Free walking tours in Palma del Río and what to see

Must-sees

Palma del Río lies in the Guadalquivir plain, very close to where the Genil flows into it, surrounded by orchards and orange trees. Its great hallmark is the 12th-century Almohad wall, with several well-preserved stretches and towers around the old enclosure. Beside it rises the church of La Asunción, an 18th-century Baroque church whose tower dominates the centre.

In the same area are the Caballerizas Reales, the royal stables, an 18th-century building that now houses the Municipal Museum, with rooms on prehistory, Roman times, the Middle Ages and old crafts. The former convent of San Francisco, with its cloister, is another highlight. For a stroll, the riverbanks offer a welcome break after visiting the centre.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Palma del Río. The most practical approach is to ask at the tourist office about guided visits of the walled enclosure and the historic centre, organised on certain dates. If you want more variety, Córdoba, about 50 minutes away, has plenty of tours and excursions, and some routes through the plain include towns in the area.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the wall, the church of La Asunción and the museum. If you add the convent of San Francisco and a riverside walk, allow a full day. With two days you can combine it with Hornachuelos and its nature park, or with Écija, across the plain. In summer the heat is intense, so it's best to visit early.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay inside or next to the walled enclosure, near the church of La Asunción, from where you can see everything on foot. On the outskirts and in the plain there are rural places to stay among orchards, a good option if you're driving. If you can't find a room, Córdoba and Écija have much more on offer and are less than an hour away.