Best Day Trips from Seville

Note: Sevilla in English is actually Seville, so both are technically correct. I prefer using Sevilla, mainly since that is the Spanish name, so I choose to use that here.

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any group or company, all views expressed are entirely my own.

Sevilla is a city best known for its tapas, stunning landmarks and being the birthplace of flamenco. While you could easily spend more than just a few days here to explore the Spanish city in depth, I highly recommend venturing out for a day trip or two to see more of the Andalusian region. 

Whether it be for adventure or relaxing, here is my list of the best day trips from Sevilla. 

For the off-the-beaten path lover:

1. Ronda and/or the White Villages

I was able to easily visit both Ronda and two White Villages in a day trip through Naturanda, an Andalusian tour group agency. Ronda is a town in the Málaga province best known for its famous bridge, cliffside views and historic feel. Barely two hours from Sevilla, you can reach the city by car, train or bus. 

I would recommend exploring the city by foot, taking in the sweeping panoramic views and grabbing some traditional Andalusian tapas — my personal favorites are patatas bravas (crispy cubed potatoes with sauce), jamón (ham), queso de cabra (goat cheese) and bonus points if it comes with jam, and tortilla española (not to be confused with Mexican tortillas, this is an egg and potato omelet). 

The Andalusian White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos in Spanish, are nestled amongst mountains in the Cadíz and Málaga province. These small towns are completely white, which is meant to propel the hot Spanish sun and keep heat out of the buildings in warmer months, and are just as charming as more popular and famous villages like those in Greece. 

These beautiful towns can be easily walked in under an hour (just prepare for some hills) and boast stunning mountainside views. We stopped by Zahara de la Sierra and Sierra de Grazalema on our way to Ronda. We ate here during our tour and found it is just as easy to find classic Spanish tapas as bigger cities. 

I would recommend following the exact itinerary we did with Naturanda, stopping by one or two white villages on the way to Ronda, then heading back in the evening. 

For the photo-lover:

2. Córdoba

Córdoba is a classic Andalusian city with a fascinating history and dazzling courtyards in the spring. It feels small, and is incredibly walkable with plenty of flat cobblestone streets to mosey down and adorable local shops to stumble upon. 

The highlight of Córdoba is undoubtedly La Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral which is a testament to the prominent Arabic-Spanish history that really lingers in the Andalusian region. The interior is easily recognizable due to arches donning a unique candy-cane-esque pattern. You can go through the Mezquita in just an hour and then find time to explore some other attractions, such as the Alzcázar Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, walk around the Roman Temple ruins and stroll down the Roman Bridge. 

But for me, I was most impressed by the intimate courtyards that are overflowing with vibrant flowers and plants in the spring as part of the city’s annual courtyard competition. As part of the eligibility rules, the courtyards must be maintained by hand only, making them that much more special. 

Not all are public, but I would highly recommend visiting those that are if you visit in the spring months. The one I visited even had tiny artisan shops in the corners so you could browse handmade items while enjoying the sights and smells of the garden. 

Insider Tip: Although it may appear as a great option for a day trip, Granada is NOT a good option in my humble (I’ve lived in Spain for a year) opinion. It is too far and offers enough for at least a few days, considering its main highlight — the Alhambra — is a half-day excursion in itself. 

For the beach-goer:

3. Cadíz

If you’re craving a beach getaway but don’t want to go far, you can venture to Cádiz, a port city with beautiful water, historic landmarks and great seafood. There are multiple ways to get to Cádiz, but if you’re on a budget there are often several affordable bus options. 

Although relaxing on one of the many beaches is enough for a day trip, you can also visit the city’s cathedral, Mercado Central and the Teatro Romano de Cádiz, an ancient Roman theater. It is also walkable and relatively flat. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the seafood is very fresh, and I would recommend trying bluefin tuna, fried anchovies, garlic prawns, and various tuna dishes. 

There are a handful of beaches to choose from, but we thoroughly enjoyed Playa de la Caleta. With soft white sand and an old structure that offers shade, this smaller beach is a great option if you want to avoid heavy crowds and loads of tourists. 

I wouldn’t miss catching a sunset on the bridge heading to Castillo de San Sebastián, a fortress with serene views of the ocean. Here, we found plenty of places to sit on the sand and enjoy the feel of the ocean air. 

For the adrenaline junkie:

4. Caminito del Rey

Unfortunately, I have yet to cross this hike off my list but I have several friends who loved their experience on the Caminito del Rey. This hike is in the Málaga province and quite literally translates to “the king’s little pathway”. The trail is built within the Gaitanes Gorge and hangs 100 meters over the river. 

There are several guided tours through the trail but you can also buy tickets for 10 euros or 18 euros for a guided tour. I would recommend checking the weather before booking tickets (someone told me windier days may be more nerve wracking because the bridges sway).

During the hike, you will wear a protective helmet and should bring a backpack to carry anything you need as well as wear proper shoes. With a guide, you will also wear headphones and radio guides to learn about the hike and its history. 

The website says that the trail will take approximately an hour and a half to two hours. The Visitor’s Center parking lot is located 15-20 minutes and costs two euros, with a shuttle bus that runs back and forth for 2.50 euros each way. 

Want to Read More about Spain? Check out these articles:

-5 Things I Learned While Living in Spain

–10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Seville

–A Photojournal of my Year in Seville, Spain

–A Guide to Visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

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