Plan your getaway to Córdoba and experience a stay at the Parador with views of the City of the Caliphs. This is the perfect opportunity to spend two days relaxing and enjoying the culture and cuisine of the World Heritage City which was named Ibero-American Capital of Culinary Culture in 2014.
We offer the perfect two-day plan to get the very most out of this city, with all the sights you absolutely must see for a great cultural adventure.
The essentials for the first day of your getaway:
- Mezquita (mosque-cathedral): Your visit will leave you speechless. This example of the Umayyad style at its height is the most important Islamic monument in the West. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1984. You'll want to spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring every part of this architectural and cultural complex. But don't leave it for too late in the day, the Mezquita closes at 6:00 p.m.
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of the Christian Monarchs): Near the Mezquita is another of Córdoba's major sights and one which definitely merits a leisurely visit, allowing you to enjoy every detail, nook and cranny that have survived the passage of time. This 13th-century fortress includes elements of the Roman, Visigothic and Arab cultures.
- Sinagoga (synagogue): To round off a full day of sightseeing in Córdoba, we suggest a visit to a unique building that is among the best preserved in all Spain. Built in the 14th century, this treasure has been listed as a national monument.
After such a busy day, we recommend taking the opportunity to dine at the Parador de Córdoba, where you can sample the exquisite salmorejo cordobés (cold tomato soup). This is a culinary experience you are sure to remember forever and one of our Paradores House Specialties.
What to do on the second day? Today is your chance to leave the city and visit:
- Medina Azahara: Located 8 kilometers from the city, this treasure is well worth a visit. To get there, you can take one of the buses with daily departures for the ruins. More information is available here. The morning will fly by as you explore this archaeological complex.
- Upon your return to the city, we recommend sampling a few tapas at various local spots, admiring the courtyards along the way. They are so lovely and beautifully maintained that there is even a festival in their honor in the first half of May.
- In the afternoon, bring your two-day express tour of the city to an excellent close with a visit to the Arab baths. There are two choices: the Alcázar Califal and Santa María baths.
- Another alternative for wine lovers is to spend the day visiting some of the wineries on the Montilla Moriles Wine Trail. All of the wineries are located less than 1 hour from Córdoba by car, with a wide variety of options. You can visit the vineyards and learn about the process of making these full-bodied wines. A little enotourism is definitely the perfect end to your getaway to the Córdoba region.
How to get to Córdoba: If you don't have your own vehicle and are relying on public transport, this is a great opportunity to take the AVE high-speed train. You'll be in Córdoba in less than two hours from Madrid, or you can travel from Barcelona, Valencia or Zaragoza.
How to get around the city: This map will help you get oriented and plan your route around the city. Click here for the hours and ticket prices of all the main places of interest.
So how about it? Book your getaway in Córdoba today.
