Andalusia 7-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Begun in the year 785, when Abd ar Rahman I made Cordoba the capital of al-Andalus, the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral). is a breathtaking tour de force designed to show that this western outpost of Islam was equal to anything in the east.
Its seemingly endless columns, horseshoe arches and beautiful double arches melt into distant shadows. Originally open on the sides, with light pouring in, it was walled-in when the Christians built a cathedral in the centre, itself a treasure-filled masterpiece although it seems intrusive in this magical forest of 580 columns, this pure meditation in stone.
For a couple of euros more, you can also visit the recently restored Campanario Tower, the highest point in the city with breathtaking views over the Mezquita and Cordoba.
Go (back) at night: the Soul of Cordoba tour (with audio guide) costs a bit more, but includes a film, and uses sound and light that emphasise the Mezquita’s hypnotic beauty.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Buy tickets online before you go, and pick up the audio or multimedia guide in English to get the most out of your visit, although there are also many excellent guided tours with priority entrance.
The mosque and bell tower are open all year round, seven days a week (with a break for lunchtime prayer). The Soul of Cordoba tours run nightly.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Cordoba
€14 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [184 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cordoba
€18 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [104 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cordoba
€24 | Rating 4.54 / 5 [132 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cordoba
€24 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [36 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[0.2 miles]
An evocative 17th-century mansion with plush rooms, a charming courtyard, a panoramic rooftop bar and a superb location near La Mezquita.
Official star rating:
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[0.3 miles]
Delightful 11-bedoom hotel for couples, packed full of quirky charm and local flavor, right in the heart of old Cordoba.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Andalusia, Spain
A fascinating city of labyrinthine lanes and Roman and Moorish monuments, including one of the world’s greatest buildings: the Mezquita.
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[0.2 miles]
Next to La Mezquita, a small hammam in a traditional Andalusian brick, tiles and garden setting. The massages are excellent including the hot stone bed option; it’s so relaxing your two-hour slot will seem to fly by. Book online here.
Best for ages: 18+ | £29 | 1-3 hours
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[0.3 miles]
Also known as the Mercado de la Artesania, this patio house in Calle Judio hosted the first handicraft shops in Spain. Come here to peruse the city’s traditional arts – leather, ceramics and silver – and watch silversmiths make delicate filigree.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[0.8 miles]
Andalusia’s first food court occupies a 19th-century forged iron building, where 20 stalls sell delicacies from around the world, along with local goodies (the seafood is exceptional); tables in the gardens wait for tasting them in-situ.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain[7.9 miles]
The partially excavated and reconstructed halls, mosque, gate, porticoes and gardens of a 112-hectare mysterious palace city. It was built in the 10th century by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Cordoba; now a World Heritage Site.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.