Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide
Page 203
By Ferry
You can arrive via boat to Ibiza from the Spanish mainland or between other islands in the Mediterranean. Acciona-Trasmediterranea can take you from Barcelona ( 8hr., Su-T, Th-Sa 1 per day at varying times froms 9:30am-10:30pm), Valencia ( 4hr. 20min., F-Sa 5pm), and Mallorca ( 3hr. 45min., M, F, Su 7pm). Baleària Eurolínies Marítimes can also take you from Barcelona ( 8hr., M, W 10:30pm, F 10:30pm, 11pm, Su 11pm €62.40), Valencia ( 3-5hr., M, W 4:30pm, Tu, Sa 9pm, F, Su 4:30pm, 9pm €78), and Mallorca ( 2-3hr., M-Sa 8am and 10am, Su 8am and 9am €52.20-65.40), but also offers travel from Fromentera ( M-F 12 per day 7:30am-9pm, Sa-Su 17 per day 7:30am-9pm €23).
Getting Around
By Bus
Izabus is the main bus company for the city, running 34 lines to all different parts of the island. Lines #9 ( €3.20. June and Sept only every 1hr. 30min., 7am-11:30pm), #10 ( €3.20. Apr-Oct every 20min., 6am-12am; Nov-Mar every 30min., 7am-11:30pm), and #10B ( €3.20. July-Aug every hr., 12:30am-5:30am) run to the airport from Sant Antoni and Ibza City, respectively. Line #0 ( Sept-June M-Sa every 15min., 7:30am-9am, 1:30pm-3:30pm, 7pm-8:30pm; July-Aug last leg runs until 2am) circles the Ibiza City and #3 ( June-Oct 15 every 30min., 7am-11:30pm; Oct 15-May every 30min., 7am-10:30pm) runs between Ibiza and Sant Antoni. Fares and line schedules vary, but generally range between €1 and €2.50. The main bus stop in Ibiza City is located on Avenida d’Isidor Macabich, near the Pac de la Pau. As far as nightlife travel goes, the summer Discobus (971 313 447 www.discobus.es) runs 4 lines that stop at Ibiza’s major clubs, including Space, Pacha, Amnesia, and Privelege, from approximately 12am-6:30am ( €3).
By Taxi
There are also multiple taxi companies on the island, including Radio Taxi Ibiza (Ibiza City 971 398 483) and Radio Taxi Sant Antoni (971 343 764). There are taxi points in Ibiza City along the port, near Parque de la Pau, off Calle Galicia, and off Avenida Bartomeu Rossello. You can rent a motor scooter ( €38-€65 per day.) or bike ( €6-€10 per day) from Extra Rent A Car in Ibiza City (Avenida Santa Eulalia s/n 971 190 160 www.extrarent.com). Top Moto also rents scooters. (971 344 266 €24-29 per day.)
sevilla
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ORIENTATION
Sevilla can be divided into a few loosely separated neighborhoods. While the areas of Arenal and Santa Cruz are decently designated and the canal provides a fairly obvious dividing line into Triana, knowing at which point you step into El Centro or La Macarena depends upon who you ask. Some locals will swear that a site is a devout member of El Centro, and others may describe the same area as being “nearby Plaza de Armas.” Some friends from across the canal may strongly hold that they are Trianans, rather than Sevillaños. Most generally, the Alcazar and Catedral are the biggest historical landmarks in Santa Cruz, the Alameda de Hercules denotes La Macarena, and the dominant shopping trio of Calle Sierpes, Calle Cuna, and Calle Velazquez Tetuan hold strong in El Centro.
The divisions aren’t merely geographic—you’ll quickly dub Santa Cruz as tourist-filled, El Centro as commercial, La Macarena as a mix of religious and reckless, and Triana as slow-paced and mellow. No matter what personality you prefer, you’ll fit in anywhere in this welcoming capital city.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz can be divided into two main hubs: the transportation center and the cultural center. The Prado de San Sebastian is home to the main bus station and a metro stop, so you’re likely to arrive at this large park when you first enter the area. The Prado is adjacent to the university and only a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral and Alcazar, the main cultural centers of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by an array of small and slightly confusing streets inaccessible to any vehicle wider than a Vespa, this area definitely requires a map. Keep in mind that Santa Cruz is only a very small neighborhood of Sevilla, so you can walk across it, from the Cathedral to the Plaza de Espana, in under 20min. (assuming you’re the fit traveler we know you are).
El Centro
El Centro (literally, “the center” for you stubborn anglophones) is the largest neighborhood in Sevilla and can be ambiguously designated as all areas that are not part of Santa Cruz, Triana, El Arenal, or Macarena. The heart of El Centro is the Plaza de la Encarnación. As El Centro happens to be the commercial focus of Sevilla, the three shopping streets of Calle Cuna, Calle Sierpes, and Calle Velazquez Tetuan are valuable landmarks to know when traversing this window-shopping haven. Plaza Alfalfa is the core of the local social scene, packed with bars and outdoor patios. A southern boundary for this neighborhood is the Estación de Autobuses Plaza de Armas, located along the canal, where you can find buses to neighboring province Cádiz.
La Macarena
The biggest landmarks to keep in mind for getting around La Macarena are the Alameda de Hercules, a center for eating, clubbing, and getting a drink, and C. Feria, a street lined with smaller shops and restaurants along with the occasional local bar. C. Torneo and C. Resolana border La Macarena and are major streets for bus routes and transport, and Torneo has quite a few hot clubs in its repitoire. Otherwise, the slew of convents and churches splashed all over La Macarena are useful landmarks for a personal pilgrimage to this area.
El Arenal and Triana
Sandwiching the canal between the Puente de San Telmo and Puente de Triana lie these two neighborhoods of Sevilla. On the northern side of the canal, El Arenal’s main street is Paseo de Cristobal Colon along the canal, and its main center is the Plaza de Armas , located at the base of the Puente de Triana. Once making your way to the “other side of the tracks,” per se, you’ll find the neighborhood of Triana. While the main streets, Avenida de la Republica Argentina and Calle San Jacinto will be useful landmarks, the layout of Triana is generally much less confusing compared to the rest of Sevilla. Calle Betis along the water is home to some of the nicest seafood restaurants and best bars and clubs in Sevilla. Calle de Salado is another useful spot to check out, as it is lined with inexpensive, multi-cultural restaurants.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the most touristed region of Sevilla. The accommodations definitely reflect this fact, so you have tons of options when choosing where to stay. Because of this hostel-on-hostel competition, the hostels here are some of the best-priced and most conveniently located in Spain.
SAMAY SEVILLA HOSTAL
Menendez Pelayo, 13
HOSTAL
955 215 668 www.samayhostals.com
Probably one of the nicest hostels in the Santa Cruz region, Samay provides all the essentials at great rates. Upon entering the hostel, you’ll be welcomed by an English-speaking staff member (or three) ready to help you to your room. While the patterned walls and loud furniture in the first-floor lobby are a little too retro for comfort, these minor decorative issues are worth overlooking. The rooms are comfortable and clean with ensuite bathrooms. They also offer an almost overwhelming slew of entertainment, including free walking tours, tapas tours, and flamenco and discoteca nights. Feel the comfort of Samay by relaxing on the top-floor terrace or making breakfast in the open kitchen. While the maximum stay is officially one week, some travelers report that if you flash a smile at the guy at the desk, he’ll let you stay longer.
7min. from Prado de San Sebastian, on the left-hand side of the street if leaving the Prado. Lock ers and towels included. 8-person dorm €15; 6-person €18; 4-person €20. Reception 24hr.
HOSTAL FLORIDA
Menendez Pelayo, 27
HOSTAL
954 422 557 www.hostalfloridasevilla.com
Although it has hostel in it’s name, Hostal Florida would be much better described as a cheap hotel. While private rooms, TVs, and no bunk beds at all sound great on paper, the cramped bedrooms and total lack of common space eliminate the social feel of a backpackers’ hostel. Such a sentiment is reflected in the staff as well: though friendly, they lack the energy and warmth seen at other local hostels. If you’d rather watch Spanish reruns on TV than imbibe in a pitcher of sangria with fellow traveler
s coming through Santa Cruz, then maybe this spot is for you.
Located about a 10min. walk from Prado de San Sebastian, on the left-hand side of the street if leaving the Prado. Ensuite safes and bathrooms. Doubles and triples €45.
PICASSO BACKPACKER
San Gregario, 1
HOSTEL
954 210 864 www.piramide.com
This smaller, inexpensive hostel is hidden in a small courtyard only meters from the Peurta de Jerez fountain and minutes from the Cathedral and Alcazar. It maintains an authentic Spanish feel with colorful Moorish-style tiles and greenery in the entryway but caters to foreign travelers. The older woman at the desk is extremely friendly and speaks clear English. The rooms are equipped with clean sheets, and the large windows and small balconies do wonders for the aesthetically minded. While Picasso “usually” offers Wi-Fi, some visitors complain that the service was shut down during their stay, without any specific date of return. Despite such complications, if you’re looking for convenience, the location is hard to beat.
If following the gaze of the statue at Puerta de Jerez, follow a small block and make a sharp right. The hostel is located in a small courtyard. Complimentary tea and coffee. Female-only housing available. 6-person dorms €10.50; doubles €44; triples €39; quads €33.
El Centro
OASIS BACKPACKERS’ HOSTEL
Plaza de la Encarnacion 29 1-2.
HOSTEL
954 293 777 www.hostelsoasis.com
If there was a competition to think of every possible accommodation a backpacker would request, Oasis could defeat even the neediest of travelers. From a roof-top pool (more of a pond, but in the Sevillian heat, any body of water is appreciated) to an in-hostel happy hour (2 beers, wines, sangrias, or shots for €2) to bike rentals and Spanish lessons, Oasis has it all. The rooms are the biggest seen in Sevilla with tons of additional shelving and space for those of you who are still working out the kinks of “light packing.” The location also can’t be beat: the Plaza de la Encarnacion is the center of El Centro, and Oasis is smack in the Plaza. While the hostel has three buildings of housing, try to get a room in the building with the reception because it houses the pool and the kitchen where breakfast is served.
At the corner of Plaza de la Encarnacion. If looking at the more visible #29, turning right into the alley and the entrance is on the left-hand side where the alley curves. Pool, breakfast included 8am-11am daily. All rooms (4, 6, or 8-person) €20. Reception 24hr.
HOSTEL NUEVO SUIZO
C. Azofaifo 7
HOSTEL
954 229 147 www.nuevosuizo.com
Located right off the main shopping streets of El Centro, Hostel Nuevo Suizo puts in a full effort to provide a classy establishment, from the skylight and stone columns in the entryway to the flowers resting on the pillows of each bed. By providing free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a phone for free international calling, a terrace, and all the coffee and tea you can drink until you wet your pants or OD on caffeine (whichever comes first), this hostel brings the goods. But be mindful that Nuevo Suizo is a bit pricier than other local hostels, and they find ways to sneak the prices up a bit higher. While private suites range from €27-€31, even the public suites are €23-€25 for 2-3 people and €17 for 9 people. Keep in mind that the higher the floor, the higher the price because, as the girl at the desk explains, “you get the bonus of extra quiet.”
In a small alley off C. las Sierpes right by C. Vargas Campos. Private rooms €27-31. Public suites 2-3 people €23-€25, 9 people €17. Reception 24hr.
El Arenal and Triana
TRIANA BACKPACKERS
C. Rodrigo de Triana 69
HOSTEL
954 459 960 www.trianabackpackers.com
This peaceful, traditional looking hostel takes on the true Triana spirit—from the hammocks and jacuzzi on the terrace to the board games and couches in the lounge to the Spanish radio playing through the halls, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing stay. You won’t find the same hustle and bustle of other backpacker’s hostels but rather a safe, pristinely-clean abode to just chill out. If you want to enjoy a walk, you’re located just meters from the canal, or you could choose to just turn on the reading lamp at your bunk and lounge all evening. Mellow by no means implies boring—sign up for a 1.5h (€5) or 2.5h (€6) bike excursion to Cartuja or Italica, or head out for a free Flamenco show with your new hostel friends. The go-with-the-flow style has one drawback: the receptionists are sometimes missing from the desks and take their time coming back. But remember, patience is a virtue.
From Puente de Triana, take C. de San Jacinto and make a left onto Rodrigo de Triana; the hostel is on the left side of the street. Breakfast included. Female-only suites available. 10-bed dorms €15-18; 6-bed dorms €16-19; 4-bed dorms €17-20. Doubles €50. Reception 24hr.
LA POSADA DE TRIANA S.L.
C. Pages del Corro 53
PENSIÓN
954 332 100 www.laposadadetriana.com
Within a recently-renovated 19th century building lies a small, welcoming hotel, La Posada de Triana. The friendly older woman at the desk will use her best English to greet you with a smile, and then lead you to your small, but colorfully decorated room equipped with artwork, closet space, a (very) compact bathroom, and your own fan. There aren’t any bells and whistles, like breakfast or organized social events—just a simple place to sleep with a great location. You are going to be paying a heavier bill (€23-30 per person), but at least there aren’t any ridiculous charges for towels, sheets, credit card use, running water, or a hug (you know how some backpackers’ hostels can get).
From Puente de Triana, take C. de San Jacinto, and make a right onto C. de Pages del Corro; the pensión is on the right side of the street. TV available. Singles €45; doubles €60; triples €70. Reception 24hr.
Outside the Center
CAMPING VILLSOM
Madrid-Cadiz N-IV, exit 555
CAMPSITE
954 720 828
If you’re planning to visit Sevilla by trailor or tent, Camping Villsom is the closest campground to Sevilla. Equipped with clean bathrooms, a large pool, a TV room, and even ping-pong and mini-golf, you definitely won’t get bored in the social, outdoor facility. The mini-mart and cafeteria can keep you fed with breakfast for only €2.40 and drinks for €1.20-€3.90. Only 25 minutes from Prado de San Sebastian, this is one way to find your natural roots and hone in on those lost Boy Scout skills.
Take Bus 132 from Avenida de Portugal (25min, €1.35), M-F 7:15am-11:45pm every half hour; Sa-Su 7:45am-9:45pm 8 per day. Pool. Pets allowed. Mail service. €4.80 per person, €4.82 for spot, €5.05 per car, €5.24 for trailor. Minimum €15.60 per person. 24-hour security. Open year round.
ALBERGUE INTURJOVEN SEVILLA (HI)
C. Isaac Peral 2
HOSTEL
955 035 886 www.inturjoven.com
Located just 7 or 8 minutes from the Prado, Inturjoven provides open, modern, large spaces for a generally under-25 crowd. The large patios, snack rooms, all-you-can-eat buffet meals, and TV rooms makes this the perfect option for the high school or college-aged backpacker just looking to chill out and maybe open up a deck of cards at their hostel. The rooms are large and clean, although completely undecorated, and provide ample closet space. Price doesn’t vary based on whether rooms have balconies or ensuite bathrooms, so do your best to score one of the nicer rooms.
Take Bus 34 from C. del Cid to Isaac Peral Stop (about 7-8min, €1.20). Breakfast included. All other meals €8 buffet. Wifi €1 per hr, €6 per day. Laundry: €2.50 wash, €2 dry 25 years old and younger €22.50; 26 and older €28.50. €3.50 discount with HI card. Reception 24hr.
SIGHTS
With a history of violent battle, valient conquest, and devout relgion, Sevilla is bound to have quite a few sights worth seeing. Whether preserved or honored, the historic places all around this capital city are worth your time and energy. Even with this rich history, you’ll find spicy hotspots for an
evening out and perfect places to lounge.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the most historic portion of Sevilla, and it’s got some sights to show for it. Join the other swarms of tourists checking out the most famous buildings, gardens, and establishments to take in all the Sevillian history.
PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Avda. Isabel la Católica
HISTORIC SITE, MONUMENT
Constructed for the Iberian Exposition of 1929, you’d be shocked to see how well modern architecture can mock traditional Moorish style. Being a bit anachronistic is a common theme for the Plaza de España—George Lucas even filmed part of Star Wars: Return of the Clones on the bridges of the site. The Plaza was built as an apology to the nations of the world who had fallen to the violence of Spanish colonialism and takes on this request for forgiveness in full force—the plaza itself is constructed in the shape of a heart. The details of the Plaza are the perfect Spanish history study guide: the seating surrounding the main area is decorated with colorful, hand-made tiles, with each booth honoring one of the principal cities of Spain. All major Spanish leaders are preserved in statue form, so don’t worry, you won’t forget anyone important next Double Jeopardy round.