The Andalusian region of Spain is a beautiful place, each of which is quite attractive to tourists.
Seville is famous for its lively atmosphere and stunning architecture; Malaga boasts beautiful beaches, cultural bags and vibrant nightlife; Granada is home to the beautiful Alhambra, a magnificent fortress and palace and one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture.
However, among this impressive line-up is Córdoba – a beautiful city that is often overlooked.
Córdoba, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history, with Roman roots dating back to 152 BC, which visitors can still discover today.
Once the capital of the Moorish Empire during the ‘Golden Age of Islam’ in the 10th century, the city flourished under its rule as a center of art, science, and philosophy, becoming one of the most advanced cities in Europe.
Today, it is often bypassed for the more popular Andalusian destinations. But those who explore will be treated to stunning architecture and rich cultural sights, including the Mezquita-Cathedral, ancient Roman bridges, and winding streets from the Jewish period.
It was even named in Skyscanner’s annual report on the hottest destinations for 2025.
The city ranks fifth on the list of places with the biggest increase in searches over the past 12 months, which ranks alongside impressive places from Tromsø, Norway to Siem Reap in Cambodia.
We’ve already established that Córdoba is worth a visit, but before you take a flight to the Andalusian treasure, here’s everything you need to know.
How to get to Córdoba
The closest airport to Córdoba is Seville, located about 130 kilometers (81 miles) southwest of the city.
From Seville, there are several options to reach your final destination, including renting a car, with a drive of about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the direct train, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
There are many direct flights from London to Seville operated by airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways. The journey takes two hours and 45 minutes, and prices start at just £45 at the end of October according to Skyscanner.
Alternatively, you can fly to Malaga Airport, about 165 kilometers (103 miles) from Córdoba. Direct flights from London to Malaga take around two hours and 40 minutes and can be even cheaper, with prices starting from £20 in October on Skyscanner.
Travel time from Malaga to Córdoba is also taken; the drive takes about one hour and 45 minutes while the direct train takes about 50 minutes.
What is the weather like in Córdoba?
The best time to visit Córdoba is in spring (April to early June) or in autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild but pleasant enough to explore comfortably.
Being inland in the south of Spain, Córdoba experiences more extreme temperatures than the coastal areas, and summers can be very hot.
Therefore, tourists may wish to avoid visiting between July and August when temperatures can rise to very high levels, often exceeding 40°C.
October, in particular, is a great time to visit. Although cooler than the sweltering summer heat, temperatures can reach 27°C – perfect for those last-minute sun searches.
Winter also has pleasant temperatures, between 10-16 ° C, and less tourists for those who want to escape the crowds.
What to do in Córdoba
Due to its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the city is steeped in history and culture, offering plenty to see and do.
A trip to Córdoba would be incomplete without a visit to the Mezquita Cathedral, one of the ‘greatest works of Islamic architecture in the world’, according to Lonely Planet.
Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, it was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century.
It has a horseshoe arch with red-and-white stripes, a prayer room with carved columns and an intricately designed mihrab.
The Mezquita has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor from over 23,300 reviews, with visitors declaring it ‘magnificent’.
One, @trewen, wrote: ‘The beauty of this place has to be seen to be believed. The architecture is beautiful. You can’t visit Córdoba and not visit here.’
There are also many Roman sights in the city – perhaps the most breathtaking is the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, built in the 1st century BC during the reign of Augustus.
Although it has undergone several renovations over the years, many of its original features remain intact, and visitors describe the bridge as ‘beautiful’ and ‘interesting’ on Tripadvisor.
During your trip, you can also explore the city’s Jewish Quarter, which has narrow streets, historic synagogues and artisan shops.
The most important things to do in Córdoba, according to Tripadvisor
Where to stay
Four-star hotel rooms on Booking.com at the end of October tend to be from £60 to £170 per night based on two adults.
Córdoba is described as a walkable city – and small enough to walk or bike.
Many well-known attractions are within close proximity, so a long weekend should leave plenty of time to explore what it has to offer.
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