From Sunrise to Seville: Morning Walks Through The City

Seville, the pearl of Andalusia, greeted us with a mix of sunshine and rain, but nothing could stop my early morning adventures!

The Journey: From Barcelona to Seville by Renfe

We set off early from Barcelona Sants, taking a Renfe train to Seville. The journey, which should have taken 5.5 hours, was delayed due to an accident on the railway, making it an even longer ride. Adding to the challenge was a rain warning covering all of Spain, including Seville. I was nervous since how could I explore the city's best landmarks and hidden spots if it rained the entire time?

Luckily, we were fortunate! Despite the forecast, the rain came only in intervals, allowing me to enjoy early morning walks before heading to the TES Conference.

A Stay in the Heart of Seville

For our stay, I booked a charming one-room apartment at RentalSevilla Living La Alameda, right in the downtown area. The building had a gorgeous inner patio, a signature of Seville's stunning architecture. From here, I was within walking distance of Plaza de España and other historic sites.

The best part? The apartment had a big umbrella! Perfect for my planned morning walks.

🌅 Early Mornings in Seville: Walking Through History

Day 1: My First Sunrise Walk & La Giralda

The night before, after attending the TES welcome party, I was already excited about my first-ever morning walk in Seville.

At my lovely time - 5:30 AM, I woke up to complete darkness outside, just the way I love it (if you need to motivate yourself, please grab your copy of my From Sunrise to Brunch guide). Armed with my umbrella and a strong motivation to explore, I stepped out of the beautiful Andalusian courtyard and into the city streets.

The first stop was Alameda de Hércules, with its two iconic columns. I walked down narrow streets lined with colorful Andalusian houses, window-shopping at boutiques showcasing vibrant fabrics and luxurious designs.

Soon, I reached Seville City Hall (Hall of Santo Tomas) and, after a light drizzle, stood before the magnificent La Giralda—the famous bell tower of Seville Cathedral. Originally a minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville under the Almohad dynasty, it was later transformed into a Renaissance-style belfry after the Catholic conquest. Seeing it in the morning mist was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Of course, my walk wouldn't have been complete without a strong coffee from Cafeteria Curros, a local cafe near my apartment!

Day 2: Rainy Morning & Plaza de España

The second morning started with heavier rain, but nothing my big umbrella couldn't handle! I made my way to the spectacular Plaza de España, a semi-circular masterpiece framed by tall towers and lined with 52 stunning tile mosaics (azulejos), each representing a province of Spain.

Despite the rain, the sight was breathtaking. Walking through the huge archways and up the grand staircase, I could fully absorb the architectural beauty of this cultural landmark.

Day 3: Sunrise & The Hidden Beauty of Santa Isabel Convent

On my last morning in Seville, I woke up to clear skies and a golden sunrise. It was my final chance to see something truly special.

I set out early and discovered the Convent of Santa Isabel, founded in 1490. This historic monastery, once the headquarters of the Order of Saint John, had a mystical charm, with pomegranate trees glowing in the morning light. It was the perfect farewell scene before our journey back to Barcelona.

Beyond the Walks: A Taste of Andalusia

In between conference sessions, we enjoyed some authentic Spanish flavors—and the highlight was paella with lobster! A true Andalusian delight.

Of course, no trip to Seville would be complete without comfortable shoes, jeans, and a colorful scarf—the perfect way to blend into this vibrant city's energy.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Traveling in Any Weather

Despite the rain warnings and unexpected delays, this trip to Seville proved one thing: mornings shape your experience. Whether in rain or sunshine, exploring a city before the crowds makes every moment more personal and unforgettable.

📍 Seville was an incredible mix of history, architecture, and hidden treasures—and I can't wait to explore my next destination!

🔜 Stay tuned for my next adventure! 🚀

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