Half an hour from Seville lies the natural paradise of Doñana. Made up of marshlands from the Guadalquivir river, rice fields where we grow our famous “bomb” rice, umbrella pine forests and endless trails and tracks, this area is perfect for an escape to enjoy a taste of rural Andalucía. We will join our driver and guide and travel the short distance Southwest to the edge of the natural park. On arrival, we will set off on a walk that we will be able to tailor to our fitness level and start soaking up the wildlife. We will raise our eyes to the sky and most likely see red kites, black kites, booted eagles, ospreys, bee-eaters and much more. We will stop for lunch at a typical local restaurant and perhaps sample the famous “Arroz Caldoso” (rice with stock) before heading to the village of El Rocío. This small settlement appears to be frozen in time, with sandy streets and horses tethered to the front porches. It is renowned for its equestrian tradition and the farming of the ancestors of the mustang. It hosts one of the largest religious pilgrimages in Spain when over one million people travel on foot, horse, carriage or car to pay their respects to the image of the “Virgen del Rocio”. After this it will be time to return to Seville.
