Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
Modern hotel with exceptional views (4*)
The Parador de Cordoba is 3 km above the city in a quiet district on the site of a small summer palace. The city was built in 765 AD by the Caliph Abdu’r-Raman, at the beginning of the golden age of the Moorish Caliphate of Córdoba. Abdu’r-Raman is said to have planted the first palm trees in Europe here and Arruzafa – the name of the Parador – means ‘garden of the palm trees’.
The temperature here in summer is on average 4 degrees centigrade cooler than in the centre of Córdoba; this makes the Parador La Arruzafa – with its shady gardens, outdoor pool and panoramic views over this legendary city – a comfortable and luxurious base for exploring this part of Andalusia, especially in the hot summer months. The décor of the bedrooms is a mix of Arabic and Andalusian styles and Naturally, all have air-conditioning. The majority of the rooms have a balcony facing the gardens with views of the city skyline in the distance (we recommend upgrading to a superior to guarantee a balcony).
The large shaded terrace and open conservatory look out onto the Parador’s expansive gardens and the city of Córdoba provides an impressive backdrop. The beautiful greenery surrounding the Parador’s seasonal outdoor pool creates a cooling oasis from the Andalusian heat. These gardens, replete with palm trees, orange trees and laurels, also contain a tennis court and a small play area for children.
The thousand-year old city of Córdoba is a fascinating mix of old and new, with a mixture of cultures reflecting the importance of the city throughout its rich and varied history. Under Arab rule, Córdoba was considered to be one of the most cultivated and refined cities in medieval Europe. In the 10th Century, it housed over 1,000 mosques and 800 Arab baths, some of which still exist today and are available for public viewing. During this period the city itself was fortified by an impressive wall, and the remaining single stretch of wall and entrances are popular sites among tourists. Arguably the most popular Córdoba attraction is the Great Mosque (Mezquita) which reflects the changing culture of the middle ages. Taking a grand total of 202 years to build, it was considered one of the most important religious structures of the middle ages among Muslims and Christians alike. After the Christian conquests it was converted into a cathedral and the result today is a combination the typical Mudéjar style of the region and Christian Gothic influences. In addition to these Muslim influences, the city played an important role in the passing of different Greek, Roman, Christian, and Jewish communities, each leaving an enormous impact on the city both culturally and architecturally. Many of the city’s museums, including the Archaeology Museum and Fine Arts Museum, are dedicated to exploring these different cultures, and Córdoba's phenomenal Roman Bridge is a feat of architectural beauty.
Córdoba is also home to more modern cultural practices which form part of the strong Andalusian identity which is recognised globally. Throughout the city you will find a number of traditional flamenco bars and spaces where you can watch authentic performances. In the centre of the city you will also find the Royal Stables which date back to the 16th century and were historically where some of the Royal Family's best horses were kept. Today they are home to the International Equestrian Riding School and you can visit the old stables and watch impressive equestrian shows.
In contrast to all of these historically important buildings, Córdoba is also home to some of the most innovative structures in Spain. The city’s Open Centre for Civic Activities (CAAC) is a fantastical sight that seems to have appeared straight out of a children’s television show. The centre is close to the city’s high-speed train station and comprises a square covered with large prefabricated parasols of varying sizes and pastel colours. Designed with the intention of being a multipurpose area, it is used in many different projects from market days, providing shade from extreme heat, and the more agile visitors often climb up and sunbathe on the parasol’s flat tops. Renowned as as a hive of art, culture, and leisure, Córdoba always has plenty of activities and performances to offer its visitors, including numerous flamenco festivals, ballet shows, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year.
In May and June the city hosts one of its most important festivals, the Patios de Córdoba. Many houses in Andalusia (and Spain in general) feature a prominent central patio whose purpose is to keep the house cool in summer months. During the Patio Festival, homes across Córdoba fill their patios with colourful displays of flowers and plants, each vying to be crowned the most beautiful. Many of the patios are open for visitors to marvel at the floral displays and enjoy respite from the heat.
There are also many opportunities to explore the natural beauty Córdoba and Andalusia have to offer, in the numerous surrounding parks. Popular parks include the Sierra de Cardeña in Los Pedroches and Montoro, which offers a range of open-air sports. With Málaga, Seville, and Granada all within a 2 hour drive, Córdoba really is an ideal base for day trips to explore Andalusia’s most popular cities.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 11.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner is served from 20.30 to 23.00
Cafe/bar open from 11.00 to midnight.
The Parador is located in the foothills of the Córdoba mountains in the residential district of Brillante. It is reached by taking the Córdoba Norte-Ctra. Badajoz turn off and then the Cordoba Norte entrance access. You then follow the Avenidas Agrupación Córdoba and Ollerías to the Paseo del Brillante, which becomes the Avenida del Brillante. You go up some 2 km towards Avenida de la Arruzafa, and at 500 metres we find the Parador.
Exterior parking within the grounds of the Parador, some spaces are shaded. There are facilities for charging electric vehicles, the cost of which is payable locally.
Spain's southernmost region is rich in sunshine, culture, beaches and excellent food. Find out why you should visit and which Parador hotels to stay in.
