The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Córdoba

Cordoba is a perfect city to explore by bicycle. Its narrow streets, flower-filled courtyards and historic monuments make touring the city on two wheels a unique experience. Cycling, you can discover iconic places such as the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs or the Roman Bridge without missing a single detail.

A bike tour will allow you to discover the history of the city in a comfortable and fun way, accompanied by a local guide who will show you the most authentic corners of Cordoba.

The Jewish Quarter of Cordoba is one of the most historic quarters of the city. Its white narrow streets, its patios decorated with colourful flowerpots and its small squares create a magical atmosphere that transports you to another era.

Here you can visit the Cordoba Synagogue, one of the few surviving medieval Jewish temples in Spain, or simply wander around aimlessly and let yourself be surprised by every corner. A perfect plan for lovers of history and photography.

If you visit Cordoba in spring, you can't miss the Festival de los Patios, when the houses in the old quarter open their doors to show off their impressive flower-filled courtyards. However, all year round you can find some of them open to the public and enjoy their beauty.

The Palacio de Viana is one of the best options to see different styles of courtyards in one place, with gardens and fountains that create a unique atmosphere. A perfect plan to connect with the essence of Andalusia.

The Roman Bridge in Cordoba is one of the most emblematic places in the city, and walking across it at sunset is an unmissable experience. From here, you can admire the illuminated Mosque-Cathedral and see how the sun tints the Guadalquivir River in golden tones.

At the end of the bridge you'll also find the Calahorra Tower, where you can visit a museum on the history of Cordoba and climb up to its terrace to enjoy spectacular views.

Just a few kilometres from Cordoba is Medina Azahara, an ancient palatine city built in the 10th century by Caliph Abderraman III. Strolling through its ruins is like travelling back in time to the most splendid period of the Caliphate of Cordoba.

The site has an interpretation centre where you can learn about the history of this city before touring its archaeological remains, with their majestic palaces and gardens. A must for history lovers.

After a day's sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hammam. Cordoba has several Arab baths where you can enjoy a circuit of thermal waters, massages and an atmosphere that will transport you back to the Andalusian period.

These spaces are designed to offer a moment of calm, with pools of different temperatures, steam rooms and aromatic teas that complete the experience. A perfect way to disconnect and recharge your batteries.

If you feel like getting out of the city centre, the Sierra de Córdoba offers hiking routes and natural spaces ideal for an outdoor getaway. Here you can walk through forests of holm oaks and cork oaks, discover old mills or even take a route to Las Ermitas, a group of small monasteries high up in the mountains.

The sierra is a perfect place for lovers of nature and fresh air, with trails that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback.

To end the day, there is nothing better than enjoying the gastronomy of Cordoba on a terrace with views. Dishes such as salmorejo, flamenquín or aubergines with honey are a must on any visit to the city.

Areas such as the Plaza de la Corredera or the Guadalquivir riverbank are full of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an open-air dinner while you feel the unique atmosphere of Cordoba.