Summer in (and out) the city.

Whilst the heat in the city can be undeniably intense, there’s pleasure to be had in dropping a down a gear and easing into the unhurried pace of Summer in Seville.

An early start will reward you with cooler temperatures, quiet streets and gentle light. I like to head to one of my favourite cafes, order a typical andaluz breakfast and watch the city wake up, shake itself off and slowly come to life. The morning is the perfect time to get stuff done. There are shady palaces and gardens with tinkling fountains to visit, fabulous markets to pick up delicacies for a lazy lunch and an array of shops to peruse with tumbling piles of heavy, embroidered, fringed silk shawls, impossibly delicate lace mantillas and colourful dancing shoes.

As the sun rises higher overhead and the mercury begins to climb the concept of siesta takes on a whole new meaning… anything over 30c is the perfect excuse to spend a languid afternoon in bed. Heaven is a lazy few hours under clean cotton sheets, a glass of iced water to hand and a pile of books to choose from.

However, should the heat induced torpor of the city overcome you there are plenty of out of town adventures to be had. Hire a car and head to the foothills of the Sierra Morena. As you head North the alluvial plain of the Guadalquivir Valley unfolds either side of the hot, tarmac ribbons of roads that lead you to cooler climes. There are fields of tomatoes and sunflowers ripening and rows of silvery olive trees. The landscape changes and gives way to the unique ‘dehesa’, the pastures of grass, wild herbs studded with groves of oak and chestnut trees where the prized Iberian pigs run free range. Slowly the undulating hills give way to steeper slopes and mountains in the distance. There are cattle, flocks of sheep, birds of prey… It’s beautiful. Head for San Nicolás del Puerto, you can stop here for a drink next to the ‘beach’ on the banks of the Rio Galindón and admire the Roman bridge, even paddling in the river for a closer look if the mood takes you.

Personally I prefer to cool off up river. Just 2km from the village is the Monumento Natural Cascadas del Huéznar - a verdant, waterfall lovers paradise! Park up and follow the path. Wade or wobble your way across the stepping stones and explore at will. There are waterfalls after waterfalls after waterfalls… You can have a leisurely wander and marvel at the utter wonder of Mother Nature or make like the locals and ignore the signs telling you not to swim. There are limpid pools of cool water, some big enough for a decent swim and some shallow enough to sit in, you can dry off on smooth rocks shaded by leafy trees or on the grass under the olive trees with the scent of figs and herbs in the air.

As you head back to the city I would suggest a stop in Constantina. A charming town that is a great place to try the delicious local specialties. Jamon and all charcuterie obviously! Also some of the best tomatoes, wild mushrooms, cherry liqueur and anise. Paseo de Alameda is a lively spot with lots of tapas bars to choose. We like to eat at Bar La Toscana, a modest looking restaurant in town with a few outside tables perched next to the road but very tasty daily specials that make up for the view or lack of it…

Just an hour and a half out of Seville but an entirely different experience leaving you newly refreshed and thoroughly at one with nature!