The second part of our Andalusia on Budget adventure started with a minor hiccup. The train from Malaga to Sevilla was delayed more than two hours. There was some chaos at the station as nobody could explain when the next train would arrive. After more than two hours we boarded the train and the three hours drive was more than pleasant.
Exploring Seville on Budget
Upon arrival in Seville, we embraced the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our accommodation was a bit further away from the station, so we took an Uber. It was 9 euros this time. There we met with a friend who lives in a nearby city and we spent the whole afternoon catching up, strolling around, drinking wine, and eating tapas. It was surprisingly hot, with 35 degrees Celsius during the day and over 24 degrees long into the night.
Sevilla blew me away. Every corner of that city is a story for itself. The architecture is so enchanting, the vibe like nowhere before, and the olives were great wherever we tried them.
Tipsy and happy, we headed towards the apartment well after midnight. It was still warm enough to enjoy the walk dressed only in a strapless dress and flip-flops. After only a couple of hours spent there, I was forever in love with Seville.
Sevillan gems that should not be missed!
The next day we had the Royal Palace of Seville booked. The photos I saw were amazing, but when we arrived I realized that no photo can do it justice. It was built during the Islamic era, but the Spanish Royal family has been using the palace for centuries. We spent more than two hours walking around and visiting different parts of the structure itself and its surrounding garden. Each room had a story and purpose. Realizing we were standing in the same room where Amerigo Vespucci was planning the first trip around the world gave me chills.
From there we decided to walk to the breathtaking Plaza de Espana. Another must-see place, built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The structure, designed in a huge half-circle, is accessed by four bridges over the moat. The bridges represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain. In the center is the Vicente Traver fountain.
Connected to the Plaza is Maria Luisa Park, with almost a kilometer of tiled pavilions, walls, fountains, ponds, and benches. Naturally, we sat there for a while to rest and enjoy the view.
We were considering taking a bus back to the center, but in a city like Seville, that was a waste. So, we walked back, trying to see and soak up as much of its beauty as possible.
Sevillan Nights
We had Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera planned for the next day, so we knew we needed to rest. Even though the exhaustion had caught with us, we couldn’t miss a chance to explore Seville a little bit more. I wanted to see Plaza de Espana at night, and some other areas that I imagined would be as enchanting. It didn’t disappoint. Although it was Sunday night, we ran into a live concert with people dancing on the streets, enjoying drinks and the music of the local band.
From there we walked to the Guadalquivir River and the breathtaking Bridge of Triana. The promenade along the river brought us to the Torre del Oro. After another twenty minutes, we were at Plaza de Espana again. It was as magnificent at night as it is during the day.
Cadiz & Jerez de la Frontera
The next day, we hopped on a train bound for Cadiz, the picturesque coastal city. With its historic charm and beautiful beaches, Cadiz was a true gem to explore. We arrived early in the morning, and with its small size, we were able to see most of the city on our first walking tour which took us 45 min to an hour.
Although a bit quiet when we first arrived, the city turned into a vibrant touristy spot within an hour. The center was crowded so we headed to the coastal part to check some parks and monuments. Every ten minutes we felt like sitting on one of the benches and just enjoying the view.
After that initial exploration tour, we headed back to the center, sat down for a coffee, and planned the rest of the day.
The beach in Cadiz, though seemingly unassuming, surprised us with its kilometers of pristine sand and inviting open sea. Unexpectedly, the water was warm enough for a swim, and the clean, sandy shoreline was the perfect spot to relax. We didn’t plan any attractions here because we didn’t want to run from one place to another. Instead, we just relaxed at the beach and enjoyed the inviting ocean.
Even though it was all sand and water, with no natural shade, we spent a couple of hours there without any problems. It was a bit windy, making the sun and the heat bearable. The Ocean was cold enough to offer refreshment, but nowhere as cold as to prevent me from getting in 3-4 times.
Note to myself: visit Cadiz and Jerez again!
After our beach day, we hopped on a train to Jerez de la Frontera, a small city known for its sherry production. Jerez was a delightful stop for a glass of sherry before our return to Seville. We arrived at the siesta time, so it was mostly quiet. We sat at a bar and ordered our sherry debating what we could eat, but the waiter warned us that the kitchen was not open until the siesta finished.
Since our time was limited and the train for Sevilla was in just a couple of hours, we decided to explore a bit on foot and head back to the bar close to the train station. We saw nowhere near enough considering Jerez is famous as the place to visit if you want to see Andalusian horses dance. There were other things we wished we could see, but for this time we settled for only the quick sightseeing tour. The train ride back to Sevilla was bitter-sweet as we debated if we should have made Cadiz an overnight stay. However, our trip was about to continue the next day, so we didn’t have much time to be sullen.
We decided not to do much in the evening. Instead, we wanted to unwind and savor the enchantment of Seville under the night sky, drinking orange wine in a nearby local bar.
We were planning to only have a quick drink, but the atmosphere, the wine, and tapas had us quickly change our plans. Iberian ham, orange wine, Sevillan olives, and grouper were our choice for the night. But, regardless of what kind of food you like, you will most certainly find something to enjoy at every corner and every bar.
Until next time, Andalusia! Hello Extramadura!
Our journey continued the next day as we embarked on a bus to Caceres, a city rich in history and charm. As I mentioned in the first part of the Andalusia on Budget post, we have a friend here and we just couldn’t come to Spain and not see him.
Our friend welcomed us, guided us through the city, and drove us to the perfect accommodation in the old city center. After we left the luggage, he introduced us to the culinary delights of the region. Caceres turned out to be a hidden gem, filled with medieval history and charming streets.
No wonder some parts of Game of Thrones were filmed there, as well as its prequel, House of Dragons. Walking around had me thinking we were catapulted into the medieval era. Compared to other similar places we have visited in the past, in Caceres, the fortified old town is a residential area.
After exploring the city during the day we headed back to the apartment to rest. Our friend suggested we go out after midnight and experience Caceres when there is no one there. I didn’t think it would make such an impression on us, but after only several minutes we understood what he meant. The streets and fortresses seemed even more impressive. With no distractions and only the sound of our steps, we felt as if we were in the middle of a fairytale.
I thought that after Andalusia there would be no place more inviting to stay there permanently, but Caceres proved me wrong. I took photo after photo, but once again was disappointed that none of them could depict the true magic of the place.
Extremadura is extremely beautiful indeed!
During our stay in Caceres, we also visited Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins. The city’s ancient past was on full display, offering a unique and enriching experience.
The Roman ruins all around the city were a huge surprise for me, but for the residents as well. Apparently, they discovered most of the ruins when they started building something and digging up the area to lay the foundations. The Romans founded the city in 25 BC under the name Emerita Augusta. Today, it is the home of some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins. We visited The Roman Theatre, which the city still uses as the venue for the Classical Theatre Festival every year. Aside from that, we also checked out the Roman Amphitheater, The Temple of Diana, and the Roman Circus.
This time we bought all of the tickets on-site as we didn’t know that we would be visiting all of these places. We had no issue buying the tickets there, but if you are traveling in high season, it’s best to book them online. You can buy the tickets for each attraction separately, or a combination of tickets for most or all sites, which cost around 22 euros.
After three nights in Caceres, it was time to bid farewell to the region and return to our starting point, Madrid.
In the city, we rekindled our love for Madrid, taking in its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere. The journey came to a close with a flight home, leaving us with cherished memories of an unforgettable Andalusian adventure.
Was our Andalusia on Budget really on Budget?
Our 13-day journey through Andalusia was a testament to the wonders of affordable and self-organized travel. With careful planning and a thirst for adventure, we explored the rich tapestry of this remarkable region. From its stunning palaces and ancient history to its pristine beaches and warm hospitality. Andalusia had revealed its beauty to us, and we returned home with hearts full of cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment for making our dream trip a reality.
Of course, there were moments in these thirteen days when things didn’t go as smoothly as we hoped. But we learned a lot and are better prepared for our next adventure. To learn from my mistakes and be better at planning your next trip, check the Tips & Tricks section. You’ll find a lot of useful information on how to avoid these small hiccups and get the best out of any trip.
Yours always thrifty,
Asya
Related Articles:
How to Visit Andalusia on Budget, Pt. 1
Travel Planning Made Easy: Tips for a Perfectly Organized Trip
I like it whenever people get together and share opinions.
Great website, continue the good work!
Thank you, Travis! 😀