Look at a map of Portugal and you’ll see that beautiful Seville is just over the border…. So if you’re visiting Lisbon or the Algarve, why not plan a road trip and drive to the Spanish city too?
While on paper they seem close, the drive between Lisbon and Seville takes 4-5 hours. But if you zip between the two major cities, you’ll miss out on rural Portugal and Andalucia’s charming rural villages, ancient Moorish castles, dramatic landscapes, Roman ruins, delicious regional cuisine… and the famous jamón stretch that I can’t stop thinking about.
The stops between Lisbon and Seville reveal a different side of the Iberian Peninsula and will connect you deeper with the landscapes, culture and people. Here are ideas on where to stop on a road trip between Lisbon in Portugal and Seville in Spain. These are some lesser-known gems worth a short detour!
Lisbon to Seville: Driving vs public transport
You’ve got two main options: renting a car (or a private driver) or taking public transport. Before I dive deep into all the cool stops you can make on a self-drive road trip between Lisbon and Seville, let’s look at how to travel between the two.
There is no train line connecting Lisbon and Seville, so your public transport option is taking a bus. Coach buses run daily between Lisbon and Seville, taking about six hours. They’re comfortable and affordable, but they don’t allow for spontaneous stops. If you prefer rail travel over the bus, you could take a train from Lisbon to Faro, then switch to a bus or rental car for the rest of the trip. There are also one-hour commercial flights between the two big cities.
Rental cars for two countries
Renting a car gives you the freedom to take detours, visit smaller cities like Évora or Tavira, and turn the journey into part of the adventure. But you have to remember that you’re visiting not one but two countries, two languages, two cultures — and two sets of insurance.
If you’re renting a car in Portugal and want to drive into Spain you’ll need to let the car rental company know. Iost will allow you to take it over the border (best to check and confirm) and usually you’ll only have to pay a fee to cover cross-border breakdown insurance.
Need a rental car? Find the best prices using RentalCars.com or Discover Cars – both sites search and compare car rental companies including international and local rentals to find the best rates.
Private driver: Lisbon to Seville or Seville to Lisbon
Your third option is to hire a private driver. It might seem expensive, but once you add up the fees of car rental, extra insurance, one-way drop-off (if available!), and tolls, it can be a fairly reasonable, stress-free solution. For a private journey with stops between Lisbon and Seville, this all-day transfer can include up to two stops in Tavira, a beautiful historic town in the Algarve, and Huelva, over the border in Spain.
Otherwise, I’ve found this well-priced non-stop transfer from Lisbon to Seville (or Seville to Lisbon).
Read next: Where to stop between Lisbon and Lagos
The best two routes between Lisbon and Seville
There are two fast routes: via the Algarve coast, or inland through the heart of the Alentejo.
The route via the Algarve is slightly faster, taking just shy of 4.5 hours if you drive directly. The second route, heading east from Lisbon through the Alentejo, also takes just over 4.5 hours. So what’s the real difference?
Portugal will make you pay for highways, while Spain has no paid toll roads in that area. From Lisbon to the Algarve border with Spain (Algarve route) tolls add up to €23.30 (2025 prices). The Lisbon to Elvas (Central Alentejo route) is only €18.65.
Besides these two main routes, I’ve included a brief overview of a couple of more off-beat Lisbon to Seville drives at the very bottom.
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Algarve route: where to stop between Lisbon and Seville
If you plan to road trip from Lisbon to Seville the route via the Algarve is the fastest, taking just under 4.5 hours if you don’t stop. I have a great guide on where to stop between Lisbon and the Algarve, so to avoid repeating myself – I suggest you give that one a read if you’re looking for stops on the 2.5-hour journey between Lisbon and the southern Algarve coast.
In essence, if you have time take the coastal route to the Algarve. You could stop in Comporta, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Aljezur and the like. If you prefer to go more direct, stop by the inland Alentejo town of Alcácer do Sal.
Here are your best options between the Algarve and Seville.
Loulé, Portugal: Algarve artisan town
2.5-hour drive from Lisbon // 2-hour, 10-minute drive to Seville
Loulé is a buzzing inland Algarve town where life revolves around the huge daily market. Built in 1908 and inspired by Moorish architecture, it’s a great place to pop by in the morning if you make an early start on your drive from Lisbon to Seville. This is a large Algarve town with a strong creative scene. You can meet artisans through the Loulé Criativo project, or simply grab a coffee (Bean17 roasters is great!) and wander the historic centre and 12th-century Loulé Castle.
If you want to turn your pitstop into a half-way overnight stay, you could book a colourful room in downtown Arts By Loulé, or stay at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, an all-new luxury “village” hotel in the hills above Loulé with an 18-hole golf course, spa, and dining.
Estoi, Portugal: Palace hotel and Roman ruins
2.75-hour drive from Lisbon // 2-hour drive to Seville
The Algarve village of Estoi is a very short detour from the highway. It’s famous for the Palácio de Estoi, a stunning 19th-century rococo palace with pastel-pink walls, intricate tilework, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Originally a private estate, the palace is now a luxury hotel, so you can stay the night (or just drop by to explore the grounds).
Estoi’s other claim to fame is its Roman heritage. Just outside the village, find the Milreu Roman Ruins, one of the Algarve’s most important archaeological sites. This former villa complex dates back to the 1st century and has well-preserved mosaics, ancient columns, and the remains of thermal baths.
Read next… Tile of the day: Palacio de Estoi
Tavira, Portugal: Algarve’s most beautiful town
3-hour drive from Lisbon // 1-hour, 50-minute drive to Seville
Historic Tavira, set on the banks of the Gilão River, is often called the Algarve’s most beautiful town. You’ll find a charming town centre with cobblestone streets, whitewashed churches and restaurants with terraces spilling out into squares.
If you’re just passing through, use Tavira as your lunch stop. The daily Mercado Municipal de Tavira is a worthy starting point, but note that the stallholders wrap up by 1pm. Find a bite to eat in the heart of the city, then stroll along the river and explore the town’s Moorish-influenced architecture.
If you have time to stay the night, Tavira comes to life in the evening and is home to some fantastic restaurants. WIth more time you can visit the medieval castle for panoramic views, hop on a ferry to the unspoiled beaches of Tavira Island, or wander through the old town’s tiled churches and hidden courtyards. It’s a much quieter, more authentic side of the Algarve.
Read next… Where to stay in the Algarve
Alternatives to Tavira: Faro or Olhão
If you’ve been to Tavira before, or you want more options, the coastal town of Olhão is my favourite, and I feel the capital Faro is criminally underrated. I really love the eastern Algarve region that this road trip to Seville passes through.
Read more… 15 best things to do in Olhão
Access to the Algarve beaches
It’s important to note the landscape in this area of the eastern Algarve. The Ria Formosa wetlands block these towns (Tavira, Faro, Olhão etc) from the open ocean, so access to the beach is a little more difficult. There are small ferries that take you out to the sand bank islands for loose change but if you’re trying to keep good time you might like to visit a beach you can walk to. In that case, try Praia da Fuseta Ria (parking nearby) or Praia do Barril (15-minute walk, or a short mini train ride).
Closer to Spain, you can access the beach directly at Manta Rota and Monte Gordo, though these towns lack historic charm.
Castro Marim, Portugal: Ancient history and salt pans
3-hour, 10-minute drive from Lisbon // 1.5-hour drive to Seville
Castro Marim, set high on a hill, looks out over salt fields, the Guadiana River and Spain – it’s a strategic village with a long history. The best place to soak in these views is from the 14th-century castle walls that give you a bird’s eye view over the town as well. Then you can visit the salt spa and float in the saline waters! Castro Marim is the perfect quick stop as it is really just a village.
As an alternative, I suggest Vila Nova de Santo Antonio sitting on the river border with Spain. The historic town centre is more interesting than the other new resort towns that have cropped up on nearby sands but it’s not the most vibrant place. If you’re craving beach time, there are beautiful stretches of easy-to-access white sandy beaches in this part of the Algarve.
Ayamonte, Spain: Off-the-radar Spanish border town
3.25-hour drive from Lisbon // 1.5-hour drive to Seville
Ayamonte is the first Spanish town you’ll hit after crossing the Guadiana River from Portugal. This former fishing village is now a relaxed large town with great seafood. I didn’t expect much on my first visit, but it’s a world apart and you’ll feel a distinctive shift in culture, architecture and style as you enter Spain.
If you have the time, drop in for a coffee and stroll the historic streets of an off-the-radar Spanish town, or head to the nearby beaches. Situated on the Costa de la Luz, just a few kilometres away from Ayamonte is Isla Canela, a resort area connected by bridge with seven kilometres (4.3 miles) of endless white sand.
Hermitage of El Rocío, Spain: Spanish Wild West pilgrimage site
4.25-hour drive from Lisbon // 70-minute drive to Seville
This southern Spanish destination is high on my bucket list. I hear the small town of El Rocío, set within Doñana National Park, is a bit like a Spanish Wild West, with wide sandy streets and low western-style houses with porches at the front, and stables at the back.
At the centre of the town, which is set at the edge of the Guadalquivir marshes, is the Hermitage of El Rocío. This religious sanctuary dates back to the 13th century, and each year the town springs to life as pilgrims arrive on horseback with decorated wagons, wearing colorful flamenco dress or traditional attire. The date of this event – the Romería de El Rocío – changes each year as it falls 50 days after Easter.
If you’re more into nature than religion or culture, Doñana National Park is Europe’s most extensive wetlands area and a UNESCO World Heritage site with migratory birds, pine forests and sandy dunes. Visit Playa de Matalascañas for lunch or a drink by the ocean.
Niebla, Spain: Almohad walls and ancient castle
4-hour drive from Lisbon // 50-minute drive to Seville
I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of Niebla, but this small town – perched on a hill above the Tinto River – is home to one of Spain’s most important artistic heritage sites. The old town is encircled by more than two kilometres of Almohad wall, which once made the town one of the most important walled settlements in Muslim Al-Ándalus.
There are 40 defensive towers and five fortified gates to explore. Plus, within the walls you’ll find the ancient Castillo de Niebla (sometimes also called the Alcázar de los Guzmanes), the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada (with its blend of 10th and 11th-century Moorish plus Mudejar and Baroque architecture), and a cultural centre within the old Hospital de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
Outside the walls, there’s a Roman bridge that’s still in use today, plus the prehistoric Dolmen de Soto.
And then, well, you continue onto beautiful Seville.
Central Alentejo route: Where to stop between Lisbon and Seville
The Alentejo is the perfect antidote to big-city living. Endless fields of cork trees, olive groves, and vineyards are punctuated by small whitewashed villages and nobody seems to rush. I absolutely love visiting towns and restaurants in the beautiful Alentejo region of Portugal, and there are a number of itinerary routes from Lisbon to Seville that will have you driving through some incredible destinations (I’ll list alternatives at the bottom).
This trip includes the jamón ibérico route that I can’t stop thinking about.
Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal: Castle on the hill
1.25-hour drive from Lisbon // 3.5-hour drive to Seville
Just an hour from Lisbon, Montemor-o-Novo might be a little close to the starting point – but it’s worth a short detour for a coffee break. The main thing to see here is the Montemor-o-Novo Castle, which sits high above the hill. It was here back in 1496 that the final plans for explorer Vasco da Gama’s sea crossing to India were drawn up. Down in the town below you can see many, many churches and drop into a café-bar for your first espresso.
Évora, Portugal: Capital of the Alentejo with a Roman temple
1.5-hour drive from Lisbon // 3.5-hour drive to Seville
If you’re road-tripping from Lisbon to Seville, Évora is a no-brainer stop. This charming Alentejo city is basically an open-air museum. Start atop the highest hill where you’ll find evidence of Roman, Moorish and Catholic occupation. Admire the ancient Roman temple while sipping a café at the open-air kiosk and climb onto the roof of the cathedral, or visit the eerie and fascinating Chapel of Bones.
If you’re in a hurry, grab a coffee in the sun-drenched Praça do Giraldo. If you have time, read my tried-and-tested list of Évora’s best restaurants. I really love Alentejo dishes – and as the regional capital Évora has some 10/10 spots to eat. After, keep ticking off these 20 best things to do in Évora or go shopping for artisanal goods and souvenirs.
Read next… How to spend 48 hours in Évora
Estremoz, Portugal: Marble city with a Saturday flea market
1.45-hour drive from Lisbon // 3-hour drive to Seville
Estremoz is a beautiful Alentejo town famous for its marble – you’ll see it everywhere, from the sidewalks to the huge white tower that dominates the town. Venture up to the castle in search of said tower, which now forms part of the Pousada Castelo Estremoz hotel. Yep, if you add an overnight stop (or two!) to your Lisbon to Seville road trip you could be sleeping in a castle. If you don’t stay, you should still be able to climb up for views over the town.
If you visit on a Saturday, the town square transforms into a lively market where locals sell everything from fresh cheese and pottery to vintage treasures. The rest of the time, Estremoz has a couple of key museums to explore – the Museu Berardo Estremoz has one of the best tile collections in the country, while the small Centro Interpretativo do Boneco de Estremoz celebrate the town’s UNESCO-listed artisan heritage.
Estremoz is definitely worth a stop on your Lisbon-to-Seville journey, and if you stay a while there are plenty of good wineries to explore nearby too!
Elvas, Portugal: The fortress city
2.25-hour drive from Lisbon // 2.5-hour drive to Seville
A key defensive stronghold near the Spanish border, the Alentejo town of Elvas is known for its military history and star-shaped fortresses. The huge old town is completely fortified and flanked by two huge fortresses on either side, making a defensive line against the Spanish empire. The old town centre is charming and real, with locals occupying whitewashed homes along skinny cobbled streets, and historic churches popping out on various corners.
Elvas’ other famous landmark is the towering Amoreira Aqueduct, which stretches for about 8.5 kilometres (5 miles). You’ll likely catch a glimpse on the way into town. You can explore the sights, or just drop in for coffee and a slice of sericaia, an Alentejo dessert that gets topped with a little plum in syrup from this town. Elvas has a way of feeling a bit off the beaten path, and it’s a solid halfway stop on your Lisbon to Seville road trip, or as a stopover between Évora and Seville.
If you’re looking for more Portuguese towns worthy of a detour, try Vila Viçosa, Borba, Redondo, Arraiolos, Alandroal and more. There are also dozens of wineries with cellar door experiences that make a lovely detour.
Badajoz, Spain: A Moorish Alcazaba and fancy plazas
2.5-hour drive from Lisbon // 2.5-hour drive to Seville
Standing atop the fortified walls of Elvas, you can spy Badajoz in the distance – just a 15-minute drive over the Spanish border. This small city has a population of about 150,000 and the main thing to see is the Alcazaba, a massive Moorish fortress with views over the Guadiana River. Inside, you’ll find peaceful gardens, ancient walls, and a glimpse into Spain’s Islamic past.
After exploring, visit Plaza Alta, a colorful square lined with arcades and cafés, and stay awhile to enjoy the tapas scene. For culture, see an impressive art collection at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Badajoz (MUBA).
Mérida, Spain: Special Roman ruins
3-hour drive from Lisbon // 2-hour drive to Seville
History lovers shouldn’t skip a detour to Mérida, which is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city – sometimes called the Rome of Spain – still uses the Roman Theatre for performances today, so time it right and you can sit down to a show (but not the gladiator kind). There’s also an ancient 15,000-seat amphitheatre, a Roman temple, and Roman bridge to admire. Of course, there’s the National Museum of Roman Art to dive even deeper.
Almendralejo, Spain: Wine and olives
3-hour drive from Lisbon // 1.45-hour drive to Seville
Sitting in the heart of Extremadura’s wine country, Almendralejo might be a must-stop for wine lovers and foodies on the Lisbon-to-Seville drive. Here you’ll encounter some of the best cava (Spanish sparkling), and can stop by a local bodega for a relaxed tasting, or venture into the Wine Science Museum to learn about technique and tradition. Beyond the vineyards, this countryside town has the usual historic plazas and churches, and tapas bars with local plates. Snack, sip, savor!
3.25-hour drive from Lisbon // 1.5-hour drive to Seville
Zafra, Spain: Sleep in the Alcázar of this mini Seville
Zafra seems to have gained the nickname “Little Seville” thanks to its similarities. It’s star attraction is the Alcázar of Zafra, a stunning 15th-century fortress-turned-parador – but here’s the twist – you can actually stay the night in the top-rated Parador de Zafra .
That might tempt you to turn this stop on the route from Lisbon to Seville into an overnight stay. That will give you time to explore the lively Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica, with their arcades, cafés, and local shops, and the chance to taste Iberian ham from the nearby Dehesa pastures.
Jabugo Route, Spain: Jamón heartland
3.5/4-hour drive from Lisbon // 70-minute drive to Seville
The Jabugo Route is an area around the small village of Jabugo, which sits within the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche and is famous for its acorn-fed Iberian ham – better known as the world’s best, jamón Iberico.
There’s a bit of a trail you can follow, covering about 50 kilometres (30 miles) between Aracena and Aroche, but for a slightly shorter ham-loaded detour I’d suggest the town of Corteconcepción. Within the biosphere of cork trees and roaming black pigs lies Jamones Eíriz, who have been crafting jamón since 1818. You can drop in for a two-hour tour to discover the world of jamón production.
If Corteconcepción is too far out of the way, instead take a small detour to Monesterio. This small town in Extremadura has a Jamón Museum (yes, that’s a thing!). After, you’ll need to stop at a local jamonería for a plate of freshly sliced ham with a glass of wine.
Andddd finally continue to Seville.
Where to stay in Seville
I’ve visited Seville a handful of times and I love how walkable the city centre is. In terms of where to stay, I like the central El Arenal neighbourhood, right on the Guadalquivir River. It’s central and within easy walking distance of any sights, yet it’s a touch quieter. If it’s your second time, I’d consider the Triana neighbourhood. It’s quieter, more local and filled with amazing ceramic shops and authentic tapas bars while still being a maximum 15-minute walk to any sights.
I can’t recommend driving into the centre of Seville (or any old European city, really), so you’ll need somewhere to park. Below I’ll suggest a handful of hotels with parking available – prices seems to between around €20-25 per day. Alternatively, I use the website Parkopedia to find street parking or parking garages in new cities. If you have a larger car, take care with the skinny streets.
Some hotels with parking you could look at include:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rooftop pool: EME Catedral Mercer Hotel (private valet)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ historic: Hotel Casa Del Poeta (private valet parking)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ historic: Vincci La Rabida (private valet parking at hotel)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ modern rooftop pool: Zenit Sevilla (private parking onsite in Triana)
- ⭐⭐⭐: Petit Palace Puerta de Triana (discounted parking nearby)
Extra Alentejo Routes between Lisbon and Seville
The Alentejo is dotted with gorgeous towns, each with their own unique character, artisan crafts, and local dishes. If you have the time you could choose one of these slower paths. I’ll detail them briefly below.
Bonus route 1: Alentejo via Beja & Jamón Route
Total road trip time: minimum 5 hours
Cruise south from Lisbon down the A2 until you pass Grândola, where you’ll turn inland and wave goodbye to the highway. From here you’ll pass through a handful of off-beat towns and villages on a less-frequented road trip from Lisbon to Seville. Here’s the Google Maps link with every stop added. Details below.
- Ferreira do Alentejo: Drop into the Adega do Lelito, a traditional tavern turned museum that celebrates heritage and cante, the Alentejo singing tradition.
- Beja: Dates back to being a Roman city. Visit the Roman villa of Pisões and the largest medieval castle in Portugal.
- Serpa: Town famous for creamy sheep’s cheese, with a castle and cute historic centre.
- Jabugo Route: After Serpa, you’ll cross the border into Spain and soon be on the 50-kilometre- (30-mile) jamón Iberico route, starting in Aracena. The route passes an area that’s both a national park and biosphere reserve.
- Mezquita de Almonaster La Real: A rural castle-mosque built between the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Acarena: Visit the ham museum, castle, and whitewashed Spanish town.
- Jamones Eíriz: Join a two-hour tour to discover the world of jamón production.
Then, continue the drive to Seville.
Bonus route 2: Alentejo via Mértola & Alcoutim
Total road trip time: minimum 5.5 hours
Drive two hours south of Lisbon, then turn off around Ourique, in the lower Alentejo. From here, turn into towards Mértola
Here’s the Google Maps link so you can see the stops and timings. Details below.
- Ourique: Typical whitewashed Alentejo town surrounded by vast plains, cork forests, and vineyards. Wander the 12th-century castle, then feast on black pork for lunch.
- Mértola: This border town with a long ancient history overlooks the Guadiana River and was once a key Mediterranean river port.
- Vía Verde del Odiel: If you like to hike or cycle, the 17km Odiel Green Way starts in Zalamea la Real and follows an old mining railway.
- Dólmenes de El Pozuelo: Also near Zalamea la Real is a trail that connects 16 megalithic dolmens and burial chambers near the village of El Pozuelo.
- Villasudores – Miniatures Museum: Discover small-scale reproductions of the most important monuments of Andalusia.
- Niebla: Town encircled by more than two kilometres of Almohad wall, which once made the town one of the most important walled settlements in Muslim Al-Ándalus. There’s 40 defensive towers and five fortified gates to explore.
And then continue your road trip from Lisbon to Seville.
Need a rental car? Find the best prices using RentalCars.com or Discover Cars – both sites search and compare car rental companies including international and local rentals to find the best rates.
Did your road trip finally lead you Lisbon or Seville? Keep reading…
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