Exploring Andalusia: Best Day Trips from Seville, Spain

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Although I adore Seville, there are incredible places to visit throughout southern Spain. I highly recommend getting out of the city and planning a day trip or two.

During my time in Seville, I took day trips to Granada, Cordoba, and Ronda (and some of the nearby pueblos blancos). I loved the historic architecture, combination of Moorish and Spanish influence, and stunning natural beauty of these cities.

Here’s my guide to the best day trips from Seville to help you make the most of your adventures in Andalusia.

Granada

Stunning architecture and views from the Alhambra, a can’t-miss Islamic palace and fortress in Granada.

I absolutely loved the city of Granada. This lovely and historic city is a fascinating mixture of Arabic and Spanish cultures. The most famous sight in Granada is the Alhambra, a stunning Islamic palace and fortress that is a must-see (but make sure to book your tickets in advance).

Granada can be done as a day trip taking the train from Seville, although it makes for a long day (2.5 – 3 hours away by train each way). Along with visiting the Alhambra, make sure to hike up to lookouts (miradores) over the city like Mirador de San Nicolas, wander the Albayzin neighborhood (historic Moorish quarter), go to a flamenco show in one of the cave venues (cuevas) in Sacromonte (this might require staying overnight), and shop on the narrow streets of the slightly touristy but enjoyable La Alcaicería (Arab market).

Cordoba

Impressive architecture of the Mezquita in Cordoba, a cathedral and former mosque from the 8th century.

Cordoba is an incredible city full of history and definitely worth the hour-long train ride from Seville. I made the mistake of visiting Cordoba on a Sunday, when some of the tourist sights closed early. Still, I enjoyed visiting the Mezquita, an impressive former mosque turned cathedral dating back to the 8th century that features a fascinating and unique mix of architectural styles.

You can also wander the winding streets of the city’s historic center and Jewish Quarter, visit the royal palace with lovely gardens (Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos) that was a former residence of Isabella and Ferdinand II of Aragon, marvel at ancient Roman ruins throughout the city, and cross the city’s famous Roman bridge (which was featured in Game of Thrones).

Ronda and Los Pueblos Blancos (White Villages)

One of the charming white villages in Andalusia that we stopped at on our way to Ronda.

The pueblos blancos (white villages) are small towns throughout Andalusia with white washed buildings and red tiled rooftops settled on hilltops. The most famous of these villages is Ronda, perhaps best known for its impressive bridge (Puente Nuevo or New Bridge) and as the birthplace of modern bullfighting.

I took a one day tour to see the pueblos blancos and Ronda. We stopped at tiny picturesque villages like Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema and visited a traditional olive farm in the region. It was fun, but I’d recommend renting a car and taking your time to drive through Andalusia and stopping along the way at your leisure. One day on a tour bus simply wasn’t enough time to soak in the beauty and history of these whitewashed towns (especially Ronda) and the surrounding area.

While in Ronda, be sure to visit the Plaza de Toros (former bullfighting ring turned horse riding school), walk the steep path down El Tajo Gorge to get amazing views of the Puente Nuevo, and wander the charming old town area.

If you have the time, I recommend spending more than one day in each of these cities, particularly Granada and Ronda (stopping at white villages along the way). Still, even if you only visit for a day, it’s well worth the opportunity to experience the unique history, culture, and nature of these remarkable places.

Planning a visit to Seville? Read my complete guide to visiting this spectacular city.

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