Do you know Carmona, the little-known pearl of Andalucia? This fortified town charmed us with its typically Andalucia white streets, its famous Roman necropolis and its ramparts. We were seduced by the authenticity of this destination, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of Sevilla.
Here’s our guide to Carmona’s 10 must-sees and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Carmona worth a visit?
Yes, the town of Carmona is well worth a visit. This fortified city in Andalucia promises an authentic journey through history, with its Carthaginian, Roman and Moorish remains. Did you know it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe? We were won over by the peaceful atmosphere of its white streets, in pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of the big Andalucia cities around it.
It’s one of Andalucia’s most beautiful cities, ideally located near Sevilla and Cordoba.
1. Stroll through the white streets of the historic center
We enjoyed strolling through the white streets of Carmona’s historic center. Plaza San Fernando is the beating heart of the town, surrounded by whitewashed houses with typically Andalusian flower-filled patios. You’ll discover stately palaces and Baroque churches around every corner, in a peaceful atmosphere.
A few steps away, the Plaza del Mercado de Abastos offers another facet of Carmona. Built in the XIXᵉ century on the site of a former convent, you’ll find that this rectangular square surrounded by arcades is still home to the municipal market and convivial terraces. A lively place where you can feel the everyday life of the inhabitants.
- Remember to wear good shoes to feel comfortable.
- Note also that some alleys in the old town are narrow and cobbled.
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2. Climb up to Puerta de Sevilla and its ramparts
The Puerta de Sevilla impressed us with its majesty. This monumental gate of Carthaginian origin, reinforced by the Romans and then the Arabs, bears witness to Carmona’s rich past. You can climb the panoramic tower to enjoy views over the Vega countryside. A tour of the ramparts will help you understand the strategic defensive role played by this fortified town. It’s one of Carmona’s historic landmarks.
- Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- More information on the official website here
3. Explore the Roman necropolis and amphitheatre
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit this major archaeological site as it was closed. We mentioned them in our article on the best archaeological sites in Andalucia, and the Carmona ruins are one of the places to see in the region! The necropolis and amphitheatre are made up of tombs dug into the rock, bearing witness to the grandeur of ancient Carmona. You’ll observe traces of funerary rituals and objects found on site. The small amphitheatre next to the necropolis completes your immersion in Roman history.
- Open April to June 20, Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm, Friday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm, Sundays and public holidays, 9am to 3pm; June 21 to September 20, 9am to 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays; September 21 to March 20, Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays, 9am to 3pm.
- Admission: €1.50 per person; free for European citizens
- More information on the official website with details of closing days here
- Take a guided walking tour of the Roman necropolis and the city!
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
4. Visit the Carmona Town Museum
We highly recommend a visit to the City Museum, housed in the magnificent Renaissance Palacio de los Briones. The collections will take you on a journey from prehistory to the 20th century, with pieces dating back to Roman times. You’ll admire rich mosaics and well-preserved antique objects. To round off Carmona’s complete historical panorama, head to the Mudejar and Baroque rooms for a feast for the eyes.
- Open from September to mid-June on Mondays from 11am to 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm; from mid-June to the end of August from 10am to 2pm.
- Rates: full €2.50 per person; reduced €1.20; free for European citizens under 18 and over 65.
- Free admission every Tuesday
- More information on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Seville
Option 1: In the historic center
Convenient for visiting everything on foot, we recommend:
Option 2: El Arenal
Between quiet streets and riverside ambience, we recommend it:
See our complete selection of the best hotels and neighborhoods in Sevilla
5. Marvel at the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro
The Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, also known as Alcázar de Arriba, fascinated us with its strategic position overlooking the plain. This ancient fortress, built in the 12th century during the Almohad period (of Muslim origin) and enlarged and fortified by the kings of Castile, was Carmona’s main defensive key. You’ll be able to see the imposing remains of medieval walls, towers and sections that recall its military importance. Today, part of this historic complex has been refurbished to house the Parador de Carmona: a charming hotel in the very heart of the old Alcázar, combining heritage and hospitality.
- Further information by phone on +34 954 19 09 55
6. Admire the view from the Picacho Tower
In our opinion, the Picacho Tower offers one of the finest panoramic views of Carmona. This 19th-century optical communication tower was part of the ingenious network linking Madrid to Sevilla via Cordoba. The view of La Vega and the surrounding countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. This construction is a notable example of optical telegraphy in Andalucia, and bears witness to the innovations of the time.
7. Push open the doors of the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción
Built on the site of Carmona’s former main mosque, the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción stands out for its history and architecture. What a beautiful architectural blend of Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance! You’ll see that the cloister and richly decorated chapels bear witness to local artistic expertise. Did you know that this church has played a central role in the city’s religious and cultural life for centuries?
- Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 1.30pm and 6pm to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 11am and 6pm to 7pm.
- Free admission
- Find out more about the mass schedule here
8. Discover Baroque convents and churches
We were touched by the spirituality emanating from Carmona’s many convents. These emblematic sites of the city are home to churches with richly decorated Mudejar and Baroque interiors. Take time, for example, to observe the details and ornamentation on the façade of the Iglesia de San Antón Hospital de la Caridad. A marvel for your eyes, inside and out! This monastic itinerary will enable you to grasp the fervor and religious tradition deeply rooted in Carmona.
- Most of these monuments are located in the old town.
- Remember to check mass times before you go.
- More information on the official website of the town’s Tourist Office here
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
9. Sleep or dine in a palace: the Parador de Carmona
Want to extend your immersion in local history and authenticity? Head for the Parador de Carmona! This 4-star hotel, housed in the former Alcázar, harmoniously combines heritage and contemporary elegance. You’ll enjoy a panoramic terrace overlooking the Vega plain, which seems to stretch on forever. The restaurant is renowned for its refined, traditional Andalucia cuisine. Even if you’re not staying here, you can still visit this establishment, which embodies the prestige of Carmona.
- Book now for a magical moment
- More information on the official website here
10. Immerse yourself in local life: tapas and the Andalucia countryside
We savored the Andalusian art of living through Carmona’s local gastronomy. Will you be tempted by torta inglesa, alboronía or spinach with chickpeas? For us, eating well is an integral part of the trip. Authentic local specialities await you in the Plaza San Fernando or in the narrow streets of the old town, such as the Restaurant La Muralla, to immerse you a little more in the warm atmosphere of Andalucia evenings. Typical Campiña products, such as olive oil and local wines, round off this taste experience. Hiking in the Vega between fields of cereals and sunflowers, or along the greenway to Alcalá de Guadaíra, is a pleasant way to extend this immersion.
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Other attractions in and around Carmona
We explored Carmona’s surroundings and discovered other treasures that deserve your attention depending on your interests and the time available.
Excursions around Carmona
- Sevilla Andalucia’s capital is just a 30-minute drive from Carmona. You can visit the Cathedral and its Giralda or the Alcázar gardens in a day.
- Cordoba The ancient capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and its famous Mosque-Cathedral are well worth a full-day trip, around 1h15min drive from Carmona.
- Cerro del Hierro: 1 hour’s drive from Carmona, a village, a hill and a natural monument with spectacular karst formations make up this surprising place. In stark contrast to the region’s historic heritage! Try out hiking
- Malaga: Much more than a seaside resort renowned for its vibrant nightlife, the city boasts a rich past, offering a singular heritage to visit such as its cathedral, Alcazaba and castle!
Attractions around Carmona
We’ve put together a selection of nearby attractions to round off your discovery of this region of Andalucia.
- Almodovar Del Rio Castle, jewel of the region and filming location : did you know that this perfectly preserved medieval fortress was the setting for the famous Game of Thrones series? Book your visit now!
- The village of Constantina, a blend of nature and history: This picturesque village in the Sierra Norte region combines historical heritage with unspoilt natural landscapes.
How to get to Carmona + parking
How to find Carmona
- In the province of Sevilla, in Andalucia
- From Sevilla: 30min drive
- From Cordoba: 1h15min drive
- From Malaga: 2h drive
How to get there
The most practical way to reach Carmona from Sevilla is by car, via the A-4 and then the SE-455. Find out all our tips for renting a car in Andalucia.
There are also regular bus services from Sevilla to Carmona, operated by Alsa and Autocares Casal.
Organized tours from Sevilla that include Carmona in their tours of authentic Andalucia are also good options if you don’t want to drive. find out more here
Parking in Carmona
Parking is generally easy in Carmona, except in the old town where the alleyways are very narrow. We recommend the parking lot near Puerta de Sevilla, the ideal starting point for your visit. Free parking is available on the outskirts of the historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from the main monuments.
Useful tips for visiting Carmona
How long and when?
Allow a full day to visit Carmona in depth, or half a day for the essential sites. Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions. Unsurprisingly, as in the rest of the region, summer can be very hot, but evenings are pleasant for strolling through the narrow streets. Winter is mild and perfect for avoiding the tourist crowds if you’re looking for more peace and quiet.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We recommend starting at Puerta de Sevilla and the city walls for a historical context, then moving on to the historic center. The Roman necropolis deserves a separate visit. The streets are cobbled and sometimes steep, so bring comfortable shoes. A map is available at the tourist office near Plaza San Fernando.
Visiting with children
Carmona is ideal for a family visit. Your children will enjoy exploring the ramparts and fortress, and discovering the Roman necropolis, which will arouse their historical curiosity. The Musée de la Ville also offers educational activities for young visitors. Last but not least, the green spaces around the ramparts are ideal for relaxing breaks with young children.
Restaurants
We haven’t tried every restaurant in Carmona yet, but there are a number of establishments around Plaza San Fernando and in the adjacent alleyways that have caught our eye, renowned for their traditional Andalusian cuisine and authentic tapas. In particular, the traditional La Muralla restaurant.
You can also check out our selection of the best restaurants in Sevilla, a 30-minute drive from Carmona.
Visiting Carmona in winter
Andalusian winters are particularly mild in Carmona, with mild temperatures ensuring a comfortable visit. We appreciate this period for the authenticity it preserves, far from the summer rush. It’s the perfect time to enjoy local hospitality and gastronomy in traditional restaurants. If you’re a nature lover, La Vega’s landscapes also boast changing colors depending on the season.
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