The Most Beautiful Gardens in Seville, Spain

The Alcázar Palace Gardens are just one of Sevilles highlights
The Alcázar Palace Gardens are just one of Seville's highlights | © imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
Justin McDonnell

Blessed with exotic gardens and arboretums, Seville is one of Spain’s greenest cities. Complimenting the splendour of its ornate palaces and castles, the impeccably manicured gardens leave a lasting impression on travellers visiting the ancient capital of Andalusia. Filled with pretty parks and fairy-tale gardens dotted with citrus trees, Seville’s natural scenery is just as beautiful as its architecture. From the official palace gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla to the verdant María Luisa Park, read on for our guide to the stunning parks and scenic gardens of Seville.

1. Alameda de Hercules

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Situated in Seville’s city centre, Alameda de Hercules is one of the oldest publicly accessible gardens in Europe. Two imposing marble columns guard the entrance to the park, the lasting remnants of a 2nd-century Roman Palace that once stood here. According to Greek legend, the town of Seville was founded by Hercules, and the columns are adorned with his statue and that of Julius Caesar. The park’s main boulevard, Paseo de la Alameda de Hercules, snakes along the dried-up Guadalquivir river, dotted with silver poplar trees and cascading water fountains. Alameda de Hercules is located in the city’s northern casco antiguo (historic centre), between the Guadalquivir and the Macarena neighbourhood.

2. Alamillo Park

Natural Feature

Occupying a vast tract of land across from Alamillo Bridge, Alamillo may not be as visually impressive as some of the parks for which Seville is famed, but it’s a pleasantly green, capacious space ideal for picnics or outdoor activities. Conveniently located, and served by cafés with open-air terraces, the eastern side of the park runs along a stream of water that connects to the Guadalquivir river, with a pond situated on its western periphery.

3. Parque de María Luisa

Botanical Garden, Museum, Park

MDR1WDweb
© Joaquin Ossorio-Castillo / Alamy Stock Photo
Seville’s landmark attraction, Parque de María Luisa, was donated to the city by the former Duchess of Montpensier, María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón. The centrepiece of the park is the Plaza de España, a handsome parade of Renaissance/neo-Moorish buildings designed by Aníbal González and furnished with lavish architectural displays of wealth. The theme continues throughout the park, with majestic water fountains and pavilions nestled amongst orange blossom trees and maquis shrubs. Seville’s most prominent park, the Parque de María Luisa is flanked by the Guadalquivir river. Set aside a few hours to get to grips with the park and its architectural treasures.

5. Alcázar Palace Gardens

Building, Cathedral, Historical Landmark

PPCD5Dweb
© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
Spread around the magnificent Alcázar palace, the Palace Gardens offer a bounty of exotic flora, swaying palms and resplendent fountains. Composed of several distinct gardens – each fit for a royal – the themed arboretums reflect the historical influences on the palace. The Cross Garden and the Moorish Garden are particularly noteworthy, as are the English Garden and the Garden of the Marquis of Vega-Inclán.

6. Buhaira Gardens

Botanical Garden

Located a few moments from downtown Seville, these gardens date back to the reign of Al-Mu’tamid. The oriental gardens are divided into two parts: one, in the shadow of a Mudejar-style palace, features a restored Islamic swimming pool surrounded by sweet date plants and Mediterranean herbs; the other is called the Garden of History, and is lined with long, sculpted ponds, with plenty of benches. Both are in the city centre.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article