Things to know when driving Seville
Spain’s fourth-largest city is an exciting place to visit and is surrounded by some of the country’s major sights, like the tranquil Donana National Park, the beaches of Costa de la Luz and the atmospheric old city of Cadiz. Getting around them is much easier if you have a rental car.
Travel around Seville is made easy by a good road system. Although the old center of the city is best walked, as it’s a narrow maze of lively pedestrianized streets, there are clear arterial roads along the banks of the Guadalquivir River through the heart of the city. You’ll also find that the A-4 and SE-30 form a circular highway around the city, helping you bypass the busy center and quickly get to outlying districts.
Within central Seville, you should be aware that a one-way system is in operation around the Cathedral, so if you are going to take your car in, make sure you've planned a route.
As the capital of the Andalusia province, Seville is also a road transport hub for southwest Spain. That means main routes head off in all directions around the region. You’ll find the A4 motorway goes south to Cadiz and north-east to Cordoba, while the A49 heads west to Huelva and the Portuguese border.
Driving in southern Spain is generally easy. Most road rules are very similar to the rest of Europe. You’ll know that Spanish traffic drives on the right side of the road but you should also be aware that you mustn’t use full beam headlights in built-up areas and seatbelts must be worn by everyone.
The maximum motorway speed limit is 75mph (62mph on dual carriageways). The limit is 31mph in built-up areas.
More About Traveling Seville
This ever-evolving Andalusian hive of activity is the perfect location whether you're looking for a city break or a longer vacation. From the Gothic architecture to its vibrant atmosphere, it's a Spanish city like no other.
The city of color and passion
Seville really does live up to its reputation. You’ll find the famous orange trees growing along the sides of main streets bring splashes of color to the city and if you step into a cafe or restaurant, you may discover an impromptu flamenco performance – especially in the Triana neighborhood.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the passionate culture of the city by watching live theatrical and professional dance and musical performances in one of the many venues spread across the city. Head for the Casa del Flamenco, a hotbed for the iconic local dance.
Exploring the city's heritage
The historic old quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, stands on the east bank of the river. Wander the cobbled alleys and streets and look out for the 12th century Giralda minaret and the enormous Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary which stands alongside it. It’s the largest in the world and forms part of this central World Heritage Site, and here you can see the tomb of Christopher Columbus inside.
The nearby Alcazar Palace is an ancient Moorish citadel, filled with lavish carvings and decorations, and contains beautiful gardens under tall, swaying palm trees.
The impressive Plaza de Espana public square is a renowned city landmark originally built in 1928 for the World Fair. Today the buildings mainly house government offices but it’s a grand space to stroll, admiring the architecture while feeling the cooling spray of the fountains.
Taking in the rest of Andalusia
It takes less than two hours to drive south to Cadiz from Seville and it’s here where you can discover one of the great sights of the south coast. This fortified walled city stands at the end of a narrow peninsula protecting the entrance to a vast natural harbor. Beneath more than 100 old watchtowers and within its narrow shaded streets, you’ll feel close the spirit of the conquistadors and sailors of the Spanish Golden Age. Look out too for the golden-domed waterfront cathedral.
Head west from Seville to the city of Huelva, close to the border with Portugal. This old fishing port is the best place in the region for seafood restaurants. The local specialties include breaded prawns and fresh grilled fish. Next to Huelva is the 200 square miles of the Donana National Park, which covers a delta at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. It’s a little-known area of protected marshes and sand dunes and is great for spotting wildlife or simply relaxing.
