Free walking tours in Coria del Río and what to see

Must-sees

Coria del Río is about fifteen kilometres from Seville, on the right bank of the Guadalquivir, and its life revolves around the river. The best plan is to walk the riverside promenade that runs the length of the town and then climb the Cerro de San Juan, site of ancient Caura, where the hermitage of San Juan Bautista offers the best view of the town and the plain. The Gothic-Mudéjar church of Santa María de la Estrella is the main monument.

Coria also has a curious history with Japan. In the early 17th century the embassy of the samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga passed through here, and some of its members stayed: the surname Japón, still common in the town, is said to come from them. A statue of Hasekura by the river remembers them. Blas Infante, father of Andalusian nationalism, also lived here, and his house, Villa Alegría, is now a place of remembrance. Do not leave without crossing the river on the ferry to La Puebla del Río.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Coria del Río. You can explore the town on your own in a morning, as everything is close to the river. If you prefer a guided visit, the most practical option is to ask the town hall about occasional visits. Many travellers also come as a trip from Seville, combining it with La Puebla del Río and the marshes.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the riverside promenade, the Cerro de San Juan, the church and the Hasekura statue. If you cross on the ferry and have river fish at one of the bars on the promenade, it becomes a very pleasant full day. It is a good outing to round off a stay of several days in Seville, and in the late afternoon the walk by the Guadalquivir is at its best.

Where to stay

Coria has little hotel accommodation, with some holiday apartments and small places to stay in the centre and near the riverside promenade, the most pleasant area to stay. If nothing suits you, the most convenient option is to sleep in Seville, especially in Triana, or in the Aljarafe, in Gelves or San Juan de Aznalfarache, a few minutes away by car or bus.