Best of Córdoba

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Córdoba
Córdoba has a monumental history stretching as far back as Roman times, but its greatest glory days were between the 8th and 11th centuries when it served as the capital of Moorish Spain. This was when work began on the Great Mosque, or Mezquita, which - after several centuries of additions and enlargements - became one of the largest in the Islam world. When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, choosing to build their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches, creating the extraordinary church-mosque standing today. This building alone, one of the finest fusions of Muslim Moorish, Mudéjar and Christian Renaissance architecture in Europe, is reason enough to add Córdoba to your itinerary. 

Today’s Córdoba is much more than just the Mezquita. The capital of Córdoba province and third-largest city in Andalusia has an historic old town with UNESCO World Heritage Site status, full of small, twisting cobblestone streets begging to be explored. Wander between wrought-iron balconies and serendipitous courtyards overflowing with flowers, stop by lively taverns to enjoy a flamenco performance, discover centuries-old forts and palaces and beautiful surprises such as an impressive Archaeological Museum and one of the best-preserved Moorish bathhouses.
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Córdoba Essentials

Photo courtesy of H10 Palacio Colomera
The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Córdoba

Despite being a small city, Córdoba's Old Town has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites—one being the historic core itself. You'll find some of the best boutique hotels in Córdoba right next to (or within) these monuments, including the Mezquita-Catedral and its surroundings.

Historical hotels in Córdoba (Photo courtesy of H10 Palacio Colomera)
The 8 Best Historic Hotels in Córdoba

Córdoba's historic core has four different UNESCO World Heritage, one being the neighborhood around the Mezquita-Catedral. To make the most of your stay, you can opt for one of the best historic hotels in Córdoba in that same district, making it easy to explore all of the city's sites.

Historic luxury hotels in Córdoba (Photo courtesy of Balcón de Córdoba Hotel)
The 3 Best Historic Luxury Hotels in Córdoba

It doesn't get much better than staying in one of the best luxury historic hotels in Córdoba, as you get to sleep among the city's unique history while still enjoying those plush perks, like gourmet eateries, spas, and rooftop terraces.

Luxury boutique hotels in Córdoba
The 3 Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Córdoba

The best luxury boutique hotels in ​​Córdoba offer the opportunity to elevate your stay in this charming little city. Add perks like rooftop terraces overlooking the Mezquita-Catedral, outdoor dining, and spas, making your stay in ​​Córdoba a little more unique.

Mid-range boutique hotels in Córdoba (Photo courtesy of H10 Palacio Colomera)
The 5 Best Mid-Range Boutique Hotels in Córdoba

What we love about mid-range boutique hotels in ​​Córdoba is that they're very historical yet still offer perks like rooftop terraces, outdoor dining, and swimming pools. Plus, they're all centrally located, so you can easily walk to all the main city sites.

Historic standard hotels in Córdoba
The 3 Best Historic Standard Hotels in Córdoba

Sticking to a budget is pretty easy in this charming city, as the best standard historic hotels in Córdoba offer affordable rates, central locations, and amenities like breakfast buffets, outdoor patios, and onsite cafés.

Historic mid-range hotels in Córdoba (Photo courtesy of Las Casas de La Juderia)
The 4 Best Historic Mid-Range Hotels in Córdoba

With so much unique history spanning the centuries, you might want to choose one of the best mid-range historic hotels in Córdoba, set in historic buildings while still providing perks. You'll be centrally located and can enjoy amenities like onsite eateries, Hammam baths, swimming pools, and rooftop terraces.

Standard boutique hotels in Córdoba (Photo courtesy of Posada de Vallina by MiRa)
The 5 Best Standard Boutique Hotels in Córdoba

​​Córdoba is the perfect city for charming boutique accommodation, and, surprisingly, the more affordable options are in the best locations. With a smaller historic Old Town filled with twisting cobbled streets, you'll find some of the best standard boutique hotels in ​​Córdoba right next to the old Synagogue, across from the Mezquita-Catedral, and around the corner from the Puente Romano.

Córdoba Itineraries

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 7 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 7 days

This week-long itinerary packs a lot of culture and activities into just a few days. The adventure begins in Barcelona with a tour of the city on foot and by helicopter. Then you're off to Madrid to see the city sights as well as attend an authentic flamenco performance. Finally, you'll head to Córdoba, a city known for beautiful medieval architecture and Moorish influences.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 8 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 8 days

With a week and a day you can plan an epic Spanish vacation that covers the major highlights, from incredible food and wine to amazing city sights. It begins in Barcelona with a combined architecture/helicopter tour followed by a traditional cooking class taught by a master chef. Then you'll head to Madrid for city tours and a flamenco show followed by a trip down to Andalusia and Córdoba, a city with incredible medieval landmarks.

The Alhambra and Generalife, Granada
Highlights of Madrid and Andalusía - 8 Days

Explore the highlights of Spain by visiting the cities of Madrid, Córdoba, and Granada on this 8-day trip. You'll enjoy private tours of the historic old towns, as well as a day trip to Toledo to learn about its historic steel production and marzipan. End the trip in Spain's southern region Andalusía with tours of the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the famous White Villages in the countryside.

Visit Córdoba's Calahorra tower on your road trip of Andalusia
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 8 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 8 days

In a little over a week, you can embark on the road trip of a lifetime through Spain. After enjoying a city tour in Madrid, you'll pick up your car and hit the road south to Andalusia, stopping at the ancient Roman city of Córdoba. From there, you'll visit Andalusia's capital of Seville, with its famous Gothic cathedral and Islamic architecture, before the trip culminates in the coastal city of Málaga.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 9 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 9 days

You don't need much more than a week to enjoy the highlights of Spain. This includes indulging in its world-class cuisine, great wine, and rich culture. It's a nine-day journey that will take you from the coast of Barcelona to the royal palaces of Madrid and finally to the Moorish fortresses of Andalusia.

Enjoy a road trip with your family in southern's Spain Andalusia
Map of Family Adventure in Southern Spain: Málaga, Granada, Seville & More - 10 Days
Family Adventure in Southern Spain: Málaga, Granada, Seville & More - 10 Days

During this fun, family-friendly 10-day tour, you'll experience the natural beauty of southern Spain and its cultural highlights. Activities like treasure hunts and canyon walks suit families with kids who want a combination of action and downtime. You'll start in Málaga and end in Seville, visiting Ronda, Granada, and Córdoba along the way—all home to a wealth of Spanish culture and history.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 12 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 12 days

To really experience Spain you need to visit different regions, immerse yourself in local culture, and sample as much delectable cuisine as possible. That's exactly what you'll do on a 12-day adventure that will take you from Barcelona to Madrid and down to Andalusia. Throughout the journey, you'll take gourmet cooking classes, attend an authentic flamenco show, and enjoy some of the greatest food and wine in the world.

Exquisite architecture in Andalusia
Map of Best of Andalusia: History, Tapas, Wine & Nature - 14 Days
Best of Andalusia: History, Tapas, Wine & Nature - 14 Days

Perfect for those who like to be on the move, this two-week adventure takes you on a number of stops between Seville to Jerez de la Frontera for the ultimate tour of Spain's Andalusia region. Along the route, you'll visit iconic small cities and villages while discovering stunning architecture and gardens, centuries of Moorish and Roman history, and top-notch cuisine—often with the help of private guides.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 13 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 13 days

Traveling through Spain in style means not only seeing the sights but indulging in the best food and wine as well. That's just what you'll do over 13 days on a journey that will take you across three distinct regions of Spain: Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia. Of course, you'll witness historic landmarks and beautiful scenery, but just as crucially, you'll enjoy some of the greatest meals of your life.

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Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 14 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 14 days

In two weeks, you can enjoy a road trip that takes you to some of the most historic and beautiful locales in Spain. It begins in Madrid, and from there, you'll travel south through La Mancha into Andalusia and visit Moorish cities like Granada, Ronda, Córdoba, and Málaga. You'll also enjoy wine and sherry excursions, eat delicious tapas, and even witness a traditional equestrian show.

Visit the incredibly historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 12 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 12 days

Enjoy a road trip through Spain that takes you from Madrid to Málaga through Toledo and the three jewels of Andalusia: Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Beyond the cities, you'll enjoy cultural excursions like sherry wine tastings and horse competitions. And at each destination, you'll meet a private guide who will reveal the hidden treasures of these historic and beautiful locales.

Relax in the courtyard of Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 15 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 15 days

It's almost impossible to design a more comprehensive Spanish holiday than this 15-day road trip. Beginning in Madrid, you'll drive south to historic locales like Toledo and La Mancha on your way to Andalusia, where Moorish history and amazing food await. Besides enjoying wine and tapas tours, you'll visit incredible cities like Seville, Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 15 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 15 days

Any foodie with a love of travel owes it to themselves to visit Spain. There's a rich culinary heritage in all of this nation's autonomous regions, including Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia. On this 15-day tour, you'll visit each of these areas and enjoy world-class tapas, seafood, and wine along the way.

View of Madrid at Sunrise
Highlights of Spain, from Barcelona to Andalusia - 16 Days

This tour takes you from the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the vibrant streets of Madrid, finishing in the historic region of Andalusia in Spain's south. Along the way, visit the cities of Segovia and Toledo, as well as Ronda and the traditional white villages of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, including a hike along the Caminito del Rey. Enjoy a guided visit through the Alhambra in Granada, and ample time to explore Córdoba, Seville, and Cádiz on your own, all while enjoying traditional tapas, local wine, and a flamenco show.

The Alhambra in Granada Spain
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 16 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 16 days

This comprehensive 16-day road trip includes all the highlights of Spain's Andalusia region, from the capital of Seville to the Moorish palaces of Granada and even the coastal retreat of Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. As an added bonus, you'll also visit La Mancha, an arid plateau region home to great wine and historic villages.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 16 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 16 days

Spain is synonymous with historic sights and incredible cuisine. If you're going to experience these twin pillars of Spanish culture, you might as well do so in style. That's what this 16-day tour offers as you travel from the Mediterranean coast to the capital of Madrid and down into Andalusia, staying in great hotels and enjoying the finest meals and best wine throughout the journey.

Discover the 9th century Alhambra Palace in Granada
Map of Highlights of Central and Southern Spain: Madrid, Seville, & Barcelona - 12 Days
Highlights of Central and Southern Spain: Madrid, Seville, & Barcelona - 12 Days

This complete 12-day itinerary highlights some of Spain's most enchanting cities, featuring Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona. Begin in Madrid and explore historic Toledo, working your way into Andalucía and to Sevilla, Córdoba, Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, and Granada. Fly to Barcelona and discover Gaudí's whimsical architecture, the 1000-year-old abbey in the Montserrat mountains, and the wines of the Penedès region.

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Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 9 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 9 days

Due to its abundance of natural beauty and historic cities, Spain's southern Andalusia region is perfect for a road trip. This nine-day self-drive adventure begins in Madrid and stops in Toledo, one of Spain's most well-preserved medieval cities. In Andalusia, you'll visit cities like Córdoba and the capital of Seville for tapas tours and visits to Moorish landmarks. 

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 17 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 17 days

Traveling through Spain is one thing—eating your way through it is quite another. On this immersive 17-day tour you'll get to do both as you discover this nation's cultural heritage as well as its rich gastronomic legacy. It's a road trip that will take you from Barcelona and Madrid to the western valleys and down into Andalusia as you sample local delicacies and drink fine wine.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 18 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 18 days

Spain ranks right alongside France and Italy as one of the great foodie destinations in Europe. On an 18-day tour, you can visit the major regions of this country and indulge in its fine cuisine until your heart's content. This includes sampling the tapas of Madrid and Andalusia, savoring the fresh seafood on the coast, tasting great wines in the Spanish Basque Country, and even taking a traditional Spanish cooking class in Barcelona.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 19 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 19 days

Spain's culture is inexorably linked to its cuisine. To visit this country without experiencing its rich gastronomic offerings would render the entire endeavor moot. To avoid this unattractive scenario we offer you a 19-day tour that includes visits to all the historic and awe-inspiring sights of Spain's cities but also includes cooking classes, wine tours, olive-oil samplings, and all the tapas and regional dishes you can eat.

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Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 20 days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 20 days

Like Italy and France, Spain is defined by world-class cuisine and stunning locales. Over 20 days you'll visit the highlights—including Madrid, Barcelona, the Basque Country, and Andalusia—while enjoying delicious food every step of the way. To complement the experience you'll also enjoy wine tours and visit olive groves where you'll learn the secrets to great Spanish olive oil.

A plate of seafood paella and glass of wine
Map of Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 21 Days
Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 21 Days

Spend a delectable three weeks traveling through Spain from north to south and enjoying its world-class food and wine as you go. This 21-day gastronomic vacation will take you from Barcelona across the nation to Basque Country. From there, travel to the capital of Madrid and finally down into Andalusia, the birthplace of flamenco. Throughout, you'll dine on regional specialties like tapas, plus enjoy vineyard tours and guided visits to olive groves.

Watch the sunset over the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 11 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 11 days

A road trip is the best way to see the most historical sites in Spain. This 11-day self-drive adventure begins with city tours in Madrid, and then you'll hop in your car and head south to Toledo, once the capital of the nation in the Middle Ages. You'll continue to Andalusia and marvel at the region's Moorish alcázars and royal palaces while also stopping in historic cities like Córdoba.

Watch the sunset over Granada's famed Alhambra Palace
Map of Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 13 days
Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 13 days

Prepare for an unforgettable road trip through southern Spain, emphasizing many of the nation's highlights. The adventure begins with city tours of Madrid before hitting the road south, stopping in La Mancha and Córdoba before reaching Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region. You'll visit historic Moorish and medieval landmarks, tour authentic tapas bars, and even hike along the side of a gorge near Ronda.

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Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona & the Balearic Islands - 20 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona & the Balearic Islands - 20 Days

With two-thirds of a month free, you can really immerse yourself in Spain. This 20-day itinerary allows you to visit three different regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy great food, go on wine tours, take in a flamenco show, marvel at historic Gothic architecture, and even make time for a bit of island-hopping in Menorca and Mallorca. 

Discover the land of "Don Quixote" (and its famous windmills) in Spain's La Mancha region
Map of Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 16 days
Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 16 days

Get ready to travel the route of Don Quixote on a road trip through Spain. It begins with a city tour of Madrid before you hit the road, driving amid the arid plateaus and windmills of La Mancha and into the Extremadura region of western Spain. Here you'll tour historic towns like Cáceres and Trujillo while sampling delicious local cuisine and visiting unspoiled national parks.

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Map of Best of Spain Highlights Tour: Barcelona, Madrid, & Seville - 16 Days
Best of Spain Highlights Tour: Barcelona, Madrid, & Seville - 16 Days

Experience the highlights of Spain on a 16-day tour of three distinct regions: Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia. It begins in the capital where you'll enjoy art tours and visit Madrid's grand plazas, parks, and the Royal Palace. Then you'll head south to Andalusia for flamenco performances and wine tours before closing out your epic holiday in the historic neighborhoods and beautiful beaches of Barcelona.

Exploring the Balearic Islands
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 21 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 21 Days

This three-week itinerary delivers everything you could want in a Spanish holiday. It begins in Madrid before moving south to Andalusia, with its Moorish architecture and flamenco flavor. You'll then discover the food and culture of Barcelona, capping the trip in the Balearic Islands, where you'll explore postcard coves and the azure waters off Menorca and Mallorca.

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Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 19 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 19 Days

The only way to improve on a journey through mainland Spain is to add an island adventure into the mix. Over 19 days you'll immerse yourself in cities like Madrid, Seville, Grenada, and Barcelona, visiting their historic sights and enjoying the regional cuisine. Beyond wine tours, art walks, and flamenco shows, you'll also jet off to the Balearic Islands and sail the sapphire waters of hot spots like Mallorca and Menorca.

Stop in Córdoba to see the Mezquita en route to Madrid
Map of Best of Spain Highlights Tour: Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 7 Days
Best of Spain Highlights Tour: Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 7 Days

Check off Spain's three most exciting cities for a weeklong adventure you won't soon forget. The trip starts in Seville where you'll explore the best rooftops, tapas, and flamenco performers in the historic center. Then, train to Madrid (by way of Córdoba) and wander through the elegant streets and Prado Museum. Finish in cosmopolitan Barcelona for beachy vibes and a private tour of La Sagrada Familia.

The Royal Alcázar of Seville
Map of Best of Spain Highlights: Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 8 Days
Best of Spain Highlights: Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary checks off Spain's three most exciting cities for an adventure you won't soon forget. Kick-off in Seville where you'll explore Moorish architecture and other top sites in the historic center. Then, train to Madrid (by way of Córdoba) and wander through the elegant streets and El Prado Museum. Finish in cosmopolitan Barcelona for beachy vibes and a private tour of La Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
City Highlights Tour: Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona - 9 Days

Explore Spain's lively cities and vibrant culture, starting with a gourmet food tour in Madrid and a flamenco show in Seville. Stop in Córdoba to tour the Mezquita, then discover Granada's most popular site, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Meander the historic district of Albaicín with a personal photographer before ending the trip in Barcelona by touring the works of Gaudí and enjoying a day trip.

Madrid's Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace
Map of Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 10 Days
Seville, Madrid & Barcelona - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary combines Spain's three most exciting cities with a nice mix of private tours and free time. Kick-off in Seville where you'll experience the beautiful historic center and up-and-coming Triana district. Next, train to Madrid—with a stop in Córdoba—and stroll through the elegant streets and world-famous Prado Museum. Finish in cosmopolitan Barcelona for Mediterranean beaches and Gaudí highlights.

Plaza de España, Seville
Explore Madrid and Seville - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary focuses on Madrid and Seville, leading you through the historic centers of both cities, as well as day trips to Córdoba and Toledo. You'll explore the cities with food and biking tours, visits to tapas bars, and flamenco shows, plus a private tour of the El Prado museum in Madrid.  End the trip with a visit to the famous White Villages of Andalucia and the town of Ronda, plus tours of an olive oil farm and a vineyard.

Other popular travel destinations in Spain
Madrid · Andalusia · Catalonia · Barcelona · Seville · Granada · Málaga · Basque Country · Balearic Islands · Ronda · Costa Brava · San Sebastián · Menorca · Canary Islands · Bilbao · La Mancha · Mallorca · Toledo · Valencia · Santiago de Compostela · Ibiza · La Rioja · Pamplona · Marbella