The beautiful and unknown port that this town in Seville guards

Just three and a half kilometers from Seville, there's a place that many don't know about but that holds a special charm: the Gelves Marina . This port, which overlooks the Guadalquivir River , is no ordinary port. It's a special place because, in addition to being a river port, it's the only one in Andalusia that allows boats to winter in fresh water , something uncommon in southern Europe.

Gelves is a small town near Seville with a history deeply tied to water . Its natural springs and the Guadalquivir River have always been a part of its life. Centuries ago, ships sailing through its waters as part of the Carrera de Indias , the voyages that linked Spain with America. Today, that seafaring spirit lives on thanks to the port, which also offers a quiet and safe space for those who own boats and want to take good care of them.

The port has a surface area of ​​over 9,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 156 boats up to 16 meters long , with the possibility of expanding this space for slightly larger vessels at certain times. The best part is that the water is very calm, with a depth of around two meters, and reaching three meters at the entrance, making it easy for large boats to enter.

Furthermore, it is very well equipped, as each berth has electricity and drinking water connections. The port has a crane for lifting vessels up to 25 tons, as well as a hydraulic trolley for moving them within the dry dock. All of this makes it a convenient location for those who need to maintain their boats for long periods.

The Port of Gelves is not only a place to store boats, it's also a meeting point for cultural and sporting events . Throughout the year, boat shows, second-hand boat markets, craft shows, and food fairs are held, attracting both locals and visitors. For example, the River and Sea Gastronomic Fair , where you can sample the best cuisine linked to water and the sea, is a classic in the area.

Furthermore, the port is surrounded by nature. It's very close to Doñana National Park , allowing visitors to enjoy birdwatching , including herons, eagles, and ducks—something you might not expect to see so close to Seville.

The port also has bars and restaurants , and basic services such as ice sales, taxis, and vehicle rentals are available. If you need any repairs to your boat, the town, just 500 meters away, has auto repair shops , paint shops, and carpentry shops, as well as supermarkets and other shops. For those arriving by motorhome, the Port of Gelves also has a parking lot overlooking the river, which is undoubtedly a good place to camp.

And for those who want to learn more about the world of sailing, the port has nautical academies where you can earn recreational or professional qualifications, as well as companies that organize excursions or activities related to the sea and the river. In addition, many boat owners take advantage of the Port of Gelves to spend long periods of time taking care of their boats and, in the process, enjoying everything the area has to offer.

So if you're ever in Seville and fancy discovering a different, peaceful, and truly beautiful place, the Port of Gelves is a great option. It's not as well-known, but it has everything you could want to enjoy the river, the sea, and the town's friendly atmosphere.