15 Best Day Trips From Seville Spain

Planning a visit to Seville and brainstorming some day trip ideas?

Here’s my guide to the 15 best day trips and weekend getaways from Seville. I tell you everything to see and do in these Seville day trip destinations. I also give you tips on how to get there and where to stay if you’re overnighting.

the white pueblo village of Zahara de la Sierra
the white pueblo village of Zahara de la Sierra

Who would ever want to leave sunny Sevilla? I know you’re thinking that.

It’s hard to tear oneself away from such a sultry city filled to the brim with stunning UNESCO sites, museums, and adorable cobbled neighborhoods.

READ: 3 Day Itinerary for Seville Spain

Pinterest pin for best day trips from Seville
Pinterest pin for best day trips from Seville

But Seville’s location makes it a perfect base for day trips and road tripping in southern Spain. And Andalusia’s idyllic white pueblos beckon, rather insistently.

Many of these destinations are achingly romantic. So you might consider staying overnight or for a long weekend.

Best Day Trips From Seville Spain

Here are my picks for the 15 best day trips and weekend getaways from Seville.

Italica
Italica

1. The Roman Archeological Site of Itálica

The Roman ruins of Italica are only 30 minutes from Seville, making it one of the easiest day trips from Seville. The Romans founded Italica in 206 B.C.

Italica was one of the first settlements outside Italy. And the site is reputedly the birthplace of three Roman Emperors — Hadrian, Trajan, and Theodosius.

The amphitheater once held 25,000 people, and was the third largest in the Roman Empire. Italica is now the modern day Santiponce.

To safeguard the ruins, Santipoce has applied for UNESCO World Heritage status. You can learn about the ruins on a 2 hour guided archaeological tour.

In the hit HBO show Game of Thrones, Italica serves as the dragon pit of Kings Landing, which was basically a stable for the Targaryen dragons. You can book a Game of Thrones tour from Seville.

the ruins of Italica in Santiponce Spain, outside Seville
the ruins of Italica in Santiponce Spain, outside Seville

It’s the site of a famous scene from the Season 7 finale. There, the heads of the major Westerosi houses meet to negotiate how to combat the Army of the Dead, the approaching White Walkers.

In season 8, the ruling lords once again gather at Italica to decide the fate of Jon and Tyrion, as well as elect Bran the Broken as the next king of Westeros.

Address: Avenida Extremadura 2, 41970 Santiponce, Spain

Getting there:

Buses 170 A and 170 B leave from Plaza de Armas bus station in. Look for to Santipoce. The 170A bus leaves every half hour and takes approx 30 minutes. Itálica is a 20 minute drive.

You can also book a half day guided tour from Seville to the ruins.

Entry fee: 1.50 €

town of Osuna seen from the Collegiate Church
town of Osuna as seen from the Renaissance Church

2. Osuna, an Adorable Game of Thrones Town

Osuna surprised me. I visited the town for its dashing bullring, which is one of Andalusia’s Game of Thrones filming locations.

But Osuna itself was beyond adorable, a charming white pueblo village with a rich architectural and cultural heritage.

There’s row upon row of white stucco homes and streets dotted with orange trees. Osuna’s a vertitable art gallery, with all its Renaissance and Baroque churches.

typical street in beautiful Osuna
typical street in beautiful Osuna Spain
interior arcaded Renaissance patio of the University of Osuna
interior arcaded Renaissance patio of the University of Osuna

UNESCO lists Osuna’s main drag, the Calle San Pedro, as the second most beautiful street in Europe. Osuna was declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1967.

For the full scoop, here’s my complete guide to visiting Osuna.

Getting there:

It’s a 1 hour drive or a 1.5 hour train ride from Santa Justa station. Osuna is a great pit stop if you are driving to Malaga or Granada.

Where To Stay: Hotel Molino, Palacio Marques de la Gomera

the new bridge in Ronda Spain
the new bridge in Ronda Spain

3. Ronda, Bridge Porn and Bullfighting

Ronda is the most popular day trip from Seville. It’s the third most visited town in Andalusia.

And there’s a a reason — it’s beyond dramatic. Ronda is perched on a mountainous gash carved by the Río Guadalevín. Ronda is synonymous with its dramatic 18th century bridge, the Puente Nuevo.

The famed bridge connects the old and newish parts of the town over the 328 feet El Tajo gorge. There’s a staircase leading to the floor of the gorge, for a different viewing perspective.

Ronda is also famed as the birthplace of bullfighting. The city’s Plaza de Toros is one of Ronda’s most popular attractions, thanks to its beautiful architecture. 

whitewashed homes on cobbled streets in Ronda Spain
pretty street in Ronda

It’s different than Osuna’s bullring. It’s ringed with double rows of columns, lending it a Neo-Classical look.

If you want to delve more deeply into Spain’s bullfighting culture, head to the Museum of Bullfighting.

You’ll even find some sketches depicting the “art” (not sport) of bullfighting by Francisco Goya, the renowned Spanish artist.

Aside from the bridge, Ronda itself is beautiful — plenty of cozy town squares, cobblestone alleys, balconies everywhere, and lovely architecture. You can visit the Mondragón Palace and the Arabic Baths, if you’re feeling ambitious.

To see it all, you may want to book a 2 hour guided history tour. Or you could opt for a 3 hour private walking tour.

Ronda's famous bullring
Ronda’s famous bullring

Ronda is best experienced as more than a day trip. By day, it’s crowded with day trippers.

But by night, the crowds subside and you can reclaim the pretty village. Check into the Hotel San Gabriel for a weekend and nibble some nouveau tapas at Traga Tapas.

Getting there:

Ronda is a fairly long day trip. It’s a 1:45 drive from Seville and really warrants a more dedicated stay. Ronda is not well connected via train or bus. The 2.5 hour bus ride leaves from Prado de San Sebastian Bus Station.

You can also book a full day tour from Seville that includes wine. You can also book full day private tour from Seville.

Where to stay: Parador de Ronda, Molino del Arco, Hotel la Fuente de la Higuera

the pretty mountain village of Grazalema in Andalucia Spain
the pretty mountain village of Grazalema

4. Grazalema & Zahara de la Sierra

Grazalema is a pretty mountain village of Roma origin, located at the foot of the Penon Grande in the valley of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

It’s completely different than Osuna or Ronda, more wild. It’s known as the wettest part of Spain.

The beautifully situated village is splashed with whitewashed homes and surrounded by olive trees. I was there in February, so there was even a sprinkling of snow.

I paused in the main square, the Plaza de España, which is lined with bars and restaurants, for a late lunch.

pretty white pueblos in Zahara de la Sierra
pretty white pueblos in Zahara de la Sierra

Depending on time, you can also visit Zahara de la Sierra, right next door to Grazalema. Like Grazalema, it’s streets are white, immaculate, and fairly deserted.

You can climb up to the Arabic Tower of Tribute, though the pathway isn’t for the timid. The tower itself is nothing special, but the views are epic.

Getting there:

You really need a car for this trip. It’s approximately 1:45-2:00 hours each way from Seville.

You can also book a full day guided tour of these white pueblo towns from Seville.

cityscape of Antequera
cityscape of Antequera

5. Antequera, the “Florence of Andalusia”

Like Osuna, Antequera surprised me. I came to inspect the UNESCO dolmens, a fairly new site just listed in 2016. But I absolutely fell in love with the Spanish-Baroque town.

Antequera is fittingly dubbed the “Florence of Andalusia.” And, unlike Ronda, I had the place mostly to myself, which was a singular joy. Plus, it’s a super easy day trip from Seville.

If you’re day tripping, there’s a lot to do. Park your car on the outskirts of town and walk up Calle Don Infante.

Antequera boasts an impressive Moorish fortress-alcazaba, a lovely Renaissance church, and a stunning medieval and baroque historical core. You’ll have an eyeful of swoonful scenery.

Antequera’s ancient megaliths/dolmens are outside the old town. You’ll see signs.

 the Antequera Alcazaba
Antequera Alcazaba

The dolmens date from the Bronze Age and are among the oldest things on the planet. They are essentially Spain’s Stonehenge.

The dolmens are ancient burial grounds that were declared a UNESCO site in 2016. They’re one of the most remarkable engineering and architectural works of European prehistory and an important example of European Megalthism.

For more details and info, check out my two guides to visiting the town of Antequera and Antequera’s UNESCO dolmens. You can book 4 hour guided tour to learn all about the ruins.

Getting there:

It’s a 1:45 drive from Seville to Antequera. The train takes about the same time.

Where to stay: Parador de Antequera, Convento de la Magdalena, La Fuente del Sol Hotel & Spa

cityscape of Cordoba, which is one of the best day trips from Seville
view of Cordoba from the minaret of the Mezquita

6. Cordoba, the Exotic Mezquita

Cordoba may be the best day trip from Seville. You’ll have a long day seeing all the attractions.

But it’s worth it. Cordoba is exotic and exciting. If you need an itinerary, I’ve written a one day in Cordoba itinerary.

I took the train to Cordoba for the day and just loved the stone paved city. It’s a natural film set, just so beautiful.

Cordoba has an authentic Spanish vibe with fewer tourists than Seville. The town definitely deserves more than one day and I wish I could’ve lingered longer. Still, I saw quite a bit in the 9+ hours I was there.

Most people come just for Cordoba’s #1 site: the Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Dating from the 10th century, it’s a UNESCO site and one of the world’s most well-preserved Islamic buildings.

Roman Bridge leading to the Mezquita
Roman Bridge leading to the Mezquita

In the 16th century, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella converted the mosque into a cathedral. The royals renamed it the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption.

I expected the combination to be discordant and perplexing. But I found it a fascinating place, a snapshot of the sophisticated dual culture that once existed in Spain.

You walk in from a courtyard of orange trees through the Porta de las Palmas. You’re immediately in a forest of candy cane horseshoe arches. A highlight is the Mihrab, or high altar, in a mosque.

The Renaissance cathedral is built right in the center, sharing marble and space with the Islamic arches. The vaulted ceilings are stunning.

Be sure to go up the bell tower for spectacular views of the city. You buy tickets for the tower for €2 at a separate ticket booth below the bell tower.

forest of arches inside the Mezquita
forest of red and white arches inside the Mezquita

Click here to pre-purchase a ticket for the Mezquita. Click here to book a 1 hour guided tour of this magnificent edifice.

But there’s much more to Cordoba than the Mezquita.

Just downhill from the Mezquita is the Guadalquivir River. Stroll across the stunning Roman Bridge, both a UNESCO site and a Game of Thrones filming location.

Amble around the narrow streets of the charming old Jewish Quarter. You may want to book a 2 hour guided walking tour of this area. Or take a longer tour that covers the Jewish Quarter and Cordoba’s must see monuments.

Skip the Instagram popular Calleja de las Flores, or just stroll by. It’s overrated and crammed with tourists. There are beautiful flowers and patios everywhere in Cordoba.

Go into the Jewish synagogue. Say hello to the nearby statue of Maimonides, an influential medieval Jewish philosopher.

Visit the beautiful Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This Alcazar isn’t as fancy as Seville’s UNESCO-listed Royal Alcazar, but I thought it was still worth a visit. Click here if you’d like to book a 1 hour guided tour of the alcazar.

Getting there:

Cordoba is only 45 minutes by high-speed AVE train from Seville. The old town is a short 15-20 minute walk form the train station. Or, it’s a 1:40 drive.

Would you rather take a guided tour of Cordoba? No problem. You can book a full day guided tour from Seville.

Hotel Cospes Palacio del Bailio
Hotel Cospes Palacio del Bailio

Where to stay:

If you’re staying overnight in Cordoba, there are some great hotel options.

The Patio del Posadero Hotel Boutique B&B is an ultra chic boutique hotel housed in a fully restored 15th century house. The Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio is a luxury hotel in a palatial 16th century building. It comes complete with Moorish flourishes and frescos.

The Hotel Viento 10 is a swish boutique hotel in a Moorish style house. It has a rooftop terrace with a great view of the Mezquita.

Finally, the Hotel Madinat is an upscale hotel housed in a superbly restored 18th century mansion.

the ancient white pueblo village of Carmona Spain, a fantastic day trip form Seville
the ancient white pueblo village of Carmona

7. Carmona, Ancient Roman City

Romantic Carmona is a gem of an Andalusian town. It’s an ancient Roman fortified city loaded with ancient Roman ruins and three Moorish fortresses.

You may want to book a guided walking tour to see the sites properly.

You enter via the 9th century splendid Puerta de Sevilla, or Seville Gate. You are immediately surrounded by noble palaces and majestic churches.

Carmona’s must see sites are the 15th century Church of Santa María la Mayor, the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, the Church of San Pedro, and the Plaza San Fernando in Carmona’s historic center.

Climb the Torre del Oro at the Alcazar for stunning views.

reflecting pool in the alcazar of Carmona Spain
reflecting pool in the alcazar of Carmona Spain
Roman Necropois
Roman Necropois

When you’re done wandering through the incredibly picturesque old town, head to the Roman burial ground, Necrópolis Romana, which is a must see site in Carmona.

Many of the tombs were built right into the rock and you can even enter some. It’s only open until 3:00 pm, so keep that in mind on your day trip explorations.

Getting there:

It’s a 30 minute drive from Seville to Carmona. Or take a local bus from the Prado de San Sebastian bus station in Seville, which is a 40 minute ride.

You can also book a half day guided tour from Seville. Or go big and book a full day tour from Seville that combines Carmona and Cordoba.

Where to stay: Parador de Carmona, Posada La Casa del Pintor

Arcos de la Frontera -- the queen of the Spanish white pueblo towns -- with its sugar cube white houses
Arcos de la Frontera — the queen of the Spanish white pueblo towns

8. Arcos de la Frontera: Queen of Andalusia’s White Pueblo Towns

While there are dozens of gorgeous white pueblos in Andalusia, Arcos de la Frontera is considered the gateway to the “Pueblos Blancos.” It’s also one of the most beautiful, like a white ship on a verdant sea.

Don’t drive into the city if you’re day tripping from Seville by car. The old town streets are impossibly narrow, one way, and may morph into stairways. The houses are scrupulously blanched perfection, devoid of decoration.

As you can tell from its high perch, Arcos was a key defensive spot in the time of the Moorish-Christian conflict.

The ”de la Frontera” nomenclature indicates that Arcos (and other white pueblos) once marked the frontiers of Christian territory.

the white pueblo of Arcos de la Frontera in Andalusia Spain
the white pueblo of Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos’ main square, the the Plaza de Cabildo, used to double as a bullring. Take a look at the 15th century magic circle with constellations embedded in the stone pavement. This was the spot where priest-exorcists would cleanse babies of evil spirits before their baptisms.

Be sure to visit the 15th century Church of Santa Maria and the towering Church of San Pedro, a fixture on the town’s landscape.

If you’re feeling dauntless, you can ask permission to climb the ladder to the rooftop of San Pedro. I also had a lovely lunch at La Carcel.

Getting there:

It’s a 1:20 drive from Seville or 1:45 via bus or train each way. Arcos is a good stop on the way to Ronda, if you’re not just day tripping.

Where to stay: Parador Arcos de la Frontera, Hotel Pena de Arcos

Seafront Cathedral Campo del Sur in Cadiz Spain
Seafront Cathedral Campo del Sur in Cadiz

9. Cadiz, Atlantic Reverie

If you’re craving a restorative view of the sea, sparkling Cadiz fits the bill beautifully. It’s an underrated Andalusian town, located on a thin peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cadiz is an old port city, one of the oldest in Europe. With its rich history and beautiful coastal vibe, Cadiz makes a unique and lovely day trip from Seville. And, with so much to see and do, it’s an ideal place for a leisurely weekend break.

Stop in first at the tourist office and collect a map for the free walking routes through Cadiz. There are 4 thematic routes taking approximately an hour each. Each route is replicated on the sidewalk and color coded.

You can also book a guided walking tour of the old town. Or zip around on a guided bike tour.

Cadiz was home to legendary civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors. You’ll see evidence of each society as you take the stroll the town.

Cathedral of Cadiz in Andalucia on the Atlantic coast
Cathedral of Cadiz in Andalucia on the Atlantic coast
Castillo de Santa Catalina in Cadiz
Castillo de Santa Catalina in Cadiz

Visit Cadiz Cathedral, where you can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Walk to the Plaza San Antonio to view the lovely architecture flanking the square and inspect the Church of San Antonio with its twin towers. In the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, you’ll see the majestic Town Hall.

Getting there:

Cadiz is a 1:25 drive from Seville or 1:30 by train. If driving, park at the underground parking garage near Cadiz port or at a metered parking spot on the ring road outside the old town.

You can also visit Cadiz on a full day guided tour from Seville. This tour has all the goodies. It takes you t Cadiz and nearby Jerez da la Frontera. It includes sherry tasting, an Andalusian Horse Show, and ferry ride.

Where to stay: Parador de Cadiz, Boutique Hotel Casa Canovas, Senator Cadiz Spa Hotel

Cathedral of San Salvador in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia
Cathedral of San Salvador in Jerez de la Frontera

10. Jerez de la Frontera, Sherry Capital of Andalucia

Just a few miles from the Atlantic, Jerez de la Frontera isn’t as gorgeous as its cohort Arcos de la Frontera.

But nonetheless the gracious Jerez de la Frontera is worth visiting. Jerez is known as the capital of vino (for its sherry wine) and for its dancing horses.

You should stroll in the old Moorish quarter. Be sure to tour the beautiful Cathedral of San Salvador, the Alcazar, and the Santa Dominga Convent.

You can also book a small group guided tour to see these monuments. You can also book a private tour.

If you want to sample the sherry wines (too sweet for me), try Bodega Luis Perez or Bodega Lustau.

If you don’t like sherry, you can explore the Archaeological Museum.

the Gothic Charterhouse of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia
the Gothic Charterhouse of Jerez de la Frontera
the Alcazar of Jerez de la Frontera
the Alcazar of Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez also boasts the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Click here to book a entry ticket. You can see the saddlery, state rooms, the carriage museum, and gardens.

Several times a week you can take in a the famous Jerez horse show entitled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.” It’s referred to as a “ballet.” Click here to book a ticket to the show.

Getting there:

If you have a car, you can drive from Seville to Jerez in 1 hour+ via the AP-4. Parking is available at the Plaza del Arenal. By train, Jerez is 1 hour+ trip from the Santa Justa Station.

You can also book a combined tour of Jerez and Cadiz from Seville. Or a private tour from Seville to Jerez. Or even a flamenco themed day trip from Seville.

Where to stay: Casa Palacio Maria Luisa, Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe, Casa Palacio Jerezana

view of Granada from the Alhambra
view of Granada from the Alhambra

11. Granada

Granada is pretty far afield from Seville. You can visit on a day trip from Seville. But, as the second largest city in Andalusia, Granada is really better experienced as a weekend getaway from Seville.

Granada is one of my favorite cities in Spain. It will sweep you away with its authentic Spanish vibe and dazzling attractions.

Lorded over by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is an absolutely beautiful ancient city with historic architecture. The city boasts many atmospheric neighborhoods, each with an earthy distinct character.

Granada is most known for a single monument, the grand Alhambra.

But Granada also boasts a Moroccan souk, a massive cathedral, flamenco music, cool neighborhood, and — perhaps best of all — free tapas.

Courtyard of the Lions in the Alhambra in Granada Spain
Courtyard of the Lions in the Alhambra

Your top priority for visiting on a day trip from Seville is the UNESCO -listed Alhambra. The Alhambra is the world’s last and greatest Moorish fortress.

The Alhambra reflects the opulence of the Moorish imagination. Every room is decorated top to bottom with carved wooden ceilings, scalloped stucco, patterned ceramic tiles, and filigree windows.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Alhambra, with must know tips. You MUST pre-book a ticket in advance. They sell out fast.

You can book a skip the line ticket on Get Your Guide or a ticket on Viator. Don’t wait too long because these sell out too.

If you want to book a guided tour, which I advise, they also come with skip the line tickets. Here are some options:

Plaza de Bib Rambla near Granada Cathedral
Plaza de Bib Rambla near Granada Cathedral

On your day trip, you should also check out the massive Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, where the monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. You can also book a 3 hour tour to the cathedral and Royal Chapel.

Another must do in Granada is a stroll through the historic Albaicin neighborhood. You may want to book a guided walking tour to get oriented. 

Built on a steep hill, the Albaicin is an ancient area with tight tangled winding streets and a bohemian feel. The lively place was declared a UNESCO site in 1984.

The main drags in the Albaicín, which both run parallel to the River Darro, are Paseo de los Tristes and the extremely scenic Carrera del Darro.

If you’re staying overnight, you may want to take in a flamenco show. Click here to book a 1 hour show in one of Sacromonte’s caves.

the Albaicín neighborhood of Granada
the Albaicín neighborhood of Granada

You can also take an evening tapas tour, a wine tasting tour, or a sunset walking tour. I did the tapas and sunset tour when I was last there, and they were excellent.

For more information, here’s my guide to all the top attractions in Granada and my one day in Granada itinerary.

Getting there:

By, it’s a 2.5 hour drive to day trip from Seville to Granada. It’s also 2.5 hours no the train.

You can also book a full day guided day trip from Seville that includes skip the line tickets to the Alhambra. If that tour is sold out, check out this guided day tour to Granada.

the Alhambra
the Alhambra

Where to stay:

If you’re staying overnight or for the weekend in Granada, there are some great hotels.

The Eurostars Catedral is a lovely hotel housed in a 16th century manor, just a short walk from the cathedral. The Catalonia Granada is a lovely hotel that comes complete with a plunge pool and open air terrace. 

Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula is a historic high end hotel in a former 16th century convent. If you want to stay right in the Alhambra complex, check out the Hotel Alhambra Palace, with ornate decor and viewing points. 

If you want a place where tradition and avant garde style meet, check out the stunning Hospes Palacio de los Patos. It’s housed in a UNESCO-listed palace, with sprawling gardens, a spa, and mosaic floors.

Malaga, a great day trip from Seville
Malaga

12. Malaga

Malaga is the 6th largest city in Spain and a great day or weekend trip rom Seville. Malaga has long been a vacation spot for sun lovers in search of an affordable beach getaways.

The metropolis is part of the country’s tourist-heavy Costa del Sol. It’s full of beachside resorts offering all-inclusive packages.

For culture lovers, there are some compelling reasons to day trip from Seville or spend a weekend in the city. Malaga has a surfeit of golden beaches, over 20 museums, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Malaga is Spain’s self-appointed art hub.

To see it all, you may want to book a 3 hour guided walking tour. Or take a guided spin around the Roman ruins and alcazaba.

Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. His museum in Malaga is one of seven Picasso museums in Europe.

Plaza de la Constitution in Malaga
Plaza de la Constitution in Malaga

Opened in 2003, the Picasso Museum in Malaga is housed in the 16th century Buena Vista Palace, a pretty combination of Renaissance and Mudejar architecture. Click here to book a skip the line ticket.

Malaga also boasts an impressive cathedral, called the “one armed woman” because of its uncompleted second tower. The Renaissance-style cathedral has flamboyant chapels and a rooftop view.

Malaga also has the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and a centuries old Moorish Alcazaba. Built on a precipice above the Alboran Sea, the Alcazaba is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in Spain.

On top of all this art and architecture. Malaga has an impressive cafe and bar scene. If you’re staying overnight, you can go on a guided tapas and wine tour.

You may also want to experience Malaga’s Arab baths, take in a flamenco show, or take a sunset catamaran cruise with cava.

cityscape of Malaga

Getting there: It takes about 2 hours to get from Seville to Malaga either by car or train. You can also book a guided day trip tour from Seville.

Where to stay:

There are some beautiful hotels in Malaga. You can check out the Palacio Solecio, a lovely boutique hotel in the historic center.

Room Mate Valeria is a hip hotel with a playful design in the fashionable Soho neighborhood. Room Mate Larios has an excellent location and charming AArt deco architecture.

The Vincci Seleccino Posada del Patio is a luxury hotel for a splurge. The hotel has a dazzling rooftop pool, a gourmet restaurant, and avant Gardens style rooms.

pretty lane in Marbella, one of the best day trips from Seville
pretty lane in Marbella

13. Marbella

Marbella was founded by a pair of German princes and Spanish aristocrats. Marbella is by far the most polished and posh town on the Costa del Sol.

It’s a bastion of bling where you go to get the perfect tan. Its cobbled streets, with intricate pebbled designs, are immaculate. The squares are beautifully landscaped.

Wandering through the pedestrianized winding streets of the old town is a delight. It’s a whitewashed warren of shops, restaurants, and small flower-filled balconies. To wile away the afternoon, head to the Plaza de los Naranjos.

In Marbella, you can also see one of Spain’s finest collections of Salvador Dali sculptures. Ten bronze works are on the Avenida Del Mar.

If you’re not planted on the beach, you can wile away the time in Marbella by going on a guided tapas tour, going dolphin watching, taking a bike tour, or –even better — going on a bike tour with wine and tapas.

picturesque in Marbella's old town
picturesque in Marbella’s old town

Outside the old town is the “Golden Mile” — an extravagant collection of star studded clubs, expensive restaurants, and glamorous hotels. There’s also the Puerto Banus, the most luxurious marina on the coast, populated with a fleet of luxury yachts.

Getting there: It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Seville to Malaga. You can also book a guided day tour from Seville.

Where to stay:

It may be worth visiting Marbella just to stay in some of the town’s beautiful hotels. The Nobu Hotel Marbella is a glamorous hotel with fountains, gardens, and an outdoor pool.

The Marbella Club Hotel is a luxurious beachfront hotel with two pools.

You can also be pampered at The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort. It’s located on Marbella’s best beach. Rooms are styled in a MId-Century modern decor.

ancient walls of the Medina in Tangier
ancient walls of the medina in Tangier

14. Tangier

Want to travel to another country? You can do it on day trip from Seville. For a dash of exoticism, head to Tangiers.

Morocco is just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. So you can pop over to the north African country on a day trip.

Ferries from Gibraltar reach the port city of Tangier. Explore the maze-like streets of the Tangier Medina. Check out the many stores selling local goods and handicrafts. Buy a tajine and sip some mint tea.

Then, visit the Kasbah Museum housed in the well-preserved former palace of Dar El Makhzen.

Tangier's old town
Tangier’s old town

Some of Tangier’s best sights are just outside the city on the Cap Spartel promontory — the Phare Cap Spartel lighthouse and the Caves of Hercules.

Legend holds that the demi-god slept there during one of his 12 labors.

Getting there:

The only real option is to visit on a full day guided tour which will minimize travel time and maximize sightseeing. You can book this private tour with a local guide.

Where to stay: Saba’s House – Riad Dar Saba, Palais Zahia, Mimi Calpe

Rock of Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar

15. Gibraltar

Another “out of the country option” is to visit the British territory of Gibraltar. It’s a unique and tiny place, which makes it one of the best day trips from Seville.

On Main Street, you’ll find plenty of duty free shopping and British touches here and there. But Gibraltar’s main claim is the famed Rock of Gibraltar.

There, you’ll find hiking trails, the caves of San Miguel, and superb viewpoints. There are also WWII tunnels to explore, which were excavated into the Rock and became a sort of underground city.

And, of course, you’ll get to experience the famous mischievous Barbary macaques running around.

You can book a 2 hour guided tour of the Rock. You can also take a fun electric bike tour.

 colorful street in Gibraltar
colorful street in Gibraltar

For a view of the coastline of Africa, head to the lighthouse at Punta de Europa.

Getting there:

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Seville to Gibraltar. There’s also a direct bus, but that takes 4 hours. You can also book a full day guided tour from Seville.

Where to stay: Rock Hotel, The Eliott, Sunborn Gibraltar

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best day trips and weekend getaways from Seville. You may enjoy these other travel guides for southern Spain:

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