A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Isla Mayor: The Green Heart of Seville

Isla Mayor, formerly known as Villafranco del Guadalquivir, is a charming municipality located in the province of Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. This picturesque place, surrounded by the Guadalquivir River and the Brazo de la Torre, is famous for its rich flora and fauna, as well as its vibrant culture and traditions.

The Doñana National Park

One of the main tourist attractions of Isla Mayor is its proximity to the Doñana National Park, one of the most important natural spaces in Europe. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, as it hosts a wide variety of bird, mammal and reptile species, as well as an impressive diversity of flora.

Culture and Traditions

Isla Mayor is a place where traditions and culture are kept alive. Visitors can enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as Holy Week, the May Fair and the Pilgrimage of San Isidro Labrador. In addition, the town is famous for its cuisine, especially for the rice, which is grown in the fertile fields surrounding the municipality.

Outdoor Activities

Thanks to its privileged location, Isla Mayor offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Guadalquivir River, hiking and cycling through the beautiful natural landscapes, or even fishing in the calm waters of the river.

Historical Heritage

Although Isla Mayor is mainly known for its impressive natural environment, it also has an interesting historical heritage. The Church of San Isidro Labrador, a beautiful neo-Gothic style building dating from the 20th century, stands out. In addition, in the surroundings of the municipality, several archaeological sites can be found that bear witness to the rich history of the area.

Visiting Isla Mayor

Visiting Isla Mayor is a unique experience that combines nature, culture and tradition. Whether you are interested in bird watching, local cuisine, cultural traditions or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape, Isla Mayor has something to offer every visitor.

Gastronomic Products from Isla Mayor

Isla Mayor Rice

Isla Mayor is known for its rice production, being one of the main producers in Spain. The rice from Isla Mayor is of high quality and is used in a variety of traditional Spanish dishes, including paella. The rice is grown in the fields of the area, which are irrigated by the Guadalquivir River.
Fish and Seafood from the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir River, which flows near Isla Mayor, is an important source of fish and seafood. Local fishermen catch a variety of species, including sea bass, gilt-head bream, and shrimp. These seafood products are used in a variety of local dishes, including stews and soups.
Garden Products

In addition to rice, Isla Mayor produces a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The fields in the area are filled with orange trees, artichokes, peppers, and tomatoes. These fresh products are used in a variety of local dishes, adding flavor and color to the cuisine of Isla Mayor.

Gastronomic Highlights of Isla Mayor

Isla Mayor, in Seville, is a place with a rich culinary tradition. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of typical dishes, especially those made with rice and seafood. Below, we present some of the most outstanding gastronomic places in the area:

Restaurant Casa Rufino

Restaurant Casa Rufino is one of the most well-known in Isla Mayor. Specializing in rice dishes, here you can taste delicious paellas and soupy rice dishes. In addition, their menu also includes a wide variety of fresh seafood and fish. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is excellent, making this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Restaurant El Rincón de Isla Mayor

El Rincón de Isla Mayor is another of the most popular restaurants in the area. Its menu includes a wide variety of typical dishes from the region, such as duck rice or seafood rice. In addition, it also offers a selection of tapas and portions to share. The atmosphere is pleasant and the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent option to enjoy local cuisine.

Tavern El Pescador

Tavern El Pescador is a charming place with good prices. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes from the area, such as onioned tuna or garlic prawns. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.

Sports Activities in Isla Mayor (Seville)

Fishing

Isla Mayor is known for its rich aquatic fauna, making it an ideal place for fishing. You can rent a boat and enjoy a peaceful day fishing on the Guadalquivir River.

Cycling

With its flat landscape and numerous rural paths, Isla Mayor is a perfect place for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the natural beauty of the area at your own pace.

Boat Rides

The Guadalquivir River offers the opportunity to take boat trips. It is a relaxing and pleasant way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and observe the local wildlife.

Bird Watching

Isla Mayor is a privileged place for bird watching, as it is an important stopover for many migratory species. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and your camera.

Places near Isla Mayor

If you are in Isla Mayor and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Doñana

Doñana, a natural paradise in Spain, offers rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to try the exquisite local cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood and wines from the region.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Sanlúcar de Barrameda, in Cadiz, is famous for its horse races on the beach, its impressive castle and its Manzanilla wine. Its rich cuisine includes fresh seafood and traditional Andalusian dishes.

El Rocío

El Rocío, in Andalusia, is famous for its annual pilgrimage, traditional architecture and spectacular marshes. Visitors can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine, with local dishes such as venison stew and fresh seafood.