Our journey began with our first experience using our Global Eurail Pass, traveling from Madrid to Seville.
We checked into our conveniently located hotel, just a short walk from both the train station and Seville’s historic center.
Walking through Santa Cruz was like stepping back in time – the narrow, winding streets opening to charming plazas. while boutique shops, inviting cafés, and traditional restaurants lined the cobblestone pathways. The whitewashed buildings with their colorful flower boxes created a picturesque scene at every turn.
For dinner, we discovered the Cerveceria Giralda Bar – a fascinating establishment housed in what was once an Arab bathhouse. The stunning Moorish architecture with its characteristic horseshoe arches provided a unique backdrop for our meal of Spanish tapas.
As we made our way back to our hotel, we stumbled upon something truly special – a Holy Week procession moving through the streets. The solemn march of the participants in their traditional attire, the flickering candles, and the haunting music created an atmosphere of reverence that gave us a glimpse into Spain’s deep religious traditions.
We had booked a tour with Get Your Guide to explore the magnificent Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the cathedral’s history and architecture as we admired both the impressive exterior and the breathtaking interior with its golden altarpiece and numerous chapels.
While inside, Carol took on the challenge of climbing the Cathedral’s Bell Tower, known as La Giralda. Instead of stairs, the tower features a series of 35 ramps that were once used to allow horses to reach the top. We then wandered back through the charming streets of Santa Cruz, window shopping and stopping to pick up some delicious pastries. We were delighted to find sweet treats shaped like nazarenos – the hooded figures from the Holy Week processions – a creative edible representation of this important cultural tradition.
For dinner, we tried Bacao restaurant. While the food throughout Spain had been consistently excellent, this particular establishment didn’t quite meet the high bar set by our previous meals. Nevertheless, it was another day of wonderful experiences in this enchanting city.
From the orange tree-lined streets of Seville, we continued our Andalusian journey eastward to the coastal city of Malaga. Trading the Guadalquivir River for the Mediterranean Sea, we were excited to experience another facet of southern Spain – one that blends historical treasures with seaside charm and was once home to the legendary artist Pablo Picasso.
But our adventure doesn’t end here! In our next video, we’ll take you along on our exciting day trip from Malaga to the breathtaking Caminito del Rey – often called “The King’s Little Path” – a stunning walkway built along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. You won’t want to miss it!
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