In the heart of Spain's Andalusia region lies the city of Córdoba. Here, Moorish architecture meets Spanish culture, resulting in an array of fascinating sights. An Islamic centre during the Middle Ages, Córdoba is perhaps best known for the Mezquita, a mosque that also does double duty as a cathedral. The city's cobbled streets, sun-drenched plazas and hidden courtyards add to its allure. With lots of tapas bars and taverns, visitors can get a real taste of the Andalusian way of life.
Hostels in Córdoba include a traditional manor with an inner courtyard, as well as a modern house with a rooftop pool. A few Córdoba hostels organise walking tours, helping you to learn more about the city. Most properties provide free Wi-Fi and some hostels serve up complimentary breakfasts, while others have fully equipped kitchens where you can rustle up your own meals.
Surrounding the Mezquita is the historic centre of Córdoba – a collection of winding streets, secret courtyards and quaint alleyways. Here, visitors will also find the Jewish Quarter (Judería de Córdoba), which is in turn home to attractions such as the 14th-century Córdoba Synagogue. The Plaza de las Tendillas is the town's main square, where locals relax under the shade and celebrations are held. It sits between the old town and the modern business district and is surrounded by streets with a number of shops, restaurants and bars.
Start with the historic and iconic Mezquita mosque, which dates all the way back to the 10th century. With its distinctive striped arches, it's one of the city's most iconic sights. To delve even deeper into Córdoba's past, look to the Roman Temple. Built in the second half of the first century, its massive columns are illuminated at night. Another historic sight is the arched Roman Bridge, which spans the Guadalquivir River. For a casual and picturesque afternoon stroll, head to Calleja de las Flores, a narrow street with numerous flowerpots spilling with colourful blooms.
Córdoba Airport is around 10km from the centre. From here, you can easily get into town via the O2 bus, which takes a little over 30 minutes. To get around the city, you can walk, use local bus routes or opt for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. From Córdoba train station, there are connections to and from other major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Seville and Málaga.
