Rob on Holiday

Córdoba is a city seemingly lost in time, where centuries of Roman, Muslim, and Christian history and culture are on display around every corner. My eldest daughter has been keen to visit Córdoba for years, and we finally made the trip this March. Suffice to say, the city’s charm and beauty surpassed all our expectations. In this post, we’ll be sharing our experiences and tips to help you make the most of your visit to Córdoba.

We’ve also captured our Córdoba adventure on video! Check out the “Rob on Holiday” YouTube vlog for a detailed look at everything you can see and do in this historic city.

Getting to Córdoba

Where is Córdoba?

Córdoba is located in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalusia. It’s conveniently close to other major cities like Seville and Malaga.

How to Get to Córdoba

There are no direct flights from the UK to Córdoba, but you can easily reach it by flying into one of the nearby cities and taking the high-speed AVE train. Here’s a quick guide:

• From Malaga: Approximately 1 hour by train
• From Seville: Approximately 45 minutes by train
• From Madrid: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by train

For more information about high-speed train journeys in Spain, don’t miss our video on AVE trains!

Accommodation

To make the most of your stay, we recommend finding accommodation in the historic centre of Córdoba. This way, you’ll be within walking distance of all the major attractions.

We stayed at Hotel Vitium, which offers basic facilities in a fantastic location just a 5-minute walk from the Mezquita. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the city on foot. Check out our video review of the hotel for more details.

Top Attractions in Córdoba

Mezquita

The Mezquita is an architectural marvel that showcases Córdoba’s rich Islamic heritage. This mosque-cathedral is famous for its stunning forest of over 850 red and white arches. It’s a truly awe-inspiring view to behold. The Mezquita is the one thing you absolutely must visit during your time in Córdoba as it stands as the perfect example of the unique blend of Islamic and Christian art and architecture that makes the city stand out.

Tickets: €13

Alcázar

The Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs is another highlight of Córdoba. This 14th-century fortress-palace served as the meeting place of Christopher Columbus and the Catholic monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, prior to his voyage to the Americas. As well as being historically significant, the Alcazar’s gardens are beautifully manicured and offer a peaceful retreat in the city, with several pools and numerous flower displays.

Tickets: €5

Roman Bridge

Spanning the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge is a testament to Córdoba’s ancient past. This iconic structure dates back to the 1st century BC and has been restored several times throughout history. Walking across the bridge provides stunning views of the city skyline, especially at sunset. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some great photo opportunities.

Puerta de Almodóvar

The Puerta de Almodóvar is a historic gateway, marking the entrance to Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter. But what impressed me more about this Arab gate were the small water features just outside the old city wall, which combine with the stonework to create beautiful view, and one of the most underrated areas of Córdoba to visit.

Palacio de Viana

The Palacio de Viana is famous for its 12 beautifully designed patios, each with its own unique character and floral arrangements. My favourites were the Patio de los Naranjos and the Patio de las Columnas. This Renaissance palace offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, and the patios are particularly stunning in spring.

Tickets: €8

Other Attractions:

• Patios de San Basilio: A series of lovely, flower-filled patios showcasing traditional Andalusian courtyard designs.
• Jewish Quarter: A historic area with narrow, winding streets full of character and history. It is also home to one of only three original Synagogues still standing in Spain
• Calleja de las Flores: A picturesque alleyway adorned with colourful flower pots, perfect for a photo.

Transport

If you’re staying in the historic centre, you’ll find that most attractions are within walking distance. The furthest point, Palacio de Viana, is about a 20-minute walk, and the stroll takes you through charming cobbled streets. So, you don’t really feel like you’re walking that far at all. 

The only time you may want to use transport is to get from the train station to the historic centre. This would be a 35-minute walk, so we recommend taking a taxi from the station, which will get you there in about 10 minutes.

Day Trips from Córdoba

Medina Azahara

Just a short bus ride from Córdoba, Medina Azahara is an archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Islamic past. This ruined palace-city was built by the Umayyad Caliphs and provides an intriguing insight into the region’s rich history. It’s a great day trip for history enthusiasts.

Almodóvar del Río

A mere 30-minute drive from Córdoba, the small town of Almodóvar del Río is famous for its stunning castle perched on a hilltop. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and has been featured in popular TV shows like “Game of Thrones.” It’s a great choice for those interested in history and medieval architecture.

How Long to Stay in Córdoba

Many visitors choose to visit Córdoba as a day trip from either Malaga or Seville, which is enough time to see the main attractions. However, I recommend staying at least one night to experience the city fully, especially to see the buildings lit up at night and enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the local restaurants. We stayed for two nights, which gave us enough time to explore at a relaxed pace and to fully take in everything Córdoba has to offer.

Review

Visiting Córdoba was a fantastic experience. Despite the weather being a bit rainy during our trip, the city’s beautiful architecture and charming streets more than made up for it. The Mezquita was undoubtedly the highlight, but there is so much more to the city that makes it worth exploring. From the rich history of the Alcázar to the picturesque views from the Roman Bridge and the endless collection of flower patios, Córdoba has something for everyone.

Thanks for reading our Córdoba Travel Guide! If you have any questions about visiting Córdoba, feel free to leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow our blog for more travel tips, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Rob on Holiday,” for even more vlogs and travel advice. Happy travels!