Overnight in Ronda or Cordoba?

I've stayed in Cordoba 3 times in recent years and twice in Ronda. First I can assure you that there are quite a few things to see and do in Cordoba. There is one of the best-preserved medieval centers to wander and explore with a few small museums, including the very interesting Casa de Sefarad, describing the history of the Jewish community. There's the Al-Andalus museum in the Calahorra Tower at the far end of the bridge next to the Mezquita - if you visit, go up to the roof of the tower for the views. You can see a horse show at the Royal Stables (though not offered every night), visit the beautiful patios of the Viana Palace, and choose from a number of good restaurants.

That's good to know, Chani, thank you!

Since you have stayed in both Ronda and Cordoba on previous trips, which do you think is better for an overnight stay?

Both are very nice. There is no bad choice between the two. Cordoba’s historic center is slightly larger and there is more to see there. The Roman bridge and Calahorra tower are pretty at night. Ronda doesn’t have much to offer other than the bridge and gorge, but it is very pretty at dusk with the bridge illuminated. I’ll give the edge to Cordoba. In addition to what chani said, it used to have a nice bullfighting museum. I assume it’s still there.

In Córdoba we stayed at hotel Albucasis right in the historic center. It was nothing spectacular, but nice. In Ronda we stayed at Hotel San Gabriel. It was charming and very near the bridge, just off the main street through town.

I had no idea Cordoba also has a bullfighting museum.

Bullfighting is a major reason why I am so interested in seeing Ronda; I want to learn more about the history and Ronda has a ton of iconic bullfighting spots, including their famous bullring.

I just checked and the bullfight museum is still there.
http://www.museotaurinodecordoba.es/ing/index.html

I enjoyed the bullring and museum in Ronda. One was enough for me, so I didn't bother to look for one in Cordoba or to visit the one I went past in the heart of Sevilla.

Personally I like Cordoba better, especially in the evenings. The Mezquita is floodlight and worth walking around to see the beautiful detail on all the outside walls and gates.

Using the night stay to add time to the visit I'd go for Cordoba. Using it to avoid crowds I'd go for Ronda.

Sounds like the majority are advising Cordoba. Don't think I'll regret it either way.

Thanks all!

Do you think Granada is only worth 1 night and 1 day?

A side note: my flight from Barcelona isn't scheduled to land in Granada until 6:40 p.m.

I plan on visiting the Alhambra the next morning, then exploring Granada in the afternoon/evening.

I would have to shorten my evening to get a train ride to either Ronda or Cordoba, of which there are not many scheduled routes.

To me, all the main sights in Granada can be seen in 1.5 days, so 2 nights. I’ve been there 4 times, so it may take you longer if it’s your first visit. The Alhambra can take the better part of a day by itself.

You really need 2 nights in Granada to see the Alhambra - otherwise you'll be rushed and antsy the whole time you are at the Alhambra.

That's what I thought too.

Even with pre-purchased tickets and a designated entry time, I'd like to really savor the Alhambra. That's one of the main sights that made me choose to go to Spain.

That doesn't even include the rest of Granada, which is also quite stunning, by the looks of it.

I wouldnt cut time in granada. I recently spent four nights there and enjoyed it immensely. We slso spent one night in Ronda and two in Cordoba. If I could only choose one for an overnight it would be Cordoba- one of our favorite cities!