*daily rates in Cordoba based on a 1 day rental (24hr period) and for guidance purposes only.
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for todays best prices.
Cordoba Mini Guide
Why Should I Visit Cordoba?
It was once the capital of the whole Iberian Peninsula and has more World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world. It is a beautiful city, especially at sunrise and sunset and has many attractive old buildings giving the city a regal air. The old city has many buildings with Moorish influences too. It’s also on average the hottest place in Europe.
What’s the Story of the City?
Originally a Carthaginian city, it was captured by the Romans around 200BC. They realised its strategic importance and expanded the city. There are many ruins that date from these times in the area. Once the Romans left, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and in turn by an Arab army. This began the city’s period of greatness and it became an important centre of learning. In the 10th and 11th century it was the most populous city in the world. Following the recapture of Spain by Castille, the city began to decline so by the end of the 19th century there were less than 20,000 people living there. Today, it’s historical importance has contributed to its rebirth and it’s now a vibrant city
How do I get There?
Cordoba Airport is very small and handles less than 25,000 passengers a year. Chartered flights are hard to come by and scheduled flights from outside of Spain non-existent. Your best bet is to fly to
Seville,
Malaga or Madrid and take the fast trains there. From
Madrid, the journey time is less than an hour. If you do decide to fly into Cordoba Airport, bear in mind it is very basic, being in the lowest tier of Spain’s airports and so don’t expect too much there.
What Do I Need to See in Cordoba?
La Mezquita is a must, it’s unusual in that it was a mosque from the Arab days and when the Arabs were expelled, a cathedral was built inside. It has what has been called a ‘forest of columns’ inside holding up the roof giving it a crowded but unusual look. Visit the Medina Azahara about three miles from the city. This is the site of the old capital and there is a lot to see there from Roman and Arabic ruins to the remaining Arab era buildings.
What Else Can I Do?
A fun way to get around is to hire one of the electric cars that operate as tour guides around the old town. Just pay up, sit in and follow the directions which include an audio guide of the sights. You could also take a Turkish bath in one of the old hamams that dot the old town.
Where Should I Shop?
People recommend Sukia in the Cuesta Lujan which sells all kinds of kitsch including home wares and fashion. You won’t be able to shop there without buying something! Jewellery is a good buy there with many craftsmen making and selling unique pieces. Try to find the shops away from the tourist areas to get the best prices.
Eating out in Cordoba
There are many great restaurants to eat at. Bodegas Campos is one that comes highly recommended. Enjoying tapas is a great way to eat out and socialise on an informal basis.
It’s Time to Party
Cordoba has countless festivals and fiestas so whenever you come to the city you’ll find something going on. The last week in May sees the Feria de Cordoba, a huge party with street food, dancing and music. At Easter there are many processions in Holy Week, just look for where the crowds are heading and listen out for the noise.
- There are lots of great things to do in Cordoba this summer but one of the most popular takes place on the 1st of May as part of the Concurso de Cruces de Mayo, or procession of the crosses and it is the Battle of Flowers. Similar to Jersey's there are dozens of floats of flowers as each guild in the city, each neighbourhood and many of the businesses try to outdo each other.