Seville

Blueboy · Post by **Blueboy** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:35 am

We are debating whether to spend a night or two in pousadas or posadas, ie the pousada in Evora or the posada in Seville. Can anyone comment on the pros and cons? Thanks.

biffa · Post by **biffa** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:02 am

Pousadas are quite expensive. They are called Paradors in Spain. If you were going to Seville I recommend booking the Hotel Plaza das Armas via the internet. This is a new hotel, well appointed, pretty central for sightseeing and does good deals.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:30 pm

Good job at promoting tourism in Portugal, Biffa

The pousadas are a bit expensive compared to normal hotels, but the sorroundings and service in pousadas like Evora or even Obidos are an experience not to be missed.

Living within the walls of medieval (sp) castles and discovering the history and culture of Portugal are well worth the few extra €€. Don´t worry about having to sleep in damp towers or dungeons, these pousadas have all ben refurbished. You will find every convenience required "under the hood"

Blueboy · Post by **Blueboy** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:29 pm

Thanks, folks.

We would qualify for the "golden age" rates in the Portuguese pousadas. That is, I think 40% off rack. Not bad.

Will check out the hotel tip Biffa.

Is the Seville drive a long one from Carvoeiro?

Looking at Evora and Seville on the map, it looks six of one half dozen of the other for driving distance and conditions.

Thanks again.

digger · Post by **digger** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:35 pm

Blueboy…..if you do visit Evora, you simply must take a daytrip to Elvas over near the border.
Drive up to the highest point, and around the walls of the old city………you're gonna love it

Post by **Steen Jakobsen** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:03 pm

I've been to both pousadas in Evora and Estremoz - in my humble opinion Estremoz was far better than Evora. I'll admit the the town of Evora beats Estremoz though... Do as I and book a night in each place. It wasn't very expensive out of season (1994

) and the food in Estremoz was fantastic.

Having a look at the "last minute promotions" link on http://www.pousadas.pt I see prices go all the way down to 60 euro, not bad for sleeping in Queen Santa Isabels sheets?

Estremoz;
http://www.pousadas.pt/pls/wse/wsewpou0 ... _lingua=en

Evora;
http://www.pousadas.pt/pls/wse/wsewpou0 ... _lingua=en

Hoser · Post by **Hoser** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:46 am

Talking about Seville, I will be in the Agarve area in a few weeks for two months and plan to visit Seville. However, I have read and been told that visitors should be careful when visiting this city. This is in reference to pickpockets and muggings. Also I have been told it would be safer to go there by train or bus rather than driving. Can you tell me what your latest experiences have been and whether these warnings should be taken seriously? Any other info helping me make this trip to Seville will be appreciated.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:17 pm

Blueboy, My wife and I are thinking along the same lines, traveling north from CV up through Beja, Evora, Estremoz and maybe beyond. Looking at least 3 nights away. The web site I have been using to research the pousadas is http://www.jmvacations.ca/pousadas2.asp

I will check out the other sites in this thread.

This will be our 4th year in CV and area and I think that touring some of the less tourist centric locations is in order this year. We arrive March 14 for 3 weeks, can hardly wait to get back.

As for Hoser's concerns on personal safety in Seville, we went to Seville as part of a 2 day bus tour to Gibralter last year. Very nice city, the cathedral was magnificent the old city is a must see. The tour guide warned about pick pockets and the "Gypsies" (the term used by our guide, not sure if it is PC). Our guide suggesting staying away from the trinket and flower sellers who approached you at many of the tourist sites. That is usually a wise decission anyway. There were no incidents with our bus trip.

As for the trip it self, this was my first experience with a bus tour. The 2 days were long, tiring very tightly scheduled. We had fun, you meet some nice people but if you are looking for a more relaxed pace, other than sleeping on the bus, it may not be for you. Would I do it again, yes.

John.

Snowbird · Post by **Snowbird** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:22 pm

I thougt that I was logged in when I posted my reply to Blueboy and Hoser. Sorry, becuse I know that occasionally, some get their shorts in a knot re: guest postings

John

Jaylay · Post by **Jaylay** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:34 pm

Hi, our family all love

to visit Seville for a couple of days every year, it is only about 2 hours drive. Our normal trip there is usually driving there and parking up in a secure car park for the duration of our visit and we walk everywhere or go by city sightseeing bus ( a ticket is valid for 24 hours and you can get on and off).

Lots to see and do, great bars and food is so different from Portugal it is a great short break. Summer time is great to visit Isla Magica a theme park with numerous water based rides,

but early spring is the best time to go ( weather warm and usually sunny) and before Easter the prices are fairly good. Mid summer is to be avoided, Seville is the OVEN of Spain and even late September is pretty hot.

My daughter went by bus which leaves the bus station in Lagoa twice a day and goes directly into Seville you can buy the tickets at the bus station.

A word of warning if you are thinking of taking a hire car check that the insurance covers you for Spain.

Regards security the police seemed to have taken steps to ensure Seville is safer then it was but like any city be watchful.

BK · Post by BK » Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:55 pm

If you choose to go to Evora .. my wife and I have stayed at a small hotel which is inside the city walls, has there own underground parking which allows you to park and then walk. The hotel is quite nice and cosy. They have a web site - Albergaria do Calvario. The hotel is in a renovated old Olive oil factory. We prefer Evora over Seville. Been to both. The difference is probably large city versus small.
Have a great day.

Blueboy · Post by **Blueboy** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:38 pm

Thanks, everyone. This thread is a "goldmine" for us. That circle tour sounds great! And the tips too!

Blueboy · Post by **Blueboy** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:55 am

Here's a thought: are there any restrictions on what one might bring back into Portugal from Spain on a daytrip? I understand that Seville may be a centre for sherry production, for example. Could we each bring back a bottle duty free or what? Thanks for any help.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:14 am

by car you can bring back just about anything you want from Spain to Portugal. It's when you have to get on a plane that it becomes complicated and restricted.

Blueboy · Post by **Blueboy** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:03 pm

Thanks, G.

Seville

Seville

Seville

Seville or Evora?