Luna Explores Europe
Spain beyond expectations: A Journey Through Málaga and Seville
I've always said: I'm not particularly looking forward to Spain. Why? Because I thought the country was overrun with Dutch tourists. It sometimes feels like the Netherland's second home, with so many people speaking about Spain as it it's paradise. And maybe they're right - after all, the weather is pleasant most of the year, the food is fantastic, and if you ever feel homesick, there are plenty of fellow countrymen around to strike up a conversation with.
To avoid this exact scenario, my boyfriend and I decided to visit Spain in the off-season, hoping to escape the Dutch crowds.
I had my doubt, but in the end, the trip was the perfect balance of peace and great weather.
We visited Málaga and Seville, two cities that couldn't be more different. Málaga struck me as a city of contrasts. On one side, you have a luxurious boulevard and a sunny beach; on the other, you find rich history. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, both remarkable historical sites, are connected and just a 15-minute walk from the boulevard.
Seville, on the other hand, is all about unity. Everything - the colors, the decorations, the squares, the benches, even the roundabouts and parks - feel coordinated, as if designed to fit together perfectly. If I had to pick one place that embodies this, it would be Plaza de España, where all these elements seamlessly come together.
There were a few highlights from our trip that stand out, particularly on the culinary side. We love trying local dishes and always make an effort to find good, afforable restaurants. Our golden rule: Where do locals eat? This led us to a hidden Churreria in Málaga, where we had the biggest, fluffiest churros with thick, rich chocolate sauce. The place was completely off the tourist radar - no one spoke english - but luckily, a German woman stepped in to translate. Moments like these remind you how easily you can connect with people, even with a language barrier.
Travel
Tip
Believe, me, Google Maps is your best friend when traveling. Whether you're looking for a landmark, a restaurant, or even a specific dish on a menu, Google knows it all! However, keep in mind that in some countries, Maps isn't as up to date as in others.
For example, we thought we could grab some grilled sardines by the beach in the evening, only to walk 50 minutes and find the place already closed! So always consider where you are before relying on the information. In the northwest, for instance, it's usually quite accurate.
In Seville, we found a charming little breakfast spot just outside the busy city center. Only one person spoke a bit of English, but the hospitality was incredible. Tables were pushed together, and even early in the morning, people gathered to share meals, chatting like family. The warmth and sense of community were truly special.
As for sights, a few stood out above the rest: the Castle of Gibralfaro and Málaga Cathedral, as well as Seville's Plaza de España and its breathtaking cathedral.
As history lovers, we spent most of our time surrounded by ancient walls. Gibralfaro was a particular favorite - its outer walls remain completely intact, allowing you to walk along the entire perimeter. From up there, you get an incredible panoramic view of the city, the sea, and the mountain beyond.
Málaga Cathedral was another unforgettable experience. I think it was the longest we've ever spent inside a church! At the entrance, you can pick up an audio guide, which takes you through the cathedral's history and intricate details at a wonderfully relaxed pace. The alterpieces were especially fascinating, each one telling a story through symbolism and artistry.
Book the most popular attractions as early as possible! We thought It's the low season - how busy can it be? So, we decided to book the Real Alcázar in Seville just a day before our visit, only to find out it was already sold out. What a shame..
It's easy to assume there will always be availability, but many must-see spots have limited daily entries, and tickets can sell out weeks in advance -
especially for historical sites, guided tour, or anything with timed slots. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you've missed out on something high on your list.
A good rule of thumb: if it's a place that frequently pops up in the travel guides or must-visit lists, book it as soon as your travel plans are set. Better safe than sorry!
Travel
Tip
Seville surprised us from the very first evening. We arrived late in the afternoon and decided to take a walk with no real destination in mind. Before we knew it, we wandered through an unassuming building and emerged into a stunning square - you may have guessed it, Plaza de España. We had stumbled upon it completely by accident, which made it all the more magical. I had never seen so many colorful tiles and intricate ironwork in one place. Above us, people danced on the balconies to live music, boats drifted through the water, and horse-drawn carriages circled the plaza. It felt like stepping into another world, filled with color, movement, and life.
The last highlight I have to mention is Seville Cathedral and its Giralda Tower. You can book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide, which I highly recommend. What surprised me most was the climb up the tower - no stairs, just 30 ramps leading to the top. A much easier ascent than expected! The view from up there was spectacular, though it did get quite crowded, so I'd suggest going early in the day.
Inside the cathedral, I was awestruck by the sheer scale of it. At the center stood a magnificent golden alterpiece, so intricate that I lost track of time admiring it - partly because I had also lost my boyfriend in the crowd.. I ended up sitting in front of it for half an hour, completely mesmerized.
One particularly intriguing aspect of Seville Cathedral is the claim that it houses the remains of Christopher Columbus. Some believe only part of his remains rest here, while others argue they're elsewhere. What do you think?
All in all, it was a short but beautiful trip, and I can't wait to explore more of Spain.
