Would you like to visit the jewels of Andalucia and wonder where to go: Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada?
We love all 3 destinations. The choice is difficult, but we’re here to help you with our opinions on specific criteria.
Here’s our Cordoba vs Sevilla vs Granada battle with tips and photos:
- Ambiance and Andalucia traditions
- Monuments and museums
- Surrounding villages and landscapes
- Nearby beaches
- Location
- Hotels and restaurants
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada: comparison summary
Short answer
All 3 are true jewels of Andalucia! We found each one uniquely charming.
Sevilla, a vast regional and cultural capital, seduced us with its lively atmosphere and emblematic monuments such as the cathedral, Giralda and Alcazar. Not to mention its incredible, vibrant cultural life. It’s a dynamic city, with numerous museums and a varied gastronomic offering.
Cordoba, more intimate, is our Andalucia favorite. Its famous cathedral mosque and charming Jewish quarter are symbols of cultural coexistence. We found a quieter atmosphere here, pleasant for strolling through its flower-filled lanes. The city is easily explored on foot.
Granada fascinated us with its palatial Alhambra complex and its ancient Arab quarter of the Albaicín, offering spectacular views. It combines Moorish history with a lively student atmosphere. In our opinion, its proximity to the Sierra Nevada and the coast makes it an excellent starting point for a variety of excursions.
Depending on what you’re looking for…
- to easily explore the region: Granada
- for the most beautiful historical monuments: Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada
- for local gastronomy: Sevilla
- to travel back in time on foot: Cordoba
- for flamenco: Sevilla and Granada
- for the most beautiful cathedral with features you won’t see anywhere else: Cordoba
- for the best views: Granada
- for young children / families: Granada, Sevilla
- for the most beautiful hotels: Granada
- for a romantic break: Cordoba
- for its proximity to the white villages: Granada
- for beach access: Sevilla and Granada
And for more ideas on where to stay in the region, see our selection of the best towns.
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See the top-rated accommodations in Cordoba
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See the best rated accommodations in Sevilla
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See the top-rated accommodations in Granada
Access + Location to explore the region
The 3 cities offer an impressive range of cultural and historical attractions. In our opinion, Cordoba was the city that most amazed us, although Sevilla and Granada are still the best places to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage.
For getting around and exploring the region, Granada is the most central. In our opinion, the easiest and best way to discover these wonders and their surroundings is to rent a car. The 3 towns are crossed by several of the region’s main roads:
- Cordoba: free ways A-4, A-45, A-431, national road N-432
- Sevilla: freeways A-4, A-49, A-66, A-92, national road N-IV
- Granada: freeways A-44, A-45, A-92, national road N-432 (connecting Córdoba to Granada), mountain road A-395 leading to the Sierra Nevada ski resort
Here are the driving times between towns and a map to help you find your way:
- Granada to Sevilla = 2h45min drive
- Sevilla to Cordoba = 1h40min drive
- Cordoba to Granada = 2h25min drive
Only 2 cities have international airports:
- Granada – Federico Garcia Lorca Airport (GRX)
- Sevilla airport (SVQ)
Compare available flights.
To get to Cordoba, you’ll need to arrive at Sevilla airport, 1h25min away by car. The airports of Malaga – Costa del Sol and Granada (GRX) are a 2-hour drive from Cordoba.
To travel between cities by bus or train:
- Bus stations: Sevilla, Ronda, Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz, Marbella, Granada, Antequera, etc.
See the official Alsa bus network website here - Railway stations: Cordoba, Sevilla, Malaga, Guadix, Jaen, Almeria, Cadiz, etc.
See the official website of Renfe, Spain’s national rail network here
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Hotels: Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada
Hotels in Cordoba
We found the hotel offer in Cordoba to be varied and of high quality, ranging from luxury to more affordable options with good value for money compared to other tourist cities in Spain. Just like this multicultural city with its intimate, authentic atmosphere, we loved the charming hotels nestled in historic buildings in the center and Jewish quarter. Between flower-filled patios and traditional architecture, these picturesque accommodations are close to major sites such as the Mosque-Cathedral.
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio – See prices, photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel Las Casas de la Judería – See prices, photos and availability
- Panoramic view: Madinat Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Cordoba – coming soon
Hotels in Sevilla
Hotels in Sevilla are of good quality. Capital of the region, it is often considered the cultural heart of Andalucia and the ideal starting point for day trips to the surrounding area. And therefore a strategic drop-off point!
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Hotel Lobby Room- See prices, photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel H10 Corregidor – See prices, photos and availability
- Typical decoration: Hotel Ateneo – See prices, photos and availability
- Aparthotel: Aquitania Home Suites – See prices, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Sevilla
Hotels in Granada
Granada has a wide range of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. Dynamic and charming, the town boasts a wealth of historical treasures and is alive with events all year round. It’s a great place to stay!
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Hotel Corrala del Realejo – See prices, photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel Luna Granada Centro (boutique-hotel) – See prices, photos and availability
- With view: Hotel Alhambra Palace – See prices, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Granada
Our review
Whether in Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada, we stayed in some real nuggets, from charming hotels in old palaces to traditional family homes. We really liked the combination of modernity and authenticity in Mudéjar architectural settings. For its warm and intimate atmosphere, whether in its narrow streets or in its charming hotels, we prefer Cordoba’s hotels.
Attractions, museums and monuments
Attractions in Cordoba
Cordoba’s main attractions are:
- The sublime Cathedral Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that has spanned eras and civilizations since the 6th century, a symbol of cultural coexistence.
- The Alcazar fortress of the Christian Kings of Cordoba and its lush gardens
- The Roman Bridge with panoramic views of the Guadalquivir River
- The Jewish Quarter, with its cobbled streets and picturesque atmosphere
- Cordoba’s medieval synagogue, one of the few still preserved in the region
- Viana Palace and its many patios
- The city’s museums
- And other wonders to discover…
Read more in our article on Cordoba’s top attractions – coming soon
Attractions in Sevilla
Sevilla’s main attractions are..:
- Explore the Plaza de España
- Visit the Real Alcazar Palace
- Marvel at the Cathedral and its Giralda
- Stroll through the historic center
- Strolling along the Guadalquivir River
- Explore the city’s myriad palaces and museums
- Attend a flamenco show
- And lots of other ideas…
Find out more in our article on Sevilla’s top attractions.
Attractions in Granada
Granada’s main attractions are
- Visit the Alhambra palace complex
- Strolling through the historic center
- Stroll through the Carmen de los Martires Garden
- Discover the Sacromonte district and its museum
- Pushing open the doors of Granada Cathedral
- Visit the Monastery of La Cartuja
- Family fun at the Parc des Sciences
- Explore the city’s many museums
Find out more in our article on Granada’s top attractions.
Our review
It all depends on what you’re interested in! Sevilla is undoubtedly the cultural heart of Andalucia, with an array of historic monuments and museums to discover, and a surprising variety of architectural styles. Sevilla’s museum collections are also the richest in the world.
Cordoba has won us over with its diversity of traditions, an emblem of tolerance and cultural coexistence. As for Granada, it offers remarkable monuments, breathtaking views from the city itself and great excursions in the surrounding area. Although it’s hard for us to choose, as all 3 cities are open-air museums with an unparalleled historical and cultural heritage, our favorite is Cordoba, with its Roman bridge and unique cathedral mosque.
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
Andalucia’s rich cultural scene and traditions
The capital of Andalucia lives up to its name. Sevilla offers an incomparable cultural scene. During the Feria de Abril, an emblematic spring festival, you’ll see the city transformed into a whirlwind of flamenco and Andalucia traditions. Sevilla is also famous for its Semana Santa religious celebrations, when dozens of processions march to the rhythm of drums and trumpets. Finally, events such as the Bienal de Flamenco, held every 2 years in September, or the Festival de Cine Europeo in November, attract the best artists in the genre. A unique blend of culture and festivities!
Cordoba, our favorite! It is the cradle of a rich multicultural history, celebrating its traditions with fervor. You may be lucky enough to attend the Festival de los Patios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the hidden beauty of flower-filled patios. In spring, the Feria de Cordoba at the Arenal in May and the Noche Blanca del Flamenco in June are highlights deeply rooted in Andalucia’s traditions. They combine music, dance, crafts and local gastronomy in a convivial atmosphere.
Last but not least, Granada offered us a beautiful cultural scene, steeped in its Moorish heritage. The Festival Internacional de Música y Danza, held in the palatial complex of the Alhambra, is a major event born at the end of the 19th century and which has lost none of its creative and artistic brilliance. Granada also celebrates its traditions with festivities such as the Día de la Cruz in May, when crosses are decorated and scattered throughout the streets. On this occasion, dances, flamenco costumes and music light up the city. And don’t forget the Feria del Corpus, a religious and festive celebration with solemn processions, float parades, flamenco shows and funfairs.
We were also charmed by the Sacromonte district, with its troglodyte houses and museum. It remains the beating heart of flamenco, perpetuating the soul of Andalucia. A must-see!
Note that during all these events, tourist numbers are generally very high, as most of the celebrations are recognized and appreciated by travellers from all over the world! We also see it as a way of discovering regional culture and history, meeting local people and learning about their traditions.
Excursions around the cities
Excursions from Cordoba
From Cordoba, you can visit..:
- Medina Azahara: ruins of an ancient palace – 15min drive from Cordoba – Book a guided tour – see program and availability
- Village of Zuheros: off the beaten track and therefore less well-known, our favorite of Andalucia’s white villages, 1h15min drive from Cordoba.
- Sevilla, capital and heart of Andalucia: 1h40min by car, discover this extraordinary museum-city in 1 day – read our article
- Jaén, nestled in the mountains: 1h20min from Cordoba, visit its majestic cathedral, enjoy the views from the top of the city with its narrow streets, hills and unique landscapes – schedule your visit
See our article on the best excursions from Cordoba – coming soon
Excursions from Sevilla
From Sevilla, you can visit:
- Visit Granada and its Alhambra: with this tour, you can discover the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the historic Albaicín district – see program and availability
- Explore Ronda: this excursion will take you to the famous white villages of Andalucia and the incredible town of Ronda, built on 2 cliffs – see program and availability.
Marvel at Cordoba: discover Cordoba’s Jewish quarter and visit its impressive cathedral mosque – see program and availability
See our article on the best excursions from Sevilla
Excursions from Granada
From Granada, you can visit..:
- The Sierra Nevada: visit Europe’s second highest mountain range by 4×4! – see prices, availability and book
- The city of Cordoba: discover the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba with this tour including entrance to the monument – see prices, availability and book now!
- The villages of Alpujarra: this guided tour will take you to the famous white villages of Andalucia – see prices, availability and bookings
- The Caminito del Rey hike: we were impressed by the beauty of this trail suspended in the middle of cliffs and bordered by an artificial lake – see prices, availability and bookings.
See our article on the best excursions from Granada – coming soon
Our review
We think Granada stands out for its diversity of excursions. It’s also conveniently located at a crossroads, with numerous freeways, trunk roads and mountain roads running through it. The historic Alhambra stands alongside the Sierra Nevada, numerous parks and archaeological sites such as the Dolmen d’Antequera. A unique blend of culture and nature to experience in the surrounding area! The nearby white villages and the Caminito del Rey hike add a touch of adventure to our eyes. Sevilla and Cordoba also offer interesting options for day trips in the surrounding area. However, Granada remains a truly ideal starting point and promises a wide variety of landscapes and types of places that can easily be visited in a day.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
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Best gastronomic offer
Restaurants in Cordoba
We were delighted to find that Cordoba’s gastronomy reflects its multicultural heritage. Salmorejo, a cold soup made with tomatoes and olive oil, is the city’s signature appetizer. Tapas are omnipresent, highlighting local products such as Iberian ham. Bull meat and octopus are also local specialties. The restaurants, from traditional taverns to more modern eateries, offered us authentic, fine cuisine.
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Arbequina: the city’s finest gourmet restaurant in our favourite hotel, with a large terrace, modern, elegant table decor and a succulent menu.
- Restaurant Taberna de Almodovar: bistronomic menu with top-quality products, elegant, classic, family atmosphere
- Restaurant Esquinita Juderia del Patio: in a pretty courtyard surrounded by columns, healthy and balanced cuisine, a choice among the tourist addresses in old Cordoba.
Discover soon our selection of the best restaurants in Cordoba
Restaurants in Sevilla
The various districts of Andalucia’s capital are packed with places to sample the region’s specialties and high-quality local produce. From tapas bars to bistronomic and gourmet restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget! We have very fond memories of our meals at the various restaurants in Sevilla, a real treat!
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Lalola (bib Michelin): we were won over by this high-quality, affordable restaurant. We particularly recommend it for meat lovers.
- Restaurant Maestro Rufino: we loved spending time on the very pleasant terrace of this tapas restaurant, where we enjoyed specialties such as salmorejo, a cold tomato soup.
- Restaurant Petit Comité: beautifully decorated, this restaurant offers an elegant setting for tasting typical Andalucia dishes.
Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Sevilla
Restaurants in Granada
Between Andalucia traditions and Moorish influences, Granada’s culinary scene was a delight. Renowned for its free tapas served with every drink in certain bistros, the city has its own customs. Signature dishes include beans with Serrano ham and tortilla del Sacromonte with pork or lamb brains. You’ll be surprised to discover the Albaicín district and its typical tapas bars, while the city center is home to more refined restaurants. Moorish influences can be found in desserts such as piononos, the city’s traditional gourmet pastry. The Province of Granada is also a renowned wine-growing region, with wines that perfectly match this diverse and tasty culinary offering.
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Pimento Rosa: generous, typical cuisine in a refined setting and bright dining room, lovely terrace that’s pleasant in mild weather, we fell for the traditional Andalusian rice dish.
- Restaurant El Mercader: originality, generosity, inventiveness and quality on the menu of this fine bistro with an elegant atmosphere and friendly staff
- Restaurant Avila Tapas: frequented by locals in a lively atmosphere, the real tapas bar without the tourists!
Discover soon our selection of the best restaurants in Granada
Our review
Sevilla is undoubtedly the city with the most varied gastronomic offer, with refined tables, typical tapas bars and good places to eat generously. We’ve also found some great places to put on your list in Cordoba and Granada, but for a wider variety of restaurants, Sevilla is our top choice. As it’s a very busy city, the selection of good restaurants is all the more important to avoid tourist traps. So don’t hesitate to pick from our list of the city’s best restaurants.
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Easy to get around these cities
Getting around Cordoba
Cordoba is the easiest city to get around on foot! Especially in its compact historic center. Because it’s smaller than Sevilla and Granada, it’s easier to explore and quicker to visit. We’ve found that cycling is an excellent option. You can also take public transport, with an extensive bus network serving the city efficiently (see official website here).
If you prefer a guided tour, you can opt for a sightseeing tour in a horse-drawn carriage, a romantic and picturesque way to discover this thousand-year-old city-museum! For a more modern experience, tours by Segway, tricycle or tourist bus are also available: an original way to explore Cordoba!
Getting around Sevilla
It’s easy to get around Sevilla on foot in the historic center. Why not opt for a bicycle? Find out more about sevici‘s self-service rental service. You can also take public transport. There are several bus routes, a streetcar line and a metro line. Visit the official public transport website here.
Alternatively, you can opt for a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
Getting around Granada
We also found it easy to get around Granada on foot, especially in the historic center. Only some districts are more difficult to navigate, due to steep streets and numerous climbs, such as Sacromonte. You can get there by public transport, in particular by bus. Visit the official Granada transport network website here.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided mini-train tour.
Our review
Cordoba seemed to us to be the most convenient city for getting around. We visited everything on foot, and it was great fun to soak up the riches of this open-air museum. The major monuments are close together in the compact city center. We loved wandering through the picturesque streets of this multi-faceted city.
It’s also easy to get around Sevilla and Granada, but note that the Andalusian capital has wide boulevards in places, which can make journeys longer. As for the city, home to the famous Alhambra, it is quite hilly, making certain areas difficult to access on foot, such as Sacromonte.
You should also know that in these 3 cities, the cab network is very efficient and inexpensive, which can be a good alternative for your long journeys.
And why not other cities?
Why not Malaga?
We were pleasantly surprised by Malaga and its mix of history and modernity.
Much more than a seaside resort renowned for its vibrant nightlife, the town boasts a rich past, offering us a singular heritage to visit.
Between the Alcazaba, the superb Cathedral of the Incarnation and Gibralfaro Castle, you won’t have time to get bored. Stroll through one of the many museums, the colorful streets of the town center, the bustling port or along the golden sandy beaches. Discover all the attractions in Malaga
Why not Ronda?
Ronda is a charming town with an ancient medina and the emblematic Puente Nuevo, spanning a deep natural canyon. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from strolling along the narrow streets of the ancient medina, to discovering its flamboyant past through its historic sites and amazing museums, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery it overlooks. Discover all the attractions in Ronda
Frequently asked questions
Is the nightlife liveliest in Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada?
Without a doubt, Granada has the liveliest nightlife of the 3 cities. Its student atmosphere and numerous tapas bars create a festive, friendly atmosphere. We loved the Albaicín district, which comes alive at night, with its picturesque alleyways and views of the illuminated Alhambra. Discotheques and rooftops attract a dynamic population. Last but not least, the tradition of free tapas in some establishments definitely encourages late nights.
For our part, we preferred Sevilla in the evening when the city is illuminated – it’s even more majestic in the moonlight!
Is it possible to visit all 3 cities in one trip?
Of course, this depends on the overall length of your stay, but yes, it is possible to visit all 3 in a single trip. If you have the chance to explore them all, it’s even better to immerse yourself in Andalucia’s culture. Road-tripping is the best way to do it. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together some practical itineraries for discovering Andalucia, to be discovered very soon.
Which of the 3 cities is the most famous for its wines?
Wine tasting and visits to wineries and vineyards are also among the experiences to be enjoyed in these renowned wine regions. In fact, Cordoba stands out among the 3 cities for its oenological credentials. The Montilla-Moriles region, south of the Province of Cordoba, produces renowned wines such as Pedro Ximénez and Vino de Tinaja. These soft, generous wines are internationally recognized for their exceptional quality. Although Granada and Sevilla have their own winemaking traditions, Cordoba’s reputation and history are second to none. Treat yourself to a wine tourism experience in Andalucia that you won’t forget in Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada!
What beaches are close to Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada?
There are no beaches in the immediate vicinity of Cordoba, Sevilla or Granada. How to get there:
- You’ll find that Granada is ideally located in the south of Andalucia, slightly to the east, with easy access to the beaches of Malaga and the Costa Tropical around Motril and Nerja. Among our favorites, the beaches of Lac Négratin are truly magical places off the beaten track, just a 1h20min drive away.
- From Sevilla, the cultural heart and capital of the region, you’ll have easy access to the west coast, or Costa de la Luz, between Tarifa and Cadiz, where you’ll also find some beautiful beaches.
- Finally, Cordoba, our favorite, is easy to explore and more inland. It gives you access to a number of impressive surrounding nature parks and is a little further from the coast, a 2-hour drive from Malaga on the Costa del Sol and 2 hours 45 minutes from the beaches of Cabo de Gata Nature Park.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
- Best things to do in Andalucia
- The most beautiful cities
- The most beautiful white villages
- Cathedrals
- Archaeological sites
- Seville, Cordoba or Granada? (coming soon)
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia (coming soon)
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
Places not to be missed
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Things to do in Cordoba (coming soon)
- Things to do in Granada
- Things to do in Ronda
- Things to do in Malaga
- Things to do in Cadiz (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
