Cordoba for under £100 a night . . .
This charming city offers history, culture and some of Spain’s finest (and cheapest) tapas
IT HAS long played second Spanish fiddle to Seville as the main launching point for exploring Andalucía, but Cordoba is fascinating in its own right.
Its Roman foundations were built upon by the Moorish Empire and this influence remains today in the Mezquita (grand mosque) and the charming jumble of tapering lanes that were designed to keep out the worst excesses of summer heat. Orange trees galore, innumerable cafes with pleasant patios and some of the finest (and cheapest) tapas cuisine in Spain make Cordoba a sensual delight.
Where to stay
■ Hotel Cordoba Center
SLAP bang on Cordoba’s ‘golden mile’ Manzana de Oro, Hotel Cordoba Center is a five-minute stroll from the station. The rooftop pool offers magnificent city views. Rooms are generously sized.
Doubles from £81 B&B (hotelescenter.es).
■ Hotel Viento10
ON THe edge of the historic Jewish quarter, this eight- room retreat at was once part of the 15thcentury hSacred Martyr’s ’s hospital. Seven of the he rooms overlook a courtyard. expect a free e glass of fizz on arrival. Doubles from £89 B&B (hotelviento10.es/en/).
■ Patio del Posadero
THe room-only deal for thehe ‘Spartan’ doudoubles at Patio del Posadero is a bargain. These rooms have olive wood walls, amber lights and lead onto palm-fringed terraces and a plunge pool. Owners Lisa and Jose are a delight; ask them to share restaurant tips in the little bar.
Doubles from £82 (patiodelposadero.com).
■ Eurostars Patios de Cordoba
NeXT to the Roman ruins but far enough away from the bustle of the old town, eurostars has 65 rooms amid a jumble of courtyards and townhouses.
Doubles from £73 (eurostarshotels.com).
What to see and do ■ The Mezquita
WITH terracotta columns galore, a huge courtyard filled with orange trees and fountains plus chambers decorated with red, gold and turquoise mosaics, the Mezquita is the most ambitious mosque the Moors ever built. entrance is £11.50 to climb the belltower; general admission is £2.65 ( mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/).
■ Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
TRANSLATeD as the Castle Of The Christian Monarchs, this fortified palace dates back to 1328 when it was built on the orders of Alfonso XI. It was used by the Inquisition before becoming a prison. But despite its grim history, it’s a delight to stroll around today. entrance £4.35 ( museosdecordoba.sacatuentrada.es).
■ Jardin Botanico
THIS verdant respite from the narrow streets is home to a palaeontology museum with more than 15,000 plant fossils. But its real draw is the chance to stroll amid the rose gardens, arboretum and greenhouses which spill out onto the banks of the River Guadalquivir. entrance £2.65 ( jardinbotanicodecordoba.com).
■ Posada del Potro
THIS inn was described by Cervantes as a ‘den of thieves’ in Don Quixote, after a few late and heavy nights the author spent
Spanish tradition: Striking flamenco dancers in Cordoba here. Today, however, this is a museum dedicated to flamenco. entrance £1.40 ( centroflamencofosforito.cordoba.es).
How to get there
RETURN flights from Gatwick to Seville from £85 ( ba.com). The high-speed train from Seville to Cordoba takes about 40 minutes, with returns from £27 ( raileurope. com). More information: spain.info