Best Day Trips From Seville
The fourth-largest city in Spain and the capital of Andalusia is the perfect combination of tradition and modernism. Often called the city of flamenco, it is filled with impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Delicious food and warm weather is “a must” if you are willing to embark on an adventure to explore the south of Spain. Due to its great geographical position, you will be able to visit many southern cities during your stay in Seville and enrich this southern expedition even more.
We have chosen the top 10 day trips from Seville, so you have plenty of options depending on your personal preferences!
Córdoba
This relatively small city is located only two hours away from Seville. Its history started during Roman ruling and from that point on, the city was occupied by Visigoths and Muslims. Córdoba served as the capital of Islamic Spain, during which period the majority of its history and culture was born. Today, the historic centre and its mosque are both under the protection of UNESCO.
What to do and see:
Usually, the main reason people visit Cordoba is due to the astonishing Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba or in Spanish, Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba. Originally, it was an Islamic mosque but during the 13th century it became a Catholic cathedral. The outdoor part is a courtyard called ‘the Court of the Oranges’ that occupies a third of the whole property. Mezquita’s interior is the representation of the Arabic culture and history. Visitors usually spend a few hours sightseeing sculptures, altars, columns and paintings.
La Ribera district in the city centre is a place where all the social life circulates. Almost every bar in this area faces the river, and of course, has all the local specialties on their menu. Getting around the town is very simple, you can either rent a bike or explore by foot. If you want to get the best view of the city, go across the bridge above the Guadalquivir river and enjoy.
Cordoba
Where to eat:
One of the more local options is La Bodega which is a traditional taberna cordobesa. They serve sherry and homemade dishes, definitely an ideal way to experience the town’s specialties. On the other hand, if you want something more polished, La Tinaja is a Michelin star restaurant located near the river. If you just want to go for a coffee, La Bicicleta is a great option for warm drinks during the day and for having a beer in the evening.
How to get from Seville to Cordoba:
The easiest option to get to Córdoba is by bus, it takes around 2 hours to get there and the price point for the tickets starts from €13. Book your ticket here:
Albufeira
If you thought the South of Spain is the only area you will be able to explore, you were mistaken. The neighbouring country Portugal is only a few hours away from Seville so you have the perfect chance to get to know another country and its culture. Albufeira is a small coastal town in the south of Portugal in the province of Algarve. The city used to be very important for the export of fish, but today fishing has more turned into a hobby for the locals. Due to its positioning and alluring architecture, it has become a big tourist attraction.
What to see and do:
Most certainly, your first stop will be one of the many sandy beaches that spread all along the coast of the city. Most of them are certified by Blue Flag, in other words, they are made to accommodate people as best as possible. Probably the most famous beach is Praia de Falésia, a sandy beach that is six kilometres long and surrounded by cliffs. Other great beach options are Praia de São Rafael, Praia dos Pescadores and the Praia da Oura.
El Portichuelo is a great option to have a lunch full of local goodies. Another one, especially for the ham enthusiasts is Taberna el Condado in the city centre. Likewise, if you want to try Huelva’s famous prawns, Bar Azabache should be on your list.
As for history, go to Igreja Matriz, a church from the 18th century built in Neoclassical style. The ruins of a medieval Castle de Paderne are situated on a hill, a little bit outside the city centre. The castle was built in the 12th century by Berbers, and it is believed to be one of the original castles that form the Portuguese flag. For adrenaline adventures, pay a visit to Zoomarine Algarve and Aquashow which offer various animal shows. If you want to go for a drink or a night out, the Strip area is full of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Albufeira
Where to eat:
One thing you can expect on your menu here is surely fish and seafood. Their trademark dish is cataplana, a dish made in a clam-shaped pot that is usually made out of copper. It’s normally fish-based but you can find meat options too. Marinheiro is a good option if you like Mediterranean food and relaxed ambience. For vegan and vegetarian options you can go to Eurasia. However, if you are looking for an elegant dinner vibe, the restaurant Dom Carlos is the one.
How to get from Seville to Albufeira:
The best way to travel to Albufeira is by catching a bus, you will get there in approximately three hours. Book your tickets here:
Cádiz
Cádiz is the oldest inhabited city in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is located on the south-west part of the Iberian Peninsula Due to its great geographical location, it served as the main port for the Spanish Navy back in the 18th century. Thanks to its long and rich history, it is part of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. The city is special due to its conserved ancient historic centre, typical Spanish squares and sunny beaches.
What to do and see:
Castle of San Sebastián is a fortress located on a small island in the northern part of the city, at the end of the Paseo Fernando Quiñones, separated from the city. Another beautiful castle is the Santa Catalina Castle, originally designed to defend the city, now a panoramic viewpoint. Along the seashore is the leisure public park called Parque Genovés. It is claimed to be one of the most attractive parks in Europe due to its rich floral and botanical life.
The Cádiz cathedral is located on the Plaza de Catedral in the centre. It is a Roman Catholic church that used to be known as ‘the Cathedral of the Americas’ because America helped to finance the construction. The rich history of the city continues with the ruins of the ancient Roman theatre. Surprisingly, it is very well conserved although it was built in the 1st century BC.
To conclude the cultural expedition, consider paying a visit to the Museum of Cádiz that displays archaeological artifacts, works of art and puppets. The Cadiz Market is the place to look for local food and traditional dishes. For a beach day, your choice should definitely be La Catalina Beach, situated between two castles. Above all, it is the perfect place to relax to the maximum.
Cadiz
Where to eat:
Tapería de Columela is an ideal place to eat tapas and try their specialty dish, tuna brought straight from the Gibraltar. Cumbres Mayores is a bar where you can eat various traditional dishes in a more relaxed environment. However, if you prefer a fancier place to have dinner, Tapas bar Candela is a great choice.
How to get from Seville to Cádiz:
The most convenient way to arrive from Seville to Cádiz is by bus, the earliest one departs at 7:00. The journey time is around 2 hours. Book your ticket here:
Málaga
Málaga, one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean and the capital of the eponymous province has been one of the top Spanish destinations for years. The city on the Sun coast that was founded by Phoenicians, today is one of the country’s most important economic and technology centres. This Andalusian beauty has sunny weather all year round, as well as rich historical and cultural heritage.
What to see and do:
The “must-see” is La Alcazaba, a palace-fortress built during the Islamic Spain that served for protection purposes against Catholics. The walls of the fortress are the representation of typical Moorish architecture. The rest of the building is decorated with beautiful patios, gardens and fountains. Once you are done with the palace, just one minute away is the Roman Theatre, the oldest sight spot in Málaga. It was built by Augustus in the 1st century AD and used as the city’s main entertaining spot.
Very close to these two sights, on a hill is situated the Gibralfaro castle from the 14th century that served to protect La Alcazaba. If you want to learn about the entire history of the castle, go inside the museum that is situated in the former gunpowder arsenal. Another gem is the Málaga Cathedral that was built over three centuries. This monument is a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque style, a true architectural wonder from inside and out. The city is also home to one of the most famous and prominent painters of the 20th century. Consequently, paying a visit to the Picasso Birthplace Museum and the Picasso Museum is obligatory.
In the northern part of the city, you will come across Histórico La Concepción Botanical Garden. This visual beauty is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Spain and Europe. It covers 250 000 m² with over 2000 species of trees, flowers and many plants inside. The Atarazanas market is a typical local Spanish food market with stands that sell fresh food and their traditional specialties. Soho neighbourhood is an art district in the city where the majority of buildings are decorated with paintings. Moreover, this area has many craft shops and interesting galleries.
Malaga
Where to eat:
For breakfast you can pay a visit to Café Central, a famous local café. However, once you decide to try famous tapas you should go to El Pimpi, a tourist spot worth the visit. El Tintero II is perfect for a dinner with a view.
How to get from Seville to Málaga:
You can either choose a fast option and get there by bus in 2:30 hours or in 4 hours, depending on how you want to plan your trip. Book your tickets here:
Ronda
West of the city of Malaga, situated on the cliffs, is the town of Ronda. It is the location that makes this village such a magical place. The whole city is a big viewpoint that overlooks the surrounding landscape of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.
If you want to spend your day trip in a mini fairytale, book your ticket and head straight to Ronda!
What to see and do:
The city spreads over El Tajo de Ronda, a 100m deep canyon that is intersected with three bridges. The Puente Romano, Puente Viejo and Puente Nuevo are the bridges that merge the old and the new part of the city. The bridges offer the best panoramic views of the city. Ronda is the birthplace of the bullfighting scene in Spain, thanks to the oldest bullring The Real Maestranza, a neoclassical attraction that can hold up to 5000 spectators.
To see more of the Arabic culture you can visit the Arab Baths. They were situated near the Mosque so that people could cleanse their bodies before entering the church. The Palace of Mondragon is a building of Arabic origin that used to be home to a Muslim sultan. It’s a spacious area with several courtyards and the majority of its architecture has Mudejar features.
Puerta de Almocabar are the city’s gates encircled by two huge towers that served for protection. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is the main square, a historical hub of the city where the majority of important churches and monuments are located. If you want to spend some time in nature, book a wine tour or visit the Cat’s Cave located 20 min from the centre.
Ronda
Where to eat:
On the main square, you will find El Bodegón, a great place to try Ronda’s traditional dishes. Loco de Tapas is a great local restaurant located close to the city gates. However, if you want to avoid crowds, Las Castanuelas is the place to go.
How to get from Seville to Ronda:
The shortest and easiest way is to use the bus, the distance is around 123km. It takes around 2 hours to get there. The price point for the tickets starts at €19.
Book your tickets here:
Huelva
Huelva is a city that was born on the estuary of the two rivers, Odiel and Tinto. It is located in the southwest of Andalusia, in the Gulf of Cádiz. The port of Huelva used to be the main exporter of pyrite and copper, however, today its main occupation is fishing and cargo transportation. One of the world’s largest metal and mining corporations, Rio Tinto, was founded here. This industrialised city has become the ideal combination of rich history and modernity.
What to see and do:
The first thing that may draw your attention is the picturesque Nun’s Square next to the Augustinian convent in the historic center. In the middle, you will find the statue of Christopher Columbus pointing his finger towards the sea. This city was the place where he embarked on his journey to America. Close to the square you have a shopping street named Calle Concepción if you decide to go on a quick shopping spree.
Their religious inheritance is abundant with plenty of churches to choose from. The most famous one is the Saint Peter’s Church, a beautiful cathedral with Mudejar features. If you want to take a walk along the shore, pay a visit to Muelle del Tinto, a remarkably long pier on the river Tinto. It was built in the 19th century and it is a great representation of the city’s history.
Back in the city, you have English-like styled districts that are enlisted in the National Cultural Interest Asset. Queen Victoria District and Labor District are brimming with small beautifully decorated houses. The city itself is immensely connected to the discovery of America so consequently Colombino Market is a thing there. Each year at Plaza del Punto you have a market where you can find goods that were brought to Spain from the New World. People dressed in ancient costumes bring the past back to life to entertain the visitors.
Rio Tinto, Huelva
How to get from Seville to Huelva:
The distance between these two cities is only 92 km. The bus ride lasts approximately from 1:15-2:00h. The prices start from €12, book your tickets here:
Lagos
Lagos is another Portuguese town by the shore, in the province of Algarve. Its history began 2000 years ago when Celtics inhabited this territory, later it was occupied by Christians and Muslims. The Portuguese discovered it during their Age of Discovery and it became an important historic centre. At one point, it was even the main hub for European Slave trade. Nowadays, people visit this place for its beautiful beaches, rocky formations and nightlife.
What to do and see:
Take a stroll in the historic centre where the ancient city gates are situated and explore around. The principal sight of Lagos is definitely the Baroque church Igreja de Santo António that is enlisted as a National Monument. A somewhat interesting sight is Mercado de Escravos, a former slave market which today occupies a museum. Once the cultural expedition is over, an obligatory thing to visit are the beaches of Lagos. Firstly on your beach list should be Ponta de Piedade, a cape with thrilling cliffs and a beach. The other great beach options are: Praia de Dona Ana, Meia Praia and Praia de Batata. You also have the option to visit their zoo, go dolphin spotting or visit the local flea market. For some dancing and great cocktails, you should visit Eddie’s bar and Three Monkeys that offer yummy cocktails and good music.
Lagos
Where to eat:
Casa do Prego is an ideal dinner spot where you can try excellent traditional dishes with a panoramic view of the city. For example, Meu Limão is the perfect place to try seafood dishes and sip on sangria, while Nah Nah Bah holds the title for the best burgers in the whole region of Algarve.
How to get from Seville to Lagos:
The distance between these two cities is 273 km and if you wanna get there in 3 hours, you have the fastest bus leaving at 7:30 am. The prices are around €20. Book your tickets here:
Tavira
In the eastern part of Portuguese region Alvire lies a small, hidden town called Tavira. It is the capital of Costa de Acantilado with around 26,000 inhabitants. The Moorish occupation marked and formed Tavira’s history and culture. This town is famous for its small cobbled streets, white-washed houses and decorated ceramic tiles. Tavira is an ideal day trip if you want to escape the crowds and unwind.
What to see and do:
In the center you can overlook the river Gilao by crossing the Ponte Romana bridge that serves to connect the two parts of the city. In Tavire, the colors of the windows, houses and tiles will amaze you. One thing you should look for are azulejos, in other words, typical Portuguese glazed ceramic tile decorated with different artwork. They can be found in churches, schools and even on the exterior of people’s homes.
Praça da República is the main square where locals usually go to socialize and drink coffee. Not far from the centre is Tavira Castle (Castelo de Tavira) from the 7th century BC that mainly served to protect the city. A building that used to be an ancient mosque, today is an astonishing Gothic church Santa Maria. Although quite a small town, it has 37 churches in total! You can take a ferry and visit the stunning beach Ilha de Tavira.
Tavira
Where to eat:
To try delicious Portuguese meals and their local brandy Medronho go to O Tonel. If you want to try their typical pastries, Pastelaria Tavirense has all the tasty goods. Their traditional desserts are pastéis, a pastry filled with custard and sonhos, their type of doughnuts. Casa Simão is a restaurant that feels like home, you will enjoy your meal in a very laid back environment.
How to get from Seville to Tavira:
The most convenient way is to get there by bus, the journey lasts around 1,5 hours.
Book your tickets here:
Nerja
This charming little city is part of the province of Málaga, situated next to Chillar River and national park Sierras de Tejeda. Muslims called it Narixa, meaning ‘abundant source’. What used to be a small fishing village in the past, today is a top vacation pick precisely because it kept its traditional charm. You can spend your day roaming around the cute narrow streets, relaxing on a beach or visiting Nerja’s ancient caves.
What to do and see:
Without a question, the sight that draws everyone’s attention are the Nerja Caves. They are 5km long, full of galleries that have various displays for the visitors. It is 5 million years old and the fact that inside are the oldest Neanderthal paintings definitely confirms its age. Another remarkable thing inside the caves is the highest central column (holds the Guinness record) located in the Cataclysm Hall which nowadays hosts concerts and other shows.
The main part of the historical centre is the Balcony of Europe with the statue of King Alfonso XII. The location gives an amazing view of the landscape. There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops located near. To soak up some sun, the Burriana sandy beach has everything, from places where you can eat, drink or shop.
Nerja
Where to eat:
Cafeteria Joanny is a place with 25 years of tradition, affordable prices and delicious food. Restaurant Oliva is voted to be one of the best restaurants in Nerja. It is near the Balcony of Europe so you have the view and delicious local food. On your way from the beach, take a quick stop at Maria Bonita and enjoy freshly cooked meals.
How To Get From Seville To Nerja:
If you choose to go by bus, you will get there in around 3 hours. The price point for the tickets start from €24.
Book your tickets here:
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is the largest city in the province of Cádiz, surrounded by the Atlantic, two rivers and Cádiz’s chain of mountains. This is the Andalusian wine capital that produces famous Spanish sherry. Moreover, it was one of the first cities where legendary MotoGP races took place. Your day trip in Jerez will be filled with delicious wine, flamenco music and dancing horses.
What to see and do:
Jerez is the hometown of sherry, a traditional fortified Spanish wine. The type of soil called albariza they have is the ideal kind for cultivating Palamino grapes which are the essence for producing this wine. You can book a wine tour that takes you to sherry bodegas( en. Wine cellar) where you can see how it’s made and why it is so famous globally. The two most famous ones are González Byass and Pedro Domecq’s cellars.
Another fascinating thing to see here is the performance with dancing horses. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is responsible for this spectacle. It is a type of equestrian ballet performed to classical Spanish music. The students are dressed in adequate costumes providing you with a show full of envious skills and fascinating choreographies. Every year in May the famous Horse Fair takes place.
As if these two things are not enough for a perfect day trip, you can also visit Alcázar – a Moorish castle that was built to fight the Christians. Flamenco tradition is heavily installed here, so visiting Flamenco Art Museum or going to a local flamenco show are ideal options to familiarize with the tradition.
Jerez de la Frontera
Where to eat:
Tabanco is the name for the city’s local bar where you can try their sherry and eat their local goods. These bars are usually the perfect places to see what an authentic flamenco show looks like. For instance, Tabanco San Pablo and Tabanco El Pasaje are the top places to do that. In the city center is the bar Juanito, founded in 1943 that specializes in artichokes and albóndigos( meatballs cooked in sherry wine).
How to get from Seville to Jerez de la Frontera:
The distance between these two cities is around 1,5 hours, so catching a bus is definitely the easiest option. Prices are around €12.
Book your tickets here:
