Zero-waste and local food in Seville
A guide to a greener visit.
Live cheeses and other slow food
Casa Orzáez
Casa Orzáez is first and foremost a cheese shop, but the business extends to fermented products, the sale of natural wines and now also a café with a terrace overlooking the river as well as a bakery. Everything is made by hand and the cheeses are produced in Sierra Norte using raw goat’s milk from the local Florida Sevillana breed. One of Seville’s true green gems.
Zero-waste store in the city center
El Jarrillo Lata
At El Jarrillo Lata, you will find everything to help you live a more sustainable life and eliminate plastic and waste products according to the zero-waste philosophy. From compostable trays and stainless-steel baby bottles to wipes designed to replace paper towels or mineral-based sunscreen that is organic, vegan and plastic-free.
Starry skies and nature in Sierra Norte de Sevilla
Sierra Norte de Sevilla
Located an hour north of Seville, the Sierra Norte is so geologically interesting that the park is part of the European Geoparks Network. It’s also an area where the cork trees and streams make for wonderful hiking, and is the place to be after sunset to see the Perseids, the meteor shower that occurs every year from mid-July and peaks around August 12. Sendero Molino del Corcho is an easy walk for the whole family in lush surroundings along a river, but there are countless others.
100 percent local
Lalola
At Lalola, chef Javier Abascal creates dishes deeply rooted in the local area but with a modern twist. The ingredients are carefully chosen from the best the Sierra de Huelva (an hour north of Seville) has to offer. Lalola is located right in the center and dishes include Iberian pluma with potato millefeuille, coffee and organic yellow grilled carrot or creamy rice with pumpkin, saffron and butter with grilled Iberian abanico—the black Iberian pig can be found in almost every dish.
Organic wine aged in clay jars
Bodegas Tierra Savia
At the Tierra Savia vineyard, you can find wines made from old local grape varieties and—importantly—aged in traditional clay jars. The winemaking is often done using old local techniques, such as creating sparkling wine by bottling it immediately after fermentation has begun. A visit includes a guided tour of the vineyard and production, as well as wine tasting with light snacks.
Eco-fashion with style
Verde Moscú
Verde Moscú offers stylish, modern clothing for men and women that is PETA-approved and that uses more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Lyocell and recycled polyester. Here, you can find brands with an ethical and sustainable profile—such as Armedangels, Brava Fabrics and Swedish Dedicated.
An environmentally conscious, affordable hotel
Un Patio al Sur
A two-star hotel that surprises with an ecological profile, fresh rooms and a beautiful roof terrace where you can enjoy breakfast while looking out over the rooftops. In an 18th century building that was a convent until 1853, Un Patio al Sur is centrally located within walking distance of everything.
Cycling is the best choice
Sevici
Seville has expanded its bike network over the years, quickly becoming one of the most bike-friendly cities in southern Europe. The city provides rental bikes under the name Sevici with stations everywhere and it’s by far the best way to get around Seville, except for the pedestrianized parts of the city center.
Home on a farm
Trasierra
For those looking for a different kind of vacation, the Trasierra farm—a cross between a hotel and B&B with a homely feel, with just eight rooms in the wilds of the Sierra Norte—is an exciting proposition. Artistic souls are welcome, as are writers (they have a memoir writing course), and anyone who wants to take care of their body, mind and spirit through yoga and chi gong. You will be asked to keep your cell phones and tablets in the rooms—Trasierra is a place to log out and bask in nature and life in general.
Text by Daniel Björk