Introduction to the Province of Cordoba
The province of Cordoba in Andalucia has everything – towns and cities bursting with history and monuments, stunning landscapes and picturesque villages and a great gastronomy. It may not have a Mediterranean coastline or beaches but Cordoba still deserves to be savoured to its fullest.

Cordoba City
The city of Cordoba, the capital of the province, is a real delight to wander round on foot at any time of the year but none more so than in May during the Festival of the Patios. During this event, you can venture into the enchanting Andalucian patios that are normally hidden away from prying eyes and marvel at the blooming flowerpots and water features within. You are sure to get lost within the city’s walls but that’s part of the fun.

Of course, Cordoba’s most famous sight is the Mezquita and deservedly so. This intriguing mix of mosque and cathedral should first be appreciated by walking around its perimeter walls before diving inside to appreciate the cool interior with its two-storey red and white arches and their columns of marble and jasper.

West of the Mezquita is Cordoba’s old Jewish Quarter, the Juderia, a maze of narrow, cobbled pedestrian streets crammed full of shops and bars.

To the other side of the Mezquita runs the wide River Guadalquivir, crossed by the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) at the far side of which stands the Torre de la Calahorra, now an interpretation centre. If you fancy a bit of steam therapy and pampering visit Cordoba’s Medina Califal Arabic Baths.

You should also visit the Renaissance Palacio de Viana, which has lovely gardens and the handsome Plaza de la Corredera, a great spot for people watching. Cordoba’s Botanic Gardens, also beside the river, are a pleasant way to while away a few hours.

In July every year, Cordoba hosts the International Festival of the Guitar and some legendary names always grace this event.

There is a plethora of tapas bars and other fine eateries in Cordoba city, particularly in the Juderia area. See below for more on the gastronomy of Cordoba.

Around Cordoba City and Beyond
For nature-lovers Cordoba has some fantastic natural parks. In the north east of the province is the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park, crossed by the River Yeguas and with a wealth of flora and fauna. The Sierra de Hornachuelos at the eastern end of the Sierra Morena mountain range is home to mongoose, otters, lynx and wolves and you are also likely to see vultures and eagles soaring above the oak and cork trees.

Subbetica Natural Park in the southern part of the province is a wild and craggy place. There is a Via Verde (Spain’s network of cycle/walking paths constructed along the routes of disused railway lines) that runs through here.

The village of Zuheros is a picturesque place in an equally stunning location. It’s popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Nearby is the Cueva de Los Murcielagos or bat cave, a great place to visit on a hot day.

Priego de Cordoba is an enchanting town, with some of Cordoba’s finest Baroque architecture.

Cordoba has no coastline but the big inland lake at Iznajar does offer a long stretch of sandy “beach” that is popular at weekends. The lake is great for swimming in.

For some artisan craftsmanship, the town of La Rambla is the place to go for ceramics. Just try not to laugh too loudly as some of the gaudy offerings that sit between the real quality pieces.

The Gastronomy of Cordoba
What’s not to like about Cordoba’s cuisine? Tasty and plentiful, flavoured with garlic, olive oil and wine, the typical dishes of this region make much use of the local produce of Cordoba – lamb, pork, beef, pulses, dried fruit, almonds, figs and quinces. The cuisine reflects Arabic and Jewish influences.

The famous take on Gazpacho soup in Cordoba is Salmorejo, a thick soup made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, sherry vinegar and olive oil and is served topped with hard boiled ages and strips of Serrano ham, usually accompanied by some crusty bread. Rabo de Toro is an oxtail stew for which Cordoba is equally well known – made from oxtail, green beans, peppers, potatoes and garlic. Caldereta de Cordoba is a typical lamb stew with chickpeas and almonds or try Albondigas, which are meatballs – great as a tapas. A traditional vegetable dish is Alcachofas a la Montillana, artichokes with white wine.

Tarta de Membrillo is a delicious dessert made from quinces.

Membrillo is the name also given to a sort of preserve made from the abundant quinces that grow in Cordoba and it is often served to accompany cheese. Look out for the Los Balanchares “Ceniza” goat’s milk cheeses from Zuheros, which are rolled and cured in ashes.

The area around Baena is one of Spain’s best-known olive oil producing areas.

Montilla is the sherry-like, sweet dessert wine for which Cordoba is so well-known but try also Pedro Ximenez from the same wine-producing region of Montilla-Moriles, which is a dark, really sweet wine made from raisins. You can visit bodegas in the Montilla area to sample their wares.

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