Late July / early August will be going from Sevilla to Cordoba to see Mesquite and Alcazar, and then on to Madrid. I am concerned about the heat in Cordoba as the day goes on. Am guessing okay til about 1pm. Then I need to be in air conditioning until probably 7pm. So trying to figure out what to do. Can arrive Cordoba as early as 730, or 845. Can be done with Mesquita by close to noon, then take 12.56 train to Madrid. That means missing Alcazar. After 12.56, next train not until 1500. So if seeing Alcazar, either have to find somewhere to stay in air conditioning until close to 7pm, then see Alcazar, unless able to see it earlier, then catch train to Madrid. Am I missing something here? Please advise
Posted by
California 🦋
5217 posts
We spent a few days in Córdoba and we skipped visiting the Alcázar because I'd read that it was not worth it especially when compared to the Royal Alcázar in Sevilla.
I remember walking past it when we went to the Royal Stables and there was a big line of people waiting to either buy tickets or to enter the Alcázar.
You may consider skipping the Alcázar and taking the earlier train to Madrid.
Enjoy your time in Spain!
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3166 posts
It's a shame that you'll be in Spain at the time when temperatures are highest. Having visited both, I feel that the Alcazar in Sevilla and the Mezquita in Córdoba are must see sites. When I visited Córdoba, I followed the opinion in Rick's guide to Spain:
Tourists line up to visit Córdoba’s overrated fortress, the “Castle of the Christian Monarchs,”
From the description, it's not very special and folks I've spoken with who have seen it have been unimpressed. There are many Alcazars in Spain but this isn't worth a visit if it's not convenient. Part of my travel philosophy is "Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to see it."
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15589 posts
I was not impressed at all by the Alcazar in Cordoba. It was in February and the gardens were at their winter worst. I have been to Sevilla's Alcazar twice and would go back again in a flash.
I don't think the Mezquita gets very warm. At least in winter, it's quite cold inside even when it's warm and sunny outside.