Seville is an incredible city in the south of Spain and the cultural and historical centre of Andalusia. It is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture and delicious cuisine. Seville attracts tourists from all over the world with its beautiful streets, cheerful people and wide range of opportunities for leisure and business. In Andalusia we have also covered two very different places: the university city of Granada and the small town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba — they show clearly the difference between a big city and the provinces in the south. If you are considering a startup visa for Spain, this city could be an excellent choice for you.
History of Seville
Seville is one of the most historically significant cities in Europe. Its history spans more than 3,000 years. Founded by the Phoenicians, it has absorbed many cultural influences: Roman, Visigothic, Moorish and Christian.
In the 1st century BC Seville became an important Roman city called Hispalis, and it has developed as a trading centre ever since. In the 8th century the city came under Arab control and became known as Ishbiliya. This period left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and culture. Seville was a capital of Muslim Spain and a key centre of trade with the New World after Christopher Columbus discovered America.
In the 14th-15th centuries Seville became one of the main ports for trade with the American colonies, which brought it economic prosperity. The city developed rapidly, and new buildings, churches and fortresses appeared, many of which survive to this day. After the Reconquista in 1492 Seville became an important centre of Spanish Catholic culture and continued to flourish, although a period of decline set in during the 17th century.
Nevertheless, in the 19th century interest in the city revived: the opening of railways and the growth of tourism restored Seville’s former glory. From the 20th century onwards Seville became a hub of cultural and architectural activity, further strengthening its position as one of the most attractive cities in Spain. This tradition has not gone away: Seville remains one of the cities where design firms are happy to hire foreign professionals — what this takes is covered in our article on working as an architect.
When to go
Seville has a Mediterranean climate, which makes it attractive to visit all year round. However, to avoid the heat, it is best to come between spring and autumn:
- Spring (March – May): the season of blossom and festivals such as the famous Feria de Abril. This period also brings comfortable temperatures of 20°C to 30°C.
- Summer (June – August): real heat, with temperatures reaching 40°C, but also the time for flamenco shows and open-air terraces. Many residents and tourists seek shelter under awnings to escape the sun.
- Autumn (September – November): pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, creating ideal conditions for exploring the city.
- Winter (December – February): lots of events, but temperatures can be low compared with other seasons. At this time you can enjoy the Christmas markets and decorations that make Seville especially beautiful.
Locals often spend time outdoors, as Seville is famous for its squares and parks where you can relax and watch city life go by. Many cultural events also take place during this period, such as Carnaval and Felices Pascuas, which convey the spirit of Spanish culture perfectly.
How to get there
By air
Seville has its own airport, Seville San Pablo (SVQ), just 10 km from the city. The airport receives flights from major European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, London, Paris and Rome. Airport express buses and shuttles get you to the city centre quickly.
By train
You can also get there by train from other Spanish cities. AVE trains running from Madrid and Barcelona offer comfortable and fast journeys. For example, the trip from Madrid usually takes about 2.5 hours.
By car
A car is a convenient option if you want to explore the surrounding area, as Seville sits at the centre of many landmark places in Andalusia. Many car hire companies make it easy to rent a vehicle. Seville also has good connections with other cities such as Granada and Córdoba, which makes it an excellent base for travel.
By bus
There are regular bus routes connecting Seville with other cities. This option is considered cheaper but less comfortable. It is important to check the timetable and book tickets in advance, especially in the tourist season.
Sights
Seville is famous for its rich historical heritage and many sights worth seeing. Here is a list of some of the most interesting places:
- Seville Cathedral — one of the largest Gothic churches in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral houses many works of art and relics, as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
- The Alcázar — a magnificent royal palace combining several architectural styles: Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance. The palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and here you can stroll through the protected gardens and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
- Plaza de España — a picturesque square designed to represent the regions of Spain, with buildings adorned with bright ceramic tiles. It is the heart of the city, where cultural events and festivals are held.
- María Luisa Park — a wonderful park with lakes, fountains and gardens, ideal for evening walks. In this green oasis you can spend time outdoors enjoying nature.
- Metropol Parasol — a modern architectural structure that has become a symbol of the new Seville and offers breathtaking views of the city. This unique wooden structure also houses a market and a museum.
- Torre del Oro — a historic tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, once part of the city’s defensive walls. From the top there are stunning views of the river and the surroundings.
- Flamenco theatre — if you want to see real Spanish flamenco, be sure to go to one of the local shows. It is a great opportunity to see local dance and understand the spirit of Spanish culture.
- Museum of Fine Arts — one of the most important art museums in Spain, where you can see works by masters such as El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo.
- Plaza de Toros — if you are interested in bullfighting, visit the bullring, one of the oldest in Spain. It hosts not only bullfights but also cultural events.
- The old town (Santa Cruz) — a historic district with narrow streets, beautiful squares and houses decorated with jasmine bushes. A walk through this district will leave unforgettable impressions.
Seville has many interesting places to explore, and everyone will find something for themselves here.
Cuisine
Seville is known for its delicious cuisine and offers many dishes worth trying. The famous tapas are Spanish snacks of many kinds, and in Seville you will find them in every bar.
- Gazpacho — a cold soup made from puréed tomatoes and vegetables. It is the perfect refreshing dish for hot summer days.
- Serrano ham — Spanish cured ham served as a starter. It is one of the best dishes of Spanish cuisine.
- Paella — the famous rice dish with seafood and meat. Although it is often associated with Valencia, you can find excellent seafood versions in Seville.
- Espinacas con garbanzos — spinach with chickpeas, popular in Andalusia. The dish reflects the simplicity and flavour of the local cuisine.
- Churros — sweet fried pastries, perfect with chocolate for breakfast. They are traditionally served with hot chocolate and always recommended as a dessert.
Cooking classes and food tours are also becoming increasingly popular, letting you not only taste the dishes but also learn how they are made. Local cuisine is not just food but part of the city’s cultural identity.
Climate
Seville has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach 40°C, while winter temperatures range from 6 to 15°C. Rainfall comes mainly in winter, but the rest of the year brings sunny days. Seville enjoys about 300 sunny days a year.
Rain is not common in Seville, but it is best to check the weather forecast before planning a trip. Bear in mind that many events take place in the city at this time, including the Feria de Abril and Semana Santa (Holy Week), when the streets fill with traditional processions.
The weather plays an important role in locals’ daily lives, and many prefer evening walks and dinners on open-air terraces when the temperature becomes more comfortable. Not everyone can bear a 40-degree summer, and when moving this is as important a factor as prices: how the climate varies between the coast, the north and the interior is shown in our overview of where to live in Spain.
Seville is also known for its bright and colourful festivals. The Feria de Abril, held in April, is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the city. During the festival, small and large marquees fill with flamenco dancers, street food, music and fun. The atmosphere attracts tourists and residents alike, creating a unique experience.
Conclusion
Seville is not only a cultural and historical centre of Spain but also an attractive place for startups and business initiatives. The south is noticeably cheaper than the centre and the coast: figures for rents and incomes are brought together in our ranking of Spanish cities, and the monthly budget in our calculation of how much money you need to live. If you plan to start your business in this remarkable city, Relotus Relocation offers help with Spanish startup visas. We will help you with business registration, legal matters and support at every stage.
With us you can get professional help with every aspect of your startup: from choosing a legal structure to obtaining the necessary licences. We understand that moving to a new country can be a complex process, and we will do everything we can to make it easier for you.
Don’t miss the chance to discover this beautiful city, immerse yourself in its rich culture and start a new life in Spain! Seville is waiting for you! It is ready to enrich your experience, offering every opportunity for work and leisure, which makes it an attractive place for a fresh start in life.
