“What? You want a Corona?”

Córdoba is in Spain. You thought you knew everywhere in Spain. Well there’s life beyond Madrid mate...

To be fair nicknames like “Constantinople of the Occident” or “Pearl of Moorish Spain” are not helping Córdoba appeal to the masses.

But what do they know - the smell of orange blossom and twang of a Spanish guitar lead you to the world’s largest mosque, a plate of tapas, and a jug of wine.

It’s time to say Hola to Córdoba - flamenco emojis at the ready...

Architecture

Will travel to Córdoba for just one building.

There’s no escaping the big dog attraction - Mezquita Catedral - and why would you want to? Originally it was a mosque, now it's a cathedral. It’s always been leave-your-partner levels of gorgeous.

There’s a ridiculous 856 columns made of stuff that sounds like expensive nail varnish colours - jasper, onyx, marble, granite. You’ll leave furiously Googling ‘Moorish home inspo.’

Want some Roman temple with your Moorish cathedral?

Indiana Jones and his archeologist mates think this was one of the most beautiful structures in the entire Roman Empire.

Today it’s surrounded by modern buildings and the town hall - which makes its ten ridged columns look even more striking.

Next stop on your walking tour is a cracking little castle. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is a dreamy medieval building on the river - these Christians knew how to live.

The gardens are the stuff of Spanish movie sets - complete with a pool and gardens bursting with flowers- where’s Javier Bardem at?

Food

There's more than one way to skin a cat in Córdoba… if by skin a cat you mean eat and drink errrryything.

This city knocks out a local neighbourhood bar like nobody’s business - start at Jugo, a shop bar with white tiled walls and dark wood. They specialise in natural wine and bougie vibes.

Take a glass out to the square to see orange trees swaying and the fountain trickling beside you.

You’ll want to eat where the Spanish mobsters do, right?

This is New York gangster meets old Hollywood glamour... Willem Dafoe and Elizabeth Taylor would eat here.

Taberna San Miguel El Pisto (catchy) is a Córdoba institution serving classics like fried egg with ratatouille and pigs trotters… on second thoughts, maybe just a sherry and jug of vino Señor?

Outside

It’s warm all-year-round - a fact which has not escaped the locals. They do everything outside.

Watch a film? There’s a handful of gorgeous outdoor cinemas - Cine Fuenseca is one of the best. Better brush up on your Espanol.

Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed patio festival festival. Neighbours battle it out for the best house front - yep, it’s the most beautiful fight you can imagine. Shanks are swapped for succulents. Everyone’s a winner.

Get on yer bike - early or late to avoid the crowds.

Go to Puerto de Almodovar and pedal along Calle Judios around Mezquita and across the Roman bridge. Follow the river across the Miraflores bridge and then head on to Plazas del Porto. Thigh-burning fun in the melty Spanish sun.

Dance

Horses take on flamenco in an epic dance battle - like a My Little Pony and Magic Mike mashup… horrifying.

At the Royal Stables of Córdoba, purebred Spanish horses prance around flamenco dancers in a performance called ‘The Passion and Spirit of Andalusian Horses.’

There are nightly shows or afternoon practice sessions. Get it in your eyeballs RN.

Córdoba is the flamenco emoji standing in front of a Moorish palace with a glass of wine in her hand. Run don’t walk.