We already have our flights and will be flying from the US to Madrid, then onto Granada. We arrive in Granada at 9:30 am, stay 4N, then leave the morning of day 5 to go to Barcelona.
We have our Alhambra tickets, and a tour guide (one recommended on this forum, thank you!) And I am getting a (loose) itinerary together for our 4 days.
I am wondering, if it is possible to go to Cordoba for one day? I see a lot posted about day trips from Seville to Cordoba, but nothing about Granada to Cordoba. If yes, what is the best way to do this? As part of an organized tour? Or just train/bus or bus? Primary reason for the visit is to see the Mezquita.
Posted by
Sevilla
1305 posts
It's certainly possible, but for many it would be too long a journey for a practical day trip. About 2.5 hours drive each way. Mind, the mezquita-cathedral is stunning, so it might be worth it to you (not to me, admittedly)? Public transport is another option, but the express rail service isn't available currently so it would also be a very long day, perhaps six hours of travel.
There are easier day trips from Granada, if you were interested.
Posted by
OP
Nashville
31 posts
Nick, thank you. That’s the experience/advice I’m looking for. What other day trips would you suggest? Train ride is great, but I don’t want a twisty bus ride, and don’t want to see something just to see it and check a box. And I’m content to stay in Granada the entire time, too.
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
have you considered stopping in Cordoba before you go to Granada? Cordoba is just a short trip away from Madrid.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is not mentioned because it is hard to go from Granada because of distance. There is no direct train. Seville to Cordoba is easy because because both are on the high speed rail line. The Mezquita is more than worth a visit but maybe another time since it is very inconvenient from Cordoba.
PS It is a bit more than a short trip from Madrid - it is about 250 miles.
Posted by
Sevilla
1305 posts
Katy, I don't think you need to plan anything in advance and can play it by ear when you get there. You may well want to spend all your time in Granada. There is a lot to see with the Alhambra, Albaicin and city centre. And in addition to the big, well-known sights there are others such as La Cartuja and Granada has some less-touristy areas that are worth strolling around the plazas and streets such as to the SE of the cathedral, beyind the town hall. Granada, I think, is sadly underrated by those who only spend a night or two and mainly just visit the Alhambra (magnificent as that certainly is).
Nevertheless, if you do consider a day-trip then amongst the options would be to go into the lower Alpujarras or to the Guadix cave-town. However these are bus trips, not train. Though not "twisty" unless you go higher into the mountains.
Próspero año nuevo.