Vibrant, colorful, and lively in all the best ways, the capital of Andalucia can be hard to pull yourself away from–but it’s worth the effort, because there are some truly wonderful day trips from Seville!
After several visits to Seville (including one where we got to introduce my grandparents to the charm of southern Spain), we remain enchanted by both the city itself and Andalucia as a whole.
Planning a trip soon and trying to narrow down which Seville day trips are right for you?
From iconic palaces to Roman ruins to a memorable hike to–of course–whitewashed hilltop towns–here are the best day trips from Seville, Spain!
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A Note on Structuring Your Day Trips From Seville
If you take a look at the Seville day trips map that we included at the bottom of this blog post, you’ll probably notice something interesting: many of these destinations are tantalizingly close to each other, especially in the case of the Pueblos Blancos.
In certain cases, it’s not uncommon to combine 2 or 3 of these places near Seville into one epic day trip (typically, we recommend choosing no more than 2 if you’re traveling independently, organized day tours sometimes visit 3).
Some combinations, like Ronda paired with some more Pueblos Blancos, or Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera, are popularly operated by tour companies, while others are more of a do-it-yourself endeavor.
We’ll go into more detail under each individual destination, but generally speaking, if you want to visit multiple destinations in one day, we’d recommend either booking a tour or renting a car for the day.
Navigating public transportation can get stressful when trying to visit multiple destinations near Seville in one day, and many (not all) of these day trips are very car-friendly.
If you’d like to drive, we recommend searching for your rental car through Discover Cars, which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.
Shop rental cars for your day trip from Seville today!
Quick Decision: An Epic + Easy Seville Day Trip Idea
Want to take a memorable day trip from Seville, but don’t want to overthink it?
This popular multi-stop day trip that covers Ronda as well as a couple of the smaller Pueblos Blancos is a a fantastic option!
In one day, you’ll be able to visit 3 of Spain’s cherished White Villages, enjoy a traditional lunch, and see some of Andalucia’s beautiful nature–all without worrying about navigating transportation.
The Absolute Best Day Trips From Seville, Spain
Córdoba
Located less than an hour away by train, the beautiful, bite-sized city of Córdoba is easily one of the best day trips from Seville.
Once the most powerful Islamic city in Spain, Córdoba is most famous for its incredible Mezquita, or Mosque-Cathedral–literally a former mosque with a cathedral built into its center–which is one of the most memorable buildings we’ve had a chance to visit anywhere.
The Mosque-Cathedral should absolutely be your top priority when visiting Córdoba, but beyond that, there’s still plenty to see within a short walk!
Snapping photos of the picturesque Calleja de las Flores, relaxing in the Patio de los Naranjos, wandering through the Jewish Quarter, and checking out some of the beautiful patios of Cordoba should also be on your to-do list.
How to Travel From Seville to Córdoba
The fastest way to travel between Seville to Córdoba is by train, which takes about 50 minutes each way.
From there, you’ll need to walk about 25 minutes from the Córdoba train station to the city center.
Check the train schedule and book tickets for your day trip to Córdoba today!
Ronda
As one of the most popular White Towns of Andalucia, Ronda is jaw-droppingly beautiful, offering a wide variety of things to do and incredible (and incredibly easy to access) views of the Spanish countryside.
While visiting Ronda, be sure to check out the angles Puerto Nuevo (New Bridge) from all angles, stroll along the romantic Alameda del Tajo, admire the Cuenca Gardens, and if you have time, visit the Arab Baths.
Heading into the El Tajo de Ronda Gorge, either by hiking down from the historic center or driving outside of the center, is also unforgettable.
How to Travel From Seville to Ronda
The easiest ways to get to Ronda from Seville are to either book an organized day trip like this or to drive, which takes a little under 2 hours.
Because of its location, you’ll probably want to combine a visit to Ronda with a stop in at least one other Andalucia white village, which is simpler as part of a guided tour but doable by driving (just make sure to research where to park in each town in advance).
If you’d rather visit only Ronda and are more concerned about budget than time, there’s also a bus service that takes about 2.5 hours each way.
Book your day trip to Ronda today!
Prefer to travel independently? Shop rental cars for your mini-Andalucian road trip!
Granada (+ the Alhambra)
Due to the distance involved, visiting Granada (which almost inevitably centers around visiting the Alhambra), is not altogether one of the most logical day trips from Seville… but it is one of the most popular and most asked about, which is why we’re including it here!
The Alhambra, or the collection of palaces and gardens that was the final Islamic stronghold in Spain, is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute masterpiece.
We wrote about visiting the Alhambra extensively here, but the long and the short of it is that this is a place you need to plan ahead for, as tickets sell out well in advance.
To keep transitions to a minimum and make sure you make most of your Seville to Granada day trip, we highly recommend visiting as part of an organized day trip.
Beyond the Alhambra–which will no doubt eat up the bulk of your day–be sure to wander through the Albayzin neighborhood, admire the views of the Alhambra from a distance at the beautiful Mirador de San Nicolas, and visit the beautiful Granada Cathedral (if time allows).
How to Travel From Seville to Granada and the Alhambra
Granada is about 3 hours from Seville by train or car–and getting to Granada still leaves you with a few stops (walking, a bus, more walking) to get to the Alhambra.
Taking a day trip to the Alhambra from Seville is best accomplished via an organized day trip like this.
Cádiz
Hoping to visit one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Andalucia?
Founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BCE, Cádiz is known for its dizzyingly dense, whitewashed historic center, 100 watchtowers, beautiful cathedral, and seaside location.
Cádiz is the perfect place to visit near Seville for travelers looking for a little bit of sunshine and salt water–and the fact that its compact enough to make a day trip long enough to see a decent chunk of the city is a great benefit, too.
Don’t miss the gold-domed cathedral, the view from the Tavira Tower, the small streets of the El Pópulo neighborhood, or the Castillo de Santa Catalina while you’re there!
How to Travel From Seville to Cádiz
Cádiz is located about an hour and a half from Seville by train, or a bit longer by bus.
You can easily spend a full day, or more, in Cádiz, but thanks to its location south of Seville, it’s also often combined with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera.
Shop train tickets to Cádiz today!
Los Pueblos Blancos
Los Pueblos Blancos, or the White Villages of Spain, are scattered around the country–but most are concentrated in Andalucia, within day-tripping distance of Seville!
Technically, some of the other Seville day trip ideas highlighted here include one or more Pueblos Blancos, including Jerez de la Frontera and Ronda.
However, there’s no doubt that one of the absolute best options for a day trip includes visiting several villages at once, which is what we’re outlining here!
A few other White Villages to add to your wish list include Setenil de las Bodegas (famous for being built directly into rocky overhangs and one of our favorite places in Andalucia), Arcos de la Frontera (known for amazing views and being surrounded by the Guadalete River on 3 sides), and Zahara de la Sierra (overlooked by its striking castle).
You can even mix up the views a bit by visiting Júzcar–a former Pueblo Blanco that is now famously the Blue Village of Spain.
While there are far more Pueblos Blancos in the area than you can see in one day, sampling 2 or 3 of them makes for a wonderful day in Andalucia!
How to Travel From Seville to Los Pueblos Blancos
Many of the Pueblos Blancos are very small, and generally, the best way to visit several of them in one day is to either rent a car and drive or book a tour.
This popular guided tour visits a few villages (including Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra) and is a wonderful option!
Prefer to choose your own adventure, so to speak?
If so, we recommend renting a small car through Discover Cars, which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.
Book your day trip to the White Villages today!
Alternatively, check rates and book your rental car in Seville!
Jerez de la Frontera
As the largest city in Andalucia’s Sherry Triangle, Jerez de la Frontera is a fantastic Seville day trip option for sherry fans, view-seekers, and horse lovers alike.
In addition to tasting the region’s famous sherry at one (or more) local bodegas, some of the best things to do in Jerez de la Frontera include visiting the alcazar, touring the cathedral (climb to the top of the tower for beautiful views of the building and city), and meandering through the city’s many plazas.
For one of the most unique things to do in the area, consider seeing the beautiful Andalucian horses show off at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
How to Travel From Seville to Jerez de la Frontera
The easiest way to access Jerez de la Frontera from Seville is via train, which takes about an hour each way.
You can easily spend a full day, or more, in Jerez de la Frontera, but thanks to its location south of Seville, it’s also often combined with a visit to Cádiz.
Book train tickets or shop combined day trips to Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz today!
Gibraltar
Located at the southernmost point of mainland Europe, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and intrigues visitors from around the world!
And, while it’s not really one of the best day trips from Seville, there’s no doubt that it’s one many travelers are curious about, which is why we’re including it here.
Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Seville, not including time spent in passport control, visiting Gibraltar from Seville requires a bit of a commitment.
With a well-planned day tour, though, you’ll have long enough in the territory to visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar, check out the iconic Barbary monkeys, visit the caves of San Miguel, and spend a bit of time downtown.
How to Travel From Seville to Gibraltar
Because of the distances and logistics involved (ie, crossing an international border twice), taking a day trip to Gibraltar from Seville is best accomplished with an organized day trip like this.
Don’t forget to pack your passport!
Carmona
Whitewashed, beautiful, and easily accessible from Seville, Carmona is a fantastic addition to any trip to Andalucia!
Best known for its impressive Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla, or fortress, Carmona also boasts a lovely historic center to meander through (don’t miss the chance to grab lunch in one of the beautiful plazas).
A stop by the Convent of Santa Clara is a must as well, both for the Moorish architecture and for the chance to buy cakes and other baked goods on-site, directly from the nuns who live there.
How to Travel From Seville to Carmona
It is possible to book a guided tour that visits Carmona (this popular tour combines visiting Carmona with a trip to Córdoba), however, it’s also an easy day trip from Seville to do independently.
Carmona is about a 30-minute drive, or a bit longer of a bus ride, from Seville.
Itálica (Santiponce)
If you’re interested in Roman history–or alternatively, Game of Thrones history–paying a visit to Itálica might be the right getaway from Seville for you!
Home to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in Europe, which also served as the dragon pit in season 7 of Game of Thrones, Itálica’s Roman history stretches back almost 2,000 years.
In addition to the size of the amphitheater, Itálica’s well-preserved mosaics and the fact that it was the birthplace of the famous Emperor Hadrian make the city a must-see.
Since Itálica doesn’t take all day to see, popular additions to the day trip include a visit to nearby Santiponce (the modern town closest to Itálica) and/or a visit to the beautiful Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.
How to Travel From Seville to Itálica
In terms of distance, Itálica is one of the simplest and easiest day trips from Seville: you can reach the Roman ruins in about 20 minutes by bus from Seville.
However, if you’d rather make a day of it, this guided tour of Itálica gets great reviews and also includes a stop at the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.
El Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey definitely isn’t the best Seville day trip for everyone… but for some travelers, it’s a dream opportunity!
Featuring magnificent gorge views and adrenaline-inducing heights, El Caminito del Rey is one of the most iconic hikes in Andalucia.
A decade ago, it was often touted as being the most dangerous hike in Spain–or even the world–but it has now been restored to be much more accessible.
… For those of us with a fear of heights, though, this almost 5-mile trail that soars hundreds of feet above the ground can still pose a mental challenge!
How to Travel From Seville to El Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey is about 2 hours by train or car from Seville.
Independent travelers can book tickets for El Caminito del Rey, take the train to El Chorro, and then grab a shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Alternatively, booking a guided hike like this from Seville can take the hassle out of planning your hike and navigating train times.
FAQ About Taking Seville Day Trips
Can you take a day trip to the Alhambra from Seville?
Yes, you can take a day trip to the Alhambra from Seville… but it makes for a very, very long day!
If possible, it’s worth considering spending at least one night in Granada in order to visit the Alhambra (and see some of the other cool things to do in the city).
If you’re determined to see the Alhambra and don’t have a night to spare, though, the best way to take a day trip to the Alhambra from Seville is to sign up for an organized day trip like this, which will allow you to maximize the amount of time you can spend sightseeing once you arrive.
Can you take a day trip from Seville to Morocco?
There are companies that will sell you a day trip to Morocco from Seville, but we wouldn’t recommend taking one.
Taking a day trip from Seville to Morocco includes an almost 2.5-hour drive (longer by bus) to Tarifa, followed by a one-hour ferry to Tangier… where you’ll then disembark into a city that, while fascinating, isn’t generally one of the best-loved places by tourists visiting Morocco.
Personally, we would recommend opting for one of the many other options for a Seville day trip instead.
If you’re determined to visit Tangier despite the long travel times, though, this well-reviewed tour is a good option (and the vast majority of travelers will definitely want to book a tour in this case).
Don’t forget your passport and–if you’re anything like me–seasickness remedies!
What are the prettiest white towns of Andalucia to visit?
Virtually all of Andalucia’s famous white towns are beautiful, and depending on location, they can be fairly different from each other as well!
A few of the most beautiful white towns include Zahara de la Sierra, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Grazalema.
What’s the best day trip from Seville to do independently?
If you want to enjoy a simple yet fascinating day trip from Seville without worrying about complicated transportation, you can’t beat paying a visit to Córdoba!
Located just under an hour from Seville by train, or about an hour and a half by car, Córdoba is a beautiful city with fascinating attractions and history.
Don’t miss the unique Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or the chance to step inside some of its most beautiful patios!
Here are the best things to do in Córdoba, Spain.
Is it worth renting a car for Seville day trips?
Whether or not it’s best to rent a car for your day trips from Seville depends a lot on what you plan to do!
Generally, if you want to visit smaller towns and villages–and especially if you want to visit more than one place in one day–it’s best to either rent a car or book an organized day trip.
We recommend planning where you’ll park in advance: while it’s not typically hard to figure out where to park, you’ll want to know before you arrive!
Like many places in Europe, the historic centers of these day trip destinations tend to be closed to non-local traffic, so you’ll need to park outside the center and then walk in.
What are some off-the-beaten-path day trips from Seville?
Thanks to its central location, there is a near-infinite number of places to visit close to Seville that could make excellent day trips (either on their own or combined with other spots).
A few other places to add to your radar include Olvera, Juzcar, and Málaga (not a traditional day trip destination, but one within range!).
If you’re willing to travel about 2.5 hours each way, Costa del Sol towns like Estepona and Marbella are also within reach.
Read More About Visiting Spain
Planning a trip to Spain soon and ready to learn more?
We’d love to help!
You can browse all of our Spain blog posts here, or check out these guides:
- The Ultimate One Day in Seville Itinerary (+ Tips!)
- How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide
- The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary
- 21 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe (+ Travel Tips!)
- What’s it Like to Take a Ferry From Barcelona to Rome? (Grimaldi Lines Review)
Map of the Best Day Trips From Seville
Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.
About Kate Storm
In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.