Fantastique concert by NZTrio features Psathas' Angelus and global classics
Turina's Circulo vividly compresses a Spanish day into 10 minutes, from mysterious dawn to equally magical darkness.
All was brilliantly evoked, especially
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NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Seville, Spain travel guide: Must-see sites and dining in Andalusia's capital
Seville has plenty to keep visitors occupied. It boasts three Unesco heritage sites as well as myriad museums, parks and stately homes. The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is the third-largest church in the world. Its iconic bell tower, known as the Giralda, can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Buy your ticket online to avoid long queues. Alternatively, purchase a joint ticket from the Church of the Divine Saviour (Iglesia del Divino Salvador) that includes both locations, and stroll straight in. Seville's Royal Alcázar is a stunning palace still used by the Spanish royal family. Its lush gardens are patrolled by peacocks, and the palace itself is a breathtaking fusion of Islamic, Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance architectural styles. Royal Alcázar. Photo / Unsplash Set in the Parque de María Luisa, the Plaza de España was built for the 1929 Expo. It features a series of colourful tiled alcoves with scenes from each Spanish province. With its fountains and Italian-style bridges, it's a spectacular site that has been used as a backdrop for movies like Star Wars Episode II. For something more contemporary, visit the giant Metropol Parasol, which looms over the Plaza de la Encarnación. It's referred to as 'Las Setas' by Sevillanos because its wooden structure looks like a cluster of mushrooms. Inside, you'll find several restaurants, a market and a museum. Get tickets to the wooden catwalk for one of the best views of the city. Across the Isabel II bridge, the colourful neighbourhood of Triana is choc-full of ceramic shops and tapas bars. Try the local specialty, Cazón en adobo; dogfish marinated in paprika, oregano, salt, garlic, and vinegar and then fried. Don't let the name put you off, it's delicious! With historic sights, vibrant food and flamenco flair, Seville is a city worth visiting again and again. Photo / Unsplash Where to shop Seville's main shopping streets are Calles Sierpes and Tetuan. They run parallel to each other in the heart of the old town. Here you'll find everything from European brands like Mango, to traditional stores selling mantones (Spanish shawls). El Corte Inglés occupies an entire block of Plaza del Duque de la Victoria. The leading Spanish department store is a veritable cornucopia of fashion and food, with everything from concessions like Carolina Herrerra and Purification Garcia, to a gourmet experience and rooftop bar. There's even a supermarket in the basement, where you can purchase local jamon and empanadas. Craving culture, sunshine and sangria? Seville delivers all three (and more) in one charming city. Photo / Louise Slyth Where to dine The Seville dining scene is vibrant, diverse and constantly evolving. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap tapas bars, and everything in between, you'll never be short of options. To dine like a local, book dinner between 9pm and 10.30pm (when it's generally cooler). Eating later also allows you to watch the sunset with a pre-dinner drink in one of the city's many rooftop bars. Not sure whether you want a bocadillo (sandwich) or a burger? Head to the Mercado Lonja del Barranco. With an array of food offerings from around the world, as well as indoor and outdoor seating, this food market is the ideal place to go when you want to hedge your bets. Tucked into Hotel Villapanés, an 18th-century palace, you'll find Los Rincones del Marqués. The restaurant delivers authentic Andalusian dishes cooked with flair and confidence. Choose between the restaurant or outdoor seating in the charming, enclosed courtyard. The tiramisu made to order at your table is not to be missed! Los Rincones del Marqués. Photo / Supplied La Cochera del Abuelo roughly translates to 'grandpa's garage'. It's an apt moniker for this restaurant set slightly off the beaten track in an old carriage house. The dining room is elegant yet cosy, and you'll be met with impeccable service and food that you'll be thinking about long after your visit. For a refreshing change of scene, head to Caza Ozama in the leafy Porvenir district. The modernist early 20th-century villa boasts several different eating and drinking spaces, for all tastes and moods. Secure a reservation under a canopy of fairy lights in the stylish pergola to enjoy contemporary fare or tapas like papas aliñas (a traditional Andalusian potato dish). No trip to Seville would be complete without some tapas. For cheap and cheerful options in the old town, try Marabunda, Lobo López or Abaceria del Postigo. Maravilla Social Club is a little further from the centre, but their patatas bravas are worth the walk. Where to drink Seville offers the perfect fusion of glamorous rooftop bars and old-fashioned Cervecerias, so you can always find the perfect venue for your mood. You'll hear Plaza Del Salvador before you see it. Here, fashionistas mingle with students outside bars like La Antigua Bodeguita to drink cheap beers in the shade of the coral-coloured Iglesia Del Divino Salvador. Iglesia Del Salvador. Photo / Louise Slyth For something a little different, try Bar Garlochí. You'll either love or loathe this unique bar decorated with religious memorabilia, red velvet and candles. Try the signature cocktail Sangue de Cristo (blood of Christ) if you dare… When the temperatures go up, so do the people in the know. Insiders head to Seville's rooftop bars for soothing cool breezes and chilled vibes. Ático Sevilla is a verdant urban oasis where you can sip signature cocktails as you enjoy fantastic views of the Guadalquivir River, the neighbourhood of Triana and the cathedral. In a prime spot in the Plaza de la Encarnación, the rooftop terrace at Casa de Indias boasts unobstructed views of the Metropol Parasol. On the opposite side of the plaza, the stylish terrace at abba The Roof Giralda has great cityscape views and a varied cocktail menu. Or try El Mirador de Querencia, where the cathedral views and the buzz are amazing, but the service can sometimes be slow. Flamenco Flamenco. Photo / Supplied Seville's heart beats to the rhythm of flamenco. More an art form than a dance, it's worth attending a flamenco show while you're there. There are several tablaos (flamenco venues) offering theatre-style performances, or lively bars where you can catch a show for the price of a drink. Tucked under Las Setas, Tablao Flamenco Las Setas can accommodate around 100 people in the theatre-style venue. It's big enough to feel buzzy, but intimate enough that you can see and feel the rhythm and passion of the performers up close. For something more informal, try a flamenco bar like La Carboneria in the old town or Lola de Los Reyes in the Triana neighbourhood. However you spend your sojourn in Seville, you're almost guaranteed to leave wanting more. Whether you fall in love with the culture, weather, gastronomy or friendly people, it's a city that's sure to get under your skin.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- NZ Herald
Fantastique concert by NZTrio features Psathas' Angelus and global classics
Once again, NZTrio's latest concert more than lived up to its title, Fantastique, offering a first-class world tour from Europe and Russia, through Tibet, to Aotearoa New Zealand. Turina's Circulo vividly compresses a Spanish day into 10 minutes, from mysterious dawn to equally magical darkness. All was brilliantly evoked, especially
NZ Herald
29-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Ibiza for families: Discovering the island's child-friendly side
After venturing into these quieter corners with two kids (aged 9 and 11), a hefty tube of SPF 50, and not much of a plan, I can confirm there's another side to this Balearic gem. One that's extremely family-friendly, filled with barefoot luxury for the grown-ups and unexpected magic for the young 'uns. We based ourselves on a yacht moored in Botafoc Marina, which gave us the freedom to roam at our own pace. That said, Ibiza is just as enchanting from dry land, whether you're tucked into a rural finca or at a stylish but low-key beach hotel. Our first stop was Dalt Vila, the fortified old town perched above Ibiza Town. The kids clambered along the ramparts and ducked into cool stone alleys, and we followed our noses to the plaza for churros and Spanish hot chocolate – thick, rich, and just the right kind of indulgent after the ascent. Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing medieval history and rich, panoramic views. Photo / Supplied Ibiza's capital, known to locals as Eivissa, is one of Spain's oldest cities. Founded by the Phoenicians and layered with centuries of culture, it consists of a maze of whitewashed lanes, sun-bleached shutters and flowering bougainvillea. Climb to the Placa de la Catedral and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views and a whole load of history. The 13th-century Catedral d'Eivissa and the ancient ruins of the Castle (soon to be transformed into a boutique Parador hotel) take centre stage and indicate that life existed here long before the ravers. Your return trek will take you through the Portal de Ses Taules, with its pastel-painted buildings and local street sellers selling olive oil and salt, plus some swanky boutiques selling obligatory floaty kaftans. Salty seas, sandy toes, spectacular sunsets, superb night life - all in Ibiza. Photo / Supplied The next morning, we sailed north to Cala Xarraca, a peaceful cove perfect for paddleboarding and snorkelling. The kids drifted between rocky inlets in search of fish, while we had a rare moment of coffee-and-quiet on deck. In the afternoon, we went inland to Can Muson, an organic farm where kids can cuddle goats, pick herbs and try fresh juice. The watermelon slushie and creamy goat cheese toast were declared 'better than pizza,' which, from our children, is high praise indeed. Can Muson, Ibiza's ecological paradise. Photo / Supplied Another day we anchored off Benirras – with a beach, perfect for sandcastles – although Cala Llonga, Portinatx and Cala Vadella all have shallow, clear waters and all deserve a mention. We ended up at Santa Gertrudis, a storybook village complete with leafy squares, art galleries and wholesome cafes serving tapas: crispy patatas bravas, tender albondigas, meatballs and slices of pan con tomate – there was always something on the menu to please the offspring. Fiery sunset hovering the waters of Benirras beach. Photo / Supplied Another highlight was Cova de Can Marca, a stunning natural cave on the northern coast. Inside, dramatic lighting reveals ancient stalactites and underground waterfalls. The guided tour gave just the right amount of fascination – plus it gave us a break from the midday sun. The magical and mysterious Es Vedra, home to Ibiza's rich legends and myths. Photo / Supplied Back on the boat, days ended with paddle boarding, stargazing, and watching the kids pretend the dinghy was their pirate ship. On our final night, we kayaked around Cala Vadella before heading to Las Dalias, Ibiza's most iconic hippie market. The kids were enchanted by the live music, spontaneous dancing (and stalls selling handmade toys). We picked up woven bracelets and a couple of mugs – had time permitted, I may even have stopped for an open-air massage. Ibiza, past towering billboards and colorful beach clubs, is also a blanket of turquoise waters and aquamarine skies. Photo / 123RF Would I recommend Ibiza for families? Unreservedly. The party may still be there, but so is a softer, more soulful side that welcomes children, rewards curiosity, and offers space to breathe. You just must be willing to look past the billboards and beach clubs – the kids swam in warm turquoise water, climbed trees, ate new foods and fell asleep under a blanket of stars. And somewhere in the mix of coves, caves, and churros, we rediscovered something too: how much fun it is to slow down, share wonder, and see the world through their eyes. Ibiza shows a more soulful side that welcomes families and offers space to breathe. Photo / 123RF Next time, we might skip the yacht and stay in a whitewashed farmhouse. Or we might not change a thing. Either way, Ibiza has earned its place on our family's list of best-ever holidays – and yes, we'll be back, with swimsuits, sketchbooks, and probably a little more space in the suitcase for some adorable handmade sandals. DETAILS For more information on Ibiza, visit The writer sailed on a Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 – Silver Surfer from Boat Around.
