A Digital Nomad Guide to Seville

Seville Visa

Because it attracts expats, students, and digital nomads from all over the world, Seville has plenty of visa options that you can choose from according to your requirements. Members of the European Union or those traveling from Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland only need to present their ID or passport upon arrival. 

Seville falls under Schengen territory and as such, most digital nomads apply for Schengen Visas that entitle them to a stay of up to 90 days. You need to apply for this visa at least 15 days before your trip to Seville, and the price usually ranges from 35 euros to 60 euros depending on your country of origin. 

Digital nomads who would like to take up local jobs in Seville should get a work permit and visa. This is only applicable to those who come from non-Eu countries. It’s also possible to work as a freelancer in Seville, but you will be asked to provide a business plan, proof of relevant experience and skills, as well as proof of sufficient funds. I should highlight that it’s very difficult to be approved for a Spanish work visa, unless you’re backed by a reputed multinational company.

Another option would be to have your employer apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa on your behalf. This is often granted to digital nomads who would like to work as an Au Pair or intern. For this visa, you will be required to provide evidence of employment, accommodation, and financial resources. 

It is also possible to apply for a long-term visa that enables you to stay in Seville for a maximum of 180 days.

Culture and Food in Seville

Anyone who’s been to Andalusia can easily attest to the fact that food takes a centre stage in this commune and Seville is, of course, no exception. After all, this city does happen to be the birthplace of the Sangria. You’ll quickly notice that eating out is something of a national pastime in Seville, with bars, cafes, and restaurants open virtually 7/7. 

What I personally liked the most about Sevillian cuisine was the lack of overly processed and artificial ingredients. Indeed, you’ll find that even the cheapest eatery offers gloriously fresh seafood, locally sourced meat, and organic vegetables. 

Below are some of my absolute favourite things to eat in Seville: 

• Churros: Colloquially referred to as Calientitos, this classic Spanish dessert is best devoured piping hot and dipped in Nutella. Locals usually enjoy it for breakfast and if you ask me, Bar Commercio in Calle Lineros serves the very best churros in Andalusia.

• Montadito de Pringá: This pork-based specialty basically consists of leftover stew sandwiched in crusty bread. A staple in tapas bars, this delicacy is commonly served in bite-sized pieces. While these sandwiches are on the smaller side, I found them to be very filling. 

• Vermouth del Grifo: Okay, I know this is a drink and not an actual meal but it’s impossible to talk about the local cuisine without mentioning this iconic Sevillian aperitif. This drink is especially favoured by the older generation and can be sampled in bars throughout the city. 

• Salmorejo: Initially, the idea of cold soup seemed quite unappealing to me. However, when I had the opportunity of trying a bowl of Salmorejo on a scorching summer’s day, I became an instant convert. Exquisitely refreshing and light, this soup consists of pureed tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. While it is most commonly served alongside sliced bread, some tapas bar may serve it as a dipping sauce. 

• Solomillo al Whiskey: You’ll very often see pubs and restaurants serving this hearty casserole during winter. A classic Sevillian dish, this is made from pork tenderloin generously covered with whiskey sauce. Lemons, potatoes, and flour are added to this stew for taste and thickness. Some variations use beef or chicken in lieu of pork.

Because food is revered above all things in the city, sweet treats play a prime role in most major festivals. For example, during the Holy Week and Lent, you’ll often find locals distributing sweet breads and desserts such as Dulces de Coventos and Torrijas. Christmas tables are usually laden with Tortas de Polvoron (cookies served with sweet wine), Roscos de vino (pillowy donuts with powdered sugar), and Pestiños (deep fried, aniseed-flavoured pastry). 

Thanks to the convergence of cultures that exist in the city, there are plenty of religious and folkloric festivals all year long. During the Holy Week, for instance, Seville organizes lavish week-long parades punctuated by traditional costumes, music, and art. 

Every two years, the city also hosts what’s known as the largest Flamenco Festival in the World. This festival spans over a month and gathers the best professional Flamenco dancers from all over Spain for free shows throughout Seville. 

In April, digital nomads can attend the Feria de Abril, dedicated to Spanish folklore. This lively, seven-day fair occurs fourteen days after the Holy Week and sees both men and women dressed up in their finest elegant costumes. During this time, you can browse through colourful stalls or even participate in a parade. Families will undoubtedly enjoy spending an afternoon in the Feria de Abril fair offering roller coasters, games, open-air dancing, as well as stalls selling tapas and various alcoholic beverages. 

Seville Nightlife

It’s no secret that Spaniards like to party. While the nightlife in Seville isn’t quite as wild or rumbustious as, say, Barcelona or Ibiza, rest assured that the city boasts a plethora of shows, tapas bars, and nightclubs that you can check out in the evening. 

In terms of safety, I found that Seville is just as safe after dark as it is during the day, but of course, you should always exercise caution when exploring a new place. There have been some reported drink spiking incidents in some clubs, especially in more touristy areas, so it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your drink orders and never leave your glasses unattended. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Seville at night: 

Tapas Bar

It would be inconceivable to visit Seville and not check out at least one of their tapas bars at night. If there’s one thing Andalusia is known for, it’s the excellent tapas spots such as El Rinconcillo in Calle Gerona. Nestled in a 17th century building, this tapas bar is especially acclaimed for its classic Andalusian specialities such as Galician cockles, Huelva, Coquina clams, and Iberian Mountain ham. Prices are quite affordable, and I did enjoy their live music as well as their extensive wine list. 

Located just steps from the Seville Cathedral, Bodega Santa Cruz is another tapas bar that’s popular among tourists and locals alike. If you visit on Friday and Saturday nights, you may even be treated to live Flamenco shows or Latin music. Their specialities include charcuterie boards and fried tapas. While their food is undeniably delicious, I must say that their prices are on the higher side, most likely due to their proximity to a tourist attraction. 

Flamenco Shows

As the birthplace of the Flamenco dance, you can expect to find your fair share of shows all throughout Seville. Located in an 18th century building, Tablao Alvarez Quintero offers some of the most affordable seats in the city, with tickets priced at 18 euros. What I liked the most about this place is that it offers a brief 15-20 minutes’ Flamenco class that guests can partake in if they want. There are two shows per night, one at 19:30 and one at 20:30.

Now if you don’t mind spending a little bit extra on your ticket, you can also check out El Palacio Andaluz located on Mathematical Rey Pastor y Castro Street. This high-end venue also offers two shows per night (19:00 and 21:30). Guests can book a show and drink package for 44 euros or show and tapas at 71 euros. Additionally, you can opt for the show and dinner package for 89 euros. This theatre is known for having the best acoustics in the city. 

Nightclubs & Bars

Seville is well-known for its excellent nightclubs, most of which don’t even open until 1:00 in the morning. I can absolutely recommend La Terraza del EME, a rooftop bar which is found at the EME hotel. Known for being one of the most sophisticated spots in the city, La Terraza is particularly renowned for its spectacular views of the Giralda and for its aromatic cocktails. Open until 1:00 in the morning, Monday to Wednesday and until 2:00 Thursday to Saturday, this club is also the best place to mingle with other digital nomads and expats. I do have to point out that the prices are quite expensive though. 

Seville Aquarium

Okay, hear me out. I don’t mean for you to waste your evening just staring at fish. Quite on the contrary, the Seville Aquarium offers visitors of all ages the chance to spend the night right by the shark tank. A thrilling activity that will undoubtedly please adults and kids alike, this adventure begins with a guided tour of the entire aquarium during which you’ll get to admire over 400 aquatic species and learn more about the local ecosystem. 

Afterwards, the guides will lead you to the shark tanks where you can change into your pyjamas and relax in your sleeping bags right in front of the tanks, while watching the sharks swim around all night long. This activity runs from 20:00 to 9:00 and tickets cost 50 euros per person. 

La Noria de Sevilla

A firm favourite among amorous locals, this imposing Ferris Wheel is found right next to the Aquarium. If you ask me, there’s no better way to soak up glittering views of the city and river from 40 metres above ground level. All 30 cabins have comfortable and spacious seats punctuated by atmospheric music. If you’re visiting in summer, rest assured that the cabins are entirely air-conditioned. When the weather’s clear, you can even spot Malaga twinkling in the distance. 

La Noria de Sevilla is open from 10:00 to 20:00 Monday through Thursday and 10:00 to 21:00 Friday to Sunday. Tickets cost 7.50 euros for adults and 5.50 euros for kids as well as senior citizens (over 65 years old).

Things to do in Seville

With hole in the wall pubs, cobbled-stone plazas fringed by orange trees, and bohemian quarters, there’s no denying that Seville is bursting with an array of attractions that you can explore during your free time. Featuring UNESCO Heritage Sites in virtually every corner, Seville’s rich history is best uncovered by touring the Baroque buildings, Roman ruins, and centuries-old Moorish walls. More importantly, there’s never a shortage of agencies offering guided walking tours or private expeditions that you can personalize according to your budget and preferences.  

Here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in the city: 

• Free attractions

  If you happen to be on a limited budget, fret not – you won’t run out of free things to do in Seville. In fact, I would say that this is one of the rare European cities that offers an extensive number of attractions that are just begging to be uncovered at no cost at all. I noticed that most historical sites provide complimentary entrance tickets on Monday afternoons. For example, the emblematic palaces of Real Alcázar, Palacio de Las Dueñas, and the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija are entirely free to explore on Monday evenings. You can pick up your complimentary ticket directly at the counter between 16:00 and 19:00 in the summer or 16:00 and 18:00 in the winter. Seville is also home to Catedral de Sevilla, one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals in the world. The good news is that this spectacular building is another attraction that’s free to visit on Monday afternoons (16:30 to 18:00). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is especially famed for its intricately carved golden altar and the Giralda Bell Tower that stands at over 100 metres high. Another popular highlight at the Catedral de Sevilla is the 500-year-old Tomb of Columbus. Yet another UNESCO Heritage Site that’s free to visit is the Archivo de Indias that was constructed in 1572. With vast rooms that look like they’d been plucked straight out of a Harry Potter movie, this site is ideal for digital nomads who would like to learn more about Andalusia’s rich past. Among its many historical artefacts, the Archivo de Indias contains an assortment of antique documents and contracts that date all the way back from the time of the first conquistadors.

• Guadalquivir River Cruise

  If you ask me, there’s no better way to see Seville than to cruise down the second-largest river in Spain. This iconic river once served as passage to ancient sailors who set up farming and metal mining communities in various regions across Andalusia. Most boat tours usually take you by popular sites of interest, such as the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas which is located on the tiny islet of Cartuja. You’ll also sail past the Plaza de España’s famous towers, the Barrio de Triana, the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, and the Triana bridge, considered the oldest in Seville. It’s good to know that most agencies only offer tours in summer and spring. Now, while the majority of tours span across one to two hours, you can also book weeklong tours that will take you all the way to the edge of the Portuguese border with several stops along the way. These tours can set you back 1,500 euros (meals included) while one-hour trips only cost around 16 euros.

• Real Alcazar

  Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognize the Water Gardens of Dorne from the show. If you were impressed by how fabulous it appeared onscreen, I can assure you that the actual site looks twice as spectacular in real life. Located near the Cathedral, Real Alcazar is yet another attraction that has been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of all the (many) things to do and see in Seville, I must admit that Real Alcazar was easily my favourite. Originally a castle built for King Peter of Castile, this site was erected on the ruins of an Arabic fortress. The lower levels of Real Alcazar still retain vestiges of its ancient Arabic past while the upper levels feature European Renaissance architecture. If there’s one thing that Real Alcazar is known for, it’s the intricately tiled gardens with flowery trellis, orange groves, and stunning hedge mazes. I would strongly suggest that you set aside at least half a day to explore the building and the expansive gardens. If you’re visiting in the summer, you might have to wait in line for quite a long time under that infamous Spanish sun. Alternatively, you can always book your tickets in advance on the website to skip the queue. I would also recommend that you book a guided tour if you want to learn more about the local history. Like most UNESCO sites in Seville, Real Alcazar is free to visit on Monday afternoons and you’ll even get to bypass the queue if you grab your complimentary ticket online. For other days, the entry ticket costs 14.5 euros.

• AIRE Ancient Baths

  While most cities have ancient baths that you can tour, Seville plunges you right into them for an immersive experience. Rest assured that the AIRE Ancient Bath is nothing like the murky green waters reminiscent of Ancient Roman baths. Quite on the contrary, you will be in a spa-like environment with candlelit bath halls offering varying temperatures. Restored in the 16th century, AIRE is an ancient Moorish establishment located right at the heart of lively Santa Cruz. With vaulted ceilings, Roman Stalls, and Mudéjar coffering, this ancient hammam also houses an Andaluz-style courtyard with classic architecture. You’ll be able to choose from various experiences, including but not limited to Couple’s Massages, Wine Baths, or (my personal favourite), the Ancient Thermal Bath & Relaxing Massage. After your bath, you can head up to the roof terrace to enjoy a hot infusion while soaking up glorious views of La Giralda. I would absolutely recommend checking out the rooftop area in the late afternoon where you will be able to watch the sun go down over Seville. The prices vary according to your experience of choice, but it’s a good idea to budget at least 100 euros.

• Museo del Baile Flamenco

  An immersive museum housed in an 18th-century building; the Museo del Baile Flamenco is the perfect stop for digital nomads who wish to learn more about the flamenco. Even if you’re not really into dancing, I would highly recommend that you take a flamenco class, if only for the experience. The Spanish dance by excellence, this art form is especially known for its flamboyant costumes, rhythmic beats, and expressive body movements. The second-floor gallery contains exhibitions of photography, sculptures, and paintings from local and international artists alike, all centred around the flamenco’s influence throughout Spain. Along with an extensive number of exhibitions, this museum also offers flamenco shows that you can enjoy in a courtyard setting. You can also book thematic, rhythm and palm, percussion, singing, as well as guitar lessons. You can buy tickets on the official website. The price varies according to your selected activities.

Best Time to Visit Seville

With almost 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Seville is often referred to as the sunniest city in Continental Europe.

Owing to its elevation of 23 feet above sea level, not to mention its proximity to North Africa, Seville does experience blistering summers with temperatures that can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius. Digital nomads visiting Seville in summer (June to August) should absolutely bring their water bottles, sunscreen, and light cotton or linen clothing to avoid heatstroke. It’s also recommended to avoid being outside at midday. On a more positive note, because summer is low season in Seville, you’ll be able to get the very best deals in terms of accommodation and tours. 

Spring is generally considered the best time to visit Seville, and Andalusia in general. Not only does the thermostat hover at a pleasant 27-30 degrees Celsius between the months of March and May, but the iconic orange trees are in full bloom. While the city is prone to the occasional rainfalls in spring, you’ll get to attend two of the major Spaniard holidays – the Holy Week of Semana Santa, and the Feria de Abril. 

Just like summer, fall doesn’t attract too many tourists, so most hotels tend to slash their prices between early September and late November. Personally, this is my favourite time to visit Seville. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, with highs of 25 degrees Celsius during the days and lows of 14 degrees Celsius at night. The lack of tourist influx means that you won’t need to wait in line when visiting popular sites.

Now if you want complete isolation, head over to Seville between December and February where the temperature hovers around 16 degrees Celsius during the day and seven degrees at night. While there’s only about five hours of sunlight per day, you’ll be able to do your fair share of exploring without having to battle the heat – or the crowds for that matter. In winter, digital nomads can expect to have World Heritage Sites such as The Cathedral and Real Alcazar all to themselves. Of course, the cold is the perfect excuse to tuck into calorie-laden albeit delightfully hearty dishes such as Cazuela or Migas, which basically referred to fried breadcrumbs.

Seville for Families

I did not travel to Seville with a family, nor do I have children, but it was quite apparent to me that Seville is a family-friendly destination. 

For starters, the roads are quite safe and well-laid out with spacious, stroller-friendly pavements. All the restaurants that I’ve been too had a children’s menu. Baby supplies (including formula) are readily available in pharmacies or specialized stores throughout the city. 

More importantly, Seville is known for its excellent public education that’s free for children up to 16 years. Local parents usually send their kids to public or semi-private schools. Since they are subsidised by the government, semi-private institutions tend to be quite affordable. However, the language barrier may be an issue because most public and semi-private schools follow a Spanish curriculum. 

As such, expat families normally enrol their children in private academies. Do remember that these can be expensive, and the competition to get accepted is ferocious. Alternatively, you may also consider one of Seville’s many International Schools such as Saint Gabriel English School, Colegio Internacional de Sevilla, British Institute of Sevilla SA, and English Connection. Most international schools are found near the city centre. 

Digital nomads traveling with small children can rest easy knowing that there’s plenty of English-speaking day care centres to choose from in the city. Popular choices among expats include Helen Doron English Sevilla Este in the East, Sevilla Montessori School in the Centre, and Wonderland Bilingual Centre in El Salvador. 

During the weekend, you’ll find that there are ample family-friendly activities around the city, namely: 

• Isla Mágica theme park: Found on the Isla de la Cartuja, this theme park is highly popular among locals and foreigners of all ages. It has six main areas, namely El Dorado, The Fountain of Youth, Pirate’s Lair, Amazonia, Puerto de America, and Puerto de las Indias. Full-day tickets cost 35 euros per adults and 22 euros for kids. Afternoon tickets are less expensive. 

• Plaza de España: Located in the Marie Luisa Park, this sprawling plaza is home to four palatial bridge, each representing one of Spain’s ancient kingdoms. While the plaza offers ample space for kids to play and run around, you can also book a boat ride so the little ones can feed the ducks further out on the water. 

• El Bosque Suspendido Adventure Park: Loosely translating as ‘The Hanging Forest’, this park is suitable for children of all levels and ages. There’s no doubt that kids will enjoy the forest’s Tibetan bridges, zip wires, rope bridges, and aerial circuits. Each activity is monitored by the park’s staff. Rates vary between 10 and 40 euros, depending on the circuits that you’ve booked. 

Sala Cero Theatre: Cultural shows are at the very heart of Andalusian culture. Because Sala Cero aims at bringing the theatre closer to the younger generation, they often host kids-friendly programs as well as interactive shows that the audience can partake in. Located in the Old Quarter, this company also regularly holds musical evenings with tickets priced at 15 euros.

Living in Seville

Seville Transportation

Like most European cities, Seville is delightfully walkable, so you’ll certainly find it easy to explore the town. Both locals and foreigners also like to get around on bicycles. Not only does the city has plenty of bike lanes, but you’ll also find bike share programs such as Sevici. If you’re worried about traffic, I can assure you that the bike lanes are perfectly safe and separated from other vehicles by high fencing and raised kerbs. 

Best of all, bicycles are extremely budget-friendly, with prices ranging from 15 to 40 euros, depending on the company and number of hours. Digital nomads who would like to travel by bicycle should bear in mind that helmets are mandatory. 

Vehicles in Seville drive on the right. When navigating a roundabout, priority is given to traffic coming in from the left. 

Below are some of the most popular modes of public transportation in Seville: 

Metro

While Seville’s Metro system is quite modern, there’s only one line so it may not be the most efficient way of getting around. The stops that are closest to the city centre are San Bernardo, Prado de San Sebastian, and Puerta de Jerez. I should point out that most people use the metro to explore the city’s outskirts. 

The fare is quite affordable, with most one-way tickets ranging between 1.50 and 2 euros. If you think that you’ll be using the metro on a regular basis, you can always get a day pass for 4.50 euros. These can be purchased at virtually every metro station.  

The metro line is open from 18:30 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, 6:30 to 2:00 in the morning on Fridays, and 7:30 to 2:00 in the morning on Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays, the trains run from 7:30 to 23:00. 

Taxi

Since Europe is notorious for its high taxi fares, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable taxis were in Seville. Most official taxis only charge around 1 euro per kilometre during the weekdays. Expect to fork over between 2 and 4 euros per kilometres on the weekends and on weeknights. While tipping is not at all compulsory, locals like to round off the fare to the nearest euro. It’s good to know that the rates can double during festivals. 

Airport rides can be particularly expensive, with rates ranging from 20 to 40 euros, depending on the day and time. It’s quite easy to stop a cab in Seville – you simply need to raise your hand in New York fashion, and they’ll pull over to the side of the road. Additionally, you’ll find taxi stands near plazas and hotels. 

Buses

When the weather gets too rainy to bike around, buses are my preferred way of traveling across Seville. The public buses cover most neighbourhoods and they run until midnight on weekdays. The major areas, including touristy spots, are served by the C1, C2, C3, and C4 buses. You’ll also find limited bus routes that depart from El Centro and Pardo San Sebastian until 2:00 in the morning. 

Like most modes of public transportation in Seville, buses are very affordable, with one-way trips costing less than two euros. It’s possible to get a daily (5 euros) or three-day (10 euros) travel card from self-serve machines at the bus stop. It’s good to know that while they provide unlimited trips across the city, the travel cards are not applicable for trips to the airport. 

You can consult the bus schedules on the official website. 

Ride Hailing and Private Taxis

Because of the excellent and affordable public transportation system, ride hailing isn’t super popular in Seville, but you can still order private cars from companies such as Radio Taxi de Sevilla and Tele Taxi Sevilla. Rates are more or less the same as public taxis but the main advantage with ride hailing apps is that they don’t usually overcharge you at night or on public holidays. 

Thanks to the affordable rates and ease of use, Uber is the prime choice among digital nomads and locals who need to travel to and from the airport.

Fitness and Health

Andalusians may like to eat, but that doesn’t mean they’re not health conscious. Like I said earlier, locals like to cycle everywhere they go, both for environmental and for health reasons. In the early morning or late afternoon, it’s not uncommon to see the older generation doing stretches or light exercises on the plazas. Additionally, both locals and expats like to row down the river as a way of keeping fit. If you’re planning on doing that, my advice would be to head over in the late afternoon, so you can witness a gorgeous sunset right from the water.  

Practically every neighborhood in Seville has a yoga studio or gym with state-of-the-art equipment, personal coaching, and fitness classes. Popular gyms include Galisport, Cuesta Sport, and Cartuja Club. Expect to spend between 30 and 50 euros per month for your gym membership. 

You can also subscribe to more upscale sports centre offering indoor rock climbing, aerobics, rugby, volleyball, badminton, and swimming. Centro Deportivo Hytasa in East Seville, for example, boasts an artificial grass football field, perfect for digital nomads who would like to soak up the locals’ deep-rooted passion for this distinctively European sport. While these establishments are better equipped than regular gyms, they also tend to be far more expensive. 

Given that football is the national sports by excellence, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to attend local matches between the city’s two rival teams – the Real Betis and the Seville Football club. Ticket prices usually vary between 50 and 100 euros.

Seville People

In my experience, the people of Seville are extremely hospitable and welcoming to foreigners. Xenophobia is not something that I encountered in the city – or anywhere in Andalusia for that matter. The older Sevillian generation is known for being closed-off, but I did notice that the younger generation is quite eager to interact with foreigners. As such, digital nomads may find themselves invited to lunch or coffee- or perhaps even to one of the Flamenco shows that they’re so proud of.   

While they genuinely do like to network with foreigners, Spaniards have been known to take offense if digital nomads make no effort whatsoever to at least try to learn their language. You do not need to be fluent in the local dialects but it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phases. In Seville, people usually greet each other by saying ‘Buenas’ or ‘Hola’, both of which can be used at any time of the day. ‘Gracias’ means thanks, and ‘De nada’ means ‘You’re welcome’. When parting, you can either say ‘Hasta Luego’ or ‘Adios’ to bid the person goodbye. 

Now, while kissing both cheeks is the customary greeting in Seville, it’s considered good form to wait for the other person to lean forward for the kiss first, especially when interacting with a member of the opposite sex. Handshakes are the norm for business meetings and hugs are usually reserved for family members or close friends. 

Sevillians are far more open to chats than other Europeans, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself drawn in a long and personal conversation right from the very first meeting. Locals can be quite curious about other cultures, and it’s not generally considered rude to ask plenty of personal questions during a conversation. 

Family bonds are practically revered in Seville, so much so that kids usually attend late-night parties with their parents. In fact, it’s not at all uncommon to see children or even young infants in bars with their parents until the early hours of the morning on Friday or Saturday nights. After high school, children move out of the family home to attend college, and many choose to settle in larger cities such as Barcelona or Madrid once they’ve graduated. 

Now, don’t be alarmed by the sheer volume of chatter and laughter in local gatherings or parties. Sevillians talk so loudly that one can assume that they’re fighting when they’re in fact, simply engaging in friendly barter. Indeed, the illustrious phase ‘work hard and party harder’ never rang so true as when you’re interacting with Sevillians. 

Religion is an integral part of Sevillian culture, with the great majority of locals identifying as Roman Catholics – as evidenced by the sheer number of ancient and modern churches that dot the city. Given that spirituality permeates virtually every layer of society, you’ll find that most major holidays are centred around Catholicism. During Easter, locals embark on colourful parades as they carry floats adorned by religious effigies from their parishes to the cathedrals.

Seville Insurance and Medical Care

EEA and EU Nationals below retirement age are entitled to either reduced-cost or free healthcare during their holiday in Seville. If you belong to these categories, you will be asked to produce a European Health Insurance Card upon your arrival at the hospital. 

Medical insurance is compulsory for non-EEA/EU nationals. According to the World Health Organization, the single-payer healthcare system in Spain ranks seventh best in the world, so you can expect to have the highest level of care in both private and public hospitals. Unfortunately, public hospitals are infamous for their long waits. Patients often need to wait several weeks, if not months, to consult specialists or schedule non-emergency procedures. 

The majority of doctors in public hospitals do speak English, but this is not always the case with administrative and nursing staff. However, some hospitals do have translators who can provide their assistance. Virgen del Rocio and Virgen Macarena hospitals are quite popular among expats and tourists in Seville. 

Public and private emergency services in the city are highly efficient and all operators are well-versed in English. The general emergency number is 112. 

When it comes to medications, digital nomads will not struggle to find a pharmacy in the city. In fact, there’s a surprising number of establishments that are open 24/24. Additionally, most Andalusian pharmacies do carry natural or alternative medication. 

Thanks to the city’s strict price controls, medication in Seville is extremely affordable. You will more often encounter the generic version as opposed to popular brand names. Nearly all pharmacies will ask to see a doctor’s prescription for antibiotics, sleep medication, and the likes.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Seville

Like virtually everywhere in the world, Seville’s labour market was ferociously hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. You may also wish to know that Andalusia has among the highest unemployment rates in Europe. So, while it’s undoubtedly difficult to find a local job in Seville, it’s still possible if you have the required skillset and experience.

Before we go any further, I would just like to highlight that you absolutely need a work permit if you would like to work in the city, otherwise you will be subjected to heavy fines and your visa may be permanently revoked. 

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s start with the general labour rights and laws in Seville. Full time jobs usually entail 40 hours per week. Local companies usually have longer lunch breaks- colloquially referred to as siestas – between 14:00 and 16:00/17:00, but this tradition is gradually dying out. If you’re working for an international branch, you will only receive the usual hour off for lunch. 

Digital nomads who have a degree and a teaching certificate can very easily find a job as an English language teacher. Private schools do pay more than public ones but there’s far less pressure in public establishments. Alternatively, you can also give private tuition on the side although I must point out that this is not common practice in Seville. 

Because the city draws so many tourists from all over the globe, you can also try to apply for jobs in the hospitality sector in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Foreigners can also find work in architecture, engineering, IT, and manufacturing. Additionally, younger digital nomads may find it easy to get snapped up as an Au Pair, especially if they’re bilingual. 

When browsing for jobs in the city, you can always comb through job hunting platforms such as XpatJobs, English Jobs Spain, and Glassdoor.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.