We will be in Spain the week before Easter. We have reservations for Seville and thought the next stop would be Toledo, but reservations there are scarce and super expensive. I know that we will experience Samana Santa, but will it be so crowded that we will not see the sites, get into restaurants, or be able to find a quiet walk around town? Should I plan for just a couple nights in the towns that celebrate with parades or will it be a truly memorable week seeing both Seville and Toledo celebrations?
Molly
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8000 posts
I was in Spain for Semana Santa back in 2006 and had an incredible experience. My daughter and her then-boyfriend, now-husband were spending a year in Spain (TEFL) so we traveled around the country during Easter, and the processions were just wonderful. We were in Caceres, Cordoba and a few other places as well as Seville during Holy Week, but Seville is very well known for its wonderful Semana Santa processions. It really is amazing to see it and I highly recommend seeing as much as you can.
That said, you will still be able to get into restaurants and find some quiet walks. Keep in mind that the processions lead to the church through specific streets, so just avoid those if you are going to dinner or whatever.
Posted by
429 posts
Holy week in Seville is wonderful! Yes there will be times when you can't walk down the street or get into restaurants, imagine Disneyland on it peak day of the year times 2. If you reserve ahead you will be able to get into sights. Don't know your itinerary so hard to be of any use regarding destinations. I arrived in Seville on Palm Sunday, stayed until Saturday as Thursday was the big day for Samana Santa in Seville then drove to Arcos for the next 4 nights. They run bulls on Saturday and Sunday, except for how sorry I was for the bull it was great fun. Rented an Airbnb with a roof top terrace on the street that the bulls ran, everyone was out on their patios dancing and singing. Oh my did the BBQ smell good. I would do both those things again. Toledo is a wonderful town, but no where near Seville so without knowing your flights and such it makes it difficult to yes or no to where/what would help your decision. Enjoy your trip J
Posted by
Miami
115 posts
Our friend, who lives in Toledo, tells us it gets very busy also. We just returned and stayed in Hotel Santa Isabel. Must be an amazing experience to spend Holy Week in Spain.