Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

DISC OVERING SP AIN  13

beach before dining on 2 Days in Seville archaeological artifacts and
traditional paella at one of the traditional Andalucían folk
seafront restaurants. art. Enjoy a traditional dinner
The spirit of Al Andalus lives and perhaps some flamenco
Day 2 on in Seville’s whitewashed in the vibrant Triana
Morning Spend the morning lanes, intricately tiled neighbourhood (p452).
at Gaudí’s spectacular (and still mansions and ornate
unfinished) Sagrada Familia courtyards – the perfect Day 2
(pp170–71). Admire the place to enjoy authentic Morning Visit the enticing
awesome façades, and take Spanish pleasures like Barrio Santa Cruz, an
the lift up to the upper galleries flamenco and fino. enchanting warren of narrow
for vertiginous city views. Stroll • Arriving San Pablo Airport lanes lined with ivory houses
up to the nearby Hospital de la is 10 km (6 miles) northeast sporting geranium-filled
Santa Creu i de Sant Pau of the city centre. Take a bus balconies. Spend some time
(p169), set in an enchanting or taxi to the city. From in the fascinating Archivo de
complex of Modernista pavilions. Madrid Airport, the high- Indias (p445), a handsome
Enjoy a lazy lunch in the speed AVE train to Seville 16th-century building that
Eixample neighbourhood. takes 2 hours 20 minutes. contains the historical records
of Spain’s colonization of the
Afternoon Wander down Americas. Take a look at the
the fashionable Passeig de Day 1 paintings in the Hospital de
Gràcia (p164), which is lined Morning Start with a visit to los Venerables (p445), then
with scores of top international Seville’s most recognizable delight in the Casa de Pilatos
designer boutiques and flag- landmark, La Giralda (pp442–3), (pp444–5), a breathtaking
ship stores of famous high- the exquisite minaret-cum-bell palace with a beautiful garden.
street brands. This street is as tower attached to the vast
famous for its Modernista cathedral. The tomb of Afternoon Admire the superb
architecture as it is for its Christopher Columbus can be art collection in the Museo
shopping, and is crowned by found inside the cathedral, de Bellas Artes (p436), housed
two of Gaudí’s most celebrated along with a wealth of lavish in a handsome 17th-century
buildings, the Casa Batlló artworks, but the highlight is convent set around a charming
(p168) and La Pedrera (p169), the extraordinary views from courtyard. Take in the fabulous
both of which must be visited. the top of La Giralda. Then head shops along the nearby Calle
Round out the day with a to the sumptuous Real Alcázar Sierpes, some of which sell
tapas tour of the Eixample (pp446–7), a magnificent royal gorgeous flamenco dresses
neighbourhood’s many bars. palace richly decorated with and mantilla shawls. For
elaborate tiles and stucco work. dinner, there is a great choice
To extend your trip… of tapas bars in the area.
Visit enchanting, medieval Afternoon Cool off with a
Girona (pp218–19), then gentle stroll in the charming To extend your trip…
head to the glorious Costa Parque María Luisa (pp450–51), Drive east, via Carmona and
Brava (p221) for a couple with its colourfully tiled Écija, or travel by train to
of days’ hiking or simply benches and tinkling fountains. Córdoba (pp484–7) to visit
lazing on the beach. There are a couple of fascinating the remarkable Mezquita.
museums to explore, full of

Mudéjar architecture and intricate stucco work at the Real Alcázar, Seville

012-017_EW_Spain.indd 13 26/09/17 11:00 am