day-trips
Day Trips from Seville: Córdoba, Ronda & the Heart of Andalusia
Seville sits at the crossroads of Andalusia, with ancient cities, sherry country, and wild marshlands all within easy reach.
The best day trips from Seville take you across Andalusia: the Mezquita's forest of arches in Córdoba, the dramatic gorge at Ronda, sherry bodegas in Jerez, and Roman ruins at Itálica just outside the city. Seville's central position makes it the perfect base for exploring.
Andalusia's high-speed rail network puts Córdoba just 45 minutes away.
Jerez and its sherry houses are barely an hour by train. And the white villages of the Sierra begin where the city ends.
Most visitors stay in Seville to see the Alcázar and cathedral. These day trips show why staying longer reveals the full richness of the region.
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Quick Guide: Day Trips at a Glance
Day Trips from Seville
Quick reference guide
| Destination | Distance | Must-See |
|---|---|---|
| Córdoba | 140km / 45 min | The Mezquita |
| Ronda | 130km / 1.5h | Puente Nuevo & gorge |
| Jerez de la Frontera | 90km / 1h | Sherry bodegas |
| Itálica | 9km / 20 min | Roman amphitheatre |
| Carmona | 35km / 30 min | Roman necropolis |
| Cádiz | 125km / 1.5h | Atlantic beaches & old town |
| Doñana | 85km / 1.25h | Wetlands & wildlife |
| Granada | 250km / 2.5h | The Alhambra |
High-speed trains serve Córdoba in 45 minutes. Jerez and Cádiz have excellent rail connections. A car opens up Ronda and the villages.
Córdoba: The Mezquita
Córdoba is less than an hour from Seville by high-speed train, and the Mezquita alone makes it essential. This mosque-cathedral is one of the world's most extraordinary buildings, a forest of red-and-white arches that defies description.
Córdoba
from Seville
Take the AVE train for speed and comfort. Book Mezquita tickets online to skip queues. Arrive early for the best light through the arches.
What Makes Córdoba Special
Córdoba was once the largest city in Western Europe, capital of Moorish Al-Andalus. The Mezquita dates from this golden age: a vast mosque with over 850 columns supporting double arches, with a Renaissance cathedral bizarrely inserted into its centre.
Must-see in Córdoba:
- The Mezquita: Words don't do justice. The forest of columns is hypnotic
- Jewish Quarter: Narrow streets, flower-hung balconies, and the synagogue
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Fortress with beautiful terraced gardens
- Roman Bridge: Views back to the Mezquita and old town
- Patios: In May, residents open their flower-filled courtyards
Local tip
Enter the Mezquita as soon as it opens. The morning light through the arches is magical, and you'll have a few minutes before the tour groups arrive. Free entry on Monday mornings (book online).
Making Córdoba Work
The AVE high-speed train makes Córdoba an easy day trip. You can see the essential sights comfortably and return to Seville for dinner.
A typical day:
- AVE from Seville Santa Justa (45 minutes)
- Walk to the Mezquita (20 minutes through the old town)
- Mezquita visit (1-2 hours)
- Jewish Quarter streets
- Lunch in the old town
- Alcázar gardens
- Return train
Tip:
If visiting in May, try to coincide with the Festival de los Patios (first two weeks of May). Residents compete to create the most beautiful flower-filled courtyards, opening them to visitors. It's UNESCO-listed and genuinely beautiful.
Ronda: The Dramatic Gorge
Ronda is about 1.5 hours from Seville by car, sitting dramatically on a plateau split by a 100-metre gorge. The Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the chasm is one of Spain's most photographed sights.
Ronda
from Seville
Drive via the white villages of the Sierra (Grazalema, Zahara) for a spectacular route. Or take the direct road and spend more time in Ronda itself.
Ronda Highlights
Ronda's location is extraordinary: an ancient town perched on cliffs, with the gorge cutting through its heart. The 18th-century Puente Nuevo connects the old Moorish quarter with the newer town.
What to see:
- Puente Nuevo: Walk across and descend to viewpoints below for the classic photos
- Plaza de Toros: Spain's oldest bullring, now a museum
- Arab Baths: Exceptionally well-preserved medieval baths
- La Ciudad: The old Moorish quarter with palaces and gardens
- Gorge trails: Paths descend into the gorge for different perspectives
Local tip
The drive from Seville to Ronda can take several scenic routes. The A-376 via Utrera is fastest. For more adventure, detour through the Sierra de Grazalema for white villages and mountain views.
Jerez de la Frontera: Sherry Country
Jerez is the home of sherry, with historic bodegas offering tours, tastings, and centuries of winemaking tradition. Add the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and you have a full day of Andalusian culture.
Jerez de la Frontera
from Seville
Book bodega tours in advance, especially at famous houses like Tio Pepe, Lustau, or González Byass. The equestrian show runs Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Sherry Experience
Jerez has produced sherry for centuries, and the bodega tours reveal the solera system, the stacked barrels, and the art of blending. Generous tastings are included.
What to do:
- Bodega tours: Tio Pepe, Lustau, González Byass, and smaller producers
- Royal Andalusian School: Horse shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays (book ahead)
- Alcázar: 11th-century fortress with gardens, mosque, and camera obscura
- Flamenco: Jerez is a flamenco heartland; check for performances
Tip:
Combine sherry tasting with the equestrian show for a quintessentially Andalusian day. Book both in advance. The horse show runs at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Itálica: Rome Outside Seville
Itálica is just 20 minutes from central Seville, the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The Roman ruins include an enormous amphitheatre and remarkably preserved mosaics.
Itálica
from Seville
Take the bus from Seville (Line M-172 from Plaza de Armas). Combine with nearby Santiponce for lunch. Go early in summer to avoid the heat.
The Roman City
Itálica was one of the earliest Roman settlements in Hispania, founded in 206 BCE. Two emperors were born here, and the city grew to include one of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman Empire.
What to see:
- Amphitheatre: One of the largest in the Roman world, seating 25,000
- Mosaics: Remarkably preserved floor mosaics in the houses
- Streets: Walk the original Roman streets between building foundations
- Game of Thrones: The amphitheatre featured as the Dragonpit in Season 7
Local tip
Itálica is exposed and hot in summer. Visit early morning and bring water. The site has limited shade but excellent signage explaining the ruins.
Carmona: Roman and Moorish History
Carmona is just 30 minutes from Seville, a hilltop town with Roman gates, a Moorish fortress, and a remarkable necropolis. It's an easy half-day trip with centuries of layered history.
Carmona
from Seville
Visit the Roman necropolis first (it closes for siesta), then explore the old town and have lunch at the parador with its panoramic terrace.
Carmona Highlights
Carmona has been continuously inhabited since Carthaginian times.
Romans, Visigoths, and Moors all left their mark. The town rewards exploration, with history at every turn.
What to see:
- Roman Necropolis: Elaborate tomb complexes carved into rock
- Puerta de Sevilla: Roman gate, later fortified by the Moors
- Alcázar: Moorish fortress, now partly a parador hotel
- Plaza de San Fernando: The main square, lined with cafés
- Prioral de Santa María: Gothic church built on a mosque
Local tip
The parador in Carmona occupies part of the old Alcázar. Even if you're not staying, have a drink on the terrace for panoramic views across the plains to the distant mountains.
Cádiz: Atlantic City
Cádiz claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, a peninsula of narrow streets, hidden plazas, and Atlantic beaches. It's about 1.5 hours from Seville by train.
Cádiz
from Seville
Take the train for a relaxed journey. The old town is compact and perfect for wandering. Don't miss the cathedral rooftop for panoramic views.
The Cádiz Experience
Cádiz has a different atmosphere from inland Andalusia: saltier, breezier, more Caribbean than Mediterranean. The old town is almost entirely surrounded by water, with beaches on both sides.
What to do:
- Old town: Wander the narrow streets and discover hidden plazas
- Cathedral: Climb to the rooftop for 360-degree views
- La Caleta beach: The city beach, atmospheric and local
- Mercado Central: Fresh seafood and local produce
- Torre Tavira: Camera obscura with city views
Tip:
Cádiz is famous for its Carnival (February/March), one of Spain's best. If you're visiting then, book accommodation months ahead and prepare for crowds, costumes, and all-night parties.
Doñana: Wetlands & Wildlife
Doñana National Park is one of Europe's most important wetlands, home to flamingos, deer, wild boar, and the endangered Iberian lynx. Guided tours explore the marshes, dunes, and pine forests.
Doñana National Park
from Seville
The park interior is only accessible on guided 4x4 tours. Book in advance, especially in spring and autumn migration seasons.
Visiting Doñana
Doñana's core areas require guided tours in 4x4 vehicles.
The tours explore different ecosystems: marshes, dunes, and Mediterranean forest. Wildlife sightings depend on season and luck.
What to expect:
- Guided 4x4 tours: The only way to access the park interior
- Birdwatching: Flamingos, spoonbills, eagles, and migrating species
- Mammals: Red deer, wild boar, and if very lucky, Iberian lynx
- Landscapes: Shifting dunes, seasonal marshes, pine forests
- El Rocío: The pilgrimage village at the park edge
Local tip
Spring and autumn migrations bring the most birds. The marshes are fullest in spring. Summer can be very hot and the marshes dry. Winter offers good wildlife but fewer species.
Granada: The Alhambra
Granada is about 2.5 hours from Seville, making it a long but worthwhile day trip. The Alhambra is one of Spain's essential experiences, a Moorish palace complex that exceeds all expectations.
Granada
from Seville
Book Alhambra tickets weeks in advance. Take the earliest train and plan your day around your ticket time. Consider staying overnight if possible.
Is Granada Worth It?
Honestly? Granada deserves its own trip. But if your schedule only allows a day from Seville, you can see the Alhambra and get a taste of the city.
A typical day:
- Early train from Seville (about 2.5 hours)
- Alhambra visit (3-4 hours for Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba)
- Lunch in the Albaicín with Alhambra views
- Return train
Warning:
Alhambra tickets sell out weeks ahead. Book at the official website as early as possible. The Nasrid Palaces have timed entry, and they don't allow late arrivals. Miss your slot and you miss the highlight.
Practical Tips for Day Trips
By Train
Seville's rail connections are excellent:
- Córdoba: AVE high-speed train, 45 minutes
- Jerez: Regular trains, about 1 hour
- Cádiz: Regular trains, about 1.5 hours
- Granada: Regular trains, about 2.5 hours
- Madrid: AVE high-speed train, 2.5 hours
By Car
A car opens up destinations poorly served by rail:
- Ronda: Best by car for the scenic drive
- White villages: No practical public transport
- Doñana: Tours depart from El Rocío or Sanlúcar
Parking in Seville:
- Underground car parks throughout the centre
- Street parking is difficult in the old town
- Consider staying outside and using public transport
Best Combinations
Several destinations pair well:
- Córdoba (full day): The Mezquita deserves time
- Jerez + Cádiz: Sherry tasting, then Atlantic coast
- Itálica + Carmona: Two Roman sites in one day
- Ronda + white villages: Make the drive part of the experience
Day Trip Planning
- Book train tickets in advance for better prices
- Reserve Mezquita and Alhambra tickets online
- Check bodega and equestrian show schedules
- Start early in summer to avoid the worst heat
- Carry water and sun protection
Plan Your Seville Trip:
Final Thoughts
Seville's central position in Andalusia makes it the perfect base for exploration.
High-speed trains put Córdoba within easy reach. The sherry country of Jerez offers a different kind of Andalusian experience. And Roman ruins wait just minutes from the city centre.
The best day trip? Córdoba is unmissable.
The Mezquita is genuinely one of the world's great buildings, and the high-speed train makes it easy. You can be standing among those arches within an hour of leaving Seville.
For something different, Jerez offers sherry, horses, and flamenco heritage in one characterful city. And for drama, the drive to Ronda through the white villages delivers some of Andalusia's most spectacular scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
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