Seville adds to its goodness a strategic virtue, that of being located in the epicenter of incredible getaways less than two hours from the city. From localities inserted in the rock or on a cliff to picturesque areas full of cultural heritage. You don’t have to travel all over the community to find timeless and essential destinations.
Visiting these places will not take you more than two hours and they are perfect excuses to spend a weekend or a long weekend.
Hiking trails, Roman theaters and other vestiges, caves, movie castles and other places without going too far from the province of Seville.
1. Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)
The Sierra de Cádiz reserves one of the most imposing villages in Andalusia, nestled between the slopes formed by its river, the Guadalporcún, Setenil de las Bodegas is an example of a wonder of nature. Under the rocks the first inhabitants, the prehistoric Setenileños, settled between caves and bends.
Setenil de las Bodegas, in addition to its monumentality and beauty (it is included in the Route of White Villages of Andalusia), receives thousands of visitors every year, eager to know the stone sky that protects this town.
🚗 1 hour and 40 minutes
2. Aracena (Huelva)
Talking about the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) urges to imagine a magnetic and primitive path in the style of the Nerja Caves and the truth is that both experiences share a common denominator: they are spectacular. This virtuous path full of stalactites, lakes, pillars, curtains and monumental ceilings descends to the depths of the mountain. At first glance, it already seems like one of the best getaways less than two hours from Seville.
However, this popular cave is not the only reason to make a pilgrimage to this town in Huelva. Aracena offers much more to the visitor: its well-kept castle, a memorable mountain gastronomy and dozens of charming corners, whitewashed houses, stony slopes and a town center declared of Cultural Interest.
🚗 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz)
On a crag stands one of the most iconic white villages of Andalusia, a strategic geographical area and gateway to the Sierra de Cadiz. We are talking about Arcos de la Frontera, one of the many municipalities that grow on a hill and draw a picture of nature and admirable whitewashed houses.
The steep slopes and alleys are well worth it judging by the views that one conquers from the heights. The imposing Basílica Menor de Santa María de la Asunción, the castle or its many squares and balconies are just some of the most remarkable attractions of this town.
Yes we say it: Arcos de la Frontera is one of the best excursions to make from Seville, just over an hour separates us from this destination.
🚗 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Riotinto Mines (Huelva)
The mysterious landscape conferred by its colorful craters and the graveyards of old locomotives make this visit a must in Andalusia. By the way, the British footprint in Huelva is one of the most consolidated in Andalusia.
It has to do with railroads and wharfs, with an unprecedented connection between the mining areas of Andévalo (Tharsis, Riotinto,…) and the sea; with the transit of ore to foreign countries. The cultural dimension of the British presence in Huelva is an evidence that, beyond architecture, landscaping and mining, we find in the language. These are some examples:
🚗 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. Almodovar del Rio (Cordoba)
This Cordovan village offers important monuments to take into consideration, such as the parish of the Immaculate Conception and the hermitage of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Sebastian. But above all of them stands out the imposing castle of Almodóvar del Río.
It is not surprising, then, that this extraordinary location can be seen in big productions of the small screen such as Warrior Nun or Game of Thrones.
🚗 1 hour and 25 minutes.
6. Cazalla de la Sierra (Seville)
One of the best ways to know the Sierra Norte de Sevilla is to visit this town with charming places like the Plaza Mayor and the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.
In any case, its star monument is the Cartuja, which currently serves as a three-star hotel, a center of contemporary culture and an equestrian center. A haven of peace full of greenery and elements typical of the villas of southern Spain.
🚗 1 hour and 25 minutes.
7. Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz)
What is it about Sanlúcar de Barrameda that, without being among the best beaches in Andalusia, is still one of the favorite coastal towns for many travelers? Here flows the Guadalquivir River and one of the best cuisines in the south is confirmed (Sanlúcar was the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2022 for a reason).
Perhaps these reasons, and the fact that it is one of the closest getaways to Seville (in less than two hours by car you get to one of the most beautiful beaches near Seville), give a good account of the passions it arouses.
Monuments such as the Castle of Santiago and the Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, horse racing and wineries add goodness to this coastal gem.
🚗 1 hour and 25 minutes.
8. Córdoba
Going out for tapas in the Jewish quarter, getting lost in its labyrinthine streets and tasting the heritage treasures of Cordoba are pending tasks for any passionate traveler. Those who have already visited Cordoba can confirm it: Cordoba is a display of life and color of small dimensions, accessible to squeeze in a couple of unhurried days.
No one was surprised that The New York Times included it among the 50 recommended destinations to visit in 2021, along with other locations such as the medina of Marrakech, Andros (Greece) or Beirut (Lebanon).
In the formidable Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Plaza de la Corredera, the banks of the Guadalquivir or the sites of Medina Azahara, the city’s seductive cultural combo is condensed. It is also one of the most attractive getaways from Seville: in less than two hours you will be next to the Roman Bridge.
The capital of flamenquín and salmorejo is adorned with flowers and music in spring and offers, at the same time, many other excursions in the province. Our favorites? Hornachuelos (less than an hour from Seville), Iznájar (2 hours and 11 minutes) and Zuheros (2 hours and 6 minutes).
🚗 1 hour and 40 minutes.
9. Ronda (Malaga)
It is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia, being the New Bridge its best known tourist attraction. However, Ronda also has other points of interest such as the Mondragon Palace or the Arab baths.
Mention aside deserves (if the sybarites do not already know it) the restaurant Bardal of the chef José Aparicio, awarded with two Michelin stars.
🚗 1 hour and 45 minutes.
10. Mérida (Badajoz)
Visiting the city of Merida is a gem at any time of the year. Of course, enjoying the International Classical Theater Festival of Mérida during the summer months is a perfect excuse to return to this magnificent city. In addition, the National Museum of Roman Art is a real marvel.
One of the getaways two hours from Seville that is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
🚗 2 hours.