This will be the first trip to Spain for my husband and me. We have four nights booked in Sevilla, after being in Malaga, Tarifa and Cadiz. After Sevilla, we'll take the AVE to Barcelona. We'll be in Sevilla the nights of October 10th-13th (staying in the Santa Cruz area). I've already reserved tours for the Alcazar, gardens, cathedral and cathedral rooftop on October 11th. Since the 12th is a national holiday, I'm planning on us just sticking around Sevilla and exploring on our own schedule. Our train to Barcelona is the morning of the 14th. I would really love to visit Cordoba, but to accommodate our set reservations, it would have to be on the 13th. Is it worth it to take a day from Sevilla to visit Cordoba for the day? I know from all my research that it would have been ideal to stay in Cordoba for a night or two, but I'm working with what we have. We love to just wander and explore, so I guess what I'm asking is if it's best to just slow down and explore Sevilla with the time we have and not rush-rush-rush trying to squeeze Cordoba in, or if it's worth taking the full day. Regardless, we're so excited that our trip is less than a month away! Thanks so much!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6509 posts
I liked Cordoba very much, spent two nights there after several days in Sevilla. So I had a little more time than you will for both cities. That said, I'd recommend the day trip to Cordoba, which is easy by train. The Mezquita is an amazing sight, and will be especially interesting after you've seen Sevilla's cathedral, which was built with the stones from the mosque that had been there before.
You have a very full Oct 11 planned for Sevilla, then a free day there, then a choice between another free day and Cordoba. I wouldn't call that "rush-rush-rush," though more time is always better. You could defer this decision till you're in Sevilla, though you might pay a higher train fare to Cordoba and back. Weather and your combined energy level might also factor in.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I would suggest, if possible, leaving Cadiz a day earlier, and make an early start to Cordoba. Stay overnight after visiting the Mezquita. Then back track the short journey to Sevilla for your bookings as planned.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1605 posts
It is ideal to spend 4 nights/3 days in Seville; there is plenty to do and see. However, if you don't think you will return to Andalucia, then I would visit Cordoba as a daytrip from Seville. The Mezquita is amazing and it's wonderful to wander around the Juderia, and then visit the Roman Bridge. I usually recommend spending a night or two in Cordoba but I think it's better to spend a day in Cordoba rather than not see it at all.
Also, how many nights are you in Malaga, Tarifa and Cadiz? We loved Malaga; spent 2 nights there and wish we had a third night. Haven't been to Cadiz or Tarifa but a lot of people like Cadiz and I think it sounds wonderful. Perhaps as another poster suggested, you could take a day from Cadiz or Tarifa and spend that day and night in Cordoba.
Posted by
Washington DC
27122 posts
If Tarifa is on the itinerary to facilitate a visit to Tangiers, I definitely recommend more time in Seville and Cordoba instead.
Posted by
Detroit, MI
985 posts
You are probably better off slowing down and spending your time in Seville instead of rushing to Córdoba for a day trip.
See if you can write an approximate day-by-day itinerary. Then you will see if you can be occupied on October 13th in Seville or if you want to squeeze in a day trip to Córdoba. The train ride is about 45 minutes. I spent 2 nights in Córdoba.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3844 posts
We get to Sevilla on October 13, also for 4 nights. We will be coming from Granada then moving into Cordoba. The only thing we’ve booked so far is a cooking class for Friday evening. I guess I better get moving. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15584 posts
I think the Mezquita is a must-see. The Juderia the most well-preserved medieval center I've visited in Spain. Cordoba is much better as an overnight, but certainly worth a day trip, even with your short time in Sevilla.