Andalusia is a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. There is obviously a lot to experience in Seville and Cordoba, but adding a road trip through the region to your itinerary is an absolute must for anyone looking to experience the real essence of southern Spain.
The route from Seville to Cordoba, a journey of around 140 km (87 miles), offers a diverse array of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and historical landmarks. This blog post will guide you through the highlights of this unforgettable Andalusian road trip, with notable stops in Carmona, Écija, the Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo, and the ancient site of Medina Azahara. Along the way, you’ll experience centuries-old history, Moorish and Roman architecture, and the essence of rural Spain.
Starting in Seville - Soak up the city's charm
Before you head off, take some time to enjoy Seville, one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. You could spend hours wandering through the old Santa Cruz neighborhood with its narrow, cobbled streets. Make sure you visit the famous Seville Cathedral (home to Christopher Columbus’s tomb) and climb up La Giralda tower for stunning views of the city. Don’t miss the Alcázar of Seville, a Moorish palace full of beautiful gardens and detailed tilework that feels like something out of a fairytale.
Once you’ve explored the city, jump in the car, and get ready for your road trip! We've opted to rent the car from the Seville Santa Justa train station. Many well-known car rentals operate from this convenient location. If you need help finding a good rental in the area, have a look at Rentalcars.com to find a good deal.
Before you know it, you’ll be cruising along the A-4 highway, a straight shot through Andalusia’s countryside filled with olive groves and rolling hills.
First Stop: Carmona – A Slice of History (30 minutes from Seville)
After about 30 minutes on the road, you’ll arrive in Carmona, a quaint, picturesque town often skipped by tourists, making it a real hidden gem. The main entry to the city is the Puerta de Sevilla, an ancient Roman gate that still stands proudly, but we decided to enter from the Puerta de Cordoba and park our car there. The rest of the city you can explore by feet as the streets are too narrow to drive a car.
What to do in Carmona:
Explore the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla: This old fortress has been standing since Roman times, and from the top, you get stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a remarkable symbol of the strategic importance of Carmona throughout history.
Wander the Old Town: Carmona’s narrow streets, lined with whitewashed houses, are made for wandering. Check out the beautiful Iglesia de San Pedro, whose bell tower looks a lot like Seville’s famous Giralda, or buy sweets (dulces) from the nuns at Convento de Santa Clara.
Visit the Roman Necropolis: Just outside the town is a Roman burial site that dates back to the 1st century AD. Walking through this archaeological site feels like stepping back in time.
Before you hit the road again, grab a coffee or a snack at one of the local cafés. The laid-back vibe of Carmona is perfect for taking a breather and soaking in the atmosphere.
Second Stop: Écija – The City of Towers (40 minutes from Carmona)
From Carmona, continue for another 45 minutes along the A-4, and you’ll reach Écija, often called the City of Towers, thanks to its many stunning church towers that dot the skyline. Écija is a fantastic stop for those who love beautiful baroque architecture and charming, less touristy towns.
What to do in Écija:
Admire the Church Towers: Écija is famous for its numerous towers—over 11 of them—each more intricate than the next. One of the most beautiful is the Tower of San Juan, a striking example of the town’s baroque style.
Palacio de Peñaflor: Known for its elegant façade and sweeping balconies, this 18th-century palace is a must-see for architecture lovers.
Plaza de España (El Salón): The heart of Écija is this lively square, where you can relax and people-watch or enjoy some traditional Andalusian food at one of the local restaurants.
Roman Mosaics at the Palacio de BenamejÃ: If you’re interested in Roman history, don’t miss the mosaics and ancient artifacts at this small but fascinating museum.
Écija is often less crowded than the bigger cities, which means you can enjoy its charm and history at a relaxed pace. It’s also a great place to take a break for lunch, grab some tapas, and recharge before hitting the road again.
Third Stop: Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo (45 minutes from Écija)
Leaving Écija, continue heading east on the A-4 for about about 20 minutes and then take the A-445 until you spot the towering Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo. This dramatic castle sits atop a hill, overlooking the Guadalquivir River, and is one of the most stunning fortresses in all of Spain. This medieval castle, originally built by the Moors and later restored, feels like something straight out of a fairy tale—and it even appeared in Game of Thrones!
What to do at Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo:
Explore the Castle: Wander through its towers, dungeons, and courtyards, all while soaking up its rich history. It’s easy to imagine knights and warriors patrolling the walls as you take in the medieval atmosphere.
Game of Thrones Connection: If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll recognize this castle as Highgarden, the seat of House Tyrell. Walking through the castle, it’s fun to imagine scenes from the show.
Views of the Countryside: The castle’s location offers some of the best panoramic views in the region. From the top, you’ll be treated to a sweeping vista of the surrounding hills and the winding Guadalquivir River.
It’s worth spending some time here to fully explore the castle and enjoy the views.
Fourth Stop: Medina Azahara (25 minutes from Castillo de Almodóvar del RÃo)
After leaving Almodóvar del RÃo, you’ll head toward Córdoba, but before you reach the city, make a quick detour to the Medina Azahara, located just 10 km outside the city. This sprawling archaeological site is the remains of a once-grand palace city, built by the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III in the 10th century.
What to do at Medina Azahara:
Explore the Ruins: Wander through the remnants of palaces, mosques, and gardens that once made up one of the most dazzling cities of the Islamic world. The site is still being excavated, so you can see history in the making.
Museum and Interpretation Center: Before or after your visit, stop by the museum to learn about the significance of the city and see some of the artifacts uncovered during excavations.
Medina Azahara is a window into Spain’s Islamic Golden Age and a perfect prelude to your final stop in Córdoba.
Final Destination: Córdoba
The final leg of your journey takes you into the heart of Córdoba, a city that has preserved its rich cultural heritage from Roman, Islamic, and Christian eras. Once you arrive, get ready to explore one of Spain’s most fascinating cities.
Must-See Attractions in Córdoba:
The Mezquita: The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the city’s crown jewel. Its stunning arches and the fascinating mix of Islamic and Christian architecture make it one of the most unique buildings in Europe.
The Jewish Quarter: Wander through the old Jewish Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and picturesque patios. Visit the Synagogue of Córdoba, one of the few remaining in Spain from the medieval period.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: This fortress-palace, once home to the Christian monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, is famous for its beautiful gardens and rich history.
After a long day of exploring, relax in one of Córdoba’s many cozy squares with some salmorejo (a local cold tomato soup) or a refreshing drink.
This road trip from Seville to Córdoba is the perfect blend of history, stunning views, and easygoing Andalusian charm. You get the best of everything: cool little towns off the beaten path like Carmona, a seriously epic castle at Almodóvar del RÃo, and a trip back in time at Medina Azahara. Plus, the final destination—Córdoba—is a total gem.
If you ever want to experience the heart of Andalusia, this trip is the way to do it. Let us know your thoughts and whether there are other things to spot along the road.