With all due respect to roadrunnerrita, Cordoba has the great Mosque and, just across the street, El Caballo Rojo, one of the best restaurants we've ever eaten in. (although it seems to get inconsistent reviews on tripadvisor)

That's worth at least a stop. And, with indyhiker, I'd recommend staying overnite as there are many other things to see.

Thanks to all. After having read everyone's advice and opinions, I think we'll end up flying into Sevilla staying 2-3 days and then visiting Granada for a couple of days. Although I would be sorry to miss the Mezquita. Maybe we can do a daytrip detour on the day we return to Sevilla before we fly home. I also have come to the conclusion that this isn't the trip to use our miles to fly out of NewYork. It just shortens the rest of the trip up by too much. Now I just need to watch airfares out of Phoenix. They seem very high right now, about $1500 per person with 2 connections.

I'll be back seeking your good counsel once I've worked out the flight details. Thanks so much to all of you.

<Kimhe- How does the Alcazaba compare to the Alhambra? It sounds like you have been to both.>

Alhambra is unique, much larger, more restored and a major tourist destination, while the Alcazaba in Málaga is more of an under the radar gem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt2npcTXUs4

And don't skip wonderful Córdoba, see this video and you're sold, "Córdoba, vida y genio" (life & spirit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk

Cjar - Now you're cookin'. Good idea to make a little detour to Cordoba on you way back to Seville ! Have fun.

Bookmarking, since this is my next trip.

Seville is a stunning place and after staying in both Cordoba and Granada I would only visit those two towns as day trips. Book early for the Alhambra in Granada, although the Alhambra in Seville is just as stunning.