to hire at multiple spots throughout the city. The cheapest flights to Seville start from just £15 departing from Manchester or Edinburgh Airport in November, according to Skyscanner, with direct journeys taking just under three hours.
