This short break guide about Cordoba, Spain will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Cordoba and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Cordoba, Spain
Cordoba is the dazzling capitol of the Andalusian region of Spain. The thing that really makes Cordoba special is the mixture of diverse cultures (Romans, Arabs and the Caliphates) that have settled here and left permanent marks throughout history, making it one of the most far-reaching heritage sites in the world. The historic part of the city is a typical whitewashed Andalusian village with a network of small alleyways that find their way back out to cozy squares and courtyards; a reflection of the medieval period.
Although it holds unique cultural connections, Cordoba is also highly modernized and is well connected to other cities in the Andalusian region. Many of the small villages that surround it are prime examples of beautiful Spanish baroque or traditional whitewashed Andalusian styles. Close by a castle atop a Cliffside and nature preserves are other places well worth a visit.
What is on in Cordoba in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Cordoba lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Cordoba, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Cordoba.
1. The Month of Cordoba - May is known as the Month of Cordoba is quite possibly the best time to plan a trip. The first week in May brings Cruces de Mayo, when public squares in the old city fill with handmade flowered crosses, music and locals drinking and having a good time. The Festival de Patios takes up about two weeks of the month. People that live in the most historic parts of town open up their courtyards, and sometimes their homes, to visitors. During this time of year many colorful plants are in full bloom and a contest takes place to see who has the best courtyard in town. All the while the Cata de Vino Montilla Moriles, or Cordovan Wine Tasting Fair, is marked by a huge tent in the center of town that also provides live music. As the month draws to a close, the last week is possibly the most vibrant when the Feria de Cordoba takes place. This huge fair is full of dancing, drinking, eating, salsa music and Flamenco music and dancers. Most of the city takes off of work this entire week to party the days and nights away. Most events are free.
2. Semana Santa - The week before Easter involves many processions that showcase scenes of the life of Christ. Nightly processions take place from 6:00pm - midnight. The daytime hours bring masses, smaller parades and feasts. Even if you are not particularly religious, it is a beautiful tradition to witness. Most events are free.
3. Arabic Baths - Once the capitol of the Arabic settlements of the region, the ancient tradition of public baths still sticks in Cordoba. It is said that the city was once filled with hundreds of these baths. Although the olden baths are long gone, this modern take on the Arabic baths are just a short walk from a historic mosque. Visitors are completely indulged for two hours with a soak and massage. Prices vary depending on what type of package you choose.
4. Vision Walking Tours - Guests who come to Cordoba often gorge themselves in the delicious food and wines that hail from the region so a walking tour will help maintain a proper balance! These tours take strollers through old city, Alcazar (a historic fortress known for its beautiful gardens), Synagogue (one of the three remaining synagogues in all of Spain) and Mezquite (the 3rd largest mosque in the world) areas of the city. Although the cost is quite high at 27EUR, it is a worthwhile price since tourists get access to exclusive buildings throughout the city.
5. Iglesias Fernandinas - Fourteen historic churches sit side by side, or close to it, reside in the center of the city. Some are built on top of ancient mosques. Some of the best are San Lorenzo, San Miguel and San Nicolas although all of them have striking architectural details and many boast beautiful gardens.
6. International Guitar Festival - For two weeks in July, Cordoba becomes the guitar capital of the world. Many concerts featuring top strummers in the musical stylings of jazz, blues, classic and traditional Flamenco come to play for the lively, dancing crowds. Guests can also learn to play guitar, buy a guitar or attend a conference to learn about the guitar.
7. Plaza del Cristo de los Faroles - Considered Cordoba's most lovely square, it fills with a soft glow from old lanterns, candles and flowers that are placed on every available surface, including a Cross in the center of the square. Locals claim that the square is the most quiet and beautiful at sunset.
8. Carnaval - An Andalusian tradition, Cordoba's Carnaval is not nearly the biggest in Spain but is just as fun as any other. People dress in traditional garb or disguise their faces with brightly colored masks while singing and dancing throughout the city squares.
9. Segway Tour - This tour of Cordoba takes guests by places that are off the beaten path and often missed. The tours can be done in English and cost about 15EUR per person.
10. Medina Azahara - The Caliphate's were people who paid high regards to culture and life. They thrived in Cordoba around 1,000AD. The Medina Azahara was built by the Caliphate's in 940AD and has much archeological interest and beautiful features to behold. Its location is about 5 kilometers outside of Cordoba and the tourism office runs a bus at 11am to the site. The bus pass is 5EUR and the fee to get in is free for Spanish locals and very small for tourists.
Recommended Cordoba Hotels
Hotel review website Trip Advisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Cordoba hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Cordoba hotels recommended by review are:
1. Hospederia de El Churrasco
2. Hospes Palacio del Bailio
3. Hotel El Conquistador
4. Hotel Eurostars Maimonides
5. Hotel Mezquita
6. Hotel Plateros
7. Case de los Azulejos
8. Monasterio de San Francisco
9. Occidental Cordoba
10. Los Omeyas Hotel
Cordoba Airport
The closest airports to Cordoba are located in Seville, Malaga or Madrid, all of which have access to Cordoba by train or bus. Most trips take well over an hour and will cost roughly 10 - 20EUR.
Cordoba Hotels
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