The best getaways from Seville: unforgettable places less than 3 hours away

Imagine you’re in Spain planning a southern escape. A great option is to start in Seville – a lively city full of history, centrally located, and well connected by air and the high-speed rail network.

Tânia Mousinho in Unsplash

Whether you arrive by AVE train or by plane, Seville gives you access to unique experiences both in the city and throughout southern Spain. Our Seville team has selected the best authentic getaways away from the crowds. Travel like a local – enjoy sunny beaches in summer or discover charming villages any time of year.

First things first – how are you getting to Seville? Whether you arrive by AVE or plane, the idea is simple: visit the city and take a rental car for a few days to explore nearby destinations – or the other way around.

If you arrive in Seville by AVE

We offer the most convenient car hire service at Santa Justa train station with our SmartCar rate – your car is waiting for you in the station car park and you unlock it with your mobile. No desks, no queues, no time wasted.

If you arrive in Seville by plane

If you're arriving by air and want to get out of the city for a few days, your best bet is to rent a car at Seville airport. This gives you the freedom to explore the amazing places we suggest below – all within a 3-hour drive. Many are still authentic and far from the tourist crowds.

Summer Getaways from Seville to Beat the Heat: Sun, Sea and White Villages

When temperatures soar, head to the coast or tranquil villages where time seems to stand still. These summer escapes combine peaceful beaches, local cuisine, and postcard-worthy views.

1. Matalascañas and Doñana National Park

Just 1h30 from Seville, this beach in Huelva offers wild nature and access to one of Europe’s most important natural parks. Perfect for sea lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

 

Day Itinerary Matalascañas and Doñana

09:00 – Depart Seville via A-49, then A-483 to Almonte/Matalascañas

10:30 – Breakfast at a beach bar like La Ola or La Traiña

11:30 – Walk along the beach and explore the Mobile Dune

Matalascañas Beach

 

13:00 – Guided tour of Doñana National Park (book a 4x4 tour from El Acebuche Visitor Centre in advance)

15:00 – Lunch in El Rocío (try venison stew or clams)

17:00 – Stroll through El Rocío and enjoy marshland views

18:30 – Return to Seville

A perfect mix of beach, ecotourism and local culture.

 

2. Cádiz: White Villages, Tarifa and Vejer de la Frontera

 

If you're after sea, history and charm, Cádiz (1h30 away) is a must. Start with Setenil de las Bodegas, then head to Arcos de la Frontera if time allows. Continue to Tarifa for a surfer vibe, then follow the coast to Cádiz, stopping in Vejer de la Frontera.

 

Itinerary:

08:00 – Depart Seville via A-376 toward Utrera and Ronda

10:30 – Visit Setenil de las Bodegas and enjoy local products

 

 

15:00 – Lunch in Tarifa and explore its historic centre

19:00 – Stop in Vejer de la Frontera for photos and local sweets

 

Ferran Feixas in Unsplash

 

21:00 – Arrive in Cádiz and stay overnight. Next morning, explore the cathedral and La Viña neighbourhood

 

Hector John Periquin in Unsplash

 

An intense and diverse getaway mixing history, solitude and Andalusian soul.

 

Off-season Day Trips from Seville

When the weather is milder, it’s the ideal time to explore inland or visit summer hotspots now peaceful and uncrowded.

1. Ronda: plan

 

Famous for its dramatic gorge and old town, Ronda is 2h15 from Seville. Ideal for hiking, tapas and architecture.

 

08:30 – Depart via A-375

11:00 – Walk across the New Bridge and the Tajo

 

Jordi Vich Navarro in Unsplash

 

12:30 – Visit the bullring and museum

14:00 – Lunch in Calle Nueva or San Francisco

15:30 – Explore old town and Arab baths

17:30 – Coffee with views

18:30 – Return to Seville

 

2. Córdoba: day trip plan from Seville

 

This UNESCO World Heritage city offers timeless beauty with its Mosque-Cathedral, patios and vibrant streets.

09:00 – Depart Seville

09:30 – Traditional breakfast in the centre

10:00 – Visit the Mosque-Cathedral (book in advance)

 

iEliott Van Buggenhout in Unsplash

 

11:30 – Explore the Jewish Quarter and Zoco

13:00 – Visit Alcázar and its gardens

14:30 – Lunch at a local tavern (try flamenquín or salmorejo)

16:00 – Patio route (a must in spring)

17:30 – Coffee along the Guadalquivir River

18:30 – Return to Seville

 

3. Sierra de Aracena and Jabugo, in one day from Seville

1h30 by car. Perfect for hiking, gastronomy (real Iberian ham) and rural charm. 

 

08:30 – Depart via N-433

10:00 – Visit Gruta de las Maravillas

12:00 – Explore Aracena and the medieval castle

13:30 – Lunch in Jabugo or Alájar (try DOP Iberian ham)

 

 

15:30 – Light hiking trail: Linares-Alájar or Fuenteheridos loop

17:30 – Snack and shop for local goods

18:30 – Return to Seville

 

4. Carmona

Just 30 minutes away. Fortified town with Roman history and beautiful viewpoints.

 

10:00 – Depart Seville

10:30 – Visit Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla

12:00 – Explore Roman necropolis and museum

 

 

13:30 – Lunch with a view (try spinach with chickpeas or pork in whisky sauce)

15:00 – Walk the historic centre

16:30 – Coffee before heading back

 

5. Roman Ruins of Italica: midday getaway from Seville

 

Only 20 minutes from Seville in Santiponce. Birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian.

09:30 – Depart Seville

10:00 – Visit Italica archaeological site (amphitheatre, mosaics, Roman roads)

 

Roman amphitheater in the archaeological complex of Italica

 

12:00 – Walk through Santiponce and visit San Isidoro Monastery

13:30 – Lunch in a local inn

15:00 – Return or relax in Alamillo Park

 

Tips for Planning Your Getaway from Seville

• Avoid public holiday weekends if you're after peace and quiet

• Book in advance if staying overnight, especially in beach destinations

• Consider lesser-known gems like El Rocío, Grazalema or the Sierra Sur for authenticity

Whether you arrive by train or plane, day trips from Seville by car offer incredible landscapes, culture and authentic experiences. From quiet beaches to hidden mountain villages, there's something for every kind of traveller. Pack your bag and get ready to be surprised just a few hours from the Andalusian capital.

Ready for your next adventure?