Traveling to Sevilla March 27-30 as part of a larger trip. I have never been and my Sevilla leg will be solo. Looking for advice on : 1) what to wear! I will have layers, raincoat, pants, skirts, scarves, etc but wonder if it's worth it to pack sandals? I am a carry on luggage fanatic so I am at 2 pair shoes right now, sandals would be 3. Additionally, I will be in Barcelona (and Paris) through the beginning of April. Any clothing advice for women is much appreciated. My understanding is that the weather is varied as it is a transitional time of the year. 2) favorite place to eat 3) can't miss sites/activities 4) I am taking a day trip to Cordoba, but open to which day right now and any suggestions for guides/companies is appreciated as well.
Thank you!
I spent nearly 4 weeks in Spain in March a couple years ago. There was one day in Sevilla around the 25th when I really wished I'd had sandals with me. Didn't really miss them the rest of the time (I really don't like wearing closed shoes, in fact I'm in sandals today). I was in Paris for the latter half of April 5 years ago and wore sandals a lot. I didn't need more than a fleece jacket but I did take long and short sleeved thermal tops. I take a sturdy rain poncho rather than a raincoat - folds up to nothing, weighs a couple ozs. and it's easy to carry in my day pack. In Barcelona in mid-March I would have liked to have had a windbreaker.
Thank you Chani-I have both a poncho and coat, I'll check which will take up less room! I'm with you on the sandal thing. I would rather wear those if I have the choice. Appreciate your input!! thanks again
I was in Sevilla a few years ago for April Fair in late April. The weather was nice enough for sandals. A week before I was in Granada and it was freezing, low 30's plus strong winds (and fresh snow in the nearby mountains). It was unseasonably cold that April. I think Chani was there right after me in May and it was really hot.
If you can pack some sandals that won't take up too much room/weight in your bag, great. I would definitely bring shoes because there's a chance that's all you will wear.
Is Easter on April 21st? That seems really late. Too bad. There are great Holy Week celebrations in Sevilla but it looks like you are there before them (but after the Valencia fire festival March 15-19).
Good info, thank you Brad. Sounds like the bottom line is it will be unpredictable but definitely more on the chili side. I will continue to monitor the weather up until I leave but I suppose if I decide to leave my sandals, I might be 'forced' to buy some there :) It may come down to the weight of my bag as well.
I know it's a bummer I'm going to miss Holy Week- I tried to figure out a way to swing it, but I'm already gone 3 weeks and couldn't justify it -- It will be a great excuse to try and make it back sometime!
I am heading to Sevilla just before you (March 11). I am already packing my bags! So - I have two pairs of my best light weight dark denim jeans (Joe's). I also have a pair of ankle boots (slight heel and black) as I am heading through London/Ireland before Spain. I have a pair of black tennis shoes and a pair of grey sandals (Born). I will also take some good quality leggings to wear with long sleeve tunics and scarves. I have a few more upscale tops to wear for evening and a light weight Khaki green canvas jacket to wear over stripped/plain tops and a warmer jacket I will wear for the flight and in and around London/Dublin. I always do hand luggage only. - I can help you pack more when I get back! - I also have my bathing suit for my Spa time in Sevilla. I am not sure about packing a dress.
Margaret
What I meant to convey is that it would not have been worth it to schlep along a pair of sandals for only a day or two. I wore one pair of shoes the whole time, did not bring a second pair. You may get some warm days in Barelona or Paris, so if you can switch one pair of shoes for the sandals, go for it. Otherwise . . .
BTW it cooled off and today I'm back in sneakers and socks, sigh.
Brad's confusing me with someone else. I went to Spain a year or two after him and in February. My other trips were in Feb and March.
You should definitely plan a day trip to Cordoba. The Mezquita is unique and stunning, there's a lot more to see and do, especially the Juderia - the well-preserved medieval center that you won't find in Madrid or Barcelona. The TI offers some walking tours. You can visit Casa de Sefarad with an in-house tour. Skip the audio guide for the Mezquita - it's confusing and uninteresting - at least those were the complaints I heard from other visitors who were using it. You can just wander and soak it up (binoculars are helpful for the intricate detail, including the ceilings) or you can pick up a guide book about the Mezquita at one of the nearby shops. They have beautiful pix and it's a nice souvenir.
My favorite sight in Sevilla is the Alcazar. On my last visit, I went to the newly opened Palacio de las Dueñas and recommend it. I really like the Plaza de Espana, others not so much. It is particularly lovely in the late afternoon sun - to about an hour before sunset, but if you hang around it's very pretty as the lights come on as well.
I can not emphasize enough how much we enjoyed our last trip to Seville. That was in March and it was a mixed bag. Some days were surprisingly cool and damp bit I think all of Spain suffered last year. The last part of the week was very warm! I took a sweater with me on our daily outings each morning just in case bit I had to remove it some days as a tee shirt was enough. For some trip ideas, I found a 3 day itinerary that was quite useful to follow as a guide:- https://www.confettitravelcafe.com/weekend-in-seville/ Then we found out more details on local trips in Seville from the local tourist office on arrival. I think doing this actually saved us paying the middle man. Some tours online were well over priced.
mpaulyn- sounds like you've got the wardrobe dialed in! I found the Blondo Valli boots and am wearing them in around the house- they are super comfortable and have a ton of great reviews so it looks like they'll make the travel 'cut'. And my trusty Josef Seibels that aren't beautiful but have been tried and true through a few European trips. Love them. I'm with you on the dress. I have my skirt and as long as I'm 'cathedral appropriate' I may stick with just a skirt as it can play as both skirt/dress. I know you will have fun and I'm pulling for great weather for you!!
Chani-
Boo on the socks & sneakers! Sorry- I'm in them as well at the moment! I am currently planning 1 day in Cordoba. I'm thinking of doing Mezquita on my own (without the audio guide!) then hiring a guide for the Juderia and other key places mid-day then explore more on my own before traveling back to Sevilla. You are the 2nd person to tell me of Palacio de las Dueñas so I will plan to see that as well.And thank you thank you thank you for the binocular reminder. I always think of them but then forget. I put them in my growing packing pile!
Nicg-
Everything I've read confirms exactly your experience in March- my takeaway is be prepared for any kind of weather which is definitely more challenging than the usual june type weather I have experienced before. I will most definitely check out the link on Seville you sent me and thank you for the tip on tours, I hadn't thought of that before. I want to make sure I have stuff in place, but I need to remember I can be flexible and schedule things when I get there as well-- Thank you!!