Cordoba was one of our very favorite places in Spain. It was incredibly beautiful, the place we stayed in felt like an oasis, and the people were so relaxed and kind. It’s one of those places that’s fairly small so you plan the itinerary for a day or two, but then you end up wishing you had more time to stay and enjoy it.
I’ll never forget driving into Cordoba and being floored by the flower boxed houses and the winding, cobblestone streets. It felt as if we’d driven into a dream. We found the architecture enchanting, the cobblestone streets charming, and the history disarming. It’s such an interesting mix of Roman, Moorish, Spanish and Jewish culture and architecture, and it’s blended in a special, seamless way. We spent two days in Cordoba and could easily and happily have spent more, just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere and sense of place.
There’s something kind of amazing about a place this small that’s been so heavily influenced by such different cultures. The Roman Temple was stunning. Our kids were floored at the magnitude of it, and how old it was. The Mosque was outstandingly gorgeous. The Alcazar felt as if we were in another land in another time- and during Easter time, all of these places that are already rich in history, were brought alive by the Semana Santa celebrations. Cordoba is filled with narrow streets and alleyways, and you never know what you’ll happen upon. We were enamoured by the synagogue, the amazing tiles and pebblework throughout the city, and by the relaxed feel.
Cordoba is a place I hope to get lost in again when the girls are older. It was relatively easy to get around with little ones, and the locals are extremely friendly- especially if you have little ones. I’ll never forget wandering the streets, the scent of flowers and summertime, and the look on our girls faces when we saw the amazing sites. It’s manageable with a good stroller, but I will say that because some of the streets were so narrow and maze like, it caused my husband and I to keep the girls a little closer than in other places we’ve visited (especially around the Mosque and Alcazar because they can get a bit crowded with tourists). If you find yourself in Spain, definitely try to make the trip to Cordoba. It’s absolutely worth the visit.
Top spots to see:
- Roman Temple of Cordoba
- Mosque of Cordoba
- Alcazar de los Rreyes Crisitanos
- Calahorra Tower
- Calleja de las Flores
- Plaza de Corredera
- Medina Azahara
- Roman Bridge of Cordoba
- Cordoba Synagogue
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Casa del Aceite
Cordoba is an extremely walkable city. Wander, get lost, explore, and bask in the romantic, sunny, relaxed environment in the city. Savor it if you can.
Happy Husband Tip: As we were exploring Cordoba, we came across Califa – a microbrewery with a fantastic selection of locally brewed beer. Finding this little gem and sitting outside with a wonderful Spanish IPA made my husband a very happy man! Highly recommended!
