Seville in itself is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and where Spanish and flamenco culture are extremely vibrant. Without a doubt, it deserves to be included in Spain’s itinerary . But how about extending this itinerary a little and taking the opportunity to get to know other cities in Andalusia?
The region has several destinations that are worth including in your itinerary for a day trip from Seville, whether by car, bus or train. And to help you plan your route, check out the best cities to extend your trip.
1. Grenada
Granada is one of those cities that takes your breath away due to its architectural and cultural heritage and its natural beauty — the city is at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Its architecture brings a mix of Muslim and Renaissance culture and you will soon see this when walking through its streets.
Granada is the furthest city from Seville on this list, but it is still worth a visit — 250km that can be covered in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Granada’s main attractions
The Alhambra is the city’s main attraction and one of the most visited in all of Spain. The complex of palaces and gardens was built in the 12th century and housed the largest Muslim political center at the time. The visit is “mandatory” and you can purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues. Without a doubt, you will be completely amazed by this monument.
Another point worth visiting is the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel , the largest monument of the Resumption by Christians and which features Renaissance architecture. In the Royal Chapel, many kings are buried. Take a guided tour to deepen your knowledge.
And don’t forget to walk around the city and pass through the Arab neighborhood of Albaicín to delve into the city’s history. This neighborhood, together with the Alhambra, are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
2. Cordoba
Córdoba is also another city that deserves to be included in the day trip itinerary. The city is one of the most visited in the Andalusia region, along with Granada and Seville. And like Granada, it also preserves much of its past with Arab presence.
Córdoba is 141 km from Seville and for those traveling by car, the average time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. On the other hand, those who opt for public transport, if they opt for a high-speed train, end up traveling much faster, in 50 minutes.
Main attractions in Córdoba
The most unmissable attraction in the city is, without a doubt, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba . That’s right, the building mixes Muslim and Catholic culture in an impressive and somewhat curious way. Consider this tour a priority on your list and you won’t regret it.
Another tourist attraction that you need to see on your day trip from Seville is the Alcázar of the Christian Kings . Just like the Real Alcázar of Seville , the one in Córdoba is not far behind in terms of magnitude and architectural beauty.
3. Malaga
Málaga is famous for being a summer destination due to its beaches, but it also retains much of its 3,000-year-old culture and history, being considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe.
Malaga is 200 km from Seville and the average time is 2 hours and 20 minutes by car or 2 hours by train. For those going by bus, making a round trip can be more tiring, as the bus takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to travel the route.
Main attractions in Malaga
You need to include in your Seville day trip itinerary a tour of the Roman Theater that dates back to the 1st century, as well as Gibralfaro Castle and Málaga Cathedral — the two main points of the Renaissance.
Málaga is the city where the painter Picasso was born and there could be no shortage of a museum dedicated to him in his hometown. Therefore, take advantage of your stay to visit the Picasso Museum and delve into the life and work of this incredible artist. The permanent exhibition features more than 200 works by the father of Cubism.
4. Round
If you’ve ever searched for photos of Spain, you’ve probably come across a very classic photo of Ronda: that of its magnificent stone bridge over the El Tajo canyon. Ronda is the typical village where it is possible to see the entire city in a single day and be enchanted by its viewpoints, palaces and walls.
The visit will be worth it on the day trip from Seville, however, it is only possible to do this route by car, as there is no train or bus connection between the two Spanish cities. The journey is 130 km and in around 1 hour and 30 minutes you will be in Ronda.
Ronda’s main attractions
As the city is very small, taking a guided tour of Ronda is the best option. This way, you walk around every corner, passing by the postcard Puente Nuevo, the Plaza de Toros — considered one of the oldest in Spain —, Plaza de la Duqueza de Parcent, the walls and the Arab baths, among other tourist attractions.
5. Cadiz
In fifth place in our ranking of the best cities to day trip from Seville, we have the charming and historic Cádiz. The city is located very close to the Strait of Gibraltar and was founded in 1,100 BC and to this day, it preserves a medieval historic center that is worth visiting.
Cádiz is 120 km from Seville and the journey takes on average 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.
Main attractions in Cádiz
The medieval tour of Cádiz is the city’s main attraction, passing through the Pópulo neighborhood, the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the Tavira tower, the Roman theater and other points, delving into the history of each place. And at the end of the day, take the opportunity to admire the beautiful sunset on the beach.
6. Merida
The five cities listed so far belonged to the region of Andalusia, of which Seville is the capital. Now, leaving the southern region and going up a little to the western region known as Estremadura, we have Mérida, a city that is well worth your visit.
It is 192 km from Seville and the journey takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Mérida was founded by the Romans and to this day it preserves its past very well, so much so that it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is impossible not to be impressed during your visit. And for these reasons, it is in this ranking of the best cities to make a day trip from Seville.