Spain has no shortage of famous cities that attract millions of visitors every year, Barcelona for its modernist flair, Madrid for its cultural powerhouse, Valencia for its stunning coastlines. But in 2025, an unexpected Spanish gem has taken the spotlight in Europe’s latest travel rankings.
According to new research by airport transfer specialists Hoppa, Seville has officially been crowned the most walkable city in Europe, outranking major destinations such as Athens, Istanbul, Krakow, and even Amsterdam.
While Seville is well-loved by Spaniards, particularly Andalusians, many international tourists still overlook it in favour of Spain’s bigger cities. This new ranking may finally change that.
Why Seville Is Europe’s No. 1 Walkable City
Hoppa’s report highlights one key fact:
You can explore Seville’s major landmarks in just 30 minutes on foot.
In an era where travellers crave simplicity, slow travel, and low-stress city breaks, Seville delivers perfectly.
A compact route with iconic sights
The city’s most famous walking route, which winds through historic plazas, gardens, and medieval architecture, is only 2 km (1.2 miles) long. Even better, it’s almost completely flat, with just 3 metres of elevation.
This makes Seville ideal for:
- solo travellers
- families
- older visitors
- travellers who want to explore without taxis or public transport
A City Full of Living History — All Steps Away
Seville’s architectural heritage is one of the richest in Europe, and its landmarks sit almost side by side.
Seville Cathedral
The city’s crown jewel, Seville Cathedral, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Built on the foundations of the 12th-century Great Mosque, it is a breathtaking blend of Islamic and Christian influences.
The Alcázar of Seville
Just a short walk from the Cathedral stands the Real Alcázar, a royal palace originally built during the city’s Islamic rule. Reconstructed in the Mudéjar style after the Castilian conquest, it remains one of Spain’s most exquisite royal residences.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Seville is home to three UNESCO sites, all within minutes of each other:
- Seville Cathedral
- The Alcázar
- The General Archive of the Indies (dating back to the 1500s)
No buses. No trams. Just a simple, beautiful walk from one treasure to the next.
Torre del Oro
Another must-see is the Torre del Oro (“Gold Tower”), an iconic riverside watchtower that once formed part of the old city walls.
Giralda Tower & Casa de Pilatos
Locals also recommend climbing the Giralda Tower, originally a 12th-century minaret, and visiting the Casa de Pilatos, a classic Andalusian palace with marble courtyards and ornate tiles.
Seville’s Green Heart: Parque de María Luisa
Beyond its historic core, Seville offers lush green escapes.
The Parque de María Luisa — one of the most beloved parks in Andalusia is filled with fountains, shaded paths, exotic plants, and spacious plazas.
For many travellers, this is the perfect escape during Seville’s famously warm summers, where temperatures can climb to 36°C.
Why Walkability Matters More Than Ever
Matthew Hall, Managing Director at Hoppa, noted that their study revealed surprising results — and a major trend:
“Some places are simply more suitable to explore on foot.
Seville is a great alternative to the more popular city destinations like Barcelona and Madrid. You can visit the top sites in less than 30 minutes.”
As travellers increasingly seek stress-free trips, sustainable mobility, and slower-paced experiences, Seville’s walkability makes it an ideal go-to destination.
One reminder from Hall: even if you plan to walk everywhere in the city, pre-booking an airport transfer can save time and ensure a smooth arrival.
Seville: A Forgotten Jewel Finally Being Recognised
Despite being surrounded by Spain’s biggest tourist magnets, the Costa del Sol, Granada, Córdoba, Seville’s quieter charm often goes unnoticed.
But with its incredible heritage, Andalusian warmth, delicious tapas culture, and now its title as Europe’s top walkable city, Seville is claiming the attention it always deserved.
This is not just a win for Andalusia — it’s a celebration of Spain’s diversity, showing that some of its most extraordinary cities are still waiting to be discovered.
Turn Seville’s Walkable Beauty Into a Real Spanish Life Experience
Walking through Seville is not just sightseeing. It is living history, daily culture, and real Spanish in action. When a city is this compact and alive, every step becomes an opportunity to listen, speak, and connect naturally.
Our Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) lets you experience Seville exactly this way. You stay in your teacher’s home, practise Spanish throughout the day, and explore the city on foot while using the language in real situations, cafés, markets, museums, and neighbourhood life.
SHIP is ideal for:
• Adults who want stress-free, real-life immersion
• Professionals who need practical conversational Spanish
• Learners 40+, 50+, and seniors who prefer calm, walkable environments
• Cultural travellers who want more than tourist Spanish
• Students preparing for Spanish exams such as DELE, SIELE, GCSEs, A-Levels, IGCSE, IB, and other international Spanish certifications
• Anyone who wants to learn while living like a local, not commuting to classrooms
For personalised guidance and programme details, you can contact our founder directly:
Mónica Romero
Founder and Director, Spanish Express
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7903 867894
📧 Email: monicaromero@spanishexpress.co.uk
