Location: Seville, Spain
Favorite Family-Friendly Features: Views | Pool | Full Kitchen | Travel Crib | Pedestrian-Only Streets
Our Quick Take:
Towering above the dramatic city center of Seville is this unexpected vacation rental gem. When a last-minute Airbnb search revealed its availability, we snatched it up for one, precious night. A penthouse villa, with two bedrooms and two baths, and the most incredible, private rooftop terrace. What better way to ring in one precious night in Sevilla, Spain with kids?
Rooftop terrace, you say? Tell me more. Directly overlooking the historic, pedestrian streets and Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, this is the highest residential viewpoint downtown. That alone would be enough, but the rooftop doubles the size of the property, boasting a separate full kitchen, plunge pool and array of lounge seating. And it’s just for you. A covered roof keeps it shaded during Spain’s long, sweltering afternoons. And at night, it plays host to a sparkling display of city lights.
If you’re looking for a splurge of a stay that sleeps up to six guests, you’re going to want to consider this rental.
Getting Down to Details:
Guestrooms: Two guestrooms sleep up to six guests. One master bedroom with a king (two singles) bed and a second bedroom offering the same.
Bathrooms: Two full baths (one attached to the master) prove sufficient for this property. Both are outfitted with showers; no bathtubs.
Logistics: Free parking is one of the unexpected features of this rental, although it’s not easy to get to. You’ll need to follow extremely specific instructions (and navigate a handful of narrow, one-way streets) to get there. And then, you’ll use a vehicle elevator to park on an upper level. It felt quite like an adventure, but one that paid off in our eyes.
In the apartment building, there is an old and tiny elevator that comes in handy transporting luggage up and down from the apartment.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: In Europe, the comfort of air conditioning cannot be overstated. Most accommodations don’t offer it, but this apartment does. It also offers a small rooftop plunge pool (no fencing or gate around it, although the rooftop itself is up a spiral staircase and behind a locked door). The patio itself is a delight, offering a lovely, shaded space for kids to play.
Travel crib and babysitter recommendations are available upon request.
What to do in Seville, Spain with kids:
Full of historic landmarks, parks and museums, Seville has something to see around every bend. It’s one of Spain’s biggest cities, and is bustling morning and night, with quiet streets only during afternoon siesta. In the historic city center, Casco Antiguo, which you’ll overlook, you’ll find the Seville Cathedral. This expansive church is the perfect place to begin your journey. Its an impressive and beautiful structure on the outside, and inside, includes the tomb of Christopher Columbus. (Bonus, it’s nice and cool in the dark cathedral.) Nearby, the Alcazar of Seville palace offers grandiose design and elaborate gardens to peruse, as well as peacocks to keep the attention of the littles.
Also close by is Maria Luisa Park, a lovely and lush respite for running around a bit or lounging underneath a tree. Families who want a guided tour of the city – or simply a break from walking – can hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage, which you’ll see many of ambling down the park’s main roads. The Seville Aquarium is located just near the park and receives rave reviews from children. Again, another great indoor option on the hottest summer days.
Of course, Seville is full of the narrow, twisting pedestrian streets that you’d expect in any European town. Here, you’ll find charming cafes, tapas restaurants and bars aplenty. And good news – kids are welcomed most everywhere, so there’s no need to scour high and low for a family-friendly dining option. All this to say – simply wandering the streets and popping into shops (or grabbing a gelato) is a treat within itself.
Kid-Friendly Tip: If possible, lean into Spain’s daily schedule of busy mornings, long afternoon siestas and late-evening dinners. Many restaurants in Seville don’t open until 8 p.m., so finding options in advance is difficult and lacks the excitement of a city abuzz. Plan accordingly, and don’t be surprised to see loads of children running about at 10 p.m. when the temps have dropped and families can enjoy the city.
