The Giralda, Real Alcázar and Plaza de España in a single day, with the fastest way to get there.
Seville rewards even a single day if you plan tightly. This guide threads together three unmissable sights — the cathedral crowned by the Giralda, the Real Alcázar and the tiled Plaza de España — plus a wander through the old town. It suits culture lovers, first-time visitors and anyone happy to swap a beach day for Andalusian grandeur.
The fastest way from Málaga is the high-speed train, which departs from María Zamora station and reaches Seville Santa Justa far quicker than driving. Book seats ahead for the best fares and an early departure. From Santa Justa the historic centre is a short taxi or bus ride, and once there almost everything below sits comfortably within walking distance.
Start at the cathedral, one of the largest in the world and the resting place attributed to Christopher Columbus. Climb the Giralda, its former minaret, by a gentle series of ramps rather than stairs, for sweeping views over the rooftops. Arrive early to beat the queues, and look for a combined ticket that also covers the nearby church of El Salvador.
Next comes the Real Alcázar, a working royal palace of dazzling Mudéjar craftsmanship, serene courtyards and lush, shaded gardens. Timed-entry tickets often sell out, so reserve online well before your trip. Allow a generous stretch to wander unhurried through the halls and greenery; the Game of Thrones filming locations in the lower gardens are a bonus for fans.
Finish in the María Luisa Park at the Plaza de España, a grand semicircle of bridges, ceramics and tiled alcoves built for a 1929 exposition. Stroll back through Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of orange trees and narrow lanes, pausing for tapas. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water in summer, and catch a relaxed evening train home.