If there is only time for one city to visit from a base of Seville, which would you choose and why?
I have been persuaded that if I choose Grenada, I need at least one night. If I go to Cordoba from Seville (where I have a total of almost 5 days) I could do a day trip.
That's a very difficult call. It's sort of like asking, "If I have time to take a one-week trip to a city in Europe, should I choose London, Paris or Rome?"
Parts of Granada are hilly. If you happen to have unmentioned mobility challenges, that might suggest prioritizing Cordoba on this trip.
If your trip falls between late May and early September, you'd probably prefer the temperatures in Granada, which is at altitude. Not saying Granada wouldn't be hot, just that Cordoba is likely to be hotter.
If it were me, I would choose the city based on what sight is most important to me: the Alhambra in Granada or the Mezquita in Cordoba. While I loved the Mezquita, the Alhambra, for me, was more amazing and more stunning than the Mezquita. The beauty of the Nasrid Palace is beyond words. We spent about 3/4 of a day at the Alhambra including the Nasrid Palace, the Generalife Gardens, the Alcazaba and having lunch there as well. Then we returned in the evening for the magical night-time tour of the Alhambra. If you choose Granada, I would definitely spend at least one night here; two would be better. It really is too far from Seville to make it a comfortable and enjoyable daytrip.
The advantage to Cordoba is that it is closer to Seville so can be done more easily as a daytrip. Don't get me wrong. I loved both the Mezquita and Cordoba, but if I had to choose one, it would be Granada to see the Alhambra.
While the Alhambra is amazing, we found the Mezquita incredible and Cordoba lovely (and delicious!). Our experience was that Granada was super crowded and less welcoming. So, a vote here for Cordoba…and spend a night if you can.
