5 Things: Cordoba
Once a capital of Islamic Spain and one od western Europe’s cultural, hubs, Cordoba is today a laid-back city that shines in the spring, and a must-stop on an Andalusian road trip.
Our blog is 100% reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks!
Spring is Cordoba’s season, when the scent of jasmine and orange blossom lingers and many of the city’s traditional fiestas have us meandering through its gorgeously-festooned courtyards. Here are five of our favorite things to do here and around with kids:
Put your stamp on the city with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
Would you ever have guessed that Cordoba contains the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world for any city?
It’s true!
The most renowned one, the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is also probably the most significant monument in the whole of the western Muslim World and one of the most stunning buildings to explore (or if you’re a kiddo, play hide-and-seek in). Weaving in an out of the horseshoe arches and domes, and gazing at the decorative tile work. A true stunner.
A ten-minute-walk leads you to the Gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, where Julius Caesar himself apparently planted different species of flowers and exotic trees here. Read below to integrate the other two world heritage sites into a trip here.
2. Go Courtyard-Hopping
It's rare for a festival to be on the UNESCO list, but Cordoba's Patios Festival is no regular backyard gathering. Started in 1918, the celebration features dozens of historic, whitewashed homes in the center of the city, where residents open their courtyards to the public to revel in their floral arrangements.
The festival takes place during the first two weeks of May, but it’s still possible to visit them in the off-season. Just check the schedules provided by the Córdoba Tourism Office before you go!
3. Visit the Medina at Sunset
The Medina Azahara (Arabic for "The Shining City") is the ruins of a Moorish medieval city and the last of the UNESCO sites in Cordoba. Built roughly a thousand years ago, its buildings were part of the Muslim capital in Spain.
During the summer months, an evening or early morning visit is the smartest plan to avoid the midday heat. It’s set a few minutes bit outside of Cordoba, but has plenty of infrastructure for parking, play, and an informative visitor center.
Shop, Stay, Eat + Play
Staying in the center of town in the old Jewish Quarter in Las Casas del Juderia de Cordoba.
For a must-try bread, the winner of International Bread In The City Championship opens their doors at El Brillante bakery— don’t miss it. Check out Regadera or Bodegas Campos for the local flavors about town. For our favorite Salmorejo spots, see below.
For a play-break, Children’s City is the biggest children’s playground area in the city and the only one in Spain centered in four acres of parkland, skate parks, water elements and Cordoba-themed play structures.
4. Try the Salmorejo.
Cordoban salmorejo is one of the most iconic dishes in the Cordoban region, and kids will love the bread-to-tomato ratio, especially during the hotter months.
Taste your own at La Casa de Manolete Bistró, El Bar de Paco Morales, Casa Pepe de la Judería, Taberna La Montillana.
5. Make it a road trip.
Cordoba is just one stellar stopover on a full-fledged Andalusian road trip. Perfect for families— the distances between stops are not long, and the infrastructure is incredibly set up for moving around at a slow and steady pace. Cordoba is just over an hour from Seville, not far from Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, and for hikers and climbers, El Torcal de Antequera. Vamanos!
