Spain’s ‘magnificent’ yet overlooked city that has highs of 27°C in October

The Andalusian region of Spain is home to plenty of beautiful places, each striking enough to capture the attention of travellers. 

Seville is renowned for its lively atmosphere and stunning architecture; Malaga boasts beautiful beaches, bags of culture and vibrant nightlife; Granada is home to the iconic Alhambra, a magnificent fortress and palace and one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture.

Yet, among this impressive lineup is Córdoba – a charming city that often finds itself overlooked.

Córdoba, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history, with Roman roots that date back to its founding in 152 BC, which visitors can still find remnants of its past today.

Once the capital of the Moorish Empire during the ‘Islamic Golden Age’ in the 10th century, the city flourished under the rule as a centre of art, science, and philosophy, becoming one the most advanced cities in Europe. 

Nowadays, it’s often bypassed in favour of more popular Andalusian destinations. But those who explore will be treated to its stunning architecture and rich cultural scene, including the Mezquita-Cathedral, the ancient Roman bridge, and the winding streets of the Jewish quarter. 

It’s even been named in Skyscanner’s annual report of the hottest destinations for 2025.

The city ranked fifth on the list of places that have seen the biggest increase in searches over the past 12 months, standing alongside other stunning spots from Tromsø, Norway to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

We’ve already established that Córdoba is worth a visit, but before you book your flights to the Andalusian treasure, here’s everything you need to know.

The nearest airport to Córdoba is Seville, located around 130 kilometres (81 miles) southwest of the city. 

From Seville, there are several options for getting to your final destination, including renting a car, with the drive taking around 90 minutes. Alternatively, you could catch a direct train, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. 

There are plenty of direct flights from London to Seville operated by airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways. The journey takes around two hours and 45 minutes, and prices start from just £45 in late October according to Skyscanner. 

Alternatively, you can fly to Malaga Airport, around 165 kilometres (103 miles) from Córdoba. Direct flights from London to Malaga take around two hours and 40 minutes and could work out cheaper, with prices starting at £20 in October on Skyscanner. 

The travel time from Malaga to Córdoba works out similarly too; the drive takes around one hour and 45 minutes while direct trains are roughly 50 minutes.

The best time to visit Córdoba is during the spring (April to early June) or in Autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild but pleasant enough to explore comfortably.

Being inland in the south of Spain, Córdoba experiences more extreme temperatures than coastal areas, and its summers can be unbearably hot. 

As such, tourists may want to avoid visiting between July and August when temperatures can soar to extreme highs, often exceeding 40°C.

October, in particular, is a great time to visit. While it’s cooler than the intense summer heat, temperatures can reach up to 27°C – perfect for some last-minute sun-seeking. 

Winter also has pleasant temperatures, between 10-16°C, and there are fewer tourists for those who want to escape the crowds. 

Due to its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the city is brimming with history and culture, offering plenty to see and do. 

A trip to Córdoba would be remiss without a visit to the Mezquita Cathedral, one of the ‘world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture’, according to Lonely Planet.

Originally built as a mosque during the 8th century, it was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century.

It features horseshoe arches with red-and-white stripes, a prayer hall with carved columns and an intricately designed mihrab.

The Mezquita has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor out of over 23,300 reviews, with visitors declaring it ‘magnificent’.

One, @trewen, wrote: ‘The beauty of this place needs to be seen to be believed. The architecture is magnificent. You cannot visit Córdoba and not make a visit here.’

@july_chernika

Originally a mosque built in the 8th century during Islamic rule, the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain underwent significant transformations when Christians conquered the city in the 13th century. Instead of demolishing the mosque, they constructed a cathedral within its intricate arches, resulting in a unique fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture. This architectural marvel has since stood as a symbol of cultural coexistence and historical continuity. #cordoba#spain#andalucia

♬ Memory Reboot – Narvent & VØJ

The city’s Roman sights are plentiful too – perhaps the most breathtaking is the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, originally built during the 1st century BC under the reign of Augustus. 

Although it has undergone several renovations over the years, many of its original features remain intact, and visitors have described the bridge as ‘marvellous’ and ‘fascinating’ on Tripadvisor.

During your trip, you can also explore the city’s Jewish Quarter, which boasts winding narrow streets, historic synagogues and artisan shops. 

Four-star hotel rooms on Booking.com in late October tend to range from £60 to £170 per night based on two adults.

Córdoba is described as a very walkable city – and is small enough to get around on foot or bike.

Many of its well-known attractions are within close distance of each other, so a long weekend should be plenty of time to explore what’s on offer. 

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