10 Best Day Trips from Seville

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a worthy side trip from Seville and can be reached by train in around one hour. As the name suggests, the supremely photo-worthy building has a fascinating religious history - it began life as a mosque in 784 AD and was converted into a cathedral in the 13th century following the Christian Reconquista.

The result is a complex of buildings that will thrill architecture buffs with its striking mix of Islamic Omeyan style with Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic flourishes in the Christian parts of the building. Be sure to snap photos of the imposing bell tower, which at 54 metres is the tallest structure in the city.  

Under 2 hours from Seville by road or rail, the scenic port city of Cádiz is a popular destination with foodies, architecture enthusiasts and history buffs. Beachgoers are keen to swim and sunbathe at scenic beaches like La Caleta and La Victoria.  

The skyline here is dotted with more than 100 watchtowers and the dome of the 18th-century cathedral, and visitors can walk through over 3,000 years of history in what is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. The ancient streets throng with visitors during high season, so it’s worth getting here early to beat the crowds and the heat. For an overnight stay, book one of the boutique hotels in the historic centre or modern apartments on the beachfront.  

Attracting some 3 million visitors each year, the Alhambra de Granada more than justifies the 3-hour scenic drive or rail trip from Seville. Its name comes from the Arabic word for ‘red,’ and the rust-coloured palace and fortress complex is at its beautiful best at sunset when the sky is ablaze with fiery colours. 

One of 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Andalusia, the Moorish masterpiece was constructed by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th century and was converted into a Christian palace after the Reconquista. It’s an astonishing construction from any viewpoint. Enjoy the intricate tilework and expansive gardens up close before taking in the view from San Nicolás viewpoint, across the river Darro.

Clinging to hillsides across Andalusia, Ronda and the ‘white villages’ of southern Spain are a photographer’s dream. White villages close to Seville include scenic Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema. Notable for their narrow streets and maze-like construction, the scenic villages provide abundant opportunities to relax and take in the view with a cooling glass of ‘tinto de verano’ (chilled red wine mixed with lemon soda).  

It’s worth extending your trip to Ronda, which is less than 2 hours’ scenic drive away through the Andalusian countryside. In Ronda, be sure to cross the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans a dramatic gorge to connect the 2 parts of the town.

Bring your passport and set your watch back an hour when you visit the Rock of Gibraltar on a day trip from Seville as you’ll be entering British overseas territory. Be sure to hold onto your sandwiches, too, as this rocky outpost is famous for cheeky Barbary macaques that bound around the scenic Upper Rock Nature Reserve.  

For views of both Europe and North Africa, take the cable car to the peak of the rock, which stands 426 metres above sea level. Below ground, Saint Michael’s cave is notable for its enormous stalagmites and stalactites. It’s around 2.5 hours from Seville by car, but you’ll be well rewarded with traditional fish and chips at nearby pubs and restaurants.

Wildlife lovers and keen bird watchers will be in their element at Doñana National Park, about an hour’s drive from Seville. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, the natural beauty spot is a protected area known for its remarkable biodiversity and the numerous species of migratory birds that flock to its vast wetlands.  

The park covers some 545 sq km and is perhaps best explored by tours on 4X4 vehicles, which allow visitors to look out for native wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Iberian lynx hiding out among the sand dunes and leafy marshlands. As public transport options are limited, rent a car or book an organised tour to visit this unique national park.

An easy day trip from Seville, scenic Carmona is one of Spain’s oldest towns with a history stretching back to around 3,000 BC. A half-hour drive (or 45-minute bus ride) east of Seville, this attraction-packed town has architecture reflecting 1000s of years of occupation.  

From traces of neolithic history to a well-preserved Roman necropolis and ornate Moorish constructions, a stroll through Carmona is a walk through Spanish history. The crowning glory is the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, a magnificent hilltop fortress which provides the perfect vantage point over the town and surrounding countryside. Fuel your adventures with plates of local tapas washed down with strong coffee and a carafe of local wine or a glass of manzanilla sherry.

You’ll need a head for heights to tackle the Caminito del Rey hiking route once known as ‘the world’s most dangerous walkway’, located around 2.5 hours’ drive from Seville. Although those dangerous days are now firmly in the past, walkers will still need steady nerves to tackle close to 8 km of pathways that wind across narrow gorges and rocky cliffs.   

The once-perilous path was closed in 2000 for safety reasons but reopened 15 years later with handrails and other security features. Book your tickets well in advance to avoid overcrowding and be sure to bring plenty of food and water. 

Around 60 minutes from Seville and served by regular trains, Jerez de la Frontera is a popular day trip from Seville and a major attraction for foodies. Here you’ll get to sample the famous local sherry and seafood-rich tapas.

It’s worth making a full day of a trip here, arriving early to avoid the queues at popular attractions like Jerez Cathedral and the 11th-century Alcázar fortress, famed for its beautiful gardens. Horse lovers should be sure to take in a dressage show at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, while an evening of tapas is a perfect way to wrap up a trip to Jerez. Try the cazón en adobo, or marinated dogfish, accompanied by flamenco dancing and sherry. 

Visitors looking to cool down during the scorching heat of Sevillian summer can take a scenic drive of around 3 hours to the ritzy Mediterranean beach city of Marbella. While the old town is a pleasant place for a stroll, most visitors will want to enjoy the clear, warm waters and white sands of Blue Flag beaches like El Faro, and the forest-fringed Artola.  

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy high-energy pursuits at El Cable Beach, while a glamorous crowd gathers at Puerto Banús Beach, famous for the nearby marina of the same name. Drinking and dining options abound here, and you’re never far from an opportunity to enjoy sangria and refreshing gazpacho soup.