Seville Airport
(San Pablo Airport)
Airport code: SVQ
Seville airport is located about 10
Kilometres north east of the city, on the
A4 (was NIV) motorway to Cordoba and
Madrid at km 533.
There is a half hourly bus service from
06.15 to 23.00 to the Santa Justa
railway station in the centre of the city.
International country code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin
plugs are standard.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy
Population
Seville: 704,414
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%
Time Zone GMT +1, +2
during daylight-saving time
(last Sunday in March to
last Sunday in October)
Finca Fantastica Travel for the independent traveller
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Andalucia's splendid
landscapes, food and
culture are the focus of
this walking adventure
that takes us into the
heart and soul of Spain's
most passionate region.
Highlights:
Seville, Grazalema, Grazalema National Park, Zahara
de la Sierra, Ronda, Tapas tour, Granada, Alhambra
Palace
Eight Days Walking in Andalucia
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the spring and autumn months are the preferred time of year to
visit. At this time with flowers in full bloom Seville is stunning.
Seville proudly starts the 'feria' season in Andalusia when it holds
the two-week Feria de Abril (the April Feria) This follows two weeks
after the week-long Easter Celebrations of Samana Santa. During
Easter they hold huge elaborate parades of many hours duration.
Eager volunteers carry enormous effigies on floats (pasos)
depicting Jesus on the Cross, The Blessed Virgin or various scenes
from the Last Supper. The Penitents, fully covered in silken gowns
with tall pointed hoods (made infamous by the Klu Kulx Klan) march
solemnly with the processions.
For those not deeply involved in the solemnity of the occasion there
are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants willing to serve you well
into the night. Once the celebrations of Semana Santa are over the
bullfighting season gets underway with the Feria de Abril.
Romance and flamboyance sum up Seville because Seville is the
cradle of flamenco and flamenco is the essence of 'feria'.
Andalucians take 'feria' very seriously as this is serious party time.
'Sevillanos' are out to show off their style and flair. The festivities
revolve around bullfighting, horses, wine, and flamenco. Mid-day
parades consist of shining, strutting, proud Andalucian horses
bearing their handsome riders, often with their "novia" sat behind.
Horse drawn carriages, harness bells jingling, trot around the city.
They are filled with happy people calling out to friends and relatives
who line the streets.
The streets, decorated with paper lanterns, bright flowers and huge
speakers, overflow with gossiping, chattering diners during the
lunch time period and impromptu flamenco breaks out everywhere.
It's time for siesta, after which the bullfighting commences.
In the evening, (for evening read midnight) people head for the
main Feria ground, across the river from the city centre, in Triana.
The brightly lit fairground is enormous and the seemingly constant
fireworks enliven an already heady atmosphere. Pavilions
(temporary bars both private and public) abound each with its own
music and shows entertaining friends and acquaintances.. Everyone
wanders freely enjoying a chat and some "tapas" with a glass of
"manzanilla". Strolling, dancing, drinking and eating all the way to
dawn when "churros' become available. This is a sweet sugar-
coated stick of deep-fried batter dipped in thick chocolate.
Delicious…but not for me thanks, I need my bed.
The old city centre is dominated by the gigantic Cathedral of Seville.
The third largest cathedral in Christendom, it has an odd neighbour.
The Giralda, Seville's best known landmark is the remaining minaret
of the mosque on whose foundations the cathedral now stands.
Christianity and Islam side by side in peace…wonderful. Take time to
explore both buildings and absorb their uniqueness. Later maybe
take a horse-drawn carriage drive from the Patio de Naranjas (think
Seville oranges) around other parts of Seville, along the riverbank or
through the Maria Luisa Park.
The park adjoins the fascinating Plaza de Espana. This large plaza
has an impressive semi- circular building enclosing half the
perimeter. Dominated by two grand spires and arches supported by
fine columns, this building is now home to government and military
offices. Beneath each arch is a depiction in ceramic tiles of all the
provinces of Spain.
Other areas of interest are the royal Mudéjar palace known as the
Alcazar where you can stroll in the wonderful gardens. In the Santa
Cruz quarter, the cozy tight streets burst with colour from the
decoration and the floral arrangements.
Tapas, those very tasty snacks, are a part of the Spanish way of
life. Hardly anywhere in Spain will you find more variety than in
Seville. Choices range from tripe and chick peas, lamb with honey or
grilled baby squid to tiny grilled birds or fine cured hams. With the
vast Guadalquivir River connection to the sea, Seville restaurants
serve delicious seafood in a whole myriad of styles. Along with the
'tapas', the selection of wines and sherries is as vast as it is
delightful. Just find what suits you.
The grand hotels in Seville are grand like Seville itself, the Alfonso
XIII being a prime example (take a tour of the lobby) Many hotels
are former mansions and large town houses designed in the old
Moorish style with a central courtyard open to the sky. Modest
hostels ('hostals' in Sevilla) are plentiful, cheap and comfortable,
many offering internet connections.
Seville's San Pablo Airport has daily scheduled connections with
international destinations although the majority of flights are
internal. It lies 12 km north of the city and if you hire a car the road
you need is the E-5 motorway. Otherwise let the taxi, bus or airport
transfer company take the strain for you. There are no trains at
present.
The AVE high-speed trains conveniently links Seville to Madrid and
Malaga (not yet fully completed) with a journey time of less than
three hours aiding the city in business and tourism. This is a great
way to see more of the country during your visit. Look for the Santa
Justa Train Station in your guide book
The style, wit and pure joy of living that is expressed by the
'Sevillanos' in their daily lives will never leave you once you
experience Seville. "Quien no visto Sevilla, ho ha visto maravilla" He
who has not seen Seville, has not known marvel.

Seville The City Of Fiesta
By Edward Kirwan
Situated in south western Andalucia,
Seville, the capital city, sits astride
the mighty Rio Guadalquivir at the
head of the Donana National Park,
Spain largest nature reserve.
Seville enjoys a very sunny climate
but can and does suffer from very
high temperatures during the height
of the summer. Therefore,