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23 Easy Day Trips From Seville, Spain [By Car, Bus and Train]

Discover the best day trips from Seville, Spain. Whether you’re interested in white-washed villages, stunning landscapes, historical sites or adventure sports there’s plenty of choice.

The team at The Seville Guide have curated this list of the best Seville day trips. They include jaunts to Cordoba, Cadiz, and the majestic Alhambra, and lesser visited places in the heart of Andalucia and beyond.

We also know that not everyone will have a car, so although we’ve given ideas for some great road trips from Seville we’ve also included plenty that can be accessed by bus and train.

Spoiler: Cordoba is one of our favourite cities near Seville and only 45 minutes away from Seville by train.

Get ready to explore the wonders of Southern Spain with our top recommendations on the 23 best places to visit near Seville. Let’s go!

The Alhambra in Granada viewed on top of a hill surrounded by trees and the town at the foot of the hill. In the background are the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is one of the best day trips from Seville.
The Alhambra in Granada

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The Best Day Trips from Seville, Spain

One of the best things about Seville is that it’s a great place for further exploration of Andalucia.

In this guide, we’ll start with the 5 most popular places to visit around Seville that have become must-dos for any visitor to Southern Spain.

Following that, we list additional Seville one-day trip options in order of their distance from Seville, helping you to conveniently plan your excursions from Seville based on travel times.

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5 Most Popular Seville Day Trips

Below are the 5 best day trips in Andalucia.

If you’re looking for some extra places in the region to tag onto your Seville itinerary, we think you’ll love these suggestions.

1. Day Trip From Seville to Cordoba

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 141 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 40 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: Getting to Cordoba from Seville by car is fairly straightforward with the quickest route being via the A-4 highway. 

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: If you don’t have a car, the most convenient way to travel from Seville to Cordoba is by train. The high-speed direct train can get you to Cordoba in approximately 45 minutes.

Cordoba is an easily accessible for a day trip from Seville. The city is steeped in history and culture. While a longer stay would do it more justice, you can still catch the highlights in a day by starting early.

Cordoba has a diverse past being both a Roman city and a major Islamic centre. This is evident in its landmarks, such as the Roman Bridge, Puente Romano, and the UNESCO-listed La Mezquita, an immense mosque-cathedral showcasing a blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Renaissance architectural styles.

Other must-see spots include the Alcazar of Cordoba, Medina Azahara, and the historical centre.

If you’re lucky to visit in May, don’t miss the Fiesta de Los Patios, a flower-filled celebration throughout the city.

Top things to see in Cordoba:

  • La Mezquita (The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba)
  • Puente Romano (Roman Bridge)
  • Alcazar of Cordoba
  • Medina Azahara – Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra
  • Historical Centre
  • Fiesta de Los Patios (if you’re visiting Seville in May)
The arched columns inside the mosque cathedral of cordoba with red and white coloured bricks and dim lighting.
Inside the Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – One of the best day trips from Seville

2. Day Trip to Granada From Seville

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 258 km

Driving Time: 2hr 34 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: If you’re travelling by car then the most common route is via the A-92 highway. 

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: You can also use public transport to make the journey from Seville to Granada, the most efficient method is typically the Renfe Viajeros train. This is a direct train and takes approximately two and a half hours. Another alternative is the bus service, which can be a cheaper option, although it usually takes longer.

Granada, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is most renowned for the Alhambra – Spain’s second most visited attraction.

The city is packed with medieval architecture from the Moorish era.

The Alhambra gets quite crowded due to its popularity. Day trips from Seville to Granada are popular, so to beat the crowds, we recommended setting off early and pre-book tickets – especially for the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra.

If you can, spend more than a day here, Granada has much to offer beyond the Alhambra.

Other things in the city not to be missed are the Granada Cathedral and the old Arab neighbourhood of Albaicín, a UNESCO site since 1984 known for its bohemian vibe, winding streets, and Arabic heritage.

Top things to see in Granada

  • The Alhambra Complex & Nasrid Palaces
  • Granada Cathedral
  • Albaicín
  • Sacromonte
  • Mirador de San Nicolas
A decorative courtyard at the Generalife in Alhambra. A long pond with arches jets of water spraying into it. Surrounded by beds of flowers, potted plants and alcoved buildings.
The Generalife in The Alhambra

3. Day Trip From Seville to Malaga

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 205 km

Driving Time: 2 hr 15 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: By car, I suggest going via the A92 motorway. Along the way, you could choose to stop at Cordoba or Ronda.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: If you’re using public transport, then regular trains and buses run between Seville and Malaga. Travel times are similar, however, I tend to go by bus as it’s usually the cheaper option and there isn’t much difference in travel time.

With its 16 sunny beaches on the Mediterranean and a beautiful historical centre, Malaga is a great option for a day trip from Seville.

There is also a buzzing nightlife scene here, so you could make a whole weekend of it and stay over

On a day trip to Malaga from Seville focus around the historic centre. Don’t miss the Alcazaba, one of Andalusia’s grandest Moorish fortresses, the Gibralfaro Castle, and the Roman theatre.

For art lovers, Picasso’s birthplace is a must-visit.

Shopping in Malaga, especially along the pedestrian-friendly Marqués de Larios, is unbeatable, with everything from high street brands to designer outlets and independent boutiques.

Top things to see in Malaga

  • Alcazaba
  • Gibralfaro Castle
  • Roman Theatre
  • Picasso’s Birthplace
  • Marqués de Larios Street
Malaga hisotric centre shwoing a fountain the the centre and the cathedral and pink and yellow official building in thebackground. There are people walking around and taking photos.
Malaga Histoic Centre

4. Day Trip to Gibraltar From Seville

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 198 km

Driving Time: 2hr 10 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: By car main route is via the A-92 motorway. For a scenic detour, you can stop at Antequera, located approximately halfway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: It’s not really feasible to do a day trip from Seville to Gibraltar using public transport. There is no direct train – and with the connection, the journey takes a minimum of 6 hours one way. Buses go direct, however, journey times are still around 4.5 hours. If you want to visit Gibraltar in a day from Seville, then join an organised tour with transportation included.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on Spain’s southern coast. It’s a unique destination for a day trip from Seville.

It has a blend of English and Spanish influences – you’ll see red letterboxes, pubs, British retailers, and prices in pounds.

The Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge, dominates the landscape. Originally settled by the Moors and later by Spain, it became British territory in 1713.

Despite its small size, Gibraltar has plenty of attractions. You can meet the Barbary macaques at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve’s Apes’ Den, explore St. Michael’s Cave, and take in the views from Europa Point.

Because of the limited parking, we suggest leaving your car in Spain and walking through immigration (passport required).

To reach the rock, choose between a trail, cable car, or taxi. Tours offer an efficient way to experience a see Gibraltar’s highlights.

Top things to see in Gibraltar

  • The Rock of Gibraltar
  • Upper Rock Nature Reserve (Apes’ Den)
  • St. Michael’s Cave
  • World War II tunnels
  • Europa Point
View of the rock of Gibraltar taken from the Spanish border. Shows a large rock with palm trees in front of it.
The Rock of Gibraltar

5. Day Trip to Cadiz From Seville

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 121 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 15 min 

🚗 Getting There by Car: If you’re driving, the most direct route for your day trip from Seville to Cadiz is via the A-4 and AP-4.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: For public transportation, there are multiple options. The train service is the most popular choice. During the summer months in Seville, everyone flocks to the coast to escape the heat of the city – book tickets well in advance for the best options on times and prices.

The historic port city of Cadiz is known for its stunning old town. It flourished in the 16th century due to the Atlantic Ocean and exploration of the Americas.

The city is home to over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic 18th-century Torre Tavira that now houses a Camara Oscura.

Cadiz’s waterfront is home to the baroque and neoclassical Cadiz Cathedral. The city also has the Roman Theatre of Cadiz, one of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman Empire, discovered in 1980.

There are a few beaches in Cadiz, the small but popular La Caleta is located in the historical centre. Because it’s one of the closest beaches to Seville, it does get very busy, especially during the summer.

If you’re after more space, then we recommend Playa de Santa María del Mar just a short distance from the old town.

Top things to see in Cadiz

  • Old Town
  • Torre Tavira
  • Cadiz Cathedral
  • Roman Theatre of Cadiz
  • La Caleta and Playa de Santa María del Mar beaches
The cadiz cathedral with two large towers and central intricate doorway. Sits in a large square with tables and umbrellas in front of it.
Cadiz Cathedral

Half Day Trips From Seville [Less Than 1 Hour From Seville]

If you’re looking to escape the city, but don’t fancy venturing far, you’re probably wondering what to do around Seville within a few hours.

Here are our top half-day options.

6. Italica Ruins, Santiponce

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 14 km

Driving Time: 20 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: From this list of day trips out of Seville, this is by far the closest. Head north out of Seville and follow signs to Santiponce. Because Santiponce is so close to Seville, we do recommend just leaving the car at home and going by bus or taxi.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: Pick up a bus from either Plaza de Armas or Santa Justa Station (which is the train station). The bus takes about 35 minutes.

Short on time and wondering what to do around Seville for a few hours? This short road trip out of the city, to Santiponce, will land you at the Roman archaeological site; the Ruins of Italica.

Itálica was the first Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula and has extensive ruins including a renovated 25,000-seat amphitheatre. You’ll also see the remains of the old town, complete with cobbled streets, houses, buildings, and bathrooms.

There are some gorgeous mosaics here. Some of them are well-preserved – the best ones are in the House of the Birds, House of the Planetarium, and Building of Neptune.

Founded in 206 BC, Itálica was the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian and most of the buildings date from its 2nd-century boom.

If you’re an EU citizen this is one of the top Seville attractions you can visit for free – non-EU have to pay 1.50 Euro. Guided tours are available at the gate, although these cost extra.

Nearby, the Monasterio de San Isidoro del Campo is also worth a visit. It has some well-preserved wall motifs and Mudejar-style architecture.

Thighs to see in Italica and Santiponce

  • Anfiteatro de Italica
  • Thermal Baths and Gymnasium
  • Spectacular Mosaics
  • Temple of Trajan
  • Monasterio De San Isidoro Del Campo
Ancient ruins of an amphitheatre with crumbling columns and walls surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Italica Ruins, Santiponce

7. Carmona

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 34 km

Driving Time: 30 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: The most direct route by car is via the A-4 and SE-410

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: You can also get there by bus, it takes just over an hour.

Another easy Seville day trip by car is Carmona.

This is one of the best small towns near Seville – built on a ridge that overlooks the central plain of Andalusia and offers some great vantage points. If you look to the north you’ll see the Sierra Morena, turn to the south, and you’ll see the peak of San Cristobal.

Carmona itself is a stunningly photogenic town. One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive is the fifteenth-century tower attached to the Church of San Pedro. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were back in Seville!

The tower in Carmona is affectionately known as La Giraldilla, meaning “Small Giralda”.  

Aside from exploring the pretty town, some of the top sights in Carmona town are the Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla, the Archaeological Ensemble of Carmona and the Roman Necropolis. 

If you have time we also recomend venturing slightly outside the town, heading up towards Alcazar de Arriba (the Upper Fortress). If you’re here on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

Things to see in Carmona

  • Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla
  • Archaeological Ensemble of Carmona
  • Roman Necropolis
  • The Church of San Pedro and La Giraldilla.
  • Alcazar de Arriba (the Upper Fortress)
streets in carmona looking up at a spire and red bricks with balconies on the windows.
Carmona

8. Parque Nacional de Doñana

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 36 km

Driving Time: 40 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get from Seville to Doñana National Park by car take the A-49 north from Seville until exit 50, then follow signs to Almonte – Doñana. Continue straight along the A-483 to reach the park.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: It can be a bit challenging to get to Doñana National Park using public transport. The best option is to get a bus to El Rocio and then a taxi to the National Park.

Doñana National Park is just over half an hour away from the city.

This is one of the best places near Seville to escape the urban areas and be immersed in nature. You’ll find wetlands, pine forests, and coastal dunes.

Covering 543 km2, with 135 km2 as protected areas, the park is home to the Palacio del Acebron, now a visitor centre, and the 13th-century El Rocío Hermitage.

Recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, Doñana National Park is a significant ecosystem for migratory birds and hosts rare species like the Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle.

Top things to see in Doñana National Park

  • Palacio del Acebron
  • El Rocío Hermitage
  • Wetlands
  • Pine Forests and Coastal Dunes
  • Biodiversity
A wooden boardwalk in Doñana National Park leading through fields and trees.
Board Walks in Doñana National Park

9. Ecija

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 87 km

Driving Time: 57 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get from Seville to Ecija by car, take the A-4 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: For public transportation, this is one of the easier day trips near Seville. Take one of the many daily buses which connect the two cities.

If you love the architecture of Seville (and let’s face it, who doesn’t!) then you’ll love Ecija.

This city has an abundance of historical monuments – particularly in the Baroque and Gothic styles – packed into this little municipality.

Located less than an hour’s drive away, this is one of the best places to visit around Seville if you want to experience some of the typical architecture of the region without the city crowds.

Don’t miss the 15th-century Gothic-style Church of Santiago, notable for its vibrant bell tower adorned with white, red, and blue tiles—a striking contrast to Seville’s Giralda. Also noteworthy are the Benamejí Palace, now a museum, and the Iglesia del Convento de San Pablo y Santo Domingo, famed for one of the region’s most ornate ceilings.

If you do visit Ecija, it’s best to avoid the peak of the summer (July – August). The city has affectionately gained the name La Sartén, “The Frying Pan” as a testament to the excessive summer heat. 

Things to see in Ecija

  • Church of Santiago
  • Benamejí Palace
  • Iglesia del Convento de San Pablo y Santo Domingo
  • Palacio de Peñaflor
  • Plaza de España
Looking down a curved street in Ecija old town, looking at the balconies.
Streets in Ecija Old Town

10. Huelva

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 93 km

Driving Time: 1 hr

🚗 Getting There by Car: The quickest way to get from Seville to Huelva by car is via the A-49 highway

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: For public transportation, there are several options including trains and buses with a regular timetable connecting the two.

The port city of Huelva is located at the mouth of two rivers, the Odiel and Tinto. It offers a good balance of coastal charm and a historical old city.

You could spend several hours exploring the old town.

Towards the north of the centre, you’ll find Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta chapel, a whitewashed, alcoved building dating from the 15th century. Also, worth a visit is the red-bricked baroque facade of the La Merced Cathedral. 

After you’ve had enough of exploring the old town, head to the promenade. Towards the south of the city is the Muelle de Riotinto, a 19th-century pier, which today is only open to pedestrians.

You’ll see locals and tourists flock here at sunset, to capture the picturesque views of the sun setting over the horizon.

Huelva is also one of the best places near Seville to find wide sandy beaches.

Things to see in Huelva

  • Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta Chapel
  • La Merced Cathedral
  • Muelle de Riotinto
  • Old Town
  • Beaches
Downward steps in Huelva lined with white washed houses and fields in the background.
Huelva Streets

11. Osuna

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 88 km

Driving Time: 1 hr

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Osuna from Seville by car,  take the A-92 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: The quickest way to get from Seville to Osuna by public transport is by train, which takes about an hour.

Osuna is a historical town, similar to Ecija – which we mentioned earlier on – it has numerous baroque palaces, mansions, monuments, and churches from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The town museum, Casa de los Hermanos Arjona y Cubas, is housed in an 18th-century building and is worth visiting.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, then you might recognize some parts of the city from season 5.

Most buildings here are made of sandstone quarried nearby. Landmarks include the Palacio de Los Cepeda with its columned patios, and the Palacio de Puente Hermosa known for its intricate pillars.

As a Ducal town, Osuna has significant structures like the Collegiate Church of Santa María de la Asunción and Pantheon of the Dukes of Osuna.

Top things to see in Osuna

  • Casa de los Hermanos Arjona y Cubas
  • Palacio de Los Cepeda
  • Palacio de Puente Hermosa
  • Collegiate Church of Santa María de la Asunción
  • Pantheon of the Dukes of Osuna
Close up of the pink and white facade of Palacio de Los Cepeda. Features intricate carvings of figures each stood in an alcove.
Palacio de Los Cepeda

12. El Coto Las Canteras

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 88 km

Driving Time: 1 hr

🚗 Getting There by Car: To reach El Coto Las Canteras from Seville by car, take the A-92 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: For public transportation, take the train to Osuna and then a taxi to El Coto Las Canteras.

Just a stone’s throw from Osuna you’ll find El Coto LasCanteras. It’s often dubbed “Spain’s Petra” – although it’s not quite the famous Petra monument, I’m an absolute sucker for things like this.

Although it looks ancient, it’s actually a more modern attraction – it’s still impressive though.

The auditorium is carved into the natural sandstone of what was once an old quarry. The same quarry was used to build many of Osuna’s iconic buildings during the 16th century. 

As you enter the auditorium, you’ll see two huge reliefs carved into the rock, they look prehistoric with the style of Turdetan art, which was pre-Roman Iberian style. The modern representations are based on symbols found at the nearby necropolis; if you want to see the originals, they are now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Madrid!

The auditorium is the largest natural auditorium in Spain. The ceiling is 25 metres high, and the room covers an area of 10,000m2. It can accommodate an impressive 800 people when seated or 1400 standing!

Because of the nature of the porous sandstone, it holds in some moisture keeping the air humid so the temperature inside the auditorium stays a constant temperature of 22 degrees all year. Perfect to escape the heat of the summer! 

On the outskirts of Osuna, you’ll find the cave dwellers’ settlement, necropolis and other archaeological remains (such as a Roman theatre) that date from the Visigoth period around the 7th century B.C. 

Best Things to see at El Coto Las Canteras

  • Cave Dwellers’ Settlement
  • Necropolis
  • Roman Theatre
  • Rock Reliefs
  • Natural Auditorium
Coto de las Canteras Osuna

13. Jerez de la Frontera

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 90 km

Driving Time: 1 hr

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Jerez from Seville by car, take the AP-4 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: If you’re looking for easy day trips from Seville, Jerez is it. It’s well connected by public transport. We prefer the train, the journey takes around 50 minutes.

The city is often just referred to as Jerez.

The most interesting part here is the old quarter surrounding the Moorish fortress, the Alcázar de Jerez. It dates back to the 11th century. 

Jerez is one of the places near Seville with several claims to fame.

First, the city is known for horses, with the famous riding school; The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. If you’re not into horses, two other things are flamenco music, and the one I’m most interested in; sherry production. 

The towns of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda make up the three corners of Spain’s famous ‘sherry triangle’.

The fortified, smooth, dry and sweet wine is synonymous with Andalucia, and can only officially be called ‘Sherry’ if it is produced in the triangle.

You’ll find plenty of tours of the vineyards and cellars around here, offering both tasters to try-before-you-buy*.

Important Note – being under the influence of alcohol and driving is a criminal offence in Spain. So if you choose a day trip from Seville to try the sherry, make sure there is a designated driver who doesn’t drink. Better still, book a tour for the full experience. 

five glasses of sherry, each getting deeper in colour. The one on the left is a light yellow, the one on the right is a deep red.
Sherry in Jerez de la Frontera

Road Trips From Seville Between 1 and 2 Hours

If you want to explore a little further afield, check out our top one day trips from Seville. You’ll be able to reach these in a couple of hours.

14. Arcos de la Frontera

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 88 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 10 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To reach Arcos de la Frontera from Seville by car, take the AP-4 and A-382 highways.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: It can be a little more challenging to get here by public transport. The best option is to go by bus from Seville to Jerez, change and take another bus from Jerez to Arcos de la Fra. It will take around 3 hours.

Located in the province of Cadiz, the picturesque town of Arcos de la Frontera sits on the edge of a sheer cliff. The Río Guadalete flows around three sides of the cliff around the agricultural land and the countryside below.

The white villages are one of the most popular Seville day trips to do. Arcos de la Frontera is one of the most iconic pueblos blancos, white villages. These are synonymous with southern Spain. 

Although listed as a village, there is still enough to do here to make up a full day. Take your time to explore the pretty whitewashed streets, artisan shops and small tapas bars. Also, see the Mirador de Abades which is one of the most photographed spots here.

Some of the must-see monuments are Basilica de Santa María de la Asunción with parts dating back to the 14th century. It was constructed on top of an Arab mosque. 

If you’re into castles, then the 11th-century Castillo Ducal is worth a visit. It’s perched right on the highest point and although you can not go inside, it’s worth it for the views here. Other great views can be seen from Mirador Plaza del Cabildo.

Steps leading up to the cathedral and a road leading to the side of it with a row of white houses.
Arcos de la Frontera

15. Mazagón

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 113 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 15 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Mazagón from Seville by car, take the A-49 highway

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: For public transport, take a bus to Huelva. Take a second bus to Mazagón. The bus journey time between Seville and Mazagón is around 3 hours.

Mazagón is a low-key resort town, which has a nice balance of excellent beaches but with less development than other seaside towns in the region. It borders the Atlantic Ocean.

The town is fairly small, so you could see the highlights in a couple of hours before hitting the golden sands for the afternoon.

In the town, Faro del Picacho Mazagón gives some nice views overlooking the town. The 20-meter-high octagonal lighthouse marks the entrance to the port of Huelva and is open all year round. There are also a few miradors with views out to the sea. 

A wooden boardwalk along Mazagón beach
Mazagón Beach Boarwalk

16. Aracena

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 92 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 15 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Aracena from Seville by car, take the A-66 & N-433 highways.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: There are regular bus services that connect Seville to Aracena. The journey usually takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Despite its small size, Aracena packs quite a small punch. The pretty little town is located in the Huelva province, set within rolling landscapes.

If you’re into walking, Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park are great options too. 

The town is also the origin of Iberian Jamon, aka Spanish Ham, there’s even also a museum dedicated to it here.

One of the top things to see in Aracena are the caves, known as The Gruta de las Maravillas. The famous cave complex features underground lakes, as well as rock formations of stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Guided tours can be booked to go inside.

In medieval times, Aracena was a fortified town. Outside of the caves, and on top of the hill, you’ll find the Castillo de Aracena which dates back to then. 

Archaeological remains have been uncovered here which date from the 10th-13th centuries and are evidence of an Al-Andalus town during the Islamic reign. The castle you see today was built on top of the Arabic site, during the mid-13th century and remained a functioning fortress until the early 16th century.

Entrance to Castillo de Aracena with a portcullish with 4 alcoves and a bell in each one looking out over the town of Aracena in the valley below.
Entrance to Castillo de Aracena

17. Sierra Norte Natural Park

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 85 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 23 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To reach Sierra Norte Natural Park from Seville by car, go via A-4 and A-455.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: We don’t recommend going to Sierra Norte Natural Park by public transport.

If you’re looking to truly get away from the city and out into the country, then head to the mountain park.

Sierra Norte Natural Park has oak forests, rivers and waterfalls with the odd cave to explore. It is one of Andalucia’s largest protected areas, covering an area of more than 1774 km².

It’s a popular destination for anyone into hiking as well as outdoor adventure sports such as biking and rock climbing.

You could easily spend at least a couple of days here exploring the park. If you only have a day to get a general feel for it, then these are some of the top things to see. 

The largest town within the park is Constantina which has a ruined castle and Moorish narrow cobbled streets. Sticking with the ancient monuments, the La Cartuja de Cazalla a monastery built within the remains of a hunting lodge dating from the 1400s is also worth a visit.  

If you enjoy chasing waterfalls is more your thing, then the Cascadas de Huéznar is located near the town of San Nicolás del Puerto. 

a dirth path leading through Sierra Norte Natural Park with trees and shrubs on the hillside around it.
Route Through Sierra Norte Natural Park

18. Grazalema Natural Park

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 117 km

Driving Time: 1hr 38 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Grazalema Natural Park from Seville by car, you should take the A-375 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: We don’t recommend going to Sierra Norte Natural Park by public transport.

If you’re looking for hiking opportunities, or simply just escaping the cities, then Sierra de Grazalema will tick those boxes.

It’s located between the Andalusian provinces of Cadiz and Malaga and is easily accessible by car.

The area is known for Spanish fir trees, which are also the symbol of these mountains. The Grazalema National Park also features stunning Karstic formations, with deep gorges making it an ideal spot for avid hikers. 

There are also plenty of cave systems in the area which hold some of the largest underground complexes in Andalucia. Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve was granted UNESCO Heritage States as an important Biosphere Reserve in 1977.

Part of the reason this area is so green is that it receives the most rainfall in the peninsula, with over 2,000 mm of water a year. Mountains in this park reach heights of between 600 and 1600 metres and are home to narrow valleys, one of the most iconic ones is the “Green Gorge”, where the walls rise to 400 metres from ground level. 

This is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with ten species of amphibians, 14 reptiles, 136 species of birds and 42 species of mammals being sighted in the park. The largest cave system here, called the Hundidero-Gato system is also home to one of the largest colonies of bats in Europe.

The Karst Formations of Sierra de Grazalema and a road running alongside it.
The Karst Formations of Sierra de Grazalema

19. Ronda

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 128 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 40 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Ronda from Seville by car, you should take the A-375 and A-374.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: The best option for public transport is by train. Go from Santa Justa to Santa Ana (Antequera) and then change for Ronda. It takes around 3 hours.

Another great day trip from Seville is to Ronda. This mountaintop city is located in Malaga province and sits dramatically above a deep gorge. 

The city is split across the two sides of the gorge called El Tajo. One side is the new town, which dates from the 15th century, and the other side is the old town which dates back to the Moorish rule. 

Ronda’s most iconic landmark is the Puente Nuevo. This is the arched, stone bridge that spans the gorge. There are several lookout points along the bridge, as well as miradors on either side. You can even take the steep walk down the gorge to look up at it.

The town is incredibly quaint, although it does get busy during peak times. After you’ve explored the streets, the gorge walk and the miradors, then visit some of the buildings. Ronda’s Mondragón Palace is a great place to start with its typical Andalucian-style courtyards. 

Don’t miss the Duchess of Parcent Square, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which is thought to be one of the most beautiful squares in the city.

If you want to see one of the oldest structures here, then Puerta de Almocabar and Walls date back to the Moorish time and was once the main entrance to the city.

a bridge stretching between two sides of a gorge. The bridge has several arcs and a  waterfall flowing through the middle. the Puente Nuevo in Ronda.
Puente Nuevo in Ronda

20. Tavira, Portugal

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 174 km

Driving Time: 1hr 46 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Tavira from Seville by car, take the A-49 highway.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: The best option for public transport is by bus. A direct bus takes around 2 hours.

Want to explore more of the region, how about some Iberian peninsula day trips? Seville is a short drive from the Portuguese border. And the city of Tavira is one of the prettiest along the Algarve coast. 

The city straddles the Gilão River and is connected by the Ponte de Roman (Roman Bridge) which dates back to the 12th century. If you’re interested in nature reserves, the river forms numerous inlets and lagoons which make up Ria Formosa Natural Park. 

If you head out of the town and towards the salt pans, you might be lucky enough to spot wading birds, including flamingoes and spoonbills. Tavira also boasts has some beautiful beaches, such as the long sandy beach on Tavira Island.

Tavira is a Medieval city, with the ruins of Tavira castle standing which overlooks the city below. The gardens inside are well looked after, with plenty of shaded seating, the walls are mostly complete and you can climb up them. 

Opposite the castle, you’ll see a large white building, this is Santa María do Castelo, it’s here also that you’ll see the camera obscura, housed inside an old water tank. Alternatively, if you’re happy just wandering the pretty streets, then look out for the clusters of small, colourful tiled houses which were once home to local fishermen.

Tavira Harbour, Portugal

21. El Caminito Del Rey

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 155 km

Driving Time: 1 hr 50 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Caminito del Rey from Seville by car, you should take the A-92 and A-451 highway.

🚌 Getting There y Public Transport: There is no public transport option directly from Seville to the Caminito Del Rey. The best option is to go from Seville to El Chorro by train (approx 2.5 hrs) and then from El Chorro pick up a local bus (approx 1 hr) to get to Caminito del Rey. It’s doable, but for ease, we suggest you book a tour with transportation included from Seville, or make a weekend of it, and visit the Camanito del Ray from Malaga instead.

If you’re looking for something to do around Seville to satisfy the adrenalin junkie in you, then head out towards the Caminito del Rey, the little King’s path.

The Caminito del Rey is an aerial trail, built along the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge. 

Although the name gives a bit of an air of mystery and intrigue, with visions of it being some sort of ancient pilgrimage route, the reality is a little less intriguing. It was named after King Alfonso XIII, who in 1921 travelled along the route.

The original trail was built in 1901 and wasn’t much more than slabs of concrete and wooden beams suspended on metal spikes along the cliff face. Safety was minimal, with the path being no more than the width of a person in some places. 

As time passed, the elements made the bridge impassable, and large sections had corroded and collapsed. Over the years, the reputation of the walkway gained the name of being Spain’s most dangerous path.

People took on the challenge of passing the walkway in its dilapidated state, with many falling to their deaths. When you walk the Caminito del Rey, you’ll see a memorial plaque for the people who fell to their deaths here. 

It was closed to public access for renovations, and then in March 2015 was reopened to the trail that you can walk today. The picturesque walk is about 8km long. 

Although the walk is safe, if you have a fear of heights we wouldn’t recommend doing this. The swingbridge at the end of the trail is a test for the nerves, even for those not bothered by heights.  

a small swingbridge crossing between the gorge of the caminito del rey with mountains and a resivouir in the background.
Caminito del Rey

Road Trips More Than 2 Hours From Seville

Although road trips from Seville are doable in a day, they will take over two hours to get there – so if you have the time then we suggest making a weekend of it and stopping off at other places along the way. 

22. Bolonia Beach

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 199 km

Driving Time: 2 hr

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Bolonia Beach from Seville by car, you should take the E-5.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: There is no easy public transport option from Seville to Bolonia Beach.

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful beaches within driving distance of Seville, then you won’t go far wrong with Bolonia Beach – it’s one of our favourites!

The rolling, magnificent landscape feels a million miles from civilisation and has a Caribbean feel to it with its fine white sand, bright blue and clear water and a backdrop of sand dunes, grassy banks and the odd Roman ruin. 

The beach is clean and wide, and even though a popular destination, it doesn’t feel as crowded as other beaches, mostly, because it’s much more difficult to get to than the likes of Cadiz and Tarifa. 

Bolonia Beach stretches for 4 kilometres long and at nearly 70 meters wide, there is plenty of room to really relax. Part of the reason it’s so clean is that it’s on the borders of El Estrecho Natural Park, which means the area is protected from development and in turn, over-tourism. 

Aside from relaxing on the soft sand and swimming in the warm sea, one of the most popular things to do here is to climb the huge dunes. The largest of them is Gran Duna (Great Sand Dune) standing at 30 meters high and 200 meters wide. It’s located on the western side of the beach. It has been considered a natural monument since 2001.

Standing on a large dune at Bolonia beach looking down on the beach cove with grassy topped hill in the background.
Bolonia Beach

23. Tarifa

🗺️ Distance from Seville: 206 km

Driving Time: 2 hr 10 min

🚗 Getting There by Car: To get to Bolonia Beach from Seville by car, you should take the via E-5 and A-381.

🚌 Getting There by Public Transport: You can get to Tarifa from Seville by public transport – however, it will take around 4 hours, so it’s not ideal for a day trip. The best way is to go by train to Jerez and then pick up a bus to make the Jerez to Tarifa leg of the journey.

Tarifa is located at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula.

The beach is wide and exposed, which means it can be quite breezy here. Because of this, Tarifa is the country’s hub for wind sports and you’ll see the skies filled with kites and sails. 

Aside from the action sports, there are also plenty of things to see in Tarifa including the 10th-century Castillo de Guzmán El Bueno, a Moorish castle. You’ll find it wedged in between the old town and the seafront.

The Old Town of Tarifa is also incredibly photogenic. It’s also got more of a laid-back hippy vibe to it compared to lots of other historical centres in Andalucia.

Make sure to spend some time wandering the cute cobbled streets here and stumble across the Plaza de Santa Maria where you’ll find everything from high-end restaurants to shops selling yin-yang anklets.

If you want to extend your single-day road trip into a full weekend, you can hop over to Morocco. Tarifa is only a 35-minute ferry ride from Tangier!

Me standing at the point where the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas meet. This sign says "mediterranean sea" on it. The sea is bright blue.
Me in Tarifa Where The Med and Atlantic Sea Meet

Best Day Trips From Seville, Spain FAQs

What Are the 3 Best Day Trips From Seville, Spain?

The three best day trips from Seville, Spain, are to the cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Cadiz. There’s a lot to see in each destination and they are well connected by road and public transport. 

What Are the Easiest Places to Visit Around Seville?

The easiest places to visit around Seville would be Carmona, Ecija and the Italica Ruins. They can all be reached within an hour making them a convenient half-day trip.  

What Are the Best Day Trips From Seville Without a Car?

The best day trips from Seville by public transport are Cadiz and Cordoba and if you can stretch a two-day trip, then we recommend Granada. 

Is Cadiz Worth a Day Trip From Seville?

Yes, Cadiz is definitely worth a day trip from Seville. The city brims with ancient history, beautiful beaches, and a lively local culture. You could easily self-drive or join one of the organized day trips from Seville to Cadiz.

Is Cordoba Worth a Day Trip From Seville?

Absolutely. Cordoba offers a rich historic and cultural experience, making it a worthy day-trip destination from Seville. Also one of the best day trips from Seville by train is to Cordoba.

Is Granada Worth a Day Trip From Seville?

Sort of. There’s a lot to see in Granada and to explore just the Alhambra complex will take a full day – let alone the other great stuff you can see here. Although you’ll be able to see the highlights of the city on a Seville to Granada day trip, we recommend stretching this out into a weekend trip for a better experience. 

Is Malaga Worth a Day Trip From Seville?

Absolutely! Malaga offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and beautiful beaches. It is home to the famous Picasso Museum and the stunning Malaga Cathedral. The city’s vibrant food scene and lively markets make it certainly worth a day trip from Seville however, for a better experience and if you have the time, then we recommend staying at least one night.

Final Thoughts:  The Best Day Trips From Seville, Spain

Which of these one-day trips from Seville is top of your list?

As you’ve just read, there’s no shortage of great things to see around Seville whatever your interests are.

If you’re planning your trip to Seville, then check out our other useful guides.

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