Sevilla, the celebrated capital of Andalucia, Spain. Avowed for its culture, which teams with tapas, flamenco, the siesta, the fiesta. The sweltering temperature and tropical climate long established among pilgrims seeking to be cradled by the warm embrace of el sol. Regardless of culture, class, age or religion Sevilla has something for you. Once you have delighted in the delicacies, soaked in the sights and tantalised over the tapas, dare to venture from the tourist traps to revel in so much more. In the periphery of the city lies a sight for sore eyes, an incredible surprise. 

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A mere thirty minute bus journey from San Bernardo Station (a five minute walk from the epic Plaza de Espana) can lead you to a hidden paradise. Hop off the M-126 bus in the seemingly sleepy suburb of Mairena del Alcor. Breath in the fresh air- that invisible stuff that you forgot existed whilst in the city- and take a stroll past arrays of orange and lemon trees. That is where you will find Huerta La Cansina, happily tucked away, thriving energetically with those lucky enough to be in the know. 

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La Cansina hosts four different styled houses that can be booked and enjoyed for any occasion. There’s definitely one for you. La Casa Andaluza, practically a palace which hosts sixteen people, is a stunning, traditional building reminiscent of traditional hamlets found in the mid-nineteenth century. The decor is traditional and sleek. Perfect for weddings, communions, anniversaries or just a good excuse to get everyone together for a pool a party! In the likely event you don’t have enough friends to fill La Casa Andaluza, the Villa, which hosts nine people, could be perfect for you. The Villa stands alone from the rest of the properties which is perfect for festivities that last long in to the night. The villa also has a vast, incredible view of the neighbouring plots of land, enough to make any hangover dissipate. 

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The following two houses, although smaller and more intimate, are equally as impressive. Painted with deep, ocean blues that contrast against the white which glows in the sunlight, these properties are stunning. The typical Spanish architecture and design can be enjoyed by four people looking to enjoy a night away from the city in the Mediterranean House. Finally, a quaint, old Sevillian granary can be enjoyed by two looking for a romantic getaway. The granary has been converted into a studio complimented with Moroccan interior design. All of these properties available to rent have the swimming pool, gargantuan BBQ, sun loungers and palm trees on the doorstep. What’s stopping you?

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If little ankle biters are one of your excuses, then fear no more. For those travelling with children there are endless things for the ] rascals to do, including: visit and learn about the animals, learn about sustainable farming and organic produce, go bouldering on the climbing wall, watch movies on the outdoor projector or join the children’s summer camp to give Madre and Padre some time off. 

If, like myself you are young and considerably impoverished, you may wish to discover La Cansina the way I did- as a workaway volunteer. Workaway is an incredible organisation that provides people with a platform to volunteer and participate in projects around the world. Generally, it works out that you volunteer for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week in return for food and board. Believe me, it’s worth it. The accomodation for volunteers may be less lavish than the Spanish palaces available for paying guests, but the experience is all the same. Volunteering can be anything from doing creative projects, hosting a yoga class, harvesting and weeding in la huerta, working in the bar, caring for the animals or helping out at the kids camp. In return you spend your days in paradise, eat organic, freshly grown, hand picked produce and meet lifelong friends. 

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If you aren’t looking for somewhere to lay your head for the evening, you can stop by during the day to pick up seasonal, fresh organic produce from La Huerta or check out their jam sessions every Sunday evening. The jam sessions are hosted either in Nave Verde, their giant contemporary salon or out in the moonlight. You can enjoy cheap local prices at the Almodo Bar.

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One of the beauties of La Cansina is that you can enjoy and interpret the haven as you wish. It is a place of inspiration for many. Including musicians, producers and directors. You can find the idyllic setting of La Cansina in the Spanish film ‘Julieta’, written and directed by Academy Award Winner Pedro Almodovar (now you get the name of the bar.) La Cansina is also featured in the music videos of Sergio Labandon and band Rocker Roots.

 

Defining Huerta La Cansina is a colossal challenge. It could be described as a multifunctional farm. It could be described as a holiday estate,  as a Workaway paradise, as a relaxed location for locals to spend their evenings or as a film set.  None of these terms alone begin grasp the wonders that you can experience there.

 

What will your definition of La Cansina be?