Feria season arrives with the blooming flowers every spring in southern Spain. It is undoubtedly the best time of year. My most vibrant memories of Spain are from my night at La Feria de Córdoba.
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Where is Córdoba?
Córdoba is located in the comunidad of Andalucía. It is a major city located along the Guadalquivir River in the south of Spain.
Córdoba is close to the major cities of Sevilla and Granada. For this reason, it often gets overlooked.
However, if you have the opportunity to visit, especially during La Fería. I believe that you will be as enchanted as I was.
How to get to Córdoba
Córdoba is easily accessible by both train and bus.
The Bus ride from Madrid typically takes around 5 hours and costs around 30 euros each way.
Córdoba is also connected to the rest of Spain by High-speed trains. From Madrid, the ride takes only 2 hours but will cost about 100 Euros each way.
While Córdoba does not have an airport, it is just a 2-hour journey from Sevilla Airport.
Where to Stay in Córdoba
Líbere Córdoba Patio Santa María is my first choice of accommodation for several reasons: location, a beautifully maintained swimming pool, stunning patio, clean rooms, large lockers, and sturdy beds. I would love to stay in this hostel!
What is Córdoba famous for?
Córdoba is home to a unique blend of history, architecture, and cultures. Here you can clearly see the combination of Moorish, Spanish catholic, and Roman influences.
All can most notably be seen in the Mezquita de Córdoba, a UNESCO heritage sight that was formerly a mosque and then converted to a catholic church.
Additionally, The historic city center and the impressive floral patios allow Córdoba to stand out.
What is La Feria?
La Feria is the annual fair that happens in cities and villages all across the southern part of Spain. Each feria is slightly different depending on the local traditions and customs of the city that is hosting it.
The most famous Feria is La Feria de Abril in Sevilla. However, Ferias are hosted all over southern Spain from the middle of April- September.
La Feria has carnival rides, tents for dancing, food booths, sweets, refreshing cocktails, and fairgoers wearing the most incredible cultural clothing.
For a list of all the Ferias in Spain and their dates, click here.
La Feria de Córdoba
Since 1284, La Feria de Nuestra Señora de Salud takes place in the last week of May in Córdoba.
During the week of La Feria, there are several pavilions where you can witness flamenco shows, bullfighting, folklore presentations, and much more.
Even better, there is no admission fee!
Within the feria, there are hundreds of tents, or “casetas” that have a mix of DJs and live music. Here you can drink rebujito and dance the night away!
Rebujito is the typical drink of La Feria. It is made of dry white wine mixed with Sprite.
Each caseta has different music options, and all are open to the public.
Attire for La Feria de Córdoba
One of my favorite parts of La Feria is the attire.
It is traditional to dress in the cultural clothing of the city you are in. In Córdoba, they dress in Flamenca.
For Women, this is made up of several pieces.
The Traje de Flamenca: the stunning dress, with a voluminous skirt and sleeves.
Mantoncillos: the intricately embroidered shawls worn over the Traje de Flamenca, and secured with a brooch.
Accessories include a large flower worn on top of your head, always paired with a pulled-back hairstyle. This can include, low puns, low ponytails, or braids. Additionally, accessories include statement earrings (pendientes) and other jewelry.
For Men traditional Feria Apparel often includes suits cut in a traditional Andalucian way worn commonly with suspenders.
If you choose not to dress traditionally. It is important to know that La Feria is an event and people dress up.
Women typically wear suits or dresses, and men wear suits.
Think, your Sunday best.
Planning to Attend La Feria de Córdoba
If you are planning to attend La Feria de Córdoba make sure you plan well in advance. Since this is the event of the season, accommodations and transportation book up fast, and get expensive quickly!
However, if you are anything like me and are deciding you want to attend just weeks before the event, there is another, much cheaper, option. You can take an organized group day trip through Smart Insiders.
Unfortunately in 2024, they are not hosting a trip to la Fería de Córdoba. Instead, you can utilize them for a day trip for the Patio Festival in Córdoba, or to visit La Fería de Abril in Sevilla.
I went on this exact trip in 2018, and it was a great and affordable way to experience the magic of La Fería. The bus left Madrid at 8:30 am. Once we arrived in Córdoba, we had free time to explore the city of Córdoba and enjoy La Feria, then we got back on the bus at 1:30 am and headed back to Madrid.
I only wish that I had more time! The party at La Feria goes on all night and although the day was long, I wasn’t ready to leave when we did!
If you want to save some money, and you did not plan in advance. This is a perfect option to get a taste of La Fería de Córdoba.
Feria de Córdoba 2024
Feria de Córdoba will take place from Saturday, May 18, 2024, until Saturday, May 25, 2024.
It will take place at El Arenal recinto ferial as it does every year.
The program and map of the fair can be found here.
On May 18th at midnight, they will start the inaugural ceremonies, including lighting the main gate and an outstanding fireworks display!
Daily, activities at the fairground begin at 1 pm.
Be sure to prepare your Traje de Flamenca and practice your dancing, as the La Fería de Córdoba is almost here!
Córdoba, Spain
While you are in the city of Córdoba, Spain for La Feria, I highly suggest seeing the city and all it has to offer.
There is so much beauty in this city.
Some notable places include filming locations for your favorite TV shows and movies, places of historical significance, and places that are full of natural beauty!
Things to do in Córdoba, Spain
There are many things to do and see in Córdoba. This is how I would use my day in Córdoba to see as much as possible.
My bus dropped me near the grounds of La Feria, so that is how I will structure the following Itinerary, however, if you are coming by Train you may wish to follow this in reverse.
Puente Romano de Córdoba
The Puente Romano spans 820 ft across the Guadalquivir River, connecting the southern part of the city to the historical city center.
Emperor Augustus of Rome initially began the construction of the Bridge. In 918 the Moors Bridge improved the bridge to its current state.
While it has always been important to the city of Córdoba, it has since gained fame after it appeared as the Long Bridge of Volantis in Game of Thrones.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a special place and is unlike anything you have ever seen.
A religious site has existed in this location since the 6th century. As leadership and culture changed in ancient Córdoba this site transformed with it.
While originally a Visigoth Basilica, as the Islamic faith in Córdoba expanded and required more space for worship Christians and Muslims shared this space.
As the Muslim community continued to grow they needed to expand their place of worship.
Consequently, the property was purchased from the church and a Mosque was built to mirror the original Basilica floor plan.
During the height of the Moorish rule, the mosque was expanded several times.
After serving as a grand mosque for many years, the Catholics came during the Spanish Reconquista.
At this time the Catholic church reclaimed this space and modified it over hundreds of years to become the space you see today.
A perfect mixture of mosque and cathedral.
In 1984 UNESCO recognized this masterpiece as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is truly remarkable and an absolute must-visit.
Tickets to visit the site can be purchased at a ticket booth near the entrance.
Why is Córdoba important to Islam?
Córdoba was the Islamic capital of the kingdom of Al-Andalus in Spain. Which made this a center of enlightenment for education, commerce, and Islam in Spain.
While Córdoba still represents Islam’s golden age of learning, I believe the Catholic reclamation has lessened its present-day significance to Islam.
Patio de los Naranjos
Patio de los Naranjos is the courtyard of La Mezquita, it has been filled with beautiful orange trees and fountains.
Making this a great place to relax and enjoy the shade.
Often there will be performers treating listeners to live music.
Calleja De Flores
Calleja de Flores is a famous street in Córdoba, known for the beautiful pots filled with flowers along the walls, and this stunning view of the Cathedral.
If you follow Calleja de Flores away from the Cathedral you will find yourself in the old historic neighborhoods which are filled with restaurants and bars!
This is a great area to find a menu del día or sit down for a nice lunch.
Dance in the historic streets
If you are traveling to Córdoba during La Feria, the party is not solely contained within the fairgrounds.
There is music, dancing, and incredible energy all through the city streets, particularly in historic neighborhoods.
Visit the best Patios of Córdoba
Córdoba is famous for its colorful and custom-designed Patios. These are the courtyards of personal residences as well as municipal buildings.
All have their take on the classic colorful flowerpots attached to crisp white walls.
Many people and buildings open their patios for viewing during La Fería.
Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba
The Patios do have their own festival that typically is towards the beginning -middle of May.
During this festival, participants open their patios to the public in competition to win the honor of the best Patio!
While their yearly debuts are celebrated with the festival, you can visit many of these patios all year round!
This makes the daytime leading up to La feria a perfect time to admire the famous patios.
Palacio de Viana is built around 12 courtyards and is one of the most notable places to see the patios in full bloom.
However, This map highlights some of the best free patios to visit!
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
If you wander through the Jewish quarter and the historic city center enough, you are wound to end up at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
This 13th-century royal palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its stunning architecture and vast gardens.
Additionally, this palace served as one of the primary residences of Queen Isabelle And King Ferdinand of Spain.
It truly is a marvel to explore if you have the time!
La Feria
At this point, the festivities at La Feria de Córdoba have likely begun, and it is an ideal time to head in.
I highly recommend finding a bar near the river to enjoy a drink and a snack before heading in!
How many days should I spend in Córdoba Spain?
While you can accomplish a great deal with just one day in Córdoba, this city deserves more time, especially, if you are visiting during La Feria. Two or Three days in the city would be ample time to see all of the historic sites, visit several museums, and enjoy all La Feria has to offer.
Córdoba, Spain weather
The weather in Córdoba is often sunny and warm. Especially in May. May has an average high temp of 80ºF / 26ºC. However, the weather significantly cools off in the evening with average lows of 55ºF/ 13ºC.
June through August are the hottest and dryest months of the year with temps often reaching 95ºF/ 35ºC during the day.
December and January are the coolest and wettest months of the year with daily temperatures of 58ºF/ 14ºC.
What food is Córdoba famous for?
Córdoba is known for several different dishes. It is a city that is known for its contributions to Spanish cuisine.
Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a chilled tomato soup, not to be confused with gazpacho.
While gazpacho includes a mixture of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, and garlic, Salmorejo is made only of tomatoes and garlic.
Salmorejo is often thicker than gazpacho, and to me, it is richer in flavor. It is also often topped with bacon, eggs, and cheese.
Rabo del Toro
Rabo del Toro is Bull Tail and has remained a popular food in Córdoba due to its ties with the sport of bullfighting and the abundance of livestock farms in surrounding areas.
While commonly Rabo del toro is found in a stew, it can also be found in a variety of dishes. For instance in these Croquetas de Rabo del Toro.
Berenjenas con Miel
This is arguably my favorite way to consume eggplant or berenjena.
In this traditional dish, the eggplant is battered and fried then drizzled with honey.
The sweet and savory mix of this dish makes it one that you should not pass up while in Córdoba.
Flamenquin Cordobes
Flamenquin Cordobes is an incredibly popular food in Córdoba, and it appears to be a Spanish version of Cordon Bleu.
It is typically about a foot long of fried pork and cheese.
In its most traditional form, it is pork tenderloin, ham, and cheese rolled into a cylinder. It is then breaded and fried.
What is a typical drink in Córdoba?
Fitifiti: fitifiti is a drink that is made up of 50% white wine and 50% sweet dessert wine
Rebujito: Rebujito is the official drink of la feria and is a combination of a white sherry wine and lemon-lime soda.
Cruzocampo: This is the most popular beer in córdoba and is likely what you will be served if you order a beer or “Jarra.”
Which is better to visit Granada or Córdoba?
I would say that Córdoba is often overlooked for Granada and the grand Alhambra. However, I truly loved both cities and would adamantly encourage visits to both.
Granada has more of a Moroccan and whimsical feel while being topped with the stunning architectural feat of Alhambra.
While Córdoba is less touristy but still offers all of the cultural and architectural wonders that Granda does. La Mezquita de Córdoba is one of my favorite places I have visited in the entire world.
Feria de Granada
The Feria de Granada is a great option especially if you have already missed La Feria de Sevilla or Córdoba. La Feria de Granda takes place at the beginning of June and has all the enchantment of the other Ferias.
At la Feria de Granada, the Casetas are open to the public and offer a variety of traditional plates, music, and dancing.
Feria de Granada 2023
La Feria de Granada will take place from Saturday, June 3, 2023, through Saturday, June 10, 2023. There will be 78 Casetas open to the public. The Recinto Ferial Granada can also be accessed by public transportation in the city!
Where to stay for the Feria de Granada?
Amaka House Granada is a phenomenal hostel, in a great location within the city of Granada. In addition to having all the necessities it also fosters a very social environment, with comfy community spaces, hammocks, and an in-house bar.
Feria de Sevilla
La Feria de Abril in Sevilla is the most famous of all ferias. It takes place every year at the end of April. It typically falls two weeks after the celebration of Holy Week or “Semana Santa”
La Feria de Abril is massive and famously people are transported by horse carriage. The fair dates back to the 1800s and takes place in Sevilla’s fairgrounds.
The major difference between this Fair and the others is that the majority of the Casetas here are Private, and must be rented before the start of the fair.
Where to stay in Sevilla
I cannot recommend Black Swan Hostel enough. When I stayed in Sevilla, this is where I stayed. With a rooftop bar, free breakfast, hostel-sponsored bar crawls, and small dorm rooms this is one the best hostels I have personally stayed in.
You can take an organized day trip from Madrid for either the opening ceremonies or the closing ceremonies.
Other Locations to Visit in Southern Spain
Málaga
Málaga is a stunning coastal city with everything to offer. Córdoba makes a great stopping point on the way to this bustling port city.
Read more about what Málaga has to offer in my blog post, 2 Days in Málaga: Center of Spain’s Costa Del Sol
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