A SHORT SEVILLA + DAY TRIP TO CORDOBA QUESTION
 

Hello all,

I am now doing homework for our trip to Andalucia in October and I have already received some excellent ideas from an earlier posted question.

So now here is a more focused question: the more I read about Sevilla, the more I am thinking that it is just the kind of city we would love (we have never been to Spain at all) and that somehow we must spend more than three nights there. Hence the question:

What are your opinions about spending 5 nights in Sevilla and doing a day trip to Cordoba, mainly for the Mezquita? Up until now I had been allocating 2 nights to Cordoba and 3 nights to Sevilla. This would give us a chance to wander around the old quarters of Cordoba, take in a flamenco show, and go two or three times to soak up the Mezquita in particular (our priorities in travel: generally avoid one-night stops; don’t rush it; food and architecture; sitting on an old terrace with drink in hand, etc.)

I realize that this is a kind of “Is Paris or Rome better?” question with no objective answer but I would welcome your very subjective impressions and opinions.

Thanks!

I'd make sure I caught an early train and came back late but Cordoba could be done in a day. Last time I did 3 and 2 and that worked but I could see 4 and 1 work.

Good plan IMO
We stayed in Seville on two occasions ( 5 nights each) ,made a day trip to Cordoba.
Some posters feel Cordoba merits more time, but if you wish to see a few specific
areas, one day will do .

A great many take the simple day trip. Train journey time is as little as 42 minutes each way. You will not have to get up at an unreasonable hour and could be making it an eight hour plus day in Cordoba.

I think one night in Córdoba is sufficient. I've been there twice and I feel Seville demands a lot more time. I had 5 nights in Seville and just one night in Córdoba two months ago and it was the right balance.

We did a day trip to Córdoba on the way back to Madrid from a road trip through Andalucía. Spent pretty much the whole time at the Mesquita, shopping and eating a great meal. I'm sorry I missed the patio tours - would like to return at some point for that, but otherwise was satisfied with a day there.

I agree with the earlier respondents - you should do Cordoba as a day trip. I did Cordoba as a daytrip from Sevilla and saw all the main sites.

Sevilla is a perfect base - you can do some day trips to smaller towns IF you tire of Sevilla (which is hard!). My faves: Carmona, Arcos de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera. (And if you're "Game of Thrones" fans: Osuna.)

Personally, I thought Cordoba deserved 2 full days -- but then I wasn't planning on just 3 days in Sevilla. ;-) It really depends on what YOU want to see and experience. I don't think you'll go wrong either way.