Living in Seville is like living the dream. The warm sun, the beautiful architecture, the stunning locals... gosh I die. As well as being undoubtedly, undeniably perfect in every way, it's also a great spot for any travel inspired tourist.
Fear not! You needn't stay confined in this beautiful city, as there is plenty of opportunity to explore and make the most out of your time in Spain.
Granada
Wondering where to start? Well, Granada is not a place to missed on your visit to Spain!
How do I get there?
The best way to get from A to B in this case is undoubtably by bus. Although it's a hefty 3-hour trip, it's still quicker than the train and worth the ride. In my personal experience, the buses are relatively comfy, air conditioned and some even come with on-board entertainment, so in theory the 3 hours should really fly by.
What can I do there?
Treat yourself! Granada has a great range of shopping and medinas that have been maintained from their Arabic influence. These beautiful, cobbled and delicate narrow streets are not only captivating, but they are also full of goodies. With endless bargains, here you can easily haggle yourself some authentic goodies, as well as come back with some good gifts for all your amigos in Seville.
The streets are so breathtaking that even just walking around the city is enough to entertain you. Although in the summer it may be hot, you'll come back with a full photo album and some serious house envy.
Whilst in Granada it is in your best interest to check out the Alhambra. Originally a Roman Fortress, that centuries later was converted into a palace, this fine and beautiful piece of Spanish architecture played a key role in the conquista and has been standing for centuries. With visitors coming from all over the world to see it and a wealth of history and amazing views of the city, this is a sight and experience not to missed.
I mean, when in the South of Spain, you have to take advantage of all the delicious food and drink at your fingertips right? Granada is no exception at all and has plenty of beautiful plazas that are just as lively in the day as they are at night.
Córdoba
If you're a history buff, or even just appreciate a good piece of Spanish architecture, Córdoba is the idyllic location for you.
How do I get there?
Now, the best part about this destination is that Seville and Cordoba really aren't that far apart, so it's relatively cheap and easy to get there. The trains literally zap you there in under an hour, depending which one you get, and are really cheap. The other option is of course the bus, which will get you there in around about 2 hours, which also isn't bad going.
What can I do there?
Córdoba played an important role in both the Roman and the Moorish empires in Spain, so it is a number one day trip for the history and architecture fanatics inside you. Even if you're not either of those things, it's still a pretty city with plenty to do and endless photo opportunities.
Speaking of beautiful architecture, I urge you to check out the mosque! Although once a mosque, it was later turned into a home of the catholic faith. It's beautiful interior and exterior structures have been maintained and comply with the ever so stunning image that comes to our mind when we think 'Spanish architecture'. Now, it homes some of world's most renowned and stunning pieces of Islamic art, which really are worth a look at.
Whilst you're in the neighbourhood, you need to check out Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. A beautiful 12th century palace that houses the most beautiful Roman tiles and decor that you will have ever seen. With great panoramic views of the site and city, your instagram will be the fairest in all the land.
Now, Córdoba has endless sights as well as beautiful establishments and buildings that I haven't even touched on, but if you're in the mood for something a bit more light-hearted and some child-like fun, pay a visit to El Parque Zoológico de José Cruz Conde AKA Córdoba zoo. Yes, they have a zoo. With a multitude of animals and attractions, this isn't just a day for the kids and has a little something for everyone.
Cádiz
The worst part about Seville? It doesn't have a beach. Fear not! Cádiz is not far.
How do I get there?
Cádiz is not far from Seville at all, I mean having said that, I don't recommend that you walk! However, either way you have a good choice between the train and the coach! The journey both ways on each mode of transport are about 15€ and takes anything between 1 and a half to 2 hours, so it's a very nice and easy day trip.
What can I do there?
You've heard the way the song goes, "vamos a la playa a mí me gusta bailar", head to the beach. Obviously this is one part that Seville is unfortunately lacking in, but with Cádiz this close, it's not really a problem.
Aside from the breath-taking beaches, Cádiz also has a lot of history to delve into and explore. A lot of the architecture has been maintained from the 15th and 16th century, most of which remains with a strong Arabic influence. So it would almost be rude not to take advantage.
Might sound boring, because it's something we do everyday, but Cádiz is a great city for a good ol'walk. If you take a stroll down Paseo Canalejas, you'll not only encounter some beautiful instagram-worthy views, but you'll also get a great and empowering sense of the old town.
If you fancy a break from the beach, no worries! Cádiz has an absolutely small, yet stunning park. Full of greenery and a great place for those holiday snaps, Park Genoves is the perfect place for a picnic away from the pesky seagulls.
Málaga
I mean, this really wouldn't be much of a guide if I only gave you one beach option, would it?
How do I get there?
The easiest and cheapest way to get there from Seville is via bus. If you jump on the right one, you can make it there within 2 and a half hours, which isn't too bad. If time is the issue, the trains are considerably faster but considerably more expensive. So, the option is yours; save an hour or save some money.
What can I do there?
Obviously, the beach is calling. Málaga is renowned for its beautiful beach and luxurious coast lines and is a a top tourist destination in the summer months. Be careful though, if you're wanting to make a weekend out of it in peak season, you'll struggle to find cheap accommodation and a spot, as it fills up very quickly. However, if you're comfortable just jumping on the train/bus back after a day of soaking up the sun, you won't have a problem.
Personally, this next one is my favourite. Málaga was the birth place and home, at various stages, to one of Spain's most famous artists, Pablo Picasso. Many of his works are housed here in the delightful Museo Picasso Málaga. So, whilst you're in the hometown of the artist, it's almost criminal not the swing by and check it out. If you want to take it a step further, and like me you love Picasso, you can also visit the Fundación Picasso, which is the birth place and now an additional museum that is home to some of the artist's works.
Another thing, that I can't wait to do when I go back, is visit the caves. Take a visit to Cueva del Tesoro where you can get a guided tour and go into some of the caves on the Spanish coast. Obviously, an activity like this isn't for the faint hearted, but will definitely bring out the adventurer deep down inside you.
Málaga, as you may have guessed, is an activity-ridden tourist paradise with something to do at every turn. So much that there's even a water park, Aqualand Torremolinos, and a Crocodile park (where you can actually pet the crocodiles- wow I'm getting excited just writing about it). So, when taking a break from city life or your great Erasmus experience in Seville, Málaga is a great place to releash your inner child and get to grip with some great activities.
Madrid
A bit further fetched of a trip, but whilst you're in Spain, you can't really miss out on the opportunity to visit the capital.
How do I get there?
Although bus routes are available, as are the train routes, the easiest and quickest option to get to Madrid from Seville tends to be via plane. Although that may sound a bit daunting initially, it shouldn't put you off. Iberia provides national flights around 4 times a day between the two splendid Spanish destinations, and if you book in advance, it won't end up breaking the bank at all.
What can I do there?
I mean, I think a better question is... what is there not to do? I mean, you're in the capital after all.
Although Madrid may not have a beach or form part of the prestigious Southern Spain architectural spectrum, it is home to one of the world's most beautiful parks, El Retiro. So, it'd be a shame not to walk, cycle or even skate round and take in all the views whilst you can.
It's common knowledge that capital cities always host the best of the best when it comes to shopping, and Madrid is no exception to rule. So, if you've been saving, or just even fancy treating yourself; a) you definitely deserve it and b) you're in the idyllic location for it. Looking for something more commercial then scale the streets of Gran Via and Fuencarral to find the finest and most fabulous parts of high street names and fashions. Even better, if you're in town on Sunday and fancy some more homemade, authentic goodies, head down to the classic El Rastro market and grab yourself a bargain!
One of the most important things, not to be missed when in Madrid, are the museums or namely the galleries. If you're like me and you're a massive art fanatic, you'll be in heaven. Madrid houses some of the most prestigious and famous pieces of Spanish art in history. So, if you're into more classic pieces of art, El Museo del Prado is not to missed. Home to some of the most classic pieces by Goya and Velázquez, you'll find floods of tourists and locals admiring these classic works. Whereas if you fancy more of a modern twist, like myself, La Reina Sofia is the spot for you! Housing the world famous Guernica alongside some of Pablo Picasso's other renowned pieces, your breath will well and truly be taken away
So, needless to say, you have it all at your fingertips from Seville to really appreciate all aspects of Spanish life. With endless possibilities and travel opportunities, you don't have to break the bank to truly make the most out of your time in this beautiful country.
Photo credits: Luca Dugaro, Paul Gilmore, Vidar Nordli-Mathisen, Henrique Ferreira and David Becker on UnSplash.