AquaSierra is the only water park in Córdoba province. It sits in Villafranca de Córdoba, 15 minutes from the city centre, and has been running since 1987. The park covers 47,000 m² — big enough that it never feels crushingly crowded, even in August when temperatures routinely hit 40°C.
What makes it work for families
The layout is sensible. Water slides range from gentle slopes that toddlers can handle to drops that will make adults question their life choices. The main lake pool has plenty of room to actually swim, not just stand. The children's zone uses shallow pools and scaled-down slides — the kind of setup where you can actually sit nearby and keep an eye on small kids without constant panic.
Shaded areas with sun loungers are spread around the pool perimeters, not just jammed into one corner. That makes a real difference when the Andalusian sun is serious about business.
The park won the Best Tourism Business Award in 2020 from the Diputación Provincial de Córdoba — nearly four decades of experience shows in how smoothly the place runs.
Services on site
Safety: qualified lifeguards cover all areas, with a first-aid station staffed by medical personnel. Equipment: sun lounger and float rental (extra charge), secure lockers, changing rooms with showers. Food: an on-site restaurant means you don't have to pack a full picnic. Parking: free, with enough spaces that it's rarely a scramble.
Groups and birthday parties can book private areas with dedicated services — useful if you're planning a children's event.
When to go and how to get there
The park runs June to September, daily from 11:30 am to 8 pm in high season. Hours shift at the start and end of season, so check the official website before you drive out.
Timing tip: arriving at opening (11:30 am) gets you the best pick of sun loungers. If mornings don't work, after 5 pm is good too — families with young children start heading home, and the slides thin out.
By car: 15 minutes from central Córdoba via the CO-3103 road. Take the Villafranca exit and follow signs to km 2.5. Free parking on site.
By bus: service from Córdoba bus station exists but is limited — check timetables in advance.
What to bring: swimwear, towels, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat. The restaurant means you don't need a full picnic, but extra water is always useful in the Andalusian summer.
Combining with other visits
AquaSierra works well as an afternoon addition to a cultural morning. Medina Azahara is on the same general route — visit the caliphal ruins from 9 am to noon, then head to the park.
For something different, the province also has natural swimming pools and river spots in the Sierra Morena — free, quieter, and a completely different experience.
If you're staying near the hills, the Parador de Córdoba on the Arruzafa hillside has its own pool. And for a more zen aquatic session back in the city, Hammam Al Ándalus offers traditional Arab baths in a historic building.
Prices: check the official website for current rates. Among the most affordable parks in Spain, according to the park itself.
