We are going to Seville in 2 weeks time for 10 days, trying to do my research, but not finding as much info as for other cities somehow.
We want to go to Cordoba for a day trip, have looked at ticket prices on the train & they seem quite expensive to me at E33, is there a cheaper way to get there? We are on a very tight budget, so any saving will help!
Can anyone recommend other places for day trips too? This is an area I don't know at all, so really want to make the best of it. We would have loved to have gone to Granada, but I have a heart condition, so need to take it easy & think it would probably be too much in one day?
Any advice on Seville gratefully received also!

many thanks,
JJ

Sevilla is tons of Roman, Moslem, Jewish, Gypsy and Christian history and culture and the queen of the Andalusian cities, if not of all Spanish cities. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/sevilla.htm

All the info you could dream of: http://www.exploreseville.com/

Sounds perfect with ten days here, may give you time to absorb the atmosphere of a magical city and have a couple of excellent day-trips. Don't know exactly where to begin, but you could post me more spesific questions depending on your interests.

Azahar lives in Sevilla and has got excellent tips on tapas bars and restaurants by district: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/

Be sure to visit places outside the beautiful and touristy Santa Cruz district close to the Cathedral the Alcazaba etc. I very much like the local feel Arenal area north-east of Santa Cruz, the San Lorenzo district in the center or Triana, a cradle of flamenco culture, just across the bridge over the river Guadalquivir. Some examples:
Enrique Becerra in Arenal: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...rique-becerra/
Eslava in San Lorenzo: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/
Bodega Dos de Mayo in San Lorenzo: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...a-dos-de-mayo/

... and the oldest in the country, El Rinconcillo from 1670: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...l-rinconcillo/

Sevilla is flamenco, and you can experience real deal flamenco at Casa de la Memória in the Santa Cruz district. Popular with tourists, but some of the finest flamenco artists perform here on a regular basis. Would at least give you a glimpse of how wonderful the art form can be: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalusia.html

Perhaps go to the Arab bath house Aire de Sevilla, a friend of mine went five times in a week: http://www.airedesevilla.com/

You could easily fill ten days with a great variety of sights (the Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the old tobacco factory (now the main building of the university), the Indian archives (Sevilla was the "center of the world" after Columbus' discovery of America), Torre del Oro, Plaza de España are some of the most obvious), but one of my favourites is the ruins of the Roman city Italica, some 25 mins by bus from the Plaza de Armas bus station. A great little restaurant in front of the entrance to Italica. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/italica.htm

I could go on and on about Sevilla, but it is very much about just walking around and get the atmosphere and feel under your skin.

Córdoba is excellent as a daytrip with the high speed AVE/AVANT train. Only some 40 minutes. Buy tickets on-line in advance, then they will be only 16,20€. Often more than double the price if you buy tickets on the station. http://www.renfe.com/

Old, small and charming Carmona just outside Sevilla would also be a good option for a day trip: http://www.andalucia.com/province/se...rmona/home.htm

Some fresh Córdoba impressions:

The "other" Córdoba around Plaza de las Tendillas, the Plaza Mayor-like Plaza de la Corredera, the Roman ruins etc can be highly recommended. All very close to the main tourist attractions but a totally different and more local atmosphere. Bustling outdoor cafés long into the night.

Several fine bodegas/tabernas in this area. Here you'll find great local places on every corner. Just had some excellent meals in a couple of them. Taberna Salinas comes recommended in the Michelin guide, and we were perfectly happy after two raciones, a bottle of wine and a couple of brandys for some 35€. http://www.tabernasalinas.com/

Bar Santos in Calle Magistral González Francés, 3 along the eastern side of the Mezquita is a laid-back and small respite in this heavily touristy area. Wonderful Jamón Ibérico.

Felt immediately at home in Plaza de las Tendillas. The thousands of people gathering here for the midnight eating of the grapes on New Years eve is traditionally directly televised on national tv. The clock on Plaza de las Tendillas has got no bells. Since 1961 the hours has been chimed in by recorded flamenco chords from the guitarist Juanito Serrano. Great atmospehere and good spirit well into the small hours, at least in the week-ends. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fexMbX4EsRE&NR=1

We lived in modern Hotel Córdoba Centro, just excellent, some 300 meters north of the Mezquita, next door to the main Tendillas Plaza. Some 60€ for a double. http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cord...?rid=702348143

... Alcazar/Reales Alcazares that is, not Alcazaba. Most of the Alcazar was constructed in Arab style by Christian rulers in the 14th Century (Sevilla fell to the Christians in 1248 but there was apparantly no question about architectural ideals), and the Alcazar thus stands as one of the best examples of mudejar architecture in all of Spain. Visited last fall. Stunningly beautiful. You could easily spend several hours here, and you could completely loose yourself in the gardens. It's now the residence of the king and queen when in Sevilla.
http://www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es/

... and the Arenal area is West/North-West of the Cathedral: http://www.whatsevilla.com/el-arenal-sevilla.html

Here you'll find one of my absolute favourites in Sevilla, Bodegas Diaz Salazar in C/García de Vinuesa, 20. A branch of the very popular Mesón Serranito is also in this area, C/ Antonia Diaz, 11. The solomillo al roquefort tapas is to die for!

Bodegas Diaz Salazar: http://www.minube.com/fotos/rincon/1...slideshow-mode
Mesón Serranito: http://11870.com/pro/meson-el-serranito

A terrific day trip is to Sanlucar de Barrameda. It's a town of about 30,000 southwest of Sevilla on the Guadaquilvir. Ought to be doable by bus. It's got some good archetecture, a few sherry vintners, etc but the thing that sets it apart is its fishing fleet and the fresh seafood. I have been told that almost all of Sevilla's seafood comes from Sanlucar.

Each afternoon at pm, at Bonanza, on the north side of Sanlucar, the fleet unloads its catch. It is unloaded and auctioned off right on the wharf. I HAVE BEEN AROUND A BIT AND THIS UNLOAD AND AUCTION IS IN MY TOP 3-4 THINGS TO SEE ANYWHERE IN EUROPE. What makes it so spectacular is that the wharf is about 200 feet long and there is probably about 6-800 feet of fishing boats trying to tie up. It is like a demolition derby all the attendant language, gestures, and tempers. [Fishermen tend not to be shy, softspoken group.] The whole thing lasts only about 2 hours but is absolutely memorable.

I believe you could bus to Sanlucar, then cab or take a city bus to Bonanza and then catch a bus back to Sevilla.

Sanlucar is also the gateway to Donana National Park. Boat/van tours are available. Might be worth a bit of research. I went a number of years ago and say ton's of migrating birds, ducks, etc.

The best place for seafood is right on the river. There are any number of great cafes.

In Alameda district....Alameda de Hercules is an area of many restaurants, cafes and bars. It is about 20 min. from the center

Apologies for the belated reply, but thank you all so much for your advice. There didn't seem to be much info around about Seville, but kimhe, thanks to you & your wonderful suggestions, I now have lots, I can see you really love Seville, so I'm sure we will too.

Thank you also weber & danon, I was worried there wouldn't be enough to keep us busy- I was obviously very wrong!

Thank you once again,just hoping it cools down a little by next saturday-34c- wow!!
JJ.

Excellent artists every night at Casa de la Memória, but I think I would have gone to see the sevillanos Adela Campallo and her brother Rafael on Tuesday the 18th. They are both fabulous flamenco dancers. Adela Campallo was one of the most promising up and coming young flamenco dancers in the world when she was seriously injured in a car accident in 2005. She made her come-back in 2009, and now she is definitely back in business. Here in a clip from Jerez earlier this year in one of the absolute most prestigious flamenco festivals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SejtM5A0n8

And Rafael: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_g1q47QgU

Program at Casa de la Memória: http://www.casadelamemoria.es/eventos.htm

For some serious flamenco/sevillanas atmosphere into the night, I can recommend El Rejoneo in riverfront Calle Betis, 33. Often Samara Amador, the singer daughter of living legend flamenco dancer Manuela Carrasco, gets into action here. No need to come before midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPZT3ADgWsw

Riverfront Calle Betis is also an excellent place to start the evening. Lots of tapas bars, terraces by the river etc: http://www.sevilla5.com/activities/goingout/betis.html

Or you can go to extremely popular Casa Anselma in Calle Pagés del Corro, 49. Also in the vibrant Triana district, a cradle of flamenco culture. A bit more touristy but great fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw1atBQq_u0
http://www.sevilla5.com/activities/f...o/anselma.html

And if you get seriously bitten by flamenco, as can very well happen, go to El Mantoncillo in C/Alfarería, 104, also in Triana. Here, anything can happen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvAn_2j0LuY

Apart from all the "normal" sights in Sevilla, I will also suggest you go and see the Hospital de la Caridad, it might give you the ultimate Sevilla experience. The 17th century repenting founder Miguel Mañara was - according to himself - "the most evil man that ever lived". All the paintings he commisioned from some of the most famous golden-age arists for the hospital and it's adjoining church dealt with the theme of death and redemption. The hospital, the church, the paintings and Mañara's grave are all in Calle Temprado, 3.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/seville/sights/411842

... and on the 15th and 16th Antonio El Pipa stages his latest performance in the beautiful and old world Lope de Vega theater. Have had some fabulous excperiences here, one of the most prestigious theaters for flamenco in the world: http://www.teatrolopedevega.org/inde...vents/view/251

Clip from the performance when it premiered as the opening concert of the flamenco festival in Jerez earlier this year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5-6S...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQpxOyZ86-k

You can buy tickets online here. I've used this service several times, no problems: http://www.generaltickets.com/

Kimhe, your information is amazing- thank you! We will certainly be seeing a flamenco show, had marked Casa De La Memoria for that, but will now look at all your links for comparison.
I'm having trouble finding public bus routes, we are staying on Calle Avion Cuatro Vientos, & can't seem to find a bus service on Google maps, does anyone know that area? As I have a heart problem, can't walk too far, especially in 30c heat!

Lots of buses in close by Avda San Francisco Javier. You are also just about 1 km from the Old town/Santa Cruz district with most of the major sights, Plaza de España, The María Luisa park, The Lope de Vega theater etc.

Taxis are cheap and all over the place, you'll get from almost everywhere to everywhere in the central area for some 4-6€.

In case you want to rent a car for a day:

La Donana National Park and village of El Rocio (direction Huelva, then Matalascanas from Sevilla)
You can do boat trips into the park from Sanlucar, but the actual wetlands are on the Western shores of the Guadalquivir and accessible via the Matalascanas road.

A tour through the "White Villages": Arcos, Medina-Sidonia, Vejer, Conil and back
Arcos is already more a town, though, and gets its share of tourists. Medina and Vejer are usually quieter. You can break up the tour anywhere and head back to Sevilla via motorway.

Has anyone mentioned Cadiz proper already? Also a worthwhile trip (no car required).

It's such a relief to know that there are buses nearby, & to hear that taxi's are so cheap too, we'll probably need them at night.
Thank you Kimhe for your input, it's very much appreciated.
JJ.

Kim, I leave for my first trip to Spain next Thursday which will include 4 days in Seville... two friends suggested I spend less time there but I can see already I'll be returning some day for a longer period. Your information and enthusiasm is fantastic, thank you. Linda

Just glad to help out with some tips other than the most obvious for a wonderful city.

Another vote for casa de la memoria...when we were in Seville last April we went one night, and loved it so much we bought tickets for the next night (sadly our last night there) and agreed that if we ever returned to Seville we'd buy tickets for every single night! The price is right as is the timing of the performance, as we are not super late-night people (which is when I know lots of great flamenco goes on throughout the city). We also liked that there was no drinking going on (not that I don't like to drink!) and that the venue was intimate...be sure and get there really early to get front row seats (like 30-40 minutes early).

I just got back from Seville and have to side with those who mentioned Azahar's blog. We found all of our best places there. A favorite was this one:
http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...los-caracoles/
We only spent two days in Seville, one day with a day trip. Four days seems long to me, but two was too short. Three would be perfect, though with Kimhe's tips, I'm sure you won't regret having an extra day there.
The tapas there cannot be beat, and it's one of the most beautiful cities to simply stroll around in. Enjoy! AND CHECK OUT AZAHAR'S BLOG!

With 10 days in Sevilla I'd defiantely visit Cordoba as my first choice for a daytrip.

Sanlucar is 2 hours by bus each way. You are correct that Granada is pushing it especially if you have a heart condition for a daytrip from Sevilla.

In addition to the suggestions already given other options as daytrips:

If you are into sherry tasting Jerez (bus or train, 1 hour)is a good choice or El Puerto de Santa Maria. Cadiz (bus or train, 2 hours) if you like roaming around taking in the character and charm of an old port city. Arcos (bus, approx 1.5 hours) for a "taste" of the white villages without having to rent a car. Osuna with it's beautiful palaces. Malaga is 2 hours away by the high speed AVANT train and is a great city to visit.

There are lots of options. The beauty is you can play this by ear. Determine your "top" daytrips and once you're there just enjoy and see what happens.

Thank you all for even more great suggestions,
Cowboy1968, unfortunately, neither of us can drive, so it has to be bus or train.
el13207, you have decided it for us- definitely Casa de la Memoria for flamenco!
Linda, hope you enjoy your trip too,
jandazza, we will certainly try those tapas, my idea of heaven is having a little of everything, will check the blog also,
& finally, CathyM, great suggestions for those day trips, from other's comments, it seems we'll have plenty of time for them, especially want to see Cordoba too, have decided Granada would be too much for me, especially in the heat.
When is it going to cool down a little- I'm used to the cold Scottish weather, not 34c!!

Thanks again,
JJ.

As said, I recommend Casa de La Memória on Tuesday the 18th when Adela and Rafael Campallo performs. Buy tickets one day ahead to be sure, it's a small venue and they sell out fast when the most popular artists are on.