20 Best Day Trips from Seville: Complete Guide by a Local

Are you staying for a holiday in Seville and wonder where else to explore?

Seville is a wonderful location and base for exploring more of what Andalusia has to offer.

Thanks to being the capital of the independent autonomous community, it has a well-established infrastructure that will allow you to reach other major cities fairly easily and fast.

How to Choose the Best Day Trip from Seville for You

What follows is a list of 20 different destinations within easy reach from Seville – the best choice for you will depend largely on how much time do you want to spend travelling, and the mode of transport.

Here is a short snapshot with recommendations based on usual travel preferences, scroll down to see the details for each destination, travel directions and photos.

Shortest Travel Time from Seville

Jerez de la Frontera (number 12, travel time 1 hr)
Carmona (number 2, 29 mins drive)
Huelva (number 3, travel time between 1 – 1.5 hrs)
Utrera (number 5, travel time 30 mins)
Écija (nubmer 7, travel time 1 hr)
Sanlúcar de Barrameda (number 9, travel time 1 hr 15 mins)
Jerez de la Frontera (number 12, travel time 1 hr)
Osuna (number 13, travel time 1 hr)
Alcalá de Guadaíra (number 19, 20 mins travel time)

Where there it the Most to See in a Day

Granada (number 1, travel time: 2.5 hrs)
Cordoba (number 4, travel time: 1.5 hrs)
Malaga (number 8, travel time: 2.15 hrs)
Ronda (number 15, travel time: 1hr 45 mins)
Cadiz (nubmer 11, travel time 1hr 17 mins)
Gibraltar (number 20, travel time 2.4 hrs)
Malaga (number 8, travel time 2 – 2.5 hrs)

Accessible Easily with Train or Bus

Cordoba (number 4, 45 mins train journey)
Malaga (number 8, 2.5 hrs train journey)
Granada (number 1, .25 hrs train journey)
Malaga (number 8, travel time 2 – 2.5 hrs)
Cadiz (nubmer 11, travel time 1hr 17 mins)

My Hand-Picked 20 Best Day Trips from Seville

These destinations are listed in no specific order, so feel free to browse and get inspired!

1. Granada

Granada is one of my favourite cities in Andalusia, it has so much to offer both in terms of historic sights, but also spectacular surroundings.

It is home to Alhambra, the world-known palace and fortress complex surrounded by the tall peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Granada is so diverse and full of surprises.

If you’ve only got one day, you should try to make enough time to see the Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba, all part of the same complex.

Where is Granada

What to See in Granada

Generalife Palace and Gardens
Alhambra Complex including the Alcazaba
Mirador St Nicholas for best Alhambra views
The historic UNESCO neighbourhood of Albaicin
Science Museum if you’re visiting with kids
Carmen de los Martires Gardens
Sacromonte neighbourhood

How to get to Granada from Seville

By car: the journey is pretty straightforward, simply take the A-92 road in direction of Granada. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours (249 km)

By train: there is a direct train connecting Seville with Granada. The AVANT train connection from Sevilla Santa Justa takes you to Granada main station in 2.5 hours. Train tickets start from 23 euros one way per person and can go up to 37 euros (depending on what train you choose, what day you travel, and how far in advance you book the tickets). Check the timetable and get your tickets at Renfe website.

By bus: Buses run from Seville main bus station nearly every hour. There is a direct connection where the journey takes 3 hours, and one where you have to take a connecting bus that takes over 4 hours. Its far too long to spend that much time in a bus, so I would suggest using train or car.

2. Carmona

Carmona is a charming little town just 30km from Seville and considered one of the oldest in Europe.

For such a small place, there’s surprisingly a lot to see. Check the local Alzacar (not much to see inside, but nice views!) and get lost at the marketplace at Plaza del Mercado de Abastos and explore the charming old town.

Carmona is only a short drive from Seville and a welcome break from its often crowded old town.

Where is Carmona

What to See in Carmona

Alcazar de la Puerta de Seville
Casa Palacio de Los Aguilar
Palacio de los Rueda
Necropolis Romana (1st century Roman Amphitheatre – about 1km out of Carmona)
Market Place – Plaza del Mercado de Abastos

How to get to Carmona from Seville

By car: It’s only a 29-minute drive via A4.

By train: It’s not easy to get to Carmona by train as you would have to change the trains and it would take considerably longer. In case you can’t drive, the bus is the easiest option.

By bus: There is a direct bus connection (direction of Madrid) and the journey only takes 20 minutes. Check times & prices here.

3. Huelva

Located on the shores of the Atlantic, on the mouth of Odiel and Tinto rivers, Huelva is often overshadowed by the more popular destinations like Cadiz or Tarifa.

Huelva province is one of the least explored by travellers, which means no crowded beaches or towns overrun by tourists.

Discover the roots of Columbus journeys, explore the historic sights and enjoy the town for yourself!

Where is Huelva

What to see in Huelva

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta chapel
Huelva Museum
Merced Cathedral
Casa de Colon (Columbus House)
Barrio Reina Victoria
Muelle del Tinto
Christopher Columbus Monument

How to get to Huelva from Seville

By car: Take the A-49 towards Huelva, the journey should take just over an hour.

By train: There is a frequent train connection between Huelva and Seville Santa Justa, the journey takes 1.5hrs. Get your tickets and check the train times on Renfe website. Tickets around 10 euros one way, trains run only two times a day (morning and evening which is enough to fit in the day trip).

By bus: A direct bus will take you to Huelva in just over an hour. Get tickets from Alsa website.

4. Córdoba

Córdoba is the only city in the world with four UNESCO protected heritage sites, and that alone is a good excuse for a day trip if you ask me!

Visit the Mezequita Cathedral to trace the Moorish and Christian roots in Andalusia and marvel at this architectural gem that dates back to 784 – 786.

If you have spare time, I’m sure you will enjoy the Alcazar with its spectacular gardens!

Where is Córdoba

What to See in Córdoba

The Mezequita Cathedral
The Old town
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Palacio de Vianna

How to get to Córdoba from Seville

By car: There are three route options to get to Córdoba from Seville. The fastest one is via A-4, which takes 1.5 hours. The other options include travelling through A-92 and A-431 which are about half an hour longer journeys.

By train: Take the train from Sevilla Santa Justa, it arrives in Córdoba in just 45 minutes. The trains run fairly regularly. Tickets start from 11.20 euros for connecting train option and go up to 39 euros (depending on the day of the week and how far in advance you buy them). Check the timetable and get your tickets at renfe official site.

By bus: There is a regular bus service to Córdoba which runs roughly every hour, and the journey takes between 45 mins to 1 hr 10 minutes, depending on the connection you take. Tickets cost start from 12.30 euro per person. Check the timetable and get your tickets here.

5. Utrera

Utrera is a small town of great historic importance – records show that settlements here date back to Roman times and the town is considered to be the cradle of bullfighting and flamenco.

Visit one of its many churches or chapels or join in one of the many festivities that are held here over the year.

Where is Utrera

What to see in Utrera

Castillo de Utrera
Consolacion Park
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Consolación
Church of Santiago
Castillo de Los Molares (outside of Utrera)

How to get to Utrera from Seville

By car: Via A-376 you get to Utrera in just 32 minutes.

By train: Take the C1 connection to Utrera which runs approximately every 30 minutes and the journey takes just over half an hour. Tickets cost 4.20 euros one way.

By bus: There doesn’t seem to be any bus connection.

6. Zahara de la Sierra

Zahara benefits from a spectacular location that will allow you to enjoy views like no other.

Its located at the foot of Sierra del Jaral, on top of a hill overlooking the turquoise waters of the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir.

If you would love to visit a picturesque Pueblo Blanco in Andalusia with views you won’t see anywhere else, it doesn’t get better than this!

Where is Zahara de la Sierra

What to See in Zahara de la Sierra

Castle of Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara el Gastor Reservoir
The Baroque Church of Santa María de la Mesa
The Playa de Zahara de la Sierra beach (artificial beach at the reservoir)

How to Get to Zahara de la Sierra

By car: Take the A-375 through Utrera, the journey is approximately 100km and takes around 1.5 hrs.

There are no bus or train connections between Seville and Zahara de la Sierra.

7. Écija

Écija is 85km away from Seville and is known for a number of beautiful churches (20 of them!!) built in the Baroque style.

There are also Roman ruins, beautiful stately homes (palaces) and the town is known as the cradle of the purebred Andalusian horses.

Where is Écija

What to see in Écija

Museo Histórico Municipal de Écija
Palace Of Benameji
Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor
Palacio de Valdehermoso
Iglesia de los Descalzos
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
Parroquia Mayor De Santa Cruz
Palacio de Peñaflor

How to get to Écija from Seville

By car: Drive on the A-4 towards Écija, the journey takes 59 minutes.

There are no train connections and a few limited bus connections. Alsa runs a service to Écija from a few different stations in Seville. The journey takes between 1h – 1.5hrs depending on the route, and costs around 8 euros one way.

8. Malaga

Fancy spending some time by the sea? Then head over to Malaga – the birthplace of Picasso and today a vibrant cosmopolitan city.

There’s plenty to enjoy for culture-vultures, starting with the Picasso Museum, the Centre Pompidou and many other historic gems. Malaga has a gorgeous coastline with easily accessible beaches, good quality restaurants and services.

Where is Malaga

What to See in Malaga

Castillo Gibralfaro and Alcazaba
The old town in Malaga
Picasso Museum
Malaga Cathedral
La Conception Botanical Gardens
Muelle Uno (pier area with restaurants and boat trips)
Beaches

How to get to Malaga from Seville

By car: The fastest way to get to Malaga from Seville is via A-92 (205 km, 2.15 hrs).

By train: The train from Sevilla Santa Justa will take you to Malaga in 2.5 hours. Tickets start from 19.95 euros per person, one way and can go up to 37 euros, depending on what train you book, what day and how far in advance you book. Get your tickets and check the timetable at Renfe website.

By bus: There are a few fast bus connections to Malaga, the fastest one takes 2 hrs 45 mins. Tickets start from 7.50 euros per person (one way) and can be purchased on ALSA website.

9. Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Sanlúcar de Barrameda is located opposite the Doñana National Park, and is known for its Sherry production (part of the Spanish ‘Sherry Triangle’ with Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa Maria) and waterfront horse races.

Due to its proximity to Doñana National Park, many visitors combine the trip to the town with the visit of the well known national park.

Spend the day tasting the local manzanilla wine, checking out the local beaches by the Atlantic and surprisingly beautiful historic sights this small town can offer.

Certainly an underrated destination in the Cadiz province.

Where is Sanlúcar de Barrameda

What to See in Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Castillo de Santiago
La Playa de Regla
Bodegas Higaldo a Gitana
Bodegas Barbadillo
Parish of Santo Domingo
Plaza del Cabildo
Bonanza Salt Flats (part of the National Park, outside of the town)

How to Get to Sanlúcar de Barrameda from Seville

By car: The fastest route is via A4 and then A-471 in the direction of Cadiz, the journey is around 100km and takes 1hr 15mins.

By train: There are train connections between Seville and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, however, they require at least one change and the total journey is over 2 hrs one way, so not worth the effort if you cannot drive there in a car.

By bus: Same as with train, there is a bus you can take, but to continue further you will need to change for a train connection and the journey is far too long for a day trip, so I would recommend this destination only if you can go by car.

10. Vejer de la Frontera

If you continue further south from Cadiz towards Tarifa, you will reach the picturesque hilltop town overlooking the Straight of Gibraltar, and surrounded by fragrant orchards and orange groves.

The beauty of the town was celebrated in many recognitions it got, including the distinction of Zone of Great Tourism Influx which was awarded on more than one occasion.

Thanks to the hilltop location, it reminds me of a mix between Frigiliana and Mykonos (the windmills!).

It’s certainly one of the most spectacular locations in the Cadiz region and well worth the long drive!

Where is Vejer de la Frontera

What to see in Vejer de la Frontera

Castle of Vejer de la Frontera
Convent of the Conceptionist nuns
Roman Aqueduct
Iglesia Parroquial del Divino Salvador
Sanctuary of Virgen de Oliva
Museum of Contemporary Arts of the NMAC Foundation
Palace of the Marquees of Tamarón
Casa del Mayorazgo
Plaza de España
Windmills

How to get to Vejer de la Frontera from Seville

By car: Take the AP-4 driving south, the journey is 160km long but takes only 1hr 40mins to arrive at the destination.

Bus and train connections are limited and require many changes, so taking a car is recommended.

11. Cadiz

Pay a visit to the Atlantic Ocean and one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe – Cadiz. The capital of the same-named district is home to over 100 watchtowers, the Spanish Navy and lots of historic sights.

It’s also known for its beautiful beaches and seafood! Plus – the locals are super friendly and the atmosphere is way more chilled than on the other holiday resorts in Andalusia.

If you’re a fan of history – this city is for you! Dive into the museums, historic sights and enjoy some of the best sunsets in Andalusia!

Where is Cadiz

What to See in Cadiz

Take a stroll by the Atlantic Ocean
Cadiz Museum
La Caleta
Castle of San Sebastian
Gran Teatro Falla
Parque Genovés
Gadir Archaeological Site
Barrio del Pópulo
Torre Tavira
Castillo de Santa Catalina
Cadiz Cathedral

How to Get to Cadiz from Seville

By car: The fastest route to Cadiz from Seville via AP-4 takes approximately 1hr 17 mins.

By train: There is a regular train connection to Cadiz from Sevilla Santa Justa, the journey takes approximately 1hr 40mins. Tickets are available at Renfe website and start from 13.30 euros per person, one way.

By bus: Getting to Cadiz by bus is a lot slower compared to the first two options, it can take between 2 – 3.5 hrs.

12. Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez is just halfway between Seville and Cadiz, and it is likely thanks to the proximity to big cities that it still remains an undiscovered gem for travellers.

Jerez is the home of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and is well known in Spain for its sherry production (part of the Sherry triangle).

Visit one of its Bodegas to learn more about the sherry heritage of Jerez or get lost in the streets of the old town, without having to navigate through crowds of tourists.

Where is Jerez de la Frontera

What to See in Jerez de la Frontera

Alcazar of Jerez de la Frontera
Tio Peppe Bodegas
Bodegas Tradición
Cathedral
Horse Shows
Plaza de la Ascunsion

How to get to Jerez de la Frontera from Seville

By car: Same as going to Cadiz, take the AP-4 in direction to Cadiz and you will arrive in Jerez in just over an hour.

By train: Take the same travel connection to Cadiz and get off earlier at Jerez. The journey with a train takes between 1 hr – 1 hr 15 mins. Tickets start from 9.20 euros per person, one way and are available at Renfe website.

By bus: There is a bus service that runs a few times a day (not as frequent as trains), and the journey takes between 1hr to 1hr 30 minutes, depending on the connection.

13. Osuna

If you’ve ever heard of Osuna before, it was probably in connection with the Game of Thornes series (the local bullring was featured in the series).

It is known for its Baroque architecture and charming old town with a rich history. If you want to escape the crowds in Seville, Osuna is a great option for a day trip without having to spend too much time travelling.

Where is Osuna

What to see in Osuna

Plaza Mayor
Old Town
The Bullring
Collegiate Church and Museum of Sacred Art
El Coto Las Canteras (stunning archeological site just 15mins walk outside of Osuna)

How to get to Osuna from Seville

By car: Take the A-92 towards Osuna, the journey takes only an hour.

By train: There is a direct train connection from Sevilla Santa Justa to Osuna, the journey takes 1hr 15mins and tickets cost 9.20 euros one way. There are around 5 train connections per day. Get your tickets at Renfe website or at the station.

By bus: The bus connection to Osuna is considerably longer than the previous two options, so I would not recommend it (closer to 3 hrs journey one way).

14. Antequera

I first came across Antequera in Lonely Planet book where it was recommended as one of the hidden gems outside of Malaga, still not conquered by the crowds of tourists that usually arrive by the coast in the summer.

Located just north of Malaga, it’s within easy reach of a car journey.

If you love nature, this place is for you – the famous Torqual de Antequera national park is located just outside of the village, offering you a chance to explore some of the most impressive and unusual landforms karst landscapes in Europe.

Where is Antequera

What to See in Antequera

Torqual de Antequera
Alcazaba of Antequera
Roman Ruins
Churches of Old Town
Dolmens (old burial chabmers)

How to get to Antequera from Seville

By car: The shortest route from Seville to Antequera is via A-92, which takes around 1hr 40 mins (distance of 160 km).

Due to the location of Antequera, it’s very hard to reach it from Seville by bus or train, so a car is the recommended mode of transport if you only want to make it a day trip.

15. Ronda

Ronda is a spectacular place, but if you’re travelling from Seville, the only way to reach it is with your own car.

You’ve probably seen some photos of Puente Nuevo, one of the most recognizable sights in Ronda, but there’s a lot more to see.

Ronda is built around a massive gorge, and it’s unlike any other place you’ll see in Spain. It has one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and stunning miradors (observation points) with gorgeous valley views, old Roman Baths ruins and much more.

Where is Ronda

What to See in Ronda

Puente Nuevo
Casa don Bosco
Plaza del Toros
Jardines de Cuenca
Roman Baths

How to Get to Ronda from Seville

By car: The fastest way with a car is via A-375 and A74. Beware as the road near Ronda goes through some mountain ranges and steep curves, so you might want to drive slower so you don’t feel sick. The journey should take about 1hr 45mins.

There is no direct train connection to Ronda, and the route options, if you want to take a train, are rather limited and take far too long time for a day trip. Same as with a train, due to the location of Ronda it’s not easy to get here with a bus, and the journey would take a number of connecting buses and take over 3 hours.

16. Roman City of Itálica

The Roman City of Itálica is just 7km outside of Seville, a dates back to 206 a.c.

It is a surprisingly well preserved historic gem that consists of a Roman Amphitheatre, Theater, Hot Spring, Temple of Trajan and Domus. There’s plenty to see on this expansive site to fill your whole day.

Private visits are 20 euros per person, and in the summer it’s open from 9 am to 8 pm (Mondays closed). Check the opening times here.

Where is Itálica

What to See in Itálica

Explore the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater

How to get to Itálica from Seville

Itálica is very close to Seville, but in a fairly remote location, so the easiest way to get there is with a car or taxi drive from Seville. The journey via SE-30 takes approximately 24 minutes (distances of 15km)

17. Doñana National Park

Doñana National Park just outside of Seville is one of the most important natural protected areas in Europe and home to many endangered species.

The landscape of the natural park is made up of pine forests and clay-lined marshes. This space has one of the highest biodiversity in Europe, with over 300 different bird species found here.

It’s a truly unique natural beauty spot and one that nature lovers will certainly enjoy, as a nice break from a busy city like Seville.

Where is Doñana National Park

What to see in Doñana National Park

Book a tour of the national park (30 euros per person)

How to get to Doñana National Park from Seville

Due to the location and nature of this place, it’s best to reach it in your own car.

There are a few access points to the National Park (Visitor Centers) marked on this website, the easiest one to access is the one located at this address: Centro de Visitantes Fábrica de Hielo, Avenida Bajo de Guía, s/n. 11540 Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

To get there just follow the AP-4 highway straight to the town. The journey takes approximately 1 hr 20 mins (119 km).

18. Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is a small village a short drive away from Ronda. If you’ve not heard of it until now, you could have seen a photo of the cliffs hanging dramatically low over restaurants and houses.

I have visited Setenil while staying in Ronda, but you can also reach it easily from Seville.

The place is just a very small village, so don’t expect a lot of sights and things to do, but is a fun day trip to a truly unique place you won’t see anywhere else.

Where is Setenil de las Bodegas

What to see in Setenil de las Bodegas

Stroll under the hanging cliffs and enjoy a drink or food in the local restaurants
Castillo de Setenil de las Bodegas

How to get to Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil is a small village which is fairly remote, so there are no direct or easy train or bus connections.

You can reach it by car in 1 hr 45 mins driving from Seville via the A-92 or A-375.

setenil de las bodegas - andalusia - spain — The main street by the canal in Setenil

19. Alcalá de Guadaíra

The charming little town just outside of Seville, dominated by an old Moorish castle with white farmhouse spreading under it, Alcalá de Guadaíra is a little village escape from the bustling city life in Seville.

It’s the perfect option if you don’t want to travel too far, and enjoy a bit of nature.

Where is Alcalá de Guadaíra

What to See in Alcalá de Guadaíra

The Castle of Alcalá
Saint Mary of the Eagle
San Miguel neighborhood
Church of Santiago el Mayor

How to get to Alcalá de Guadaíra from Seville

By car: You can get here via the A-92 in just 20 minutes from the centre of Seville.

Even though the town is very close to Seville, the train and bus connections are very poor and require changes to get there. It’s by far the easiest to get there in your own car.

20. Gibraltar

Get a small taste of Britain by visiting Gibraltar!

This popular day-trip destination can be reached easily from most places in Andalusia, including Seville. There is a lot to see in Gibraltar, so if you’re planning a day trip make sure you leave early enough to give yourself enough time to explore.

Also, remember as it’s foreign territory to bring your passport and check the entry requirements.

Where is Gibraltar

What to See in Gibraltar

Europa Point
The Monkeys of Gibraltar
The Upper Rock Reserve
The Medditeranean Steps
St Michael’s Cave
Dophin Watching
Check local shops & restaurants
Gibraltar Skywalk & Suspension Bridge
The Moorish Castle
The Great Siege Tunnels

How to Get to Gibraltar from Seville

By car: This is one of the longer drives, it takes up to 2.5 hours to get to Gibraltar, so leave early enough to miss morning traffic and give yourself enough time to explore Gibraltar. The route to take is via AP-4 and then A-381 (total distance close to 200 km).

Due to the distance and infrastructure connections, it’s not possible to reach Gibraltar by bus or train in any convenient way, best to drive there in your own car.

Southern Spain Travel Tips

BEST CAR RENTAL

To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, an award winning price comparison site for car rentals.

BUS & TRAIN TICKETS

To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.

LOCAL TOURS

Local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.

HOTELS

I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and it’s the best place to book your hotel.

LUGGAGE STORE

If you would like to leave your luggage behind to explore the city on your last day, you can use Radical Storage service, which lets you book luggage storage in all the destinations in Spain.

LOCAL SIM CARD

If you want to avoid surprising extra charges from your operator, you can use a service like Airalo, where you can buy digital packs for e-sim cards.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.