Trips to cities and towns near Seville

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>> Granada

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Eliane's trip to Granada

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Jeff on Granada

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GRANADA QUICK FACTS:
Distance from Sevilla: 256 km
Population: 250,000

TRANSPORTATION:
By train: Santa Justa Station
time: 3 hrs. (30 € round trip)

By bus: Prado Station
time: 2 hrs. (29 € round trip)

By car: Hwy A-329
time: 3 hrs.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:
Semana Santa - March or April
Cruces de Mayo - May
Jazz Festival - November

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the highest mountain range in the Iberian peninsula, approximately 250 km south east from Seville. The city is easily accessible from Seville by train, bus or car.

The tradition of free tapas with a drink at most bars is popular with visitors as well as locals. Granada's proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains makes the city an ideal location for skiing and nature enthusiasts, and for those wishing to explore the surrounding villages in the Alpujarras. In a little under an hours drive one can also reach the beaches of the Mediterranean. The main attraction in the city is the Alhambra, but other important sights are all within walking distance of the old city center. A two day stay is generally recommended to see the sights and enjoy the cultural attractions.

Must see:
The Alhambra and the Generalife gardens, are the first sights on most visitors lists. Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, the Alhambra is the emblem of Granada. Not to miss is the Albaycin (old Arab quarter), especially the overlook el Mirador de San Nicolas, with spectacular views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevadas. On your way up to the Albaycin we recommend a stop at the Moroccan shops and tea houses along the Calderias, two streets running paralell to Plaza Nueva.

There are many hills in Granada, and the city offers a micro-bus service which will take you to the Alhambra, the top of the Albaycin and Sacramonte. Stops are located throughout the center. The Cathedral and Capilla Real are just a minute away from the Albaycin. The Cathedral was commissioned in the 16th century and took over 180 years to complete. The Capilla Real is the final resting place of the Catholic kings Ferdinand and Isabel, and contains Queen Isabel's impressive art collection.

Plaza Bibarrambla is a popular spot just behind the Cathedral, lined with flower vendors and restaurants offering outdoor dining. The souvenir shops in the Alcaicería, the site of an old silk market, are on a side street from the Capilla Real. The Sacromonte neighborhood is the old gypsy quarter is known for it's cave houses, nightly flamenco performances and the nearby abbey. Calle Elvira at the lower end of the Albaycin is known for it's nightlife as well as it's good selection of tapas bars.

>> Córdoba

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Eliane's trip to Córdoba

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Jeff on Córdoba

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CÓRDOBA QUICK FACTS:
Distance from Sevilla: 155 km
Population: 310,000

TRANSPORTATION:
By train: Santa Justa Station
AVE: .75 hrs. (30 € round trip)
Talgo: 1.25 hrs. (13 € round trip)

By bus: Prado Station
time: 3 hrs. (29 € round trip)

By car: Hwy N-IV / E-5
time: 2 hrs.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:
Cruces de Mayo - May
Córdoba Guitar Festival - July

Córdoba is located approximately 150 km east of Seville. The city is easily accessible by high-speed train, bus or car. Much like Seville, Córdoba has a unique mix of history, with influences from Roman and Arab times. We recommend Córdoba as a day trip, although a one night stay allows time to see sights within the city as well as those just outside it like the Medina Azahara.

Must see:
The principal sights of Córdoba surround the old city center close to the River Guadalquivir, and the centerpiece is the Mezquita, a mosque first constructed in the late 8th century which was later converted into a Cathedral. Although now considered a Cathedral, the elements of the mosque are perhaps the most well preserved in all of Spain, featuring the large patio de naranjos, and famous red and white striped horse-shoe arches. The Roman bridge, crossing the Guadalquivir river, lies just south of the Mezquita. The streets surrounding the Cathedral lead to the other major monuments. The 14th century Alcazar, built under Alfonso XI, contains a large complex of gardens with sculpted bushes and fountains. A Roman bridge crosses the Guadalquivir River and is still in use today. From the bridge one can see the ruins of numerous mills along the river dating from Arab times.

The narrow streets themselves are an attraction, such as the Calle de las Flores, famous for it's flower lined walls. Following the same narrow streets one can reach a 14th century synagogue, one of the few examples to be preserved in Spain. The Bullfighting Museum is close by, featuring legendary bullfighters from the city as well as the heads of famous bulls. Traveling outside of the city by bus one can visit the impressive ruins of the Medina Azahara, an Arab palace built by the 10th century.

>> Ronda

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Jeff on Ronda

RONDA QUICK FACTS:
Distance from Sevilla: 126 km
Population: 40,000

TRANSPORTATION:
By bus: Prado Station

time: 2.5 hrs. (15 € round trip)

By car: Hwy A-376
time: 2 hrs.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:
· Bullfighting
· Feria de Pedro Romero – early September

The town of Ronda is approximately 120 km from Seville. It is best reached from Seville by bus or car. The town is well known for it's position high on the cliffs overlooking the valley below.

One of the principal towns in the route of the pueblos blancos, Ronda is a nice town to visit for a break from the larger cities in Andalucia. The city's tradition of bullfighting as well as magnificent views attract visitors from around the world, for a day or an extended stay. For those traveling onward to Malaga and the Costa del Sol, the drive from Ronda to the beach is one of the best in all of Spain, through a natural park and mountains, finally opening to a view of the Mediterranean in the distance.

Must see:
The Puente Nuevo, and 18th century bridge spanning the gorge known as El Tajo, is one of the most eye-catching sights in the city. The gorge drops over 120 meters below, and the bridge connects the old quarter of the city with the more modern section. Several restaurants have taken advantage of the views and offer dining on terrazas overlooking the gorge.

The Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest in Spain, is another principal attraction of the city and the site where the famous torero Pedro Romero perfected the art of the modern bullfight. In the new quarter of the town we recommend a stroll along the cliffs from the Plaza de Toros to the Puente Nuevo. Here there is an overlook, gardens and the Parador which is well situated for views to the valley below.

>> Other destinations

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Sunday afternoon in Aracena

Matalascañas beach

Museo del Mundo Marino

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Jeff on Cádiz

Jeff on Carmona

QUICK FACTS:

CÁDIZ:
distance from Sevilla: 121 km

ARACENA:
distance from Sevilla: 86 km

CARMONA:
distance from Sevilla: 39 km

TRANSPORTATION:

CÁDIZ:
By train: Santa Justa Station
time: 2 hrs. (15 € round trip)

By bus: Plaza de Armas Station
time: 1.5 hrs. (15 € round trip)

By car: Hwy A-4
time: 1.5 hrs.

ARACENA:
By bus: Plaza de Armas Station
time: 1.75 hrs. (10 € round trip)

By car: Hwy N-630 > N-433
time: 1.5 hrs.

CARMONA:
By bus: Prado Bus Station
time: 1 hr. (9 € round trip)

By car: Hwy N-IV/E-5 > A-457
time: 0.75 hrs.

Cádiz
The city of Cádiz, located to the east of Seville on the shores of the Atlantic, is Europe's oldest city and offers plenty of possibilities for sightseeing or just a day at the beach. Once the principal link with the Americas, the main attractions to the city are along the beaches and harbors, especially the gardens and parks. The Cathedral, with it's golden dome, stands out along the city skyline and is one of the principal monuments. The Castillo de San Sebastian, reachable by foot bridge over the water, and the Antiguo Balneario, once a spa and now a public beach, are other sights. Don't miss a trip to El Faro, one of Cádiz's finest restaurants, offering tapas at the bar or dining in the salon.

Aracena
Northwest of Seville in the province of Huelva lies Aracena, a small town in the mountains not far from Portugal. The center of Aracena, with it's plazas and cafes, are a central part of the vibrant life in the town. The Kinghts Templar Church and old Moorish castle are located on the hill overlooking the town. La Gruta de las Maravillas, an immense cave system of which visitors can walk over 1km, is one of the main natural attractions. This region is known for it's cured meats, especially the jamón serrano which is famous throughout Spain. Traveling by car is best, giving you the opportunity to visit the nearby towns of Jabugo and Cortegana

Carmona
Carmona is a small town 30 km east of Seville, best reached by bus or car for a day trip. The small town features a wonderful parador at the top, which is a good stop for a drink or coffee on the terrace. Carmona has a strong Roman history as well, and of significant archaeological importance is the large site of a Roman necropolis and small amphitheatre. The town museum has more information about the necropolis as well as other important historical periods of the town. Other sights include the Puerta de Sevilla, as well as the local market in an open plaza in the old city center. While many take in the town as a day trip, there are a few nice hotels which lure visitors away from Seville to spend a pleasant day in the countryside.