Dominating Seville’s Old Town is the dramatic Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. Its history reaches back to the 12th century when it was a mosque, and Spain was under Muslim rule. Three centuries later, its evolution into the honey-hued Gothic sprawl of arches and spires that it is today was complete, and it remains an enchanting eulogy to the city’s immense wealth as a trading centre at the time.

While the Moorish influence may have been erased from the cathedral, Seville’s charm lies in its jigsaw of architectural styles. The palatial Islamic sweep of the Alcázar de Sevilla rubs shoulders with the Baroque gravitas of Plaza de España, with a handful of World Heritage Sites marking this as a city worth exploring.

Architecture aside, it’s Seville’s vibrant contemporary culture that brings visitors back for more. Head across Puente de Isabel II bridge—the vistas across the city are pretty special—to the lively quarter of Triana. Here you’ll discover the bustling mercado packed with families enjoying tapas and jugs of sangria. Dive deeper to discover the down-to-earth neighbourhood’s busy bars, riverside restaurants and live flamenco shows.

With Andalusia’s hinterland maintaining the toastiest temperatures in Europe, averaging 36°C in summer, it’s easy to see why this slice of southern Spain welcomes more than 11 million visitors every year. It also makes the region’s coastline an appealing option, and little beats the balmy sea breezes that bless peninsula-straddled Cádiz, a 90-minute drive south from Seville.

While its city-hugging Caleta beach may not be Andalusia’s finest—although it does offer a lovely view of the historic Castillo de San Sebastián fortification that thrusts up from the ocean—there are plenty of prettier options that spool out along the coast. The stunning golden sweep of Bolonia, an hour south of Cádiz, deserves a special mention, as does Tarifa, Spain’s laid-back capital of surfing on its southern-most point. Had enough sea air? Venture inland to the charming town of Jerez de la Frontera. Once you’ve wandered through the beautiful historic architecture that defines its old quarter and perhaps caught a horse show at its famed equestrian school, take a perch in one of its bodegas for some serious sherry tasting. Bodegas Tradición doubles as an art gallery, with works by Goya and Velázquez to admire between samplings.

Hire a car with Avis from Seville for unlimited freedom to explore Andalusia’s beautiful beaches, historic towns and rolling vineyards.

Driving around Seville
If you’re travelling around Seville in your rental car make sure you stay within the speed limit and enjoy the beautiful sights of this southern Spanish city.

Find your way
To make your journey even easier, we can include a sat nav with your car so you can relax and discover Seville in comfort and style.

Your car hire in Seville awaits. The open roads are yours to explore. All you have to do is pick up the keys.

Want a quick guide to the rules of the roads in Spain? We’ve unlocked them for your journey.

 

- What is Seville best known for?

The southern Spanish city of Seville is known for ever-present sunny climes, seductive flamenco shows, narrow tree-lined streets filled with the scent of orange blossom, and stunning monuments.

- Is Seville worth visiting?

Seville is one of Spain’s most important cities, famous world-wide for its traditions, music, Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance monuments and incredible Easter processions. In short: there’s nowhere quite like it.

- Is there a beach in Seville?

Seville does not have a beach in the city. Some of Spain’s best beaches, however, can be reached in just over one hour’s drive south along the beautiful and unspoilt coastline of the Costa de la Luz.

- Is Seville in mainland Spain?

Seville is the capital of Andalusia in the southwest of mainland Spain.