Autumn is the ideal season to treat yourself to a getaway to a city in southern Europe. Let yourself be tempted by this destination which is full of treasures to discover on foot.
When the first frosts of autumn appear, it’s hard to resist the call of the south. Escaping the gray to find the sun and warmer temperatures, this is an attractive program for a weekend or a week of vacation. It is also the low season, synonymous with lower prices for plane tickets and hotels. Not to mention the tourist sites which can be visited without endless queues…
Barcelona is a safe bet for a weekend in the sun. The Catalan city has many assets, starting with its beaches. Problem is, it attracts its stream of tourists all year round and since autumn is not the best time to take a dip, we suggest you head further south to discover another side of Spain!
The charming asset of our destination today is, first of all, its human scale. Everything can be visited on foot, from the station to the main monuments, including the typical neighborhoods. In just 15 minutes, you can reach the historic center from the station. Temperatures hover pleasantly around 20°C during the day, perfect for strolling without suffering from the stifling heat that reigns there in summer or even in spring.
As you may have guessed, among the cities to absolutely (re)discover this season, there is one that stands out: Cordoba. Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, the former capital of the Umayyad Caliphate has preserved an exceptional historical heritage from this sumptuous era. Its jewel is the immense mosque-cathedral, an architectural masterpiece unique in the world. Imagine a forest of 850 marble columns, sparkling mosaics, sculpted vaults… A real journey through time!
You have to gain some height to admire Córdoba in all its splendor. Head to the cathedral’s bell tower and its 12 floors, the effort will be worth it. The view of the entire old town is breathtaking. We can see the roofs of the Alcazar, another marvel built on the ruins of a Moorish fortress. It was here that Christopher Columbus prepared the final details of his first voyage to the Americas.
The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Córdoba is to stroll through the maze of its narrow medieval streets. Paved and lined with whitewashed houses, they invite you to stroll. At every street corner we come across a shady square, a Moorish fountain or a flowered patio. So many perfect places for a coffee break, a few tapas or a glass of wine, in moderation of course.
In the fall, the cultural life of Cordoba is in full swing. Shows, a Sephardic festival celebrating Jewish heritage, historical re-enactments of the Muslim golden age… There is no shortage of festivities. On the nature side, the lush gardens of the Alcazar palace and the peaceful banks of the Guadalquivir, the river which crosses the city, also offer lovely autumn walks. Enough to brighten up the gray autumn weather for an enchanted break in Andalusia.