- November 30, 2020
- in Historic, Southern Europe, Spain
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Overview
When
Are you traveling to Spain for the first time?
Get the low-down on visiting Spain, with tips about packing, travel, money, staying safe and lots of great city itineraries for your trip.
Travel
The closest international airports to Cordoba are Seville Airport which is 125km away and Malaga, the third largest airport in Spain, which is 175km away. We recommend using Malaga Costa del Sol airport, although it is further away, it has more flight connections and has the best onward travel options.
There are a number of ways to get to Cordoba from Malaga airport;
- Transfer – the quickest and most convenient option, you can book in advance with Intui Travel.
- Taxi – grab a cab, which will cost you around €30 and take about 20 minutes.
- Bus and Train - a journey of around two hours and several connections, you can find up to date details here.
- Coach - get the coach directly from the airport to Cordoba’s main train station. The journey will take 3 hours and 25 minutes and the coach only leaves once a day.
- If you’re taking in Cordoba as part of an Andalucian road trip, the drive will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
in this post
Stay
luxury boutique hotel in the old town, which is
Las Casas de la Juderia is a tangle of old houses and courtyards dating from the 14th century, stitched together to create an atmosphere of faded grandeur and a distinct Moorish vibe. One of our favourite hotels in Cordoba, La Casa de la Juderia is centrally located in the Jewish quarter, you’ll be in the historic centre after a five minute stroll through the narrow and flower filled alleys.
See & Do
Cordoba is a wonderfully atmospheric city. Discovering hidden corners and pretty courtyards is a bit of a past-time here. Compact and intimate, you can see everything on foot - the time spent strolling between attractions will be filled with colour and rich history from the life and buildings of this special city.
Take a Cordoba in a Day Tour
Morning
Be Awed by the Mezquita of Cordoba
In 1146, during the Spanish reconquista, the conquering Spanish army entered Cordoba and holy mass was celebrated in the mosque by the King of Spain. The mosque officially became a cathedral and many chapels, the choir, transept and tower were added seamlessly to the existing building. The Gothic and Renaissance architecture displayed to all the might and fervent religiosity of the Spanish monarchy.
The courtyard, which was used for purification rituals prior to Muslim prayer, became a garden in 1597. Nowadays, the charming Patio de los Naranjos and its orange trees and palms provide shade from the hot Spanish sun to tourists and pilgrims.
Top Tip
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The mosque-cathedral opens to visitors at 10am, be there on the dot for the best chance of seeing the building without hordes of other tourists.
Visit the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Afternoon
Take a Stroll Around the Feria de los Patios
Huge palms and shocking pink climbing bougainvillea line the courtyards which are deliciously
Visit the Ancient Templo Romano
From there, head to the 17th century Plaza de la Corredera and enjoy the lively atmosphere in this large square, perfect for sitting and enjoying a late afternoon beer or glass of cool and crisp Cava, Spain’s delicious sparkling wine.
Evening
Cross the Puente Romano
In the early evening, as the sun sets behind the city, the light is perfect for capturing those iconic images of the bridge and Mezquita in harmony.
Top Tip
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Linger past sunset for the sky to turn a magical shade of deep blue and the honey coloured Mezquita and bridge to be dramatically lit for the night.
Explore Tapas!
Tapas is a way of life in Spain. Go to any bar or restaurant and you’ll find traditional Spanish food served as a tapa (snack) or a racione (small plate). Tapas is loosely used to describe both those dishes, as well as pintxos (food on a stick) which come from the north of Spain, and montadito (food on bread). Sound good?
True tapas is served and eaten as a snack with a beer or other alcoholic drink, sometimes this comes free with your drink. If not, expect to pay around €3-4 for each tapa when you’re in a city like Cordoba. Raciones are larger plates - usually a half-portion - and tend to be the size used to serve jamon (ham) or cheese, so perfect for sharing.
Raciones will cost a little more, especially if you order jamon Iberico, usually the most expensive item on any tapas menu. Jamon Ibercio is prized ham from the leg of the Black Iberian pig and has a strong meaty, cured flavour.
If you’re a tapas newbie, taking a tapas tour like this one is the perfect way to learn the ins and outs of this very Spanish tradition. Plus, you’ll also get to try tapas in the best places in town.
Top Tip
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If you find the stong flavour of Jamon Iberico too much, then try Jamon Serrano, a less intense and lighter flavour and not quite so punishing on the pocket either.
See a Flamenco Show
The national dance of Spain, flamenco is more theatre than dance. The passion, rhythm and story at a live flamenco show will get your feet tapping and your heart beating, especially if you take in a show at an historic location like the 10th century Arabian Baths of Santa Maria.
Eat
Mercado Victoria
Head to the gourmet food market of Mercado Victoria for lunch. This gentrified food court, where you’ll find kiosks showcasing and serving great local Spanish food, is lively and fun. One of the top things to try is the flamenquin (little flamenco dancer), a deep-fried roll of breaded pork fillet, filled with Gruyere cheese, jamon Serrano, lemon juice and olive oil - you won’t regret it
Bodegas Mezquita
Top Five Cordoba Tips
- To hang out where the locals do, head for Paseo de la Ribera, or just La Ribera. This is where you’ll find the most authentic taberna cordobesa.
- You won’t be able to enter the Mezquita if your shoulders are bare or you’re wearing hot-pants - make sure to cover up.
- Book your Mezquita tickets before 11am or after 3pm. This gives you the best opportunity to enjoy the architectural masterpiece without hordes of other people around.
- Head for Calleja de las Flores in the Juderia. The most Instagrammable spot in Cordoba, this street of flowers with every house displaying colourful and lush pots and hanging baskets, is a truly gorgeous sight.
Do you have just a little longer to spend in Cordoba?
- Visit the Caballerizas Reales (The Royal Stables of Córdoba) which were founded by Philip II in 1570, with the aim of creating the purebred Andalucian horse.
- How about taking a road trip to other incredible Andalucia cities from Cordoba?
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