The best day trip to Seville from Malaga

If you’re thinking of a day trip to Seville from Malaga, here’s what to expect. It’s perhaps the most quinessentially Andalusian of all cities in the region and conjures up the idea of flamenco, orange blossom, legends of Don Juan and the opera Carmen. Seville is also home to a rich historical heritage, grand architecture and dozens of lovely plazas and alleyways.

While it’s a destination that easily deserves at least a long weekend, it is possible to see the best of Seville on a day trip from Malaga. This guide helps you do exactly that to ensure that your visit to the city showcases some of Seville’s magic.

When’s the best time of year for a day trip to Seville from Malaga?

Seville is a city of sunshine, but it can get seriously hot in late spring and summer, so timing your visit can make a big difference to your experience.

Spring (March to May)

Most people agree that this season is the best time to visit. The weather is sunny and with temperatures that are pleasant but not too high for sightseeing. In addition, the orange trees are in bloom, filling Seville with fragrant blossom.

Spring is also the season for the city’s biggest events: Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril (April Fair). Both attract big crowds and push accommodation and restaurant prices sky high.

Top tip – if you want to avoid the huge crowds and high-season prices, avoid Easter week (29 March to 5 April 2026 and 21 to 28 March 2027) and the Feria de Abril (two weeks after Holy Week).

Summer (June to mid-September )

Hot, hot, hot. Seville regularly hits 40°C or more in July and August, and humidity is high too. As a result, it’s tough to enjoy a full day of sightseeing especially between noon and 5pm. If a day trip to Seville from Malaga in the summer is your only option, plan your sightseeing for first and last thing, and and take plenty of breaks.

Autumn (mid-September to November)

Temperatures offer some respite after the summer heat, although it can still be hot at midday in late October. There are fewer tourists, especially if you time your visit for a weekday and avoid weekends.

Winter (December to February)

It’s generally sunny, although Seville does have rainy winters sometimes. You’ll also find it cool first and last thing, particularly in the shade. Apart from Christmas, this is one of the quietest things to visit Seville – a good option if you want the monuments and attractions more to yourself.

Can’t get enough of Andalusia? How about a day trip to Cordoba?

How long does it take to get there?

Seville is roughly 210km from Malaga. While it’s slightly further than Cordoba, it’s absolutely doable as a day trip, particularly if you go by high-speed train.

By car (allow 2 hours 15 )

Hiring a car in Malaga and driving to Seville gives you flexibility on your timing and itinerary. It’s an easy drive, with dual-carriageways all the way. Park in one of the underground car parks such as Parking Paseo de Colón and Parking Plaza de Cuba (both large and with easy access to the centre) or Plaza de Armas and Mercado Arenal (both in the centre, but with tighter spaces).

By train (allow 2 hours)

Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains run regularly from Malaga María Zambrano station to Sevilla-Santa Justa. It’s a fast, smooth and comfortable ride. From Santa Justa, it’s a 20–25 minute walk or short taxi ride to the old town. Expect to pay from €38 one way. If you don’t mind a longer train ride (three hours), tickets start at €20 one way. More information on the Renfe website.

Did you know? Trains between Malaga and Seville currently stop in Cordoba, where the train changes direction. However, work is underway to avoid this loop and when it’s finished (late 2025), the quickest journey will take 1 hour 35, giving you more time in Seville for your day trip from Malaga.

By bus (allow 2.5–3 hours)

Five direct services connect Seville and Malaga by bus every day, with the quickest journey taking 2.5 hours. This is the cheapest travel option for a day trip to Seville from Malaga because one-way tickets start at €12. Alsa is the operating company.

By private tour

Several companies offer organised day trips from Malaga to Seville, with guides, hotel pick-up, and even skip-the-line tickets. With this option, there’s no need to organise anything or worry about parking when you get there. The trip lasts around 10 hours and costs from €40 per person. Book a day trip to Seville from Malaga

Highlights of things to see on a day trip to Seville from Malaga

Seville is Spain’s fourth biggest city and one of its most historic. Just the churches number 125, including the largest cathedral in Spain and then there are dozens of mansions and museums. This rich heritage makes it difficult to keep the list of highlights down to those doable in a day. But we think the following are must-sees:

• Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower (see below for more information)
• Los Reales Alcazares (the Royal castle – see below)
• Barrio de Santa Cruz – Seville’s old Jewish quarter and a delightful corner of squares, flower-filled facades and atmospheric alleyways.
• Plaza de España – the centrepiece at the 1929 World Fair, the vast half-moon structure includes tiled mosaics of all the provinces in Spain and a boating lake.
• Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) – a stunning modern wooden structure with rooftop views and a light and sound show in the evenings.
• Torre del Oro and the Guadalquivir River

The Seville Tourist Office website has lots more inspiration.

Top tip – Seville is a city made for wandering, so even if you don’t visit any monuments and just loose yourself in the streets, you’ll soak up the atmosphere and experience the authentic city.

About los Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral

These are the city’s most impressive monuments and two must-sees on your day trip from Malaga.

Top tip – book tickets ahead for both to ensure you see them and can choose the time you visit. Los Reales Alcázares gets particularly booked up in advance.

Los Reales Alcázares

This royal palace complex is one of Seville’s crown jewels. Originally a Moorish fort, it was converted into a royal residence in the Mudejar style in the 14th century. The Spanish royal family still use it when they visit Seville. It’s a feast of sumptuous architecture – think intricate tilework, horseshoe arches, and tranquil gardens filled with fountains and peacocks.

Particular highlights include the Salón de Embajadores, the most opulent part of the palace and the Estancias Reales, packed with antiques and tapestries, fit for a king. And yes, you do recognised several parts of los Reales Alcázares from Game of Thrones!

Allow at least 2 hours for your visit.

Top tip – be one of the first people to visit when you book a guided tour of los Reales Alcázares early in the morning (from €80 per person).

Seville Cathedral

Just around the corner from los Reales Alcázares is Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can clearly see Moorish influences in the architecture and the cathedral’s origin as a mosque in the Giralda tower.

Highlights in the enormous interior include Christopher Columbus’ tomb, the main altar, stunningly intricate and housed in the largest chapel in the world and the Royal Chapel (one of the most intricate in Europe). Don’t miss the Patio de los Naranjos, with intoxicating orange blossom in spring and the Giralda tower. The tower is well worth climbing – via ramps for carriages rather than steps – for the panoramic views of the city and river from the top.

Allow at least two hours for your visit.

Buy your Seville Cathedral ticket in advance

Flamenco in Seville

Along with Jerez, Seville is one of the spiritual homes of flamenco and its musical and dance roots form part of the city’s soul. Not surprisingly, there are lots of places where you can enjoy a flamenco performance on your day trip from Malaga. In addition, there’s an excellent museum showcasing the art form.

Where to catch a flamenco show

• Museo del Baile Flamenco – a great museum, with good flamenco shows in the evening. From €25 per person. Book now
• Teatro Flamenco – good flamenco show, with option to see one at 5.30pm. From €25 per person. Book now
• Casa de la Memoria – intimate show, with excellent performers. From €22 per person. Book now
• Take a flamenco class – Eva teaches you the moves and provides the costumes. From €28 per person. Book now

Top tip – Seville celebrates a world-class Bienal de Flamenco in even years (next one is 2026). More information here.

What to eat on your day trip to Seville from Malaga

As you’d expect, Seville has a great foodie scene and its own flavour of Andalusian cuisine. If you want to try some local specialities, add these to your list:

• Salmorejo – similar to gazpacho, but thicker and creamier and topped with boiled egg and serrano ham or tuna. Perfect for a summer lunch starter!
• Montadito de pringá – bread topped with a good dose of puchero stew (usually pork).
• Espinacas con garbanzos – spinach and chickpeas stew, spiced with cumin.

• Carrillada – slow-cooked pork cheeks in a wine sauce.
• Tortillita de camarones – crispy mini-shrimp fritters.
• Cazón en adobo – deep-fried dogfish cubes marinated in cumin, vinegar and oregano

Finish with a torta de aceite, a light pastry made with olive oil and dusted with sugar or the much richer tocina de cielo.

Top tip – Seville has several convents – Convento de Santa Paula, Convento de Santa Ana, Convento de Santa Inés… – that sell homemade pastries on site. Make your way to the entrance and pull the bell beside the torno (revolving door). Convents usually open on weekday mornings (e.g. 10am to 1pm) and afternoons (e.g. 5 to 7pm).

Where to eat in Seville

The list of eateries in the city runs long, from traditional taverns to modern Michelin-star restaurants. You’ll probably only have time to try one or two on your day trip to Seville from Malaga, but the following list gives you some solid options.

• El Rinconcillo – one of the oldest bars in Spain, this traditional spot in the Macarena district serves a long list of tapas.
• Vineria San Telmo – a good option for innovative sharing plates on the edge of the Santa Cruz district.
• Casa Morales – a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, this is a favourite with locals for tapas and wine.
• Espacio Eslava – near the Alameda de Hércules, this is a mecca for gourmet tapas and dishes – book well ahead if you want a table.
• Michelin stars – Cañabota in the centre serves seasonal fish and seafood, and Abantal, on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, is one of the longest Michelin star holders in Andalusia (and you can tell).

Loving Andalusia? Discover Granada on a day trip from Malaga

Where to stay in Seville if a day isn’t long enough

As we mentioned earlier, ‘doing’ Seville in just a day is always going to be a challenge. As a result, you may well find that this city merits at least one overnight. If so, the hotels below make good options. Prices are for a double room in shoulder season.

(Note that all links go to Booking.com because a) the reviews are from real people who have really stayed in the venues, b) we like the easy and transparent cancellation policy and c) Guide to Malaga gets a small commission if you book and stay, helping us maintain this free website. Thank you!)

Value options

Hotels in Seville can be pricey, but the city still has some decent less pricey options. Try these:

Pensión Córdoba – a great budget option in Santa Cruz with friendly owners and squeaky clean rooms. This is no-frills – there’s no lift or breakfast onsite, but for comfy, central accommodation, you can’t go wrong. From €85. Book now

Aguilas 5 Sevilla Suites – spacious and comfortable self-catering suites in the heart of Santa Cruz and on a quiet street. The 1-bedroom suites are spacious and comfortable with extras such as coffee machine. All sleep 4 (2 on sofa bed) and some have private balconies. From €250. Book now

Mid-range hotels in Seville

If your budget stretches slightly further, the following list has some inspiration.

Legado Alcázar – this historic 4-star hotel sits at the heart of Santa Cruz and includes part of the Alcazar 12th-century walls. Accommodation is minimalist, but spacious and uber-comfy. Treat yourself to one of the suites with private terrace (the deluxe Alcazar is the best). From €175. Book now

Legado Magdalena – this 18^th-century palace near the river offers spacious boutique accommodation, within easy reach of the center. Rooms are generously sized, with neutral décor complemented with Triana tiles in the headboards and bathrooms. The terrace has one of the largest plunge pools in Seville. From €180. Book now

Soho Boutique Catedral – bang opposite the Cathedral (with great views of the monument from the roof terrace), this modern hotel has spacious functional rooms and offers value for money. From €220. Book now

Splurge places to stay in Seville

And finally, if you fancy treating yourself to the best accommodation in Seville, check out this list:

Hotel Casa 1800 – with an excellent location near the Cathedral, this elegant 19th-century townhouse provides city-centre accommodation in style with comfortable rooms – those facing the back or on the roofterrace are the quietest. Complimentary afternoon tea served everyday at 5pm. From €275. Book now

Mercer – housed in a 19th-century mansion in the city centre, this is one of Seville’s best boutique hotels and it has 5* GL status. Think stunning marble staircase and patio, gorgeous art pieces, spacious rooms with all the extras and a rooftop terrace with plunge pool. From €470. Book now

Hotel Alfonso XIII – hotels don’t come much more luxurious than this Grande Dame, a classic in Seville and one of the most historic establishments in Spain. Interiors are ornate, Mudejar-style but there are cool touches too, and rooms come spacious and with a long list of extras. From €550. Book now

Read about other day trips from Malaga

Practical tips for your day trip to Seville from Malaga

• Start early – make the most of the day by getting the earliest train or bus from Malaga.
• Buy travel and attractions tickets in advance – they easily sell out, especially in high season.
• Dress for the weather – and take a hat and sun screen. A fan is also useful if you’re visiting in the summer.
• Stay hydrated – sightseeing makes you thirsty and Seville is often get very hot!
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking miles!
• Don’t try to see it all in the day – choose a few must sees and stick to those. You can always return!

Like Malaga, Seville will cast a spell on you and probably leave you wanting more. But that’s no problem because it’s so easy to get to from Malaga.

Top tip – we include a day trip to Seville in our Malaga on a Short Break ebook, the perfect guide to the best holiday in Malaga. Download your copy now for just €5.95 and get the absolute most out of your stay in the city.