15 Best Day Trips from Seville

Proudly the home of flamenco dancing and one of the biggest Moorish castles in the land Seville is a culturally abundant Spanish city just waiting to be explored.

As the capital of Andalusia Seville is a modern metropolis that clings on to its architectural and historical gems with pride.

The Alcazar of Seville is one of the most impressive buildings in all of the country, as it the Seville Cathedral.

Visual travellers will fall in love with the Plaza de España and would no doubt embark on an Instagram frenzy.

Moving on, once you have explored all there is to see in Seville it is time to venture deeper into Andalusia and beyond.

Let’s take a look at the best day trips from Seville:

1. Pueblos Blancos

The Pueblos Blancos or ‘white villages’ are one of the most iconic man made landscapes in Andalusia.

This collection of quintessentially Spanish villages are photogenic beyond belief.

Featuring whitewashed facades, narrow winding streets and sheer cliff faces this is an area heavily influenced by the Moors.

Although there are dozens of Pueblos Blancos there are a few that are particularly outstandingly beautiful, namely Arcos de la Frontera, considered to be the gateway to Pueblos Blancos, mountainous Grazalema and blossoming Benaocaz.

When in Arcos de la Frontera do not miss out on the hilly walk out to the towering Church of San Pedro whose presence dominated the landscape.

2. Ronda

Technically Ronda is one of the Pueblos Blancos but due to its size and cultural significance it is worthy of a day trip all of its own.

Ronda is, in fact, one of the oldest towns in Spain dating back to the 15th-Century when the Moors ruled the land.

Ronda is famed for its bullfighting, and, regardless of your stance on the matter you will no doubt be impressed by the master architecture demonstrated in the city’s Plaza de Toros.

This exquisite city’s most photogenic spot is surely the Puente Nuevo.

This bridge has been carved from stone and sits above the deep gorge below.

3. Granada

Granada is an enchanting and historically astounding city that sprawls the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Granada’s most iconic landmark is the Alhambra that can be mused upon from the city below.

The Alhambra sits high atop a hill and features royal Moorish palaces, sun trapped patios and glistening pools that were installed during the Nasrid dynasty.

Back within the main bulk of the city you will find dozens of super hippy tapas bars and live music clubs.

Be sure to visit Granada’s Gypsy quarter, dance in the street, buy local handicrafts and get chatting to locals in Spanish.

It’s hard not to be charmed by Granada.

4. Doñana National Park

Wildlife lovers, particularly those with an avid interest in birds, will be delighted to learn of Doñana National Park.

This protected nature reserve features wetlands, towering pine forests and ever-changing dunes.

The Doñana National Park changes greatly from season to season and is a hotbed for migratory bird life.

Once you have taken a stroll through the wetland trails head towards the coastal trials.

Visit the impressive Palacio del Acebrón and too El Rocío Hermitage.

If you are looking for a spot for lunch and a lazy afternoon look no further than Playa de Matalascañas.

This beachfront promenade is the perfect place to kick back with a ‘cerveza’ and a seemingly never ending supply of tapas.

5. Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Sanlúcar de Barrameda, also locally referred to as simply Sanlúcar, is best known for horse racing and conversely, sherry.

The people of Sanlúcar de Barrameda love their horse racing as much as they love their sherry and in the course of a day trip from Seville you can get to grips with what really makes this city tick.

Should you wish to have a lazy beach day then the Bajo de Guía is a great place to hang out.

Heading deeper into the city you will find the fascinating Convento Descalzas which features a stunning altarpiece constructed in baroque style.

If you have time, or fancy mixing up your day a bit you can briefly visit the Doñana National Park in the morning and head to Sanlúcar de Barrameda for lunch and a culturally enlightening afternoon.

6. Tangier

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar and enter the land of the gods; visit the cave in which it is said Hercules himself lived and visit magical Medina too.

Set off early from Seville and head to the charming village of Tarifa and cross the Strait to Tangier.

You will be amazed by how daily life can change so much across such a short distance.

The Dar el Makhzen is a must-visit.

Once a palace to the sultans of Morocco the Dar el Makhzen is now an intriguing museum housing astounding Moroccan artefacts.

The Caves of Hercules are not to be missed either.

Before you hop on the ferry back to Spain take some time to saunter through the narrow, winding streets of Medina.

7. Córdoba

The city of Córdoba is characterised by the colossal La Mezquita mosque that sits in the heart of the city and dates back to 784 A.D. This awe-inspiring building features a vast prayer hall and ancient and intricate Byzantine mosaics.

For anyone interested in Moorish architecture then a visit to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a must.

This immense palace complex features beautiful gardens and dates back to 1328. Córdoba was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and has been perfectly preserved ever since.

Animal lovers will want to visit the Sotos de la Albolafia and take a jaunt around the Royal Stables to gaze at the thoroughbred Andalusian horses that reside there.

8. Carmona

The small town of Carmona is quaint and charming beyond belief.

Lying just 33km north-east of Seville Carmona is an easily accessible day trip.

Sitting on a rocky ridge in central Andalusia a visit to Carmona sees you experience a more authentic, less tourist oriented side of Spain which is truly refreshing.

This township is best known for its rich wine and olive oil trade, as well as grains and cattle.

Throughout your day you can sample some of the best wine and olive oils in the regions either at the produce stores themselves or in the numerous restaurants and cafes that flank Carmona’s winding streets.

9. Cadiz

Cadiz is one of Spain’s best kept secrets, especially for international travellers.

This is a thriving and lively city that is steeped in history and abundant in culture.

To this day Cadiz is the home of the Spanish Navy and you can often see Navy battleships resting in port.

There are over 100 watchtowers along the Bay of Cadiz, the most famous of all is the Torre Tavira.

Cadiz Cathedral is quite the spectacle.

Built in baroque style, climb to the top of the turrets to enjoy panoramic views of this magnificent city.

Cadiz is renowned for is amazing tapas so be sure to have a plate or two before you leave.

10. Jerez de la Frontera

The Andalusian city of Jerez de la Frontera, often referred to simply as Jerez, is one of the most famous Sherry producing cities in Spain.

Within the city limits you will find a number or traditional bodegas or cellars from which you can sample, and perhaps even buy, sherry and wonderful Southern Spanish wines.

Before you indulge in the local tipples find time to visit the aristocratic home of Palacio del Virrey Laserna, considered to be the gem of Jerez de la Frontera.

If you are short on time it is possible to marry together a half day visit to Cadiz with another half day visit to Jerez de la Frontera.

11. Gibraltar

The island of Gibraltar is, in fact, ruled by Great Britain and is a true cultural melting pot.

In order to reach Gibraltar from Seville you must catch the ferry which will transport you past both European and African coastlines.

Once you reach Gibraltar you can take a trip to the limestone caves of San Miguel.

Here you can marvel at the barbed and rugged stalactite and stalagmite formations.

No trip to Gibraltar would be complete without taking the time to hang out with the infamous monkeys of Gibraltar.

It is said that the British will not leave Gibraltar until the monkeys do.

12. El Caminito del Rey

Calling all hikers, ramblers and outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to the El Caminito del Rey is the place for you.

Adrenaline junkie too will prick their years upon hearing of Spain’s most dangerous walkway.

If you suffer from acrophobia you should steer well clear of El Caminito del Rey.

Originally built by local villagers El Caminito del Rey walkway was created to help transport goods and people from one side of the El Chorro gorge to another.

Now something of a bucket list phenomenon El Caminito del Rey sees visitors flock to the gorge cliffs to experience the thrill of edging along this precarious walkway with a 100m sheer drop below.

13. Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is, in fact, one of the Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia but is deserving of a day trip all of its own for it is rather different to the others.

Rather than being built on a pinnacle, or a bluff, Setenil de las Bodegas has been built within a network of caves that bore into the cliff faces of the area.

Naturally, as the town has expanded not all buildings are situated within the protective overhang of the jagged cliffs.

The Centro de Interpretación Medioambiental del Olivar is an genuinely captivating museum to visit.

This centre is home to exhibits and information boards on the cultural and natural history of Setenil de las Bodegas.

14. Sierra Norte Natural Park

Sierra Norte Natural Park is home to dozens of authentic, beguiling Spanish villages that sit afoot the Sevillian mountains.

A particularly enjoyable way to experience Sierra Norte Natural Park is by bicycle, stopping for photographs here and there, chatting with locals or even the farm animals whose paddocks flank the tarmac trails.

This is a thriving area of agriculture and was once filled with bustling mining towns.

The trails of Sierra Norte Natural Park take you through not only villages but along river banks and through lush forested areas too.

No need to pack a picnic for there are countless family run restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.

15. Baelo Claudia

Situated 22 km out from Tarifa are the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.

Although ruined, Baelo Claudia is well enough preserved that you can appreciate the grandeur and tremendousness of the city that once stood here.

Once you have taken a stroll around Baelo Claudia travel onwards to Bolonia Beach just a short distance away.

Take time to relax, kick back and soak up the Spanish sun.

Before it gets too hot move onwards to Vejer de la Frontera, the town best known for it divine flamenco dancers.

Heading out to Baelo Claudia is a great starting point and from there you can explore the wonders of southern Cadiz province.