Córdoba City Break - Hotel Macià Alfaros 4*

Located in the heart of Andalusia, Cordoba is a city rich in history, culture and architectural wonders.

Top attractions:

• La Mezquita-Catedral (The Mosque Cathedral): Cordoba's most famous landmark, a former mosque turned cathedral, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with stunning arches, intricate mosaics and a beautiful Renaissance nave.
• Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: A historic fortress and palace with beautiful gardens, Roman mosaics and the hall where Christopher Columbus met the Catholic Monarchs before his voyage to America.
• Jewish Quarter (Judería): A maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled patios, home to the historic synagogue and the Sephardic House Museum.
• Patios of Cordoba: Famous for the city's tradition of decorating courtyards with flowers, many of which can be visited, especially during the annual Patio Festival in May.
• Plaza de la Corredera: A large and lively square surrounded by arcades reminiscent of Madrid's Plaza Mayor, ideal for enjoying a coffee or a meal.
• Medina Azahara: The ruins of a vast, opulent palace city built by the Umayyad Caliphate in the 10th century, a short drive from Cordoba.

Best food in the region:

• Salmorejo: A cold tomato soup, thicker than gazpacho, made with tomatoes, bread, olive oil and garlic, typically garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.
• Flamenquín: A fried roll of pork loin wrapped in Serrano ham, coated in breadcrumbs and often served with chips or salad.
• Rabo de Toro: A slow-cooked oxtail stew, traditionally served with potatoes, reflecting the city's rich culinary heritage.
• Berenjenas con Miel: Fried slices of aubergine drizzled with honey, a popular tapa that combines sweet and savoury flavours.
• Churros with chocolate: A favourite Spanish treat, especially for breakfast, consisting of fried dough pastries served with thick hot chocolate.
• Montilla-Moriles Wine: A local wine from the nearby Montilla-Moriles region, often enjoyed with tapas. The dry Fino and the sweet Pedro Ximénez are particularly popular.
• Pastel Cordobés: A traditional pastry filled with candied pumpkin, sometimes topped with jamón, offering a sweet and savoury treat.

Nearby towns / cities:

• Medina Azahara: A short drive from Cordoba, this archaeological site is a must-see, with the remains of a 10th century palace city built by the Umayyad Caliphate.
• Montilla: About 45 minutes away, this town is famous for its wine production, particularly the sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, and several wineries offer tours and tastings.
• Priego de Córdoba: A picturesque town known for its baroque architecture, olive oil production and scenic views, about 1.5 hours from Cordoba.
• Baena: Famous for its quality olive oil, this town offers tours of olive mills and a glimpse of traditional Andalusian life, about an hour's drive.
• Seville: The vibrant capital of Andalusia, known for its Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and lively flamenco scene, about 1.5 hours by train or car.

How to get there:

• By air: The nearest major airport is Seville Airport (SVQ), about 130 kilometres away, which offers both domestic and international flights. Málaga airport (AGP) is another option, around 160 kilometres away.
• By train: Cordoba is well served by the AVE high speed train, with direct services to Madrid (1.5 hours), Seville (45 minutes), Málaga (1 hour) and Barcelona (4 hours).
• By Bus: Several bus companies operate services to Cordoba from major Spanish cities, including Seville, Granada and Madrid. The bus station is conveniently located near the city centre.
• By car: Cordoba can be reached via the A-4 motorway, which links the city to Madrid and Seville. Car hire is available and there are plenty of parking facilities in and around the city.
• Public transport: Once in Cordoba, the city's bus network is an efficient way to get around. The historic centre is best explored on foot, while taxis and bicycle hire are also widely available.