British tourists wanting to experience the history of Spain should look no further than this beautiful Andalusian city voted one of Europe’s best just a few hours drive from the Costa del Sol.
Cordoba is an ancient city filled with white-washed buildings and cobbled streets which surround one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, or Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, was built by Spain’s Muslim rulers in 785AD before later being converted into a Christian place of worhship in the 1200s.
What stands today is a remarkable momument to both cultures, with incredible Islamic columns inside the building surrounding stunning Christian sculputures and artwork.
The religious building dominates the old centre of Cordoba, with a beautiful romantic bridge close by which crosses the Guadalquivir river.
With its obvious historic beauty the city attracts thousands of tourists every year, but recently local officials in Andalusia became involved in a row over if they should introduce a tourist tax. Cities like Cordoba and Seville supported the idea, but coastal settlements like Malaga said it would drive tourists away.
However, no timeline has been set for reaching an agreement, with a local government spokesperson saying it’s “better to reach a good solution than a quick one.”
For now at least vistors to Cordoba can enjoy the history and warm climate, which sees temperatures in June reach around 32C, and averge in the late to mid 20s.
The Spanish tourist board said this time of year is the best to visit this amazing city, adding: “It is at its best in spring, when the fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom is ever-present, especially in May, the month of many of Córdoba’s traditional fiestas.
“Going out for tapas, trying the traditional dishes of the local cuisine, discovering the equestrian arts, enjoying a flamenco show in a tablao or relaxing in an Arab bath are all special experiences in Córdoba.”
The nearest direct from the UK airport to Cordoba is Seville, an equally stunning city just a short train ride away.
Services from Seville to Cordoba start from around £6 a ticket and it takes around 50 minutes for the journey with dozens of trains per day.
