Once you have experienced Seville to the fullest, then you can and should take some daytrips to nearby places that are equally beautiful and interesting. There are lots of towns and villages that deserve your undivided attention! Make the most of your trip and be sure to visit the surrounding wonders. Here we show you the best daytrips from Seville!
Córdoba
Perfect if you like: Picturesque and colorful streets
Narrow and picturesque streets, whitewashed houses, lovely squares, fountains, flower-filled patios, lively bars and imposing monuments are the essence of the charming city of Córdoba, which has preserved its Arab, Jewish and Christian heritage to this day. The monumental historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site and it is easy to see why. La Mezquita (the Great Mosque), the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Synagogue and the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) are some of the landmarks that make this city famous. Its unique architecture and imposing monuments transport every visitor back in time. Córdoba is a city that is easy to explore on foot. Wander through the old Jewish quarter (La Judería) and through the wide and bustling squares, admire the Torre de Calahorra (a National Historic Monument) and the Roman Temple, and visit the Royal Stables (Las Caballerizas Reales). Be sure to stop by the picturesque, narrow Calleja de las Flores, one of the most popular streets in Córdoba. You will be able to admire the colorful pots and ornate balconies filled with flowers – it is the perfect street to take some beautiful photos! Also, be sure to taste the delicious traditional dishes, watch a flamenco show or even enjoy an Arab bath.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Perfect if you like: Original villages with unique features
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the Pueblos Blancos and is, to say the least, an original and unique village. Its distinctive features are due to the urban layout itself. In this village of few inhabitants, the rocks are used as roofs for houses and even for some streets. The Cuevas de la Sombra and the Cuevas del Sol are the two streets where this phenomenon is best seen, so they are undoubtedly two mandatory stops! Mainly in the lower part, the locals have taken advantage of the erosion of the rocks, caused by the river over centuries, and built their houses under them. The village seems to have been built under a beautiful sky made of stone! In Setenil de las Bodegas, you can visit, for example, the Castle of Setenil (considered a Spanish Historical Heritage since 1985), the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish Church, the Acinipo Archaeological Site and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This village is also known for its rich production of different types of wine, so be sure to try some of the local wines while you taste some popular cured meats. In Setenil de las Bodegas, the streets are narrow and steep and the houses are whitewashed, making this village an extremely picturesque destination. It is easy to see why the village was highlighted by the European Best Destinations website. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing places in Andalusia (and in the world!).
Jerez de la Frontera
Perfect if you like: Wine, horses, bullfighting and motorcycling
As we showed you in the article "15 Top things to do in Seville", Jerez de la Frontera is known for its popular fortified wine, sherry, and for its ranches, where Andalusian horses and Toro Bravo bulls are raised. Bullfighting, motorcycling and flamenco are the other main attractions that make the town famous . Jerez de la Frontera is also known, as other Pueblos Blancos, for its maze of whitewashed houses. The historic center of this dynamic and urban town, full of restaurants, tapas bars, squares and shops, has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. In Jerez de la Frontera, you can visit the many wineries, where you can taste the different types of wine and learn how sherry is made. You can also enjoy an equestrian show or go to the famous Horse Fair (Feria de Jerez), which has been declared a festival of international tourist interest - it is one of the most popular festivals in the region. Be sure to stop by the Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera, the oldest preserved building in Jerez de la Frontera, rich in history and beauty. Explore the bustling avenues and the traditions of this charming town!
Cadiz
Perfect if you like: History and beaches
Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe with a significant historical legacy, so if you are into history, this is the perfect destination for you. Cadiz has always been an important trading port, and it was from here that Christopher Columbus ventured on his journey during which he discovered America at the end of the 15th century. It was also here that Spain’s first constitution was signed in 1812. This quaint city surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean has its own very special essence and a romantic aura. Here you will find many paradisiacal beaches with fishing boats scattered in the crystal-clear waters. The streets, on the other hand, are lively, cobbled and charming, full of white buildings, restaurants and imposing monuments. Be sure to treat yourself to some delicious regional dishes and stroll through the narrow streets and various barrios. Stop by the Cathedral, which was concluded in 1838, combining the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, and climb the Torre Tavira, which was named the official watchtower of Cadiz when it was built in 1778 (it is the highest point in the city). If you want to relax and get a tan, be sure to take a walk along the coast and enjoy the Playa de la Caleta or the Playa de la Victoria, for example.
Parque Nacional de Doñana
Perfect if you like: Nature and animals
This Park was established in 1969 and about ten years later was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In 1994, it was included in the list of World Heritage sites. It is the largest biological reserve in Spain and one of the most important natural protected areas in Europe. Doñana National Park is known for the diversity of its ecosystems and is home to several endangered species - and if you are lucky, you might even see them! Flamingos, ducks, eagles, lynxes, seagulls, storks, deer, wild boar, rabbits and reptiles are just some of the animals you can encounter in this biologically precious protected area. Be sure to explore this beautiful reserve and admire the magnificent scenery while walking along the boardwalks, for example. You will see that this reserve is still completely wild and untouched. Explore the dense forest, dunes, marshes and swamps, wild beaches, lagoons, pine forests and cliffs. You can also explore some pueblos, such as Almonte, with its whitewashed houses, or El Rócio. Go bird watching or take a boat trip on the Guadalquivir, the longest river in Spain. The Doñana National Park is a true paradise and a sanctuary of biodiversity!
Ronda
Perfect if you like: Sweeping views and history
If you want to explore Andalusia’s charm to the fullest, Ronda is the perfect destination for you. Characterized by the hill towns with picturesque whitewashed houses, this city is divided into two parts by a cliff known as "El Tajo de Ronda" (Ronda cliff). The city lies at the top and the El Tajo separates the new city, founded approximately in the 15th century, from the old city, which dates back to the Moorish occupation. Puente Nuevo is a stone bridge that links the historical area to the modern area of the city. It is considered the city’s most emblematic monument and it offers superb views over the canyon and the whitewashed houses. Ronda had major strategic importance as a frontier town before the fall of Islamic rule in the peninsula. In Ronda, locals dance and listen to flamenco and eat gazpacho. In fact, although Ronda is a city, they share a great sense of community. It is easy to see why Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells chose this city to spent many summers. The Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, the Ronda Baños Árabes, a well-preserved Arab spa and the Santa María la Mayor Church, with several architectural styles, are some of the main local attractions. The Cueva del Gato , one of the most unique cave complexes in Andalusia, is another attraction you will be able to find just outside of Ronda. The same goes for Juzcar, a blue pueblo that is another interesting stopping point nearby. In this village, the houses were painted blue to mark the opening of the new Smurfs film!
Santiponce/Italica
Perfect if you like: Roman ruins
As you already learned in the article "15 Top things to do in Seville ", the ancient Italica is a mandatory stopping point! In the municipality of Santiponce, you will find the first Roman city in Spain and the first outside the Italian territory, founded around 206 BC. Even today this city shows the architecture and way of life of the Italian civilization. Here you will find one of the largest amphitheaters of the Roman Empire, with a capacity of 25 thousand spectators, which (along with the famous mosaics) is one of the main attractions of Italica. You can visit the ruins of several houses, some of them with astonishing mosaics. The archaeological site of Italica is one of the most important sites of Andalusia’s archaeological heritage. The archaeological excavations began between 1751 and 1755. In Santiponce, there is another heritage treasure that was declared a Historic and Artistic Building of national interest. The San Isidoro del Campo Monastery was founded in 1301 and has a double church.
Carmona
Perfect if you like: Historical and artistic heritage
On the hills of Los Alcores you will find Carmona, one of the oldest cities in Europe. From the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, an Arab fortress built on the highest point of this small town, you have the best view of the historic center full of whitewashed houses, palatial residences and charming churches. All this features form part of the artistic heritage that the city houses in its historic quarter, where you will find some attractive buildings from all eras. Carmona is a great option for a pleasant day trip! The vibrant market-town is known for its thriving trade in wine, olive oil, grain and cattle. Walking through the streets of the historic center is a great way to get to know the city and explore its historical legacy and monumental heritage. Wander through the narrow streets of this town, while admiring the churches, convents and palaces, as well as the everyday life of the locals. The Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla, the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, the Clarisas Franciscanas Monastery and the Conjunto Arqueológico de Carmona are some of the main attractions of this charming city.
Écija
Perfect if you like: Churches, towers and palaces
Écija is popularly known as the “city of towers” and the “city of palaces”. This town was built on and out the Roman city of Astigi – you can see the Roman columns of Egyptian granite next to churches and palaces. The towers, the temples, the palaces and the viewpoints characterise this charming city. Some of the palaces have been declared national monuments and each church is beautiful inside and out. Be sure to stop at the Iglesia de Santa Cruz, which was half-destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the Iglesia de los Descalzos, which has a beautiful Baroque altarpiece, and by the Iglesia de San Gil, that has the tallest and, perhaps, most beautiful tower in the city. Visit the Palace of the Marquises of Benamejí, which now houses the Ecija Municipal Historical Museum, and the Palace of Peñaflor, declared of Cultural Interest. Also stop by the Plaza de España, where you can admire the main monuments and get to know the daily life of the locals. Écija is definitely rich in architectural and archaeological details!
