Maria Luisa Park by Horse and Carriage

There are so many things to do in the province of Seville, but top on the bucket list has to be taking a horse and carriage through Maria Luisa park, once owned by the Royal Family. Even if traditional horse and carriage rides aren’t your type of thing, this is the best way to view this dreamy park, by day or dusk. Deep within the historic town is an ornate garden holding a wide range of beautiful scenery you can spend hours getting lost in.

Carriages are mainly situated near the Cathedral and Reales Alcázares, or the Royal Palace. With many different designs, it’s hard to choose between the traditional carriages different aesthetics. Hop onto one and without breaking the bank, take a one-hour ride through the towns most beautiful scenery. When riding one of these carriages, you’re going to be taken on a journey past some of the most beautiful buildings, before you even get to the park. The Maestranza Bullring’s bright red and gold design is a sight to see, with exquisite architecture on the turrets and exterior of the building. Being a historic town, Seville has plenty of monuments that you will pass, such as Torre del Oro, otherwise known as Golden Tower, the Christopher Columbus monument and Casa de Pilatos. Whilst these monuments do not require a great deal of time spent looking at them, they’re interesting to view whilst you’re out and about.

When you spot Hotel Alfonso XIII, you should know you’re about to enter the Maria Luisa park through Jerez Gate. With orange trees, magnolias and palm trees all around you, your senses will be on high alert as soon as you enter the park. You will be hit immediately with strong floral, fruity smells whilst you notice all of the bright colours taking over the entrance to the park. The impeccably groomed hedges and bushes will reassure you that this is a much-loved part of a fascinating town. As you take in the sights, sounds and smells of the park, you will notice you’re arriving in the first square, or Plaza de España as the locals like to call it. The area seems larger than you first might have noticed, but its beauty is unmissable. The peaceful environment is home to a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend hours wandering and getting lost in your own thoughts.

As you continue through the park and its greenery, you will notice how much water there is about, adding to the peacefulness of the gardens. Even at peak times where there are plenty of people around to observe, the atmosphere remains calm. The second square you might come across is the Plaza de América which is well known for the influx of doves that choose to reside there, giving a truly beautiful look to the square, despite its metropolitan feel, perhaps the reason for the name. Finally, a third square, much smaller than the others is hidden inside the gardens, dedicated to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, a Spanish literary poet who was born in the town. With brightly coloured flowers and a statue of the revolutionary writer himself, it’s easy to get lost in the romanticism of this particular square. After you’ve spent time seeing the sights, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a relaxing horse-drawn ride, there are plenty of local cafes to grab a coffee in and reflect on your journey.