Which Andalusian city should you visit first?

Córdoba is ideal for a first visit: compact city (2–3 days is enough), the Mezquita is Andalusia's most impressive monument, moderate budget (€50–80/day) and excellent AVE connection from Madrid (1h45). Seville suits longer stays (4–5 days), Granada is best for Alhambra lovers.

Can you visit Córdoba, Granada and Seville in one trip?

Yes, it is the classic Andalusia circuit. Allow 8–10 days minimum: 2–3 days in Córdoba, 3–4 days in Seville, 2–3 days in Granada. All three cities are connected by AVE train (Córdoba–Seville 45 min, Córdoba–Granada via Madrid or direct bus 2h30).

Which is the cheapest city among Córdoba, Granada and Seville?

Córdoba is the cheapest of the three. Accommodation: €60–90 for a double vs €80–120 in Seville. Restaurants: set lunch menu at €10–13 vs €12–16 in Seville. The Mezquita costs €13 vs €19 for the Alhambra in Granada. Average daily budget is €70 in Córdoba, €85 in Granada, €95 in Seville.

Córdoba, Granada or Seville: which city to choose?

At a glance comparison

Criteria	Córdoba	Granada	Seville
Flagship monument	Mezquita-Cathedral	Alhambra	Royal Alcázar + Cathedral
Ideal duration	2–3 days	2–3 days	3–5 days
Budget/day	€70	€85	€95
Hotel (double)	€60–90	€70–110	€80–120
Set lunch menu	€10–13	€10–14	€12–16
From Madrid (AVE)	1h45	3h15	2h30
Atmosphere	Intimate, quiet	Bohemian, student	Vibrant, cosmopolitan
Best season	Mar–May, Oct	Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct	Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Crowds	Moderate	Heavy (Alhambra)	Very heavy

C Córdoba: the authentic

The smallest of the three cities, yet the one with the most concentrated heritage. The Mezquita-Cathedral is often cited by travellers as Andalusia's most striking monument. Córdoba wins hearts with its quiet pace, affordable food scene and flower-lined streets.

Must-sees

• Mezquita-Cathedral: forest of 856 two-tone columns (€13)
• Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs: gardens and Roman mosaics (€5)
• Judería: ancient Jewish quarter, UNESCO listed
• Medina Azahara: 10th-century caliphal palace city (€3)
• Palacio de Viana: 12 patios and art collections (€8)

Best for

Travellers seeking authenticity, Islamic history enthusiasts, couples looking for peace and quiet, budget-conscious visitors, and those on a 2–3 day Andalusian circuit.

Highlights

+ Compact city, everything walkable
+ Lowest budget of the three cities
+ Less touristy than Seville and Granada
+ Authentic cuisine (salmorejo, rabo de toro)
+ Fast AVE connection (1h45 from Madrid)

Limitations

- Less nightlife than Seville
- Intense summer heat (40°C+)
- No international airport

The Roman Bridge of Córdoba at sunset — The Roman Bridge offers the finest view of the Mezquita at sunset

G Granada: the romantic

Granada owes its fame to the Alhambra, a Nasrid palace ranked among the wonders of the world. The city has a bohemian atmosphere shaped by its university quarter and the caves of Sacromonte. Backed by the Sierra Nevada, it offers a spectacular natural setting.

Must-sees

• Alhambra and Generalife: Nasrid palace and gardens (€19, booking essential)
• Albaicín: Arab quarter, UNESCO listed, views of the Alhambra
• Sacromonte: cave dwellings, authentic flamenco
• Cathedral and Royal Chapel: tombs of the Catholic Monarchs (€5)
• Sierra Nevada: skiing in winter, hiking in summer

Best for

Romantic travellers, traditional flamenco lovers, hikers, students and backpackers (free tapas with drinks), Alhambra enthusiasts.

Highlights

+ The Alhambra, Spain's most visited monument
+ Free tapas in many bars
+ Lively student atmosphere
+ Sierra Nevada 30 minutes away
+ Authentic flamenco at Sacromonte

Limitations

- Alhambra tickets must be booked 2–3 months ahead
- Hilly city, tiring with children or limited mobility
- No direct AVE train from France

S Seville: the flamboyant

Capital of Andalusia, Seville is the largest and most vibrant of the three cities. Its heritage is vast: the Real Alcázar (Game of Thrones setting), the world's largest Gothic cathedral and the spectacular Plaza de España. Nightlife and flamenco are everywhere.

Must-sees

• Real Alcázar: Mudéjar palace and gardens (€16)
• Cathedral and Giralda: world's largest Gothic cathedral (€12)
• Plaza de España: neo-Mudéjar monument from 1929 (free)
• Triana quarter: ceramics, flamenco, tapas
• Metropol Parasol (Las Setas): panoramic views (€5)

Best for

Travellers seeking animation, nightlife and gastronomy lovers, shoppers, 4–5 day stays, direct flights from abroad.

Highlights

+ International airport (direct flights from London, Paris)
+ Widest cultural and nightlife offering
+ Shopping and trendy neighbourhoods
+ Spectacular Feria de Abril and Semana Santa
+ Ideal base for exploring Andalusia

Limitations

- Most expensive of the three cities
- Very touristy (especially in spring)
- Larger city, sometimes requires public transport

Gardens of the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs in Córdoba — The gardens of Córdoba's Alcázar, a peaceful haven away from the crowds

Which city suits your travel style?

First trip to Andalusia

Start with Córdoba. Compact city, easy by AVE from Madrid, affordable budget. The Mezquita sets the Andalusian tone without Seville's tourist pressure.

Córdoba recommended

Long weekend (3–4 days)

Seville with a direct flight. Enough monuments and restaurants to fill 4 days without a dull moment.

Seville recommended

Romantic getaway

Granada for the Alhambra at sunset, the lanes of the Albaicín and an intimate flamenco show in Sacromonte.

Granada recommended

Tight budget

Córdoba is the most affordable: accommodation and meals are 20–30% cheaper than Seville. See our budget guide.

Córdoba recommended

Family trip

Córdoba: flat and compact, pushchair-friendly. The zoo, botanical garden and Ciudad de los Niños keep children entertained. See our family guide.

Córdoba recommended

Nightlife

Seville for its Alameda quarter bars, nightly flamenco shows and terraces along the Guadalquivir.

Seville recommended

10-day circuit: all three cities

The classic itinerary combines all three cities in 8–10 days. Here is our transport-optimised suggestion.

D1–D3

Córdoba (2–3 days)

Arrive by AVE from Madrid. Mezquita, Judería, Alcázar, Medina Azahara. See our detailed itineraries.

AVE train Córdoba → Seville (45 min, €10–20)

D4–D7

Seville (3–4 days)

Alcázar, Cathedral, Plaza de España, Triana, flamenco show. Option: day trip to Italica (Roman ruins, 30 min). See our Seville day trip from Córdoba.

ALSA bus Seville → Granada (3h, €20–30)

D8–D10

Granada (2–3 days)

Alhambra (book ahead), Albaicín, Sacromonte, free tapas. Return by AVE via Madrid or fly from Granada airport. See our Granada day trip from Córdoba.

Estimated budget: €800–1,200 per person (excluding flights) for 10 days, including accommodation, meals, inter-city transport and monument entrance fees.

Getting between the three cities

Córdoba → Seville

AVE: 45 min, €10–25, 20+ trains/day
ALSA bus: 2h, €12–15, 8 buses/day
Car: 1h30, A-4 motorway