Midday in the bright Andalusian sun, the tradition of siesta time is still thriving. Taking a break from our Epona Equestrian holiday, we drove into Carmona for an authentic Spanish tapas style lunch. As being typical American tourists, the thought of towns having quiet time between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. escaped us, and we arrived to a peaceful village.
Stepping through the arched Seville entryway, we entered into the old quarter of Carmona. With its history that dates back to the Bronze Age, Carmona has been continuously inhabited, and the walls could speak of a history that no book could tell.
Puerta de Sevilla
Carmona is a walled village that was able to protect its citizens from the enemy. With two entrances that were well controlled, they were able to withstand any attacks. To the west is Seville, to the east Cordoba, making Carmona an essential place of refuge for travellers.
Puerta de Cordoba
Walking along the quiet streets of Carmona, we began to cool in the shade of the closely set buildings. White washed and bright with their wrought iron balconies, and Andalusian yellow trim, we began to appreciate the charm of Carmona. However, all of the stores were empty and we were starting to worry that we wouldn’t be able to find a lunch spot.
Reaching the main plaza, we were pleased to find several cafes open for business. Sitting outside to take in the Andalusian sun, we dined on a superb Tapas lunch, while gazing across the main plaza with church steeples in sight.
Carmona is another old town that amazes me with the amount of religious churches, monasteries and convents within a very small radius. Following lunch, we began to walk more of the streets of Carmona, quickly realizing that it was larger than it seemed from outside its walls. We were visiting the week after Easter and the decorations from Palm Sunday still hung on the balconies.
Carmona is a charming Andalusian town that one should take the time to visit. A bit off the traditional tourist route, Carmona holds one of the well-known Posadas, Posada San Fernando where one can truly submerse oneself in the warmth of Andalusia. Perhaps one day I’ll return to Carmona and be able to spend some time within its walls and feel safe from the enemy.
Categories: Equitrekking, Foot Prints, Spain
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Those are some great photos of the Spanish architecture but I love that amazing looking tapas lunch!
Thank you so much Shtina. You found the treasure of the day. Those tapas were absolutely amazing. I’d go back just for that lunch in a heartbeat.
Glorious, glorious, glorious!
You are too kind. Thank you so much and it makes my day that you enjoyed these photos so much. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. Bella
loving every picture here!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness.
Stunnnnnnning! Such amazing images… Oh how I would love to live here. ♥
I agree Fey, this is definitely a “want to live” place. Let’s go!
I love places with this history, culture… Forget the beauty and food, sheesh! Time for a trip, hahah!!
Hi nominated you for the sunshine award!
http://witchsweb.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/sunshine-award/
I am so grateful for your kind and generous nomination. It makes me feel special that you feel that my blog brings brightness to your life. Thank you for this, and I humbly will accept your award.
I long for the andalucian sun, not to mention the food, from seeing your lovely photos. Very nice.
Bente ! What are you waiting for ? Plan a winter holiday in southern Spain. You may never return home. 🙂
I love Spain!! Thanks for the pics 🙂
It is my pleasure, so happy you enjoyed them. There are more within my blog on the white villages of Andalusia. You may enjoy those as well. Bella
Great place, great tapas and great shots… ‘big smile’
🙂 Back at you Drake!
Great Post – loving your photos, especially the last one – thanks for sharing! Happy Thursday:)
My pleasure Renee. Thanks for visiting and being such a loyal follower. Bella
Maggie was licking her chops looking at the food photos. 🙂 We love the photos of the buildings. woof woof
LOL ! A perfect lunch for Maggie.
Gorgeous photos Bella! I can imagine that would be strange to be in a place with a quiet time. I bet it was very relaxing and that food looks yummy!
It really was kind of eerie. We passed day another day in the evening and it was hustling and bustling. Food in Spain is amazing!
Lovely photos and the tapas look delicious – I want to go to Spain so badly – have you been San Sebastion? – I keep hearing about the tapas culture there.
Hi Jura! No, Haven’t really heard of San Sebastion. But if it’s got great food, I’d go with you! Hope all is well in Hanoi.