Hi
I'm going to be in Seville for two weeks in March and I'm interested in ideas for day trips by public transport, within about 2 hours by train or bus. So far I have Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera, Carmona, maybe Ronda and Merida.
Other ideas? Commercial day tour ideas such as Donana would be good, too.
Thanks!
Malaga
Granada
Cadiz
Granada and Merida are both more than 2 hours from Seville even ignoring the time likely required to travel between your lodgings and the Seville train (or bus) station. Merida has some Roman ruins; unless you're really into that sort of thing, it's not a place I'd particularly recommend even if it were a lot closer to Seville. The city is just not particularly interesting or attractive other than the ruins and a decent archaeological museum (whose mosaics I enjoyed seeing).
There's a lot to see in Cordoba, which is less than an hour from Seville by train. Cordoba would be worth more than one day trip--though it would be better to spend a night or two there.
Other places I have read are attractive but did not have time to visit: Lebrija, Valentina de la Concepcion and Osuna.
Lots of history in Seville - In Search of a Lost Spain
For a long time I have been looking at pictures of and researching the town of Écija and have it on my wish list for the future. It is about 85 kilometers from Sevilla, heading towards Córdoba. No train station but by bus it is a little over an hour. It's nickname is the city of towers and it has its fair share of towers, churches, and beautiful Casas Palacios. You can follow the Ruta de los Palacios and visit many of these beautiful, elegant old structures, some very Moorish. The town has a great tourism website. Look up Turismoecija.com. This is not a place on the American tourist radar but is exactly the smaller town, less crowded hidden gem destinations that I very much appreciate.
You must go to Córdoba. It is a jewel. I liked Jerez - spent Christmas there one year. Like Acraven said in her reply, I also think Mérida is too far for a daytrip, especially using public transportation - and I also agree with her that the Roman ruins and museum are the attraction there, not the town itself.
We enjoyed seeing Cadiz, Europe’s oldest city. Cordoba is wonderful too. In Jerez de la Frontera visit Bodega Tio Pepe’s sherry house, a wonderful day including tastings with generous food offerings.
Thanks for the great ideas! I had not heard of Lebrija, Valentina, or Osuna before so I'll look them up. I find that the best travel info comes from other travelers, esp for the non-touristy places!
Since you will be in Seville for 2 weeks, I recommend spending 2 nights in Granada and 1 or 2 nights in Cordoba. Granada is too far from Seville for a day trip. You should take your time visiting the Alhambra. It is one of the most beautiful and magical places I have visited. In addition to touring Alhambra during the day, I highly recommend the night time tour as well.
Cordoba is a lovely city with the amazing Mezquita. And there are other fascinating and interesting sites as well, such as the Alcazar gardens, Roman Bridge, and Palacio de Viana, to name a few. Take the time to wander around the Juderia with its narrow lanes, white-washed buildings and patios with flowers. Cordoba is so pretty at night when the daytrippers have left and the city is illuminated.
