With its melting pot of historic architecture, tasty tapas, and flamenco celebrations, Carmona is an archetypal Andalucian small town just a 30-minute drive from Seville. Renowned as one of the oldest towns in Spain, the most popular things to do in Carmona involve a deep dive into its storied past. Wander the cobbled lanes and elegant, whitewashed buildings on a walking tour, peek inside Mudejar churches and palaces, visit the imposing Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro, and explore the ancient city walls and ruins of the Roman Necropolis.
Carmona draws a steady stream of day-trippers through July and August, so opt for a spring or fall visit if you want to avoid the crowds. It’s liveliest from mid-September through early November, when the town hosts several local fiestas, along with the National Flamenco Song Contest and the annual Flamenco Cultural Week. In spring, Carmona also hosts colorful Carnival and Easter week celebrations.
While local buses and taxis are available, Carmona’s beauty is best discovered on foot. Walking from the Roman Necropolis on the western edge of town to the Puerta de Córdoba on the eastern edge takes about 30 minutes, and there’s plenty to see in between. Pack some comfortable walking shoes and leave yourself time to explore the maze of cobbled lanes, where you’ll stumble upon no end of architectural gems.
Carmona might not be up there with nearby cities like Seville and Ronda when it comes to foodie hotspots, but it’s still a great place to tuck into Andalusian cuisine. Local specialties to try include alboronía (an Arabic dish with tomatoes, aubergines, and paprika), espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach and chickpea tapas), and the traditional baked treats made by the nuns at Convento de Santa Clara. For a memorable meal, book a table on the terrace at Molino de la Romera, housed in a centuries-old mill.
