Sevilla although being 60 miles inland is accessible via the river Guadalquivir. The trip upriver takes about 7 hours but it essential to time the trip with the tide. It is not advisable to visit Sevilla during the summer months as the heat is unbearable, in fact most Sevilla residents vacate the city during august if they can. Spring and autumn is the best time to ascend the Guadalquivir and it can be an interesting experience. The channel in the river is well marked both for day and night navigation and it is not uncommon to meet quite large ships whist on the river. There is a small marina on the river at Gelves but it is worth the extra effort to get to the Yacht Club which is situated practically in the centre of the city. To get to the Yacht club you must pass through a lock and under a lifting bridge, the opening times of which are somewhat arbitrary, and the club has pontoon moorings directly opposite the magnificent Parque de Maria Luisa.
The yacht club, or Club Nautico de Sevilla to give it its proper name is one of the most exclusive clubs in Sevilla yet is very welcoming to visiting yachts. As visitors you have access to all the facilities of the club which has two swimming pools and a large restaurant which serves excellent food at very reasonable prices. Most of the buildings in this area were originally the pavilions of the different countries taking part in the World Expo of 1925 and the Isla de Cartuja, a little further upriver, was the site of Expo92. The old town is within walking distance of the Yacht Club and well worth a visit.
