There is no shortage of fascinating day trips from Seville. While there’s much to see in the city itself, Seville offers an incredible jumping-off point to Andalusia.
The entire region is steeped in cross-cultural history. Wander throughout these towns and cities, and you’ll find evidence of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish influences in the architecture and cuisine.
You’ll also find sandy beaches, fine wines, wild flamingoes, and some of the most remarkable horses in the world. When planning a Seville day trip, there are almost too many options from which to choose.
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera
When it comes to charming Andalusian cities, Jerez de la Frontera is near the top of the list. This is a place with a history stretching back to Phoenician times, where rows upon rows of fragrant orange trees perfume the air.
It’s a wonderful place to sip the region’s renowned wines over a long, leisurely lunch. Since it’s located less than a one-hour train ride from Seville, it’s perfect for an afternoon excursion.
Jerez de la Frontera
The historic center contains a beguiling blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles. Marvel at the intricate carvings on the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Defensión or pay a visit to the city’s striking Cathedral of San Salvador. Evidence of both the city’s Catholic and Muslim past can be seen throughout the city’s architecture.
As with much of Andalusia, horses have long been an important part of the culture here. The Carthusian horses, or Cartujano, have a history going back more than five centuries. Pay a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to watch these horses dance.
Read: Best Things to Do in Seville
El Puerto de Santa María
El Puerto de Santa María
If you’re looking for the quintessential Costa de la Luz beach town, this is it. Situated directly on the Bay of Cádiz and located an easy hour-long train ride from Seville, El Puerto de Santa María boasts easy access to a protected natural park.
It also enjoys near-perfect weather for much of the year, with sunny skies for over 300 days.
El Puerto de Santa María
The main draw here is the nine-plus miles of sandy beachfront, with plenty of shallow spots for wading and splashing around. It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering from chiringuito to chiringuito, sipping on chilled whites the entire way.
These rustic eateries are ideal for sampling the local catch, much of which was hauled in from the Atlantic that morning. Keep an eye out for local specialties such as tortillitas de camarones, crunchy fritters studded with small shrimp. This area is also renowned for its bluefin tuna, which appears in all sorts of preparations.
Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera
Perched atop a gently sloping hill, this charming town is home to beautifully preserved Arab-Andalusian architecture. Vejer de la Frontera has been a designated Historic-Artistic Site since 1976. It’s a pleasure to stroll through the meandering streets of what was once the old Jewish quarter.
There’s much to love about this place, including the impressive Church of Divino Salvador and the 11th-century castle. What really sets it apart, though, are the stunning panoramic views. To reach Vejer de la Frontera from Seville, you’ll need to take a train for a little over an hour, then grab a taxi.
Cádiz
Cádiz
Since Cádiz is located less than a two-hour train ride from Seville, it is ideal for a day trip. By some estimates, this may be the oldest city in the Western world.
Cádiz resides on a peninsula with a strategic location that has beckoned many different peoples. The Phoenicians set up a civilization here more than 3,000 years ago, followed by the Romans. Today, visitors can still see evidence of the old medieval town alongside swankier modern architecture.
Cádiz Cathedral
Start your journey into history at the Archaeological and Fine Arts Museum, which delves into the earliest settlements here. Next, make your way through the city streets, pausing to admire the Neoclassical and Baroque architectural elements. Most impressive of all is Cádiz’s primary cathedral, which took more than a century to complete.
You could also come here just to eat and drink. Cádiz is renowned for its superb seafood and fortified wine, known as Jerez. This nuanced amber sherry makes for the perfect digestif after a feast. Be sure to try the mojama, or cured, thinly sliced bluefin tuna caught offshore.
Read: Best Things to Do in Cadiz
Ronda
Ronda
Easily one of the most visually spectacular towns in all of Andalusia, Ronda is a bit of a trek to get to from Seville, but worth the effort. Your best bet is either to rent a car for the two-hour drive or opt for a guided tour.
Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a sight that looks like it could be straight out of a fantasy film set. All of the buildings feature the region’s distinctive whitewashed facades.
The town sits atop the Tajo de Ronda, a sheer gorge that seems to plunge into an abyss.
Itálica
Grand Amphitheater, Itálica
Located just a 20-minute drive from Seville, the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Itálica belong on every traveler’s must-see list. It was founded by Publius Cornelius Scipio in 206 BCE. This was once the birthplace of Roman emperors, as well as a mint that produced currency for the region.
The archeological site has been under excavation since the mid-1700s. Today, visitors can wander among the wide streets and once-lavish villas. The highlight is the ruins of a grand amphitheater.
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera, a town of pristine, whitewashed facades and tiled rooftops, resides atop a sheer cliff. Along with Vejer de la Frontera, it’s considered part of the “White Villages Route,” thanks to its distinctive architectural style.
The historic center, located roughly between Cuesta de Belén and Puerta Matrera, has a great deal to see in an easily walkable area. Start your journey around the Plaza del Cabildo, then make your way to the Basilica of Santa María de la Asunción. First founded in the 13th century, this Spanish church features Gothic and Neoclassical elements.
Ducal Castle, Arcos de la Frontera
For a glimpse of the town’s Arab-Andalusian past, be sure to visit the 15th-century Ducal Castle.
Arcos de la Frontera is also a fabulous place to eat. Iberian pigs, raised and fattened on acorns in the inland areas to the north, are among the most prized swine on the planet. They’re known for their luxuriously marbled meat and delicate flavor.
Jamón
These are animals with a truly ancient ancestry that stretches back to Neolithic times. Iberian pork is delicious with all sorts of preparations, but perhaps the best way to sample it here is in the form of jamón. Deep crimson, faintly nutty, and interlaced with silken fat, it’s superb with the region’s wines and cheeses.
Doñana National Park
Doñana National Park
Part of what makes Spain so remarkable as a destination is that vast areas of unspoiled wilderness are often easily accessible, even from densely populated cities. One case in point is Doñana National Park, a breathtaking haven of biodiversity.
It’s located about a one-hour drive from Seville, making it an easy day trip. Although there are buses that run out here, the fastest and arguably best way to visit is either to hire a driver or take a guided tour from Seville to the park.
You’ll need a car to get around most areas of the park anyway, and guided tours offer greater access. A dedicated guide or naturalist also adds to the experience.
Doñana National Park
Bird-watchers will be in heaven here, since Doñana National Park is both the home and major migratory stopping point for many species. First and foremost are the flocks of flamingos that thrive in the wetlands here.
It’s possible to see these striking pink birds any time of year, depending on water levels, although there are more during spring and summer migrations. Keep an eye out for the endangered Spanish imperial eagles that ride the thermals.
Doñana National Park
While the wildlife is the main draw, the natural setting has its own allure. The most distinctive element you’ll find here are the mobile dunes. True to their name, these 100-foot-high mountains of sand can roam with surprising speed. They’ve been known to migrate from the sandy coastline straight into the surrounding pine forests and back again.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
If you head to Doñana National Park, be sure to stop over at this nearby town on the bank of the Guadalquivir River. With its picturesque streets and striking architecture on the Atlantic coastline, it makes for a lovely spot to spend the afternoon.
As with the rest of Andalusia, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is renowned for its tradition of flamenco. It’s very much worth attending a live performance while in town.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Andalusia’s famous horses also feature prominently in the local culture. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is extremely proud to host one of the longest-running horse races on the continent. What sets these races apart is that they take place right on the beach each August, where the horses’ hooves pound against the surf.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is yet another wonderful place in the region to sip sherry. Along with Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María, it’s renowned for its fortified wine. It makes for a lovely accompaniment to the seafood.
Córdoba
Córdoba
Arguably one of the most historically fascinating places in all of Europe, Córdoba is the result of centuries of Muslims, Christians, and Jews existing within the Spanish city. It’s located about an hour and a half from Seville by car or 45 minutes by train, and it’s well worth the journey.
Here, you’ll find architecture dating back to ancient Roman times, as well as the city’s past as the capital of the Caliphate.
Great Mosque, Córdoba
There’s almost too much to see and do here to cram into a single day trip. Begin your journey at the stunning Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, then pay a visit to the Great Mosque.
Roam the streets of the historic Jewish Quarter and stop to admire the old Synagogue. The Medina Azahara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest archeological sites in the nation.
Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara de la Sierra sits at the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This rugged, mountainous area contains scruffy pine forests and some of the clearest, bluest skies you’ll ever see.
The town’s whitewashed houses are nestled among the greenery against this incredible backdrop.
To get to Zahara de la Sierra, the best option is either to rent a car or take an organized day trip from Seville. The drive takes about an hour and a half.
Tarifa
Tarifa
For a dreamy beach day trip, look no further than Tarifa, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seville. Situated at the far end of the peninsula, Tarifa straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors here will find impressive architecture dating back to the times of the Caliphate, but the main draw is very much the beaches. Tarifa boasts access to nearly 24 miles of sandy coastline, including some of the most picturesque beaches in all of Spain.
Cádiz
One of the best ways to explore all of the wonder that Andalusia has to offer is on a cruise to Seville. Browse Celebrity’s upcoming Spain itineraries and book your next voyage today.
