Known to the Romans as Betis and the Arabs as Wadi al-Kabir, the Guadalquivir River, meaning “the great river,” is the only navigable river in Spain. From its mouth in Sanlúcar to the city of Seville, it holds historical significance as the site of Spain’s only inland maritime port. From this river, Magellan and Elcano embarked on their world circumnavigation, descending to Sanlúcar. Its strategic location made Seville a hub for commerce in the 16th century when the Catholic Monarchs established the Casa de la Contratación de Indias there.

The Guadalquivir River is a recurring setting in the Netflix series ‘If Only’. Throughout its episodes, breathtaking aerial shots of the river showcase the bridges that span it, as well as some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, including the Torre del Oro, the Palacio de San Telmo, and the Torre Pelli.