7 best day trips from Seville

Day trips compared

The day trips

140 km · About 45 minutes by high-speed train

1.Córdoba

Córdoba's Mezquita-Catedral, a vast mosque with forests of striped arches and a cathedral built inside it, is one of Spain's great monuments. Add the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Jewish quarter and, in May, the flower-filled patios.

Getting there

AVE or Avant train from Santa Justa

Best for

Culture, First-timers, Couples

95 km · About 1 hour by train

2.Jerez de la Frontera

The home of sherry has bodegas offering cellar tours and tastings, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art with its dancing-horse shows, and a strong flamenco tradition.

Getting there

Regional train from Santa Justa

Best for

Food lovers, Culture, Couples

120 km · About 1 hour 45 minutes by train

3.Cádiz

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in western Europe sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic, with the golden-domed cathedral, the Torre Tavira camera obscura, fried-fish shops and city beaches such as La Caleta.

Getting there

Regional train from Santa Justa

Best for

Beach, Food lovers, Couples

35 km · About 40 minutes by bus

4.Carmona

A hilltop town with Roman and Moorish gates, a Roman necropolis, whitewashed streets and a Parador in the ruins of a castle, with views over the plains of the Guadalquivir.

Getting there

Bus or car

Best for

Quiet stays, Culture

9 km · About 25 minutes by bus

5.Itálica

The ruins of the Roman city where the emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born include one of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman world, mosaic floors and street grids. Go early to avoid the heat; there is little shade.

Getting there

Bus to Santiponce

Best for

Culture, Families, Budget

250 km · About 2.5–3 hours by bus or train

6.Granada

The Alhambra palace complex, the Albaicín quarter and free tapas with drinks make Granada worth an overnight stay, but it can be done as a long day trip if you have Alhambra tickets.

Getting there

Bus or train

Best for

Culture, First-timers

130 km · About 2 hours by bus or car

7.Ronda

A dramatic town split by the El Tajo gorge and joined by the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge, with one of Spain's oldest bullrings and walks along the cliff edge.

Getting there

Bus or car

Best for

Couples, Culture

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• A rechargeable Tarjeta Multiviaje card makes each ride cheaper than paying the driver.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask