Cordoba is the ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of Andalucia, from the remains of the Medina Azahara to the mountains of the Sierra del Hornachuelos and the white villages of the region. Sail between historic heritage, unspoilt nature and exotic escapades, thanks to the various excursions that offer a varied overview of Andalucia’s richness.
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Cordoba to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions in Cordoba
Cordoba is strategically located in the heart of Andalucia, offering easy access to the region’s historic sites, picturesque villages and natural areas. To simplify your visits, you can opt for organized excursions. Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:
- Stroll through the charming town of Jaén , nicknamed the olive oil capital, a town with a rich heritage, dominated by an imposing castle and the ideal starting point for exploring the mountainous hinterland. – see prices, availability and book.
- Discover Sevilla: explore one of Spain’s most beautiful cities – see prices, availability and book.
- Visit Medina Azahara: one of Andalucia’s most beautiful archaeological sites – see prices, availability and bookings
1. Visit Medina Azahara
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located just a few kilometers from Cordoba, this fascinating archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to the grandeur of the ancient Caliphate of Cordoba. Medina Azhara is one of Andalucia’s most beautiful archaeological sites! We explored the ruins of this 10th-century palatine city, marvelling at the scale and sophistication of its architecture. A visit will take you back to the apogee of Hispano-Moorish civilization, as you explore the remains of palaces, gardens and administrative buildings. We were particularly impressed by the Royal House, with its finely chiselled marble decorations. Discover the tumultuous history of Medina Azahara, from its ambitious construction to its rapid destruction, through the museum’s exhibits. This tour will give you a better understanding of the splendour and sophistication of Andalucia’s civilization.
What you will see
- The ruins of a 10th-century Palatine city
- the Royal House, with its finely chiselled marble decorations
- remains of palaces, gardens and administrative buildings dating from the apogee of Hispano-Moorish civilization
How much time should I allow?
- Medina Azahara is located around 8km west of central Cordoba, in a picturesque natural setting.
- We recommend a half-day visit.
- Book your guided tour of Medina Azahara now!
2. The charming village of Montoro
Why do we recommend this tour?
Montoro is a very photogenic town nestled in a bend of the Guadalquivir River.
It’s best known for its views from different vantage points around it, with the contrast of its plank houses, the ochre color of the tower and the green of the fertile valley.
You can capture its beauty from the surrounding area as you approach, or from the 16th-century bridge. It’s one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia.
What you will see
- Picturesque alleyways and traditional houses
- Authentic Andalucia architecture
- Breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside
How much time should I allow?
- To the east of Cordoba, allow 40 minutes by car
- A 2-4 hour visit is ideal for strolling around, soaking up the local atmosphere and taking a break in a café.
3. Zuheros, our favourite white village
Why do we recommend this tour?
Zuheros is a small white village that is much less well known because it is further away from the main tourist centers. It’s one of Andalucia’s secret spots. It offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty with its canyon and authentic Spanish charm. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful white village in Andalucia of all those we visited.
Nestled beneath limestone cliffs in the Sierra Subbetica Natural Park and surrounded by olive groves, we found it particularly charming. It is also dominated by a 9th-century castle set into the rock face. Impressive!
What you will see
- Narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses
- The picturesque castle overlooking the village
- The surrounding caves, veritable jewels of mystery and natural beauty
How much time should I allow?
- From Cordoba, allow 1h15 driving time.
- Allow half a day (3 to 4 hours) to explore the village and enjoy its exceptional panoramas.
- If you wish to add an exploration of the Sierra Subbetica Natural Park and the Murciélagos Cave, add an extra half-day.
4. Stroll around Ronda and admire its Puente Nuevo
Why do we recommend this tour?
What you will see
Prepare to be transported by this city and its iconic Puente Nuevo, spanning a deep natural canyon. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from strolling along the narrow streets of the old medina, to discovering its flamboyant past, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery it overlooks.
Ronda is also the ideal starting point for visiting the surrounding natural parks and their white villages. These include Setenil de las Bodegas (22min north of Ronda), or Grazalema, in the heart of the Sierra of the same name.
- The 18th-century Roman bridge and its 3 arches
- The old town with its Hispano-Moorish heritage
- The Palacio de Mondragon built in 1314
- Beautiful nearby villages: Setenil de las Bodegas, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Montejaque…
- More ideas in our article on the best attractions in Ronda.
How much time should I allow?
Ronda is a small town, so one day is enough to explore it, but you have to include the travel time to get there: 2h10 from Cordoba. Read our article on visiting Ronda in 1 day. Here are our suggestions for visits and organized tours:
- Day trip to Ronda, round-trip transfer from Cordoba – see prices, availability and booking.
- Guided walking tour of the city: discover the famous bullring and bridge, and stroll through the streets of the old town – see program and availability.
If you’re travelling to Ronda on your own and want to visit the surrounding white villages, we recommend spending 2 days there. Also, if you don’t want to make the round trip from Cordoba in the same day, we recommend that you sleep in Ronda.
5. Discover Sevilla from Cordoba
Why do we recommend this tour?
You can’t come to Andalucia without visiting its beating heart, Sevilla!
With its rich historical heritage, lively neighborhoods and delicious restaurants, you’ll have no time to get bored. It’s hard to choose how to visit Sevilla in a day! But one thing’s for sure: you’ll love its authentic and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the Alfala and El Arenal neighborhoods, with their beautiful homes, trendy boutiques and colorful alleyways.
What you will see
- The iconic, shimmering Plaza de España
- The Alcazar, a complex of palaces and patios, has been a World Heritage Site since 1987.
- Notre-Dame du Siège Cathedral , with its 104-metre-high tower offering a panoramic view of the city
- More ideas in our article on Sevilla’s top attractions.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 full day to visit Sevilla, including the drive from Cordoba (1h30). Here are a few day tours:
- From Cordoba: day trip to Sevilla with guided tour of the cathedral – see prices, availability and booking.
- Sevilla boat trip: discover the wonders of Sevilla’s architecture from the water: see program and availability
Of course, we recommend spending several days in Sevilla, as there are so many cultural and heritage sites to explore! Read our articles on the best hotels in Sevilla and the best attractions in Sevilla.
6. Discover Granada from Cordoba
Why do we recommend this tour?
To reach Granada from Cordoba, it will take you 2h15 by car. In our opinion, it’s well worth the trip! Indeed, Granada will not leave you indifferent. We found the atmosphere completely different from Cordoba, and with good reason! Granada lies at an altitude of 680m, at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll see the famous Alhambra, a palatial complex listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was on this hill that the last Muslims in Spain took refuge at the time of the Reconquista. Down below, you’ll stroll through neighborhoods with winding streets, such as Albaicín and Sacromonte.
What you will see
- The Alhambra fortress complex with the Alcazabar, Nazary Palace and Generalife – but be sure to book your ticket months in advance!
- The sloping streets of the Albaicin district
- The Sacromonte district and its caves
- The cathedral and its royal chapel
- San Jeronimo Monastery
- More ideas in our article on Granada’s top attractions.
How much time should I allow?
If you’re driving from Cordoba to Granada, allow 2h25 for the journey. We recommend a minimum of one day on site. Here’s an idea for a day tour:
- Private one-day tour of Granada and the Alhambra Palace from Cordoba: visit the architectural complex of the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided tour. – see prices, availability and book.
However, we recommend staying several days in Granada if you don’t want to visit just the Alhambra, and if you don’t want to make the round trip from Cordoba in the same day, we recommend sleeping in Granada.
7. Take to the skies at Caminito del Rey
Why do we recommend this tour?
Caminito del Rey is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a sublime natural setting! Cut into the side of a cliff for the construction of a dam at the beginning of the 20th century, this path has now been rehabilitated as a hiking trail.
We gave it a try and loved this shot of nature!
After an initial walk in the forest, we took narrow paths through breathtaking scenery, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
The ultimate challenge: crossing the 100m-high suspension bridge between the narrow gorges!
What you will see
- The rocky landscapes of the various gorges
- The Guadalhorce River, at the foot of the cliffs
- Local wildlife: if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some birds of prey!
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for this excursion (the hike lasts 2 hours for 7.5km in one direction, but you must add to this the travel time).
We strongly recommend the option of an organized tour for this hike to simplify your logistics. The ticket includes: bus transfer from Cordoba, access to the site and guided tour.
Book your Caminito del Rey excursion now!
8. Jaén
Why do we recommend this tour?
Jaén is a much less touristy city nestled in the mountains, famous for its cathedral and the views from the top of the old town. Let’s be honest, it’s a big city, so it’s quite busy by definition. However, it’s not a tourist city, not in the same way as Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada.
In our opinion, it has a few points of interest that are worth a detour if you have the time: for example, you’ll enjoy magnificent views from its narrow streets high above the city, its cathedral stands out from the landscape and its hills covered with olive trees add a certain charm to this almost artistic picture!
What you will see
- The majestic cathedral and the emblematic castle
- The picturesque lanes of the historic center
- An authentic atmosphere combining culture and local gastronomy (especially olive oil)
How much time should I allow?
A half- to full-day excursion lets you discover the essence of Jaén at your own pace. Allow 1? hours’ drive from Cordoba. Here are some ideas for activities and visits on site:
- Discover Jaén and its emblematic sites: the Renaissance cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the Arab baths – see prices, availability and book.
- Immerse yourself in the world of olive oil: visit an olive grove and one of the world’s best olive oil mills, then taste an award-winning olive oil – see prices, availability and book.
- Discover Spain’s largest protected area: hiking in the Sierras de Cazorla National Park – see prices, availability and booking.
9. Explore the Sierra del Hornachuelos Natural Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
We enjoyed exploring the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park. This is a remarkable example of a preserved Mediterranean forest. Covering more than 60,000 hectares, it is home to exceptional biodiversity: you may even spot colonies of griffon and black vultures, as well as golden and imperial eagles. The Bembézar and Guadiato rivers flow through the park, creating picturesque landscapes ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. Don’t miss the nearby Almodóvar del Río castle. This fortress of Arab origin from the VIIIᵉ century, offers a fascinating dive into the region’s medieval history.
What you will see
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Hiking trails
- Streams and panoramic views of the mountain range
- Perfect vantage points for birdwatchers
How much time should I allow?
From Cordoba, allow 1h10 driving time. Once you’re there, we recommend spending the day, especially if you want to hike or swim in the streams!
10. Walk the Torqual de Antequera
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Parc Torcal d’Antequera, a geological masterpiece, is one of Europe’s most impressive natural sites. We loved walking through this labyrinth of stones and admiring the spectacular views over the surrounding valley! Once submerged under water, the rocks have been shaped by tectonic forces and erosion, sculpting this unique lunar landscape.
Walking through this karst landscape, over 150 million years old, is already extraordinary, but the experience becomes even more fascinating when you realize the presence of Neanderthal man, 5,000 years BC.
What you will see
- Spectacular rock formations
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Local flora and fauna: you might spot goats, birds of prey or discover endemic plants.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion, which includes driving and hiking.
- Take a guided tour: see program and availability. The hike lasts about 3 hours, but by the time you get to the site, the activity lasts 5 hours.
- If you’re coming on your own, we recommend staying one night to enjoy the town of Antequera the following day. In fact, the old town is full of beautiful sights and places to explore, such as the Alcazaba, and you can also visit the Dolmens d’Antequera. Read more in our forthcoming article.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Fanny
