Best Places in Seville to enjoy Orange Blossoms (Azahares) II: Tablada, Old Aerodrome Runway

Today we are walking to Tablada, Old Aerodrome Runway by the river Guadalquivir. There are many ways to access this path, well-known by cycling enthusiasts, but we will be entering from Vega de Triana Park which is in the most western part of Triana. Easiest access is from Avenida de Coria. See map at the end of this post. It is about 12kms long with the return trip so dress accordingly and bring enough water since there won't be any water or food along the way.

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Spring is in its full force in Seville during March so there are surprizes hidden everywhere for those who wake up early and get-out(doors)!

This is how the path looks within the park grounds. This part is about a km long.

Until we exit the park area, the surface will be gravel. Slippery for those who cycle but it will get better once we exit the park. It is flat all the way.

Some say this is the easiest way to cross to Camas but I have my doubts :)

During a 10 minute hike we walk under 4 bridges: 2 highway, 1 pedestrian and 1 "subway" line. The road noise is (somewhat) annoying but once you pass these 4 obstacles you will be out in the clear.

Another surprize gift from mother nature without expecting anything in return!

One last look at the "civilization".

We are now ready to enjoy nature and the road noise is now gone.

As it is the theme of this post, the path is full of surprizes. Can we call this a "millenial tree"? A backpack for reference to guestimate the actual dimensions of this amazing lifeform.

Many others are lined-up for us to envy their resilience. Has Christopher Columbus or Alfonso X also seen these?

We, 21st century consumer slaves, take it for granted but nature instantly reminds us that life (and death) are always random out in the nature.

After a short break time to say good bye to these giants and continue our journey.

Well, after a good 45min hike from our starting point, we have reached our destination where (seemingly abandoned) orange orchards are. The smell of the flowers are incredible.

Citrus is possibly one of  the few plants where fruit and flower can co-exist at the same time on the same branch of the tree. Don't try to bite the oranges. They are the bitter ones.

Well, another nice surprize! Considering many different types of flowers all around I say they got the best location.

Another short break to enjoy a nice spring day!

At the tip of our hiking route (see map below) we come across another creek which will not let us cross to the other side but makes up for that excuse by providing us a rainforest like foliage.

Another pleasant surprize.

We are now officially at the city limits of Seville.

Ready to discover the old airport.

Here it is: the runway! Huge and deep chunk of endless concrete with Seville and San Juan Alto in the background.

Interesting scenery on the way back.

And here is the final surprize of this post. Some "figlets" :)

The map as promised. Dotted part is optional and you will definitely need some kind of sun and mosquito protection. An alternate exit would be behind the Feria grounds which will take you to Los Remedios-Puente de Delicias if you follow the newly built, green pedestrian bridge.

Things to note:
1. Unless you are trying to go to this hike on weekends, I would say it is prudent to have a hiking buddy with you since the area is very isolated and there are free roaming horses, as well as herds of sheep at times. 

2. There is constant cell-phone signal in all of the areas. I confirmed it with my on-line classical radio which was streaming without any hiccups.

3. During weekends, there might be a lot of cyclists as well as "families" enjoying the area. My favorite time is during weekdays, late morning, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. window since not many people will be there and on your way back, you can also take advantage of the shade that trees along the river provide.

4. If you are curious about the history of this area see below website (in English).
http://www.thefirstairraces.net/meetings/se1004/events.php

Hasta proxima!

I hope this blog post has been useful and will also inspire you to go outdoors to get lost in the nature.
If you have other places in mind please mention them in the comments or contact me if you like to share with others using this blog.
If you've tried this route and want to share tips, give more advice or make corrections, please use the comments section or send me a message.

Best Places in Seville to enjoy Orange Blossoms (Azahares) I: Triana, Barrio Leon

 

When Seville is mentioned, one of the first things that comes to mind is its oranges. The bitter ones that you can't (shouldn't) bite. As a very fortunate result, from as early as mid-February to all the way to mid-April at times, the orange blossoms can be enjoyed all around the city.

From its posh, well-manicured streets to impoverished housing complexes, one of the few things fellow Sevilla residents probably enjoy equally (albeit some with an emptier stomach) is the refreshing smell of these orange blossoms since on almost all sidewalks these trees are planted throughout the city.
Photo Credit: ABC Sevilla

In these series of blog posts, we will be sharing with the newcomers and visitors to Seville the areas one can enjoy this natural wonder while on foot. The first area happens to be where the author of this post currently resides: Barrio Leon, Triana.

Located in the most western "outskirts" of Triana, this little oasis of suburbia once belonged to a farmer called Jose Leon Leon hence the name of the neigbourhood. Most of the streets are also named after this family's offspring. A lot of the heritage buildings are townhouse style, 2 storey structures from 1920ties, and some with little gardens in front,  even some with bronze structures and some others with private internal courtyards and almost all buildings are covered with some intricate tile work.
There are also some hidden gems such as a couple chapels, a pottery studio, and a home-style cooking restaurant which makes it an ideal area to stroll to get away from the regular hustle and bustle of Triana to enjoy the songs of the local birds during various times of the day during spring.

Here are some more pictures to enjoy. And imagine when in season the lemon and orange blossoms provide quite an amazing feast of aromas due to density and close proximity of the trees to the sidewalk. Earthy and refreshing, they are waiting for you to take it all in.

Also, if you were wondering what happens to all those oranges, they are harvested a couple of weeks after the 3 Kings Festival by temporary municipal workers which create scenes like these "orange rivers" above :)

Here is a "rough" map of the area and if you follow the blue arrow you can also cross to a park called "Parque de la Vega de Triana" which is one of the most open areas in this part of the city for cycling or jogging. You can also sneak in to a hiking path that will take you all the way to the old airport in Seville along the main stream of the river Gualdalquivir.
Although this park is surrounded by some highways, which may be noisy at times, thanks to plenty of birds that occupy this park and their songs that suppress the road noise, there are many interesting bits to enjoy including a local (huerta) where some lucky residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Hasta proxima!

I hope this blog post has been useful and will also inspire you to go outdoors to get lost in the nature.
If you have other places in mind please mention them in the comments or contact me if you like to share with others using this blog.
If you've tried this route and want to share tips, give more advice or make corrections, please use the comments section or send me a message.

Pinares de Colinas - A 40 minute away escape to a Forest and a Bird Sanctuary near Seville

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and limited options for travel, I chose to discover Pinares de Colinas area.

First, we'll take the regional bus M-143 from Seville.
There is a stop in front of Parque de Los Principes.

The bus service has a decent timetable during weekdays.
I would show up early just in case since the buses are not very frequent.

It costs nothing with the right rider pass. The green pass above gets you into Metro, Tram, Tussam-Seville bus system and regional ones like above.
There is almost 50% discount with this pass as opposed to paying in cash. You can buy the card for 1 euro (credit applied) from tobacco stores, machines in metro stations, and official sales points, etc. You can also top-up more in the metro stations if the tobacco store of your choice hasn't opened yet. This is the ultimate pass to commute in Seville. You don't need any other.

We are going all the way down to Venta el Cruce stop which is the last one (in La Puebla del Rio) before you enter the city limits of Isla Mayor. The ride takes about 40 minutes (give or take with traffic and delay at the stops).
🚲It is also possible to ride your bicycle there for double the time. I checked the terrain and it is mostly flat but you have to share the road with cars in most areas.

🔻Buses are equipped with PA and visual screen so they will announce the stop when you get there.
Then you practically get off in the middle of nowhere and the land is flat. Did I say FLAT!

You immediately turn back and follow the left turn for about 10 minutes.

Don't worry you won't miss it, multiple signs to indicate that you are there.
Also, a couple of restaurants are on the way so it is not very secluded and scary if help or assistance is needed.

Well, it being a weekday afternoon the place was serene. But as one can imagine, during weekends picnic people and mountain bikers may ruin the experience.

They have shrooms,

more shrooms,

lotsa shrooms, storks, and all kinds of other birds!
Well also of course horses.
Awesome getaway with kids, no?

The views, sounds, and smells are incredible.

Quiet, yet very active,

peaceful with birds chirping,

butterflies flying, bees buzzing, green carpet everywhere.

Just take it all in.

Well after a little zen moment, all good things must come to an end and it's time to return home.
Same trip backward 😜. 

 

🔺Look at the left side of the picture-right across where you got off.
You can also use the facilities of the restaurant.

Here are the stop and the timetable for the bus to Seville.
Remember to show up 30 minutes early, although the bus will be late most of the time.

Before you get on tell the driver where you want to get off (Metro Blas Infante or Paseo Delicias etc.) so that s/he can punch in the correct fare.

Under an hour one way, less than 3 euros spend you can enjoy a bit of a forest right in our backyard. Better than killing time at a bar or in front of a colourful but empty screen I say. 😀

Hasta proxima!

I hope this blog post has been useful and will also inspire you to go outdoors to get lost in the nature.
If you have other places in mind please mention them in the comments or contact me if you like to share with others using this blog.
If you've tried this route and want to share tips, give more advice or make corrections, please use the comments section or send me a message.