We will be spending 3 nights and 2 1/2- 3 days in Seville this Sept. Trying to figure out a day trip. We are considering Cordoba although we have been to Turkey and spent time in Istanbul and toured many mosques so I'm not sure that we wouldn't rather go to the hill towns. Would you recommend renting a car and driving to Ronda or maybe just Grazalema or Zahara? We won't be able to overnight so it just needs to be a day trip. We've also considered just booking a day tour from our hotel where they pick you up and drop you off. We'd like a not too crazy day trip. I have the Rick Steve's guidebook and I know we could bus or train there also. Thoughts?
I spent almost 3 weeks in Turkey and I've seen quite a few mosques here at home. There is nothing anywhere that comes close to the Mezquita in Cordoba. There are several other worthy sites in the city as well. I liked the historic center better than most other places I visited, including Seville and several hill towns.
My preference would be Ronda. I would consider public transport vs car rental (we have done both).
If you're interested in Roman sights, Italica is an easy daytrip from Seville. But with only 2.5-3 days in Seville, you may not have time for a day trip at all.
I agree with Harold. Spend your time in Seville. It is worth it. And Cordoba is not your average mosque.
Daytrips could include Cordoba (great mosque and surrounding quarter), Arcos (classic white town), and Jerez (great Bodega tours). I liked Ronda, but it's a little further from Seville. If your range is longer, you can add Gibraltar and Cadiz (I found Cadiz run-down/ not very nice).
Thanks so much for your advice. We may just stay in Seville or maybe consider Italica. Always feel like there's so much to see and do that you don't want to miss out on anything! Best travel advice I've ever heard " assume you will go back". Thanks Rick!