Discover Cordoba by car with us, we are sure you won’t be able to resist planning a visit!
As many of you may already know, Andalusia has an enormous historical and monumental heritage. The magnificent Al-Andalus, which for more than 700 years lived a period of apogee during the rule of the Muslims, has left us a very rich legacy in all the capitals of our autonomous community, Cordoba being the capital of Al-Andalus, the jewel in the crown, with a peaceful coexistence of the three great religions and a place where the most advanced arts and sciences of those times flourished.
Strolling through the intricate streets of the old town and let yourself be seduced by the magic still felt in every corner, visiting its great monuments or the famous courtyards of Cordoba is very easy, less than 2 hours from Malaga airport.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Table of Contents
From Malaga to Cordoba
Getting to Cordoba from Málaga is very easy, both by car and by train.
From Malaga to Cordoba by train
From Malaga to Cordoba by train, we can also travel very comfortably on the AVE high-speed train, which connects both cities in less than an hour. Search for trains to Cordoba.
From Malaga to Cordoba by car
From Malaga to Cordoba by car, we only have to drive along the A-45 motorway which will take us in less than two hours to our destination. Rent a car at Malaga airport.
Following the Autovía del Sur, we easily reach the centre of Cordoba, where we recommend parking your car in a public car park.
We think that the Ribera car park next to the Guadalquivir river in the old centre of Cordoba is a very good option, just a stone’s throw away from everything interesting to discover. From there you can walk around the city.
If you are coming by motorhome, you will be pleased to know that there is also a motorhome parking just 1 km walk from the Mezquita. (see interactive map below). Did you know that we also rent campers and motorhomes?
Discovering Cordoba
Due to its proximity to the Costa del Sol, Cordoba is a good destination for a day trip, see some monuments, have some tapas in the old town and then return to the coast in a relaxed way.
On the other hand, since the city has so much to discover, you might want to consider a one-night stay in the old town, have dinner there and have breakfast in the morning in one of the many bars and cafes.
If you don’t have any ideas for Valentine’s Day yet, this could be one!
A little history – The Caliphate of Cordoba
Although it was not the Arabs who founded it, but the Romans in the 2nd century BC, it was the Arabs who turned it into a flourishing city.
Did you know that…?
Cordoba had more than 400,000 inhabitants in the year 1000. During this century it was one of the largest cities in the world and a financial, cultural, artistic and commercial centre of the first order, the second city in Europe after Constantinople.
There were almost 70 libraries, a university, a medical school and a school for translators of Greek and Hebrew.
The caliphate enjoyed a highly developed craft industry and agricultural techniques far more developed than anywhere else in Europe.
Cordoba is currently home to more Unesco World Heritage titles than any other city in the world.
What to see in Cordoba
Monuments
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. A Mudejar-style place of worship with a hall of pillars with horseshoe arches and a frescoed basilica.
Patio de los Naranjos. Emblematic courtyard of the mosque-cathedral, with a fountain, cypress trees and the orange trees that give it its name.
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. A 14th century Mudejar palace with tiered gardens, Roman mosaics and Gothic towers with panoramic views.
Synagogue. Well-preserved medieval Jewish place of worship, with an interior courtyard, plasterwork walls and a tribune for women.
Roman Bridge of Cordoba. Long bridge built at the beginning of the 1st century BC.
Palace of Viana. Renaissance manor house with quiet interior courtyards and formal garden, art and antique collections.
Roman Temple of Cordoba. Remains of a small Roman temple with restored columns and surrounded by modern buildings.
Corredera Square. Historic 17th century city square with the old town hall and a prison.
Cordoban Courtyards. Patios decorated with plants and flowers during the festivities held throughout the city in May.
Museums
Archaeological Museum of Cordoba. Moorish art and archaeological objects dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Alcazar Caliph Baths Museum. Museum with informative exhibitions in elaborate medieval Arab baths.
House of Sepharad. Small museum of Jewish heritage with various exhibitions on Sephardic history and culture.
House-Museum of the Umayyad Guadamecí. Museum with a collection of colourful leather goods.
Cordoba Equestrian Museum. Royal stables from the 16th century, with equestrian events.
Hotels in the Old Town
In the old town there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from.
The 4-star Hotel Hesperia Cordoba, with a rooftop pool, is located across the river very close to the Roman bridge
Medina Qurtuba, 3 stars
Hostal Esencia de Azahar 3 stars
Pensión Portillo 2 stars
Eurostars Conquistador4 star Hotel situated next to the Mosque
Hotel Los Omeyas 2 stars
Hotel Balcón de Córdoba 4 star Hotel situated next to the Mosque
Hotel boutique Las Casas de la Judería Córdoba 4 star Hotel also situated close to the Mosque.
Hostería Lineros 38 2 star colourful hotel with Arabic influence
Viento10 Hotel 3 stars
Córdoba Casa de los azulejos 3 stars
Eurostars Patios de Córdoba 4 stars
Conde de Cárdenas 2 stars
And we will stop here, as there are many more hotels in the centre of Cordoba!
When to visit Cordoba
We advise against visiting Cordoba in the hot months of July and August.
The average summer temperatures in Cordoba are some of the highest in Europe, often reaching 40ºC and above (the highest temperature recorded was 52ºC).
In fact, the Costa del Sol is also known as the “beach of Cordoba” because during these months the city empties and everyone who can, escapes to the sea.
Festival of the Cordoban courtyards
This popular festival with a huge influx of visitors in 2022 takes place from 3 to 15 May. More information at the Cordoba Tourist Board.
Orange Blossom
A sublime sensory delight is the Orange Blossom (Azahar), the flower of the orange tree, which normally takes place at the beginning of March after the rains.
This intoxicating aroma fills the streets and squares, a pure pleasure to visit Cordoba at this time of year.
Interactive map of Cordoba
On this interactive map you can see and consult all the places we have mentioned, with photos and opinions of other users.
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