Seville in Three Acts: Tapas, History & Countryside Flavor

You’ll probably arrive in the afternoon, so I’d keep the first day easy.

After checking in, head out for a slow wander through Barrio Santa Cruz, my favorite area for aimless strolling—the narrow streets, the flower‑covered balconies, and tiny squares always feel magical. Then pass by Plaza Nueva, which is lively in the evenings with people having coffee or beers at outdoor tables.

For dinner, do what Seville does best: tapas. Casa Pepe Hillo is a classic—order the salmorejo (a chilled tomato and bread soup, thicker and creamier than gazpacho) and the grilled Iberian pork.

If you’re still hungry, Bar Alfalfa is another fun stop. It’s small, always buzzing, and perfect for tostas with a glass of local sherry or a good beer.

Today is a full‑day private tour into the Sierra de Aracena, about 90 minutes from Seville. The drive alone is worth it—rolling hills, olive groves, and little whitewashed towns that feel a world away from the city.

The big highlight is visiting Cinco Jotas, Spain’s most iconic jamón ibérico producer. You’ll walk through the curing cellars, learn how they’ve been doing this for generations, and taste slices of silky jamón de bellota with local wine—easily one of the best bites you’ll have in Spain.

Lunch at Restaurante Arrieros in Linares de la Sierra is hearty and comforting, the kind of food that feels homemade. After lunch, stroll through Aracena, pop into Confitería Rufino for their famous yemas pastries, and finish with a visit to the Gruta de las Maravillas, a cave filled with underground lakes and colorful rock formations.

By the time you get back to Seville in the evening, you’ll be full, happy, and ready to relax.

Start the morning early at the Real Alcázar, which feels magical if you go right when it opens. The gardens and tiled courtyards are peaceful before the crowds arrive. Then, visit the Cathedral and climb La Giralda—it’s a gentle ramp up instead of stairs, and the views over Seville are worth the effort.

In the afternoon, take a walk along the Guadalquivir River and cross into Triana, a neighborhood that feels a little more local and is known for its ceramics and flamenco.

For dinner before the show, I love La Casa de María, right by the bridge. Their grilled fish and tapas are fantastic, and it’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours.

Finish the night with a show at Tablao Flamenco La Cantaora, a small, intimate venue just a couple of minutes from the Cathedral. It feels like stepping back into an old‑style café cantante—no flashy choreography, just incredibly talented dancers, singers, and musicians performing straight from the heart. Every client I’ve sent here has come back saying it was one of the most special parts of their trip.