The capital of Andalucia, Sevilla is the ideal starting point for numerous excursions throughout the region, from Ronda to Cadiz, via Granada and Cordoba. Between picturesque villages and tourist and cultural towns, you’ll discover exceptional landscapes and heritage!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Sevilla to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions in Sevilla
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Visit Granada and its Alhambra: on this tour, you’ll discover the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic Albaicín district – see program and availability.
- Explore Ronda: this excursion takes in the famous white villages of Andalucia and the incredible town of Ronda, built on 2 cliffs – see program and availability.
- Marvel at Cordoba: discover Cordoba’s Jewish quarter and visit its impressive mosque-cathedral – see program and availability.
1. Admire Cordoba’s cathedral-mosque
Why do we recommend these tours?
Cordoba is only 40 minutes by train from Sevilla. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this pretty city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River! It is famous for its grandiose mosque-cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site that reveals Cordoba’s multicultural history. A leading cultural and scientific city in the Middle Ages, it was the birthplace of philosophers such as Seneca and Averroes. Jews, Catholics and Muslims lived there in harmony, so much so that by the 10th century, 1 million people were living there! We enjoyed strolling through the picturesque streets of the Jewish quarter and admiring the splendid palace gardens.
What you will see
Depending on your itinerary during the free period of your tour or during your personal getaway, you’ll be able to see:
- the mosque-cathedral, the most important Islamic monument in the West,
- the Jewish quarter and its synagogue, characterized by narrow white streets,
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th-century fortress with beautiful gardens,
- the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir,
- numerous museums (Palacio de Viena, Fine Arts Museum, etc.).
How much time to allow
We particularly recommend these day tours:
- Excursion including a guided tour of the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter: this tour allows you to enjoy 1? hours of free time – see program and availability.
- Excursion with guided tour of the synagogue: in addition to the services offered in the previous excursion, you can visit the small synagogue in the Jewish Quarter – see program and availability.
- Excursion including a stop at Carmona: in addition to visiting Cordoba’s mosque-cathedral, you’ll discover the beautiful village of Carmona – see program and availability.
If you’re taking a trip on your own, we recommend that you spend at least one night in Cordoba to give yourself more time on site. Our article on Cordoba’s top attractions is coming soon.
2. Discover Granada from Sevilla
Why do we recommend these tours?
To reach Granada from Sevilla, you’ll need to take the train for 2h30. In our opinion, it’s well worth the trip! Indeed, Granada will not leave you indifferent. We found the atmosphere completely different from that of Sevilla, and with good reason! Granada lies at an altitude of 680m, at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll see the famous Alhambra, a palatial complex listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was on this hill that the last Muslims in Spain took refuge at the time of the Reconquista. Down below, you’ll stroll through neighborhoods with winding streets, such as Albaicín and Sacromonte.
What you will see
- the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and the Alcazaba,
- the cathedral, considered to be the first Renaissance-style cathedral in Spain,
- the beautiful monastery of la cartuja,
- the playful science park,
- numerous museums (Fine Arts Museum, Archaeological Museum).
How much time to allow
We recommend these day tours:
- Excursion to the Alhambra with guided tour of the Albaicín district: discover the Alhambra and its palaces, with the possibility of including an option to visit the historic district of Granada – see program and availability.
- Private tour of Granada with a visit to the Alhambra: Are you interested in the previous tour, but would rather do it only with friends and family? Opt for this solution – see program and availability.
However, we advise you to stay several days in Granada if you don’t want to visit just the Alhambra. Look out for our articles on the best hotels in Granada and the city’s top attractions to help you plan your getaway!
3. Ronda and the white villages
Why do we recommend these tours?
Ronda is a spectacular town, 2 hours’ drive from Sevilla. We were stunned by its singular construction on 2 cliffs. In the middle is the famous 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge. In fact, the city’s bullring, the oldest in the country, was built at the same time. They are located in the Mercadillo district to the north, while to the south lies the historic Moorish quarter crossed by the Espinel shopping street. In our opinion, Ronda is also the ideal starting point for visiting the surrounding natural parks and their white villages. These include Setenil de las Bodegas, 16km north of Ronda, with its troglodyte dwellings, and Grazalema, in the heart of the Sierra of the same name.
What you will see
- the 18th-century Roman bridge with its 3 arches,
- arenas,
- Mondragon Palace, built in 1314,
- the surrounding white villages (Setenil de las Bodegas, Grazalema, Olvera…).
How much time to allow
Ronda is a small town, so one day is enough to visit it. Here are our suggestions for organized tours:
- Excursion to the white villages of Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema, followed by a guided tour of Ronda: from Sevilla, you’ll travel through beautiful countryside through the Sierra de Grazalema natural park, and even discover an olive oil factory! – see program and availability.
- Excursion to Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda: with fewer stops on this itinerary, you’ll spend more time in Ronda and be able to see the troglodytic houses of Setenil de las Bodegas – see program and availability.
If you’re travelling to Ronda on your own and want to visit the surrounding white villages, we recommend spending two days there. Stay tuned for our articles on where to stay and what to do in Ronda.
4. Fresh air in Cadiz
Why do we recommend these tours?
Cadiz is a seaside resort located just 1h45 from Sevilla by train! While part of the city is modern, the historic center has plenty of charm. It boasts a rich historical heritage (Roman theater, 18th-century cathedral). However, it is the port dimension that characterizes Cadiz. It was the point of departure for Christopher Columbus and many other navigators to the New World. We enjoyed strolling along the coast to its fortified military bastions, which offer a beautiful panorama over the rest of the city.
What you will see
- the 18th-century cathedral with its gilded dome,
- Torre Tavira, a baroque tower offering a 360° panoramic view of the city,
- the roman theater,
- Castillo Santa Catalina, a military stronghold built in the 16th century.
How much time to allow
Here are our ideas for day trips from Sevilla:
- Excursion with wine tasting and visit to Cadiz: on the way to Cadiz, you’ll stop for 2 hours for a wine tasting in the Jerez region. You can add an option to visit the Andalucia riding school in Jerez de la Frontera. Then on to Cadiz and its magnificent cathedral – see program and availability.
- Excursion to Jerez de la Frontera and Cadiz: this tour includes a visit to a traditional bodega in Jerez de la Frontera before spending the afternoon in Cadiz – see program and availability.
If you want to take your time and visit the neighboring towns on the Costa de la Luz, we recommend staying for 3 days.
5. Tasting Jerez wines
Why do we recommend these tours?
Jerez de la Fontera is just a 30-minute drive from Cadiz. This makes it an almost unmissable stop on organized tours to Cadiz. Jerez de la Frontera is world-famous for its vineyards, reputed to be the oldest in the world still in use. The first vines are thought to have been planted by the Phoenicians in 1000 BC! As you stroll through the historic center, you’ll come across numerous bodegas, or wine cellars, which you can visit. The town also boasts a fine cathedral, an alcázar (palace) and is home to the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
What you will see
- the Alcázar de Jerez, a Moorish palace with a beautiful view of the city,
- the imposing San Salvador cathedral,
- bodegas to visit,
- the royal school of equestrian art.
How much time to allow
Most organized tours allow just a few hours on site before visiting Cádiz:
- Excursion with wine tasting and visit to Cadiz: on the way to Cadiz, you’ll stop for 2 hours for a wine tasting in the Jerez region. You can add an option to visit the Andalucia riding school in Jerez de la Frontera. Then on to Cadiz and its magnificent cathedral – see program and availability.
- Excursion to Jerez de la Frontera and Cadiz: this tour includes a visit to a traditional bodega in Jerez de la Frontera before spending the afternoon in Cadiz – see program and availability.
If you’re travelling to Cadiz on your own, we recommend spending half a day to a day in Jerez de la Frontera and sleeping in Cadiz.
6. Visit Itálica
Why do we recommend these tours?
We’re getting much closer to Sevilla for this excursion, just 7km from the Andalucia capital. The Santiponce region is home to the remains of a Roman town built around 206 BC: Itálica. We were stunned by the sheer size of this 52-hectare complex. This testifies to the city’s economic and political importance during the High Roman Empire. It’s also the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian! Itálica is also famous for its splendid mosaics. Although some of them have been extracted and reused in palaces such as La Condesa de Lebrija, there are still some left on site! We were astounded by their excellent state of preservation. The Bacchus and Ariadne mosaic is particularly striking for its finely executed figures.
What you will see
- the amphitheatre, which could accommodate 25,000 spectators,
- the Planetarium House and its medallion-shaped mosaics,
- la casa de los Pájaros,
- the remains of the thermal baths.
How much time to allow
This archaeological site is accessible from Seville. A half-day tour including transport and guided visit is available:
- 4-hour excursion from Seville: you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of Itálica and then the village of Santiponce, with a stop at the monastery of San Isidoro del Campo – see program and availability.
If you want to get to Itálica on your own, allow 25 minutes’ drive or 1 hour by public transport. Find out more about tour times on the official website here.
7. Discover the beautiful village of Carmona
Why do we recommend these tours?
We really enjoyed Carmona, a charming old town 34km northeast of Seville. At an altitude of 260m, the town overlooks the rolling agricultural plains of the region. Its monuments are marked by great architectural variety. Carmona has been inhabited for 5,000 years! Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town is very pleasant. They converge on the palm-lined plaza San Fernando. Keep walking and you’ll come across the Alcázar de la puerta de Sevilla, built between the 9th and 18th centuries. From the top of its tower, there’s a fine view of the city and surrounding plains.
What you will see
- and traditional houses in the old town,
- numerous religious monuments (Iglesia prioral Santa María, convento Santa Clara, Iglesia San Pedro…),
- l’alcázar de la puerta de Sevilla,
- the necrópolis romana and its 900 tombs dating from the 7th century BC to the 4th century AD.
How much time to allow
A visit to Carmona is sometimes included in organized tours to Cordoba. Here’s a tour that includes it:
- Excursion to Cordoba with a stopover in Carmona: in addition to visiting Cordoba’s mosque-cathedral, you’ll discover the beautiful village of Carmona in one day – see program and availability.
If you’re going to Carmona on your own, plan to spend half a day there.
8. Take to the skies at Caminito del Rey
Why do we recommend these tours?
Looking for nature? We highly recommend the Caminito del Rey walk. This hiking trail is close to the Torcal de Antequera nature park. It stretches over 7.5km and is made up of a network of footbridges suspended above the void. We therefore strongly advise against it if you suffer from vertigo. This network was built in 1920 by order of King Alfonso XIII. The aim was to give workers at the Chorro and Gaitanejo Falls hydroelectric power stations easier access to their workplaces with their equipment. You’ll be amazed to walk through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes canyon, overlooking a man-made lake.
What you will see
- the Guadalhorce River, at the foot of the cliffs,
- the rocky landscapes of the gorge,
- the Guadalhorce artificial lake,
- the suspension bridge.
How much time to allow
Allow a full day for this nature excursion. Here are our suggestions for organized tours:
- Guided tour of the Caminito del Rey and stopover in Osuna: this tour includes (on Sundays) a stopover in the pretty town of Osuna in addition to the hike – see program and availability.
If you wish to make your own way to the Caminto del Rey, you’ll need to plan a day trip. It’s a 2-hour drive from Sevilla.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- 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.
9. Explore Aracena and the Rio Tinto mines
Why do we recommend these tours?
Aracena is a pretty town located 1h20 drive from Sevilla. It’s famous for being surrounded by farmland, where Jabugo Iberian pigs and goats are raised. You’ll also be able to taste aracena, a high-quality goat’s cheese. While the small town is dominated by the ruins of an Almohad castle, it is best known for its cave, with 1200m of natural galleries. A magnificent underground river runs through them! Finally, Aracena is an ideal stop-off point before visiting the Riotinto mining park. Europe’s largest open-pit mine, this is one impressive site!
What you will see
- the Gruta de las Maravillas, a magical cave beneath the Aracena hill,
- ham cellars, some of which are open to the public,
- landscapes of the sierra,
- the Riotinto mining park, an incredible visit!
How much time to allow
We recommend you spend at least one day in and around Aracena. Here’s an interesting excursion:
- Day trip with stopover in Riotinto and visit to the Gruta de las Maravillas: you’ll pass through the Dehesas de Sierra Morena reserve, then enjoy the unique landscapes of Riotinto before visiting Aracena and its cave – see program and availability.
10. Excursions in Gibraltar
Why do we recommend these tours?
Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of Spain, 2 hours 20 minutes’ drive from Sevilla. This 6.5km2 British enclave will not leave you indifferent. You’ll see many elements reminiscent of the UK: pubs, red telephone booths…The mix with Andalucia culture is quite surprising! The long, densely-populated town is dominated by a 426m rock, for which it has been classified as a nature reserve.
What you will see
- Main street, the long pedestrian street that makes up the city,
- the Gibraltar museum,
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th-century Anglican church,
- the changing of the guard at the official residence of the governors of Gibraltar (The Convent),
- Upper Rock Nature Reserve,
- the prehistoric Gorham caves, listed by UNESCO.
How much time to allow
Plan to spend a day there. Here’s an idea for an excursion:
- Excursion to Gibraltar with visit to the San Miguel caves: enjoy superb views of Africa from the Punta de Europa, visit the San Miguel caves and explore the lively streets of Gibraltar – see program and availability .
VISIT Seville
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Best hotels in Sevilla
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Excursions from Sevilla
- Visit the cathedral
- Visit the Alcazaba
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 1 week (coming soon)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sevilla?
For greater peace and quiet, we recommend visiting Sevilla in autumn or winter. If you want to enjoy the city’s lively side, go during an event (Christmas celebrations, We love flamenco fashion festival, carnival, Holy Week, Feria de Abril…).
What’s the climate like in Sevilla?
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. In summer, on the other hand, 40° and even 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Autumns and winters are quite pleasant. We advise you to use sunscreen in fine weather, as the UV indexes are particularly high (between 8 and 9). To find out more, read our article on visiting Sevilla in winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
