Update January 2017: The Seville wheel is no longer operational.

Ferris wheels have been around as a fairground attraction for a long time now (the first was designed and erected by George Washington Gale Ferris for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago), but over the last couple of decades they have become increasingly popular as a sightseeing aid for tourists, especially since the opening of the London Eye in 2000, and the trend has now reached southern Spain, with observation wheels (called norias in Spanish) having been recently erected in both Seville and Malaga.

Seville Wheel

At 50 metres (Seville) and 70 metres (Malaga) high these are not particularly big compared to the giants of the genre (the London Eye is 135 metres, and the world’s largest, the Las Vegas High Roller, is a vertigo inducing 167 metres), but they’re still tall enough to get you up above the surrounding buildings and give you a good view of their surroundings.

view from the Seville Wheel

Seville’s wheel can be found at the end of the Muelle de Las Delicias, near the new aquarium, a part of town that is being improved to attract visitors, and its best views are along the river towards the city centre. There are 3o capsules (including a VIP capsule), and rides last about 15 minutes (4 circuits), at a cost of 7.50 euros, or 5.50 for children under 4 years old. Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm (midnight Fridays and Saturdays).

Malaga Wheel

The Malaga wheel is on Avenida de Manuel Agustín Heredia, near the bus station by the port, and is an extension of the Muelle Uno harbour development. There are 42 capsules (but no VIP one), and there are great views across the harbour and old city to the Alcazaba and beyond. Rides last 15 minutes (3 circuits) and cost 10 euros for adults and 6 for children. Open daily 11 am to 11 pm (1 am weekends).

view of the Malaga Wheel from Muelle Uno