This post about excursions from Seville is ideal if you are staying in the capital and want to see a good part of Andalusia without changing hotels. All the excursions we are going to suggest are no more than an hour and a half from Seville, so it is really feasible to do them by car and, in some cases, by train.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is an intoxicating kaleidoscope of light, colour and passion. Its palaces, its narrow streets perfumed with orange blossom and the distant echo of a soleá create an unforgettable experience. But the true journey of the contemporary traveller goes beyond the city limits; it lies in the freedom to discover, in the comfort of an exclusive itinerary and in the depth of authentic experiences. For those seeking to uncover the best-kept secrets of southern Spain, excursions from Seville become an essential part of their trip.
At Andalucía 360 Travel, we organise any private and personalised trip, where each route is an open door to history, nature and the most exquisite cuisine. Prepare your senses for a tour of the most fascinating enclaves surrounding the capital of Seville.
What you will find here
1. A JOURNEY INTO THE IMPERIAL PAST: THE ROMAN RUINS OF ITALICA
Excursion from Seville: 20 minutes.
Just a few minutes from bustling Seville, the city of Italica emerges as an impressive testament to the power of Imperial Rome. Founded in 206 BC, it is not merely an archaeological site; it is the birthplace of emperors such as Trajan and Hadrian, and one of
the largest and best-preserved Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
Highlights
- The Amphitheatre: one of the largest in the Empire, with a capacity for 25,000 spectators. Walking on its sand and imagining the gladiator fights is an overwhelming experience.
- The Domus: stately homes such as the House of Birds and the House of the Planetarium preserve spectacular polychrome mosaics of extraordinary beauty and detail.
- The Urban Layout: strolling through its cobbled streets, flanked by the remains of temples, baths and public buildings, gives an insight into the sophistication of Roman life.
Italic, mosaics from the archaeological site (© Turismo Andaluz).
One of our excursions from Seville is designed to transport travellers directly back to the 2nd century. Cradle of Emperors is our Roman experience in Seville. It includes a private guided tour with an expert local guide to Italica and a stop at the medieval monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.
2. THE JEWEL OF THE COUNTRYSIDE: THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF CARMONA
Excursion from Seville: 30 minutes.
Perched on a hill overlooking the vast Sevillian countryside, Carmona stands out like a monumental jewel. Its strategic position made it coveted by all civilisations, leaving a legacy that ranges from the Tartessian necropolis to Mudejar churches and Renaissance palaces. On this excursion from Seville to Carmona, you will not only discover its archaeological and monumental wealth, but you will also be able to enjoy authentic cuisine in truly excellent restaurants.
Highlights
- The Roman Necropolis: a unique burial complex, carved into the rock, which preserves wall paintings and crematoria.
- The Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla: a formidable fortification that combines Carthaginian foundations with Roman and Arab additions.
- The Castle of King Pedro: now converted into a Parador hotel, it offers spectacular panoramic views, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine at sunset.
The walls of Carmona among white houses.
For the discerning traveller, we recommend lunch at an old oil mill converted into a rustic restaurant with stone and brick arches and white wooden chairs, combined with a contemporary and exclusive design. At La Almazara, Andalusian cuisine reaches its peak in a luxurious rustic setting.
La Almazara Restaurant in Carmona (© La Almazara Restaurant).
3. IMPENETRABLE FORTRESS: THE FORTIFIED CITY OF NIEBLA
Excursion from Seville: 50 minutes.
Venturing into the province of Huelva to discover Niebla is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. This small town is completely surrounded by an Almohad wall almost two kilometres long, dotted with towers and monumental gates rebuilt in Christian times. It is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval fortifications in Spain. What’s more, Niebla is a charming town that’s perfect for a getaway.
Highlights
- The Walled Enclosure: strolling along the ramparts and admiring the views over the River Tinto is a unique experience.
- The Guzmán Castle: in the heart of the city, this castle sometimes hosts medieval theatre performances and jousting tournaments, adding a layer of drama to the visit.
- The Socorro Gate: one of the main entrances, steeped in history and legend.
The fortified town of Niebla (© Huelva Tourism).
The perfect end to your visit to Niebla could be a wine and cultural experience at one of the ancient wineries in the Condado de Huelva region. In addition to visiting the wineries, you can taste the region’s fortified wines, such as the delicate Fino and the aromatic Vino Naranja (Orange Wine). One of the most interesting wineries in the area is Sauci (founded in 1925), located far from the crowded tourist routes and offering wines with an extremely original flavour.
We encourage you to learn more about the wines of Andalusia.
Sauci Winery in the County of Huelva.
4. THE WILD HEARTBEAT OF ANDALUSIA: THE DOÑANA MARSHES
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 10 minutes.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Doñana National Park is one of Europe’s most important ecological reserves. It is a vast mosaic of ecosystems where Iberian lynxes, imperial eagles and thousands of migratory birds coexist. An excursion from Seville to Doñana is an immersion in nature in its purest form.
Highlights
- Private 4×4 Safari: the only way to venture into the heart of the park. Our expert nature guides will reveal the secrets of the local flora and fauna.
- The Virgin Beach of Matalascañas: an expanse of shifting dunes and pristine beaches of fine sand stretching for miles, where there is hardly any sign of human activity.
- The Palacio del Acebrón: an interpretation centre showcasing the ethnography and history of the region.
Doñana marshland at sunset.
At Andalucía 360, we offer you the chance to enjoy a premium experience: a sunrise 4×4 tour followed by a country breakfast featuring local products at a private estate adjacent to the park. During spring and in rainy years, we recommend exploring the interior of the national park. In dry years or during summer, the ideal option is to enjoy a spectacular coastal route.
5. THE PARADISE OF IBERIAN HAM: THE DELICACIES OF THE SIERRA DE ARACENA
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 20 minutes.
North of Huelva, the Sierra de Aracena is a green paradise of holm oak and cork oak pastures, where Iberian pigs are raised to produce Jabugo ham, considered the best in the world. But its riches are not only gastronomic; fairytale white villages such as Aracena, Almonaster la Real and Linares de la Sierra complete an idyllic landscape. All the villages in the mountains are connected by charming footpaths, flanked by huge chestnut trees that turn ochre in autumn and are a real delight, as they do not have any steep climbs.
Highlights
- Visit to a Ham Cellar: a private tasting and explanation of the curing process for the prized acorn-fed Iberian ham legs. Although Jabugo is the most famous village, top-quality hams are produced in many other locations in the Sierra de Aracena.
- The Cave of Wonders: an impressive cave system with underground lakes and spectacularly beautiful limestone formations. Find out more about this cave and many others in Andalusia.
- Sierra cuisine: enjoy a meal in a Michelin-starred rural restaurant or on a private estate, sampling ham, excellent mushrooms, artisan cheeses and chestnuts.
Cave of Wonders in Aracena (© José María D. Barba).
We love the Sierra de Aracena so much that we would recommend spending at least one night there. Alájar, Fuenteheridos, Linares de la Sierra, Castaño del Robledo, all villages of exuberant beauty and always surrounded by cool forests. If you decide to do so, there are several truly spectacular places to stay. One of the most beautiful is Castañar de Aracena, a place where the words relaxation and elegance take on a whole new meaning.
Luxury rural accommodation in Aracena (© El Castañar de Aracena).
The excursion to the Sierra de Aracena can be done from Seville and from Huelva.
6. SCENES OF NOBILITY AND TELEVISION: DEEP ANDALUSIA IN OSUNA
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 5 minutes.
Osuna is the essence of the most stately and authentic Andalusia. Its historic centre, full of churches, convents and Renaissance and Baroque palaces, speaks of a past of enormous wealth thanks to the nobility who lived there. It is said that Osuna has one of the most beautiful streets in the world, as numerous palaces were built along Calle San Pedro, each competing in beauty with their façades. Its recent fame as one of the locations for Game of Thrones has put the spotlight on its incomparable beauty.
Highlights
- The Collegiate Church of Osuna: a veritable museum housing works by José de Ribera ‘El Españoleto’ and a ducal pantheon carved from quarry stone.
- The University: a beautiful 16th-century building.
- Las Canteras: the old stone quarries, converted into a television set, can be visited and are uniquely impressive.
Carmona al atardecer (© Turismo Andaluz).
An excellent option to make your trip to Osuna 100% unique is to visit the Collegiate Church with exclusive access. At Andalucía 360, we offer our travellers the opportunity to visit many monuments in Andalusia outside of public opening hours. At the Collegiate Church of Osuna, you can enjoy all the spirituality of one of the most beautiful temples in southern Spain. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will discover all its treasures on a completely private tour.
Osuna Collegiate Church (© Andalusian Tourism Board).
7. THE GOLD OF JEREZ: THE WINERIES OF JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 10 minutes.
The city of Jerez is synonymous with sherry, horses and flamenco. It is here that sherry, a world-famous fortified wine, matures in quiet cellars filled with the aroma of oak and flor yeast. What’s more, Jerez is a truly beautiful city. Its streets are adorned with Baroque, Mudejar and Neoclassical buildings, where Andalusian regionalist architecture takes on a special dimension. Without a doubt, a trip to Jerez is one of the most refined excursions you can take from Seville.
Highlights
- Visit and tasting at a legendary winery: it is essential to visit a top-class winery such as González Byass (Tío Pepe) or Lustau for a private tour and a vertical tasting of finos, amontillados, olorosos and sweet Pedro Ximénez wines.
- Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art: another of Jerez’s major attractions is the show ‘How Andalusian Horses Dance’, a display of elegance and unique classical dressage.
- Santiago neighbourhood: the birthplace of flamenco, where you can find some of the most authentic flamenco clubs.
Charming street in Jerez.
You can complement your visit to Jerez with an exclusive tour of a stately venue such as the Domecq Palace, but if you want to learn more about the world of wine, we recommend our most special experience, “Cathedrals of Wine”. You will enjoy a full-day activity in which you will visit a vineyard, a winery and take a cultural tour of Jerez that includes the Cathedral. All this with two tastings of the best wines with the Jerez Designation of Origin.
8. LIGHT AND SEA BREEZE: CADIZ, THE CAPITAL OF THE ATLANTIC COAST
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 20 minutes.
South of Jerez lies the Costa de la Luz, a succession of golden beaches, Atlantic waters and marshes with dreamy sunsets. Along the coast, we find exclusive enclaves and charming villages where you can enjoy extraordinarily original cuisine and a very special culture. From the mouth of the Guadalquivir River in Sanlúcar de Barrameda to the kitesurfing and windsurfing paradise of Tarifa, every town is worth a visit. However, we are going to focus on the capital, Cadiz.
Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the West, rises like a diamond bathed by the Atlantic. You will discover its historic squares and castles facing the ocean, which hold legends from overseas. You can enjoy fresh fish in traditional taverns, where ” sherry” is an art form. An exclusive experience, full of authenticity and unique light, which seduces with its leisurely pace and unrepeatable character.
Sea walls in Cadiz.
Highlights
- Sunset at La Caleta: this beach is flanked by two castles and is home to a multitude of small fishing boats. The old spa on the sand makes this beach unique in the world.
- Walk along the ramparts: the old city of Cadiz is surrounded by walls and ramparts built directly on the sea. One of the most beautiful walks in Cadiz takes you along much of these fortifications.
- The golden-domed cathedral: Cadiz Cathedral is not one of the largest in Andalusia, but it is one of the most impressive due to its fantastic location.
You can have lunch during your excursion to Cadiz from Seville at a traditional restaurant where you can savour typical Cadiz dishes, or opt for a sophisticated and elegant option in the city centre. In the latter case, we recommend ‘Código de Barra’, a gastronomic space whose culinary excellence has earned it a Michelin star.
León and Paqui from the Código de Barra restaurant in Cadiz.
9. THE JEWEL OF THE CALIPHATE: THE GREAT MOSQUE OF CORDOBA
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 35 minutes.
A trip to Cordoba is a cultural must. Its Mosque-Cathedral is one of the most amazing monuments in the world, a unique building that encapsulates centuries of history and the coexistence of two cultures and religions. But Cordoba is not just a great mosque; the historic centre encompasses a huge number of monuments, beautiful streets, unique artisans and restaurants that concentrate all the flavour of Andalusia.
Highlights
- The Mosque-Cathedral: You will be mesmerised by the ‘forest’ of two-coloured columns and arches in its prayer hall. The Renaissance cathedral inside creates a fascinating architectural contrast that is unique in the world.
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: with its beautiful gardens and Caliphate baths, the Alcázar is a must-see if you want to soak up all the culture Cordoba has to offer.
- The Jewish Quarter: a maze of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and charming squares. If you are looking for handicrafts, this is one of the most interesting areas to find authentic handmade gems.
Combination of styles and religions in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
To avoid crowds, we organise private visits first thing in the morning, but if you want a truly exclusive experience, we can arrange a visit to the Mosque outside of public opening hours. A visit to one of the best restaurants in Andalusia and Spain is a great way to round off your stay in Córdoba. Noor, with 3 Michelin stars, run by chefs Paco Morales and Paola Gualandi, offers a unique gastronomic experience that varies each season. Of course, it is only possible to access this gastronomic space reminiscent of Andalusia with a prior reservation.
The most exquisite cuisine in Cordoba (© Noor Restaurant).
10. WHERE THE RIVER MEETS THE SEA: SANLÚCAR DE BARRAMEDA
Excursion from Seville: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, Sanlúcar de Barrameda has a special character. This town between the ocean and the longest and most abundant river in Andalusia is famous for its manzanilla, a unique wine that can only be produced here, and for its cuisine, especially Sanlúcar prawns, but also for many other things that we will leave you to discover for yourselves.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda opposite Doñana National Park.
Highlights
- Manzanilla wine cellars: a visit to one of the many wine cellars is a must: Barbadillo, Hidalgo-La Gitana, Argüeso, Alonso, etc. You cannot leave without enjoying a tasting of manzanilla ‘en rama’ (unfiltered) straight from the cask and learning about the solera system used in the wine cellars.
- Doñana National Park: from here you can cross the river by boat to enter Doñana on its southern side via the only walking route available within the park. This undoubtedly offers a different perspective to the private 4×4 excursions from El Rocío.
- Horse Racing on the Beach: a unique event in Spain held in August, where thoroughbreds race on the sand at low tide.
After strolling around Santiago Castle and visiting the Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia or the Orleans-Bourbon Palace, you have several truly special options for lunch. The first would be to head to Bajo de Guía, the seaside neighbourhood facing the sea, to eat at El Bigotes, the place to go since 1951. The second option is to go to one of the most traditional restaurants in all of Cádiz, El Balbino. Whatever you order will always be of the highest quality and delicious.
Casa Balbino, perhaps the most authentic place in Cadiz.
If you prefer everything to be well organised and don’t want to complicate things by looking for guides, locations, wineries, etc., you have to check out “Sea and River”, our most comprehensive experience in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. You can start your excursion from Seville, Jerez or Cadiz.
CONCLUSION: YOUR JOURNEY, TAILORED TO YOU
Yes, it is possible to see a large part of Andalusia without changing hotels and staying in the capital of Andalusia. From Seville, you can take memorable trips to some of the most iconic places in this region. The trips from Seville that we present here are just the beginning of what Andalucía 360 can create for you. We specialise in designing tailor-made itineraries for travellers seeking authenticity, comfort and memorable experiences. Travel with us and discover the essence of Andalusia off the beaten track, with the luxury of good planning and the magic of the unexpected.