With the holiday season in full swing, I have recently taken some time to reminisce on the highlights of my previous year. Many of these moments occurred in Seville, where the coffee is cheap, the fruit is fresh, the people are happy, and it is almost always sunny. Namely, I have been recounting some wonderful memories I had at some incredibly charming cafés. Spanish cafés serve coffee, alcohol, pastries and sometimes toast. You can also get those items at every tapas bar, they just may not be open in the mornings.
Whether I was doing homework, journaling, unwinding with friends, or just enjoying the ambiance, these beautiful little spots greatly enhanced my study abroad experience. Below, I will outline several Seville spots and some of their fantastic qualities.
1. Milk Away
This first café is located in Alfalfa Square, which is a charming area about 15 minutes (walking) from CEA. The square itself has several more traditional cafés, as well as some great tapas bars. Milk Away specializes in healthy, more American-style food. My roommate and I adored the acai bowls; the fruit was so delicious! Their café con leche was incredible, too. It is a small space and gets incredibly busy, so I would recommend arriving earlier than 10 a.m.!
2. Café Piola
Located on the Alameda, this café is about 25 minutes from CEA. It was not a long walk from Casa de Sevilla, however, so I frequented it often. With reliable WiFi, friendly service, and delicious espresso, this place feels incredibly genuine. Big windows bring in a significant amount of natural light. Here, ordering in Spanish and conversing with some locals, was the first time I felt at home in Seville. Additionally, it was one of my favorite spots to get work done. It is always busy, but I never had trouble finding a seat. That said, it is a fantastic place to people watch.
3. El Viajero Sedentario
Also on the Alameda, this charming spot checked all my boxes. It was the place I would invite friends for a relaxing afternoon, where I would go to read or journal, and where I would enjoy the best carrot cake I have ever consumed. Indoors, it is full of books and comfortable seating. Outside, in the courtyard, there is a beautiful orange tree that provides shade and a lovely fragrance. This was my favorite Seville spot, and I miss it dearly.
The charming and lovely spots that I have mentioned above are not unique; this city is full of beautiful cafés, fascinating history, and picturesque streets. Regardless of where you decide to spend your time in Seville, I assure you that you will be as enamored as I was.