Must visits outside of Seville

In addition to Seville, there are other beautiful places to discover in the region of Andalucia. In the upcoming blogs we share our favorite villages and sights around Seville that should not be missed on a trip to this particular region of Spain.

Caminito del rey
El Caminito del Rey (the small path of the king) is a walkway that has climbed along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The walkway had fallen into disrepair and has been partially closed for more than ten years. After four years of extensive repairs and renovations it was reopened in 2015. It was known in the past as the "most dangerous walking route in the world", a real attraction for those who love adrenaline!

The walkway was built to provide workers at the hydroelectric power stations at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls with a means to cross between them, to ensure the transportation of materials, and to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the canal. Construction began in 1901 and was completed in 1905. King Alfonso XIII crossed the walkway in 1921 for the inauguration of the dam Conde del Guadalhorce, and became known under his current name. The walkway is 1 meters wide and rises more than 100 meters above the river below.

Caminito del rey is easy to reach by car and is about 2 hours drive (from Seville) via the a-92 and is 150km away. Also there is the option to go by train, here you will have to get off at El Chorro and then go with a small shuttle bus to the northern entrance. In total, you will take about 2,5/3 hours to reach the entrance.

Rio Tinto mines
The Rio Tinto mines are considered one of the oldest mines in the world! The name Rio Tinto is derived from the river that rises in the Peña del Hierro, a 65m-deep open-mine located 3 kilometers north of Nerva. The characteristic red color (Riotinto means ‘Red River‘ in Spanish), comes because of the deep reddish brown tint of the water, which was created by the reaction of acid groundwater with the iron and copper-containing soil.

The mines were rediscovered in 1556, but only in 1724 were the mines reopened. Frustration, under investments, corruption and inefficiency took their exploitation when they were led by the state or a series of enterprising tenants. The ore was taken by mule and cart to the port (largest in Europe!) Carried out in Seville, and the Spanish Government took over this situation and decided to sell the mines.

Cave of miracles
Aracena is a small village to the north-west of Seville, at first sight it is only a small village and does not house much in a few churches. However, there is a very special cave under the village which also attracts many tourists because of the fairytale atmosphere that hangs there.

It was mining work in the 19th century that revealed the Cave of Miracles. From the beginning it was surprising because of its beauty. So much that it soon became the first tourist cave in Spain. The year in which it was conditioned for his visit was 1914. In this way, it has been one of Aracena's main attractions for over 100 years.

In Aracena there is also a (Iberian) ham-museum, for the gastronomic connoisseurs among us.

Carmona
Carmona is a town in the south-west of Spain, in the province of Seville, 33 km northeast of Seville. This makes it more suitable to go by car or bus!

Carmona is built on a ridge overlooking the central plain of Andalusia; in the north is the Sierra Morena, with the peak of San Cristobal in the south. The town is known for its flourishing trade in wine, olive oil, grain and cattle, and holds an annual fair in April.

Carmona is only a small village, but has so much to offer! Including Iglesia de Santa Maria, this church looks a lot like the Cathedral of Seville (because of its Gothic style!). Puerta de Sevilla (the gate of Seville) is an old entrance in the old city wall of Carmona. It is masonry in a small fortress. It is also known as Alcázar de Abajo, because Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro is in the highest part of the city.

In Carmona is also a fantastic little hotel, the Parador. This is the best hotel of Carmona for the following reason, it was formerly the palace for Rey Don Pedro I and it is located on the top of the hill giving you a beautiful view of the entire region! At the hotel you can also enjoy a cup of coffee with that great view. So you really feel like you're part of the royal family of Spain.

Olivares
For going to Olivares, there is a cycle path that extends from Seville to the city itself, very accessible by bike so and only 19 km away from Seville! Perfect for if you rent a bike for the whole day.

Olivares was founded after the Roman conquest of the province of Betica by Turculus. Trade and communication with other cultures was conducted via the Maenoba River, now known as Guadamjar.

In the thirteenth century, King Fernando III donated the lands to the Infantes Manuel and Fadrique. In 1356 they belonged to Álvaro Pérez de Guzmán under the name Estercolinas.

Olivares is known for its trade in wine, olives (oil), wheat and grain and has a few museums, a palace, a church, and its very own Plaza de España.