Torn between Seville, Granada, and Córdoba? This fun city showdown breaks down the pros, cons, and vibes of each to help you pick the perfect stop(s) for your southern Spain trip.
By Liza S. | Updated 14 Jul 2025 | Andalucia | Cities |
Login to add to YOUR Favourites 
or Read Later
So, you're planning a trip to southern Spain and you've hit that dilemma: Seville vs Granada vs Córdoba—which one should you visit?
I get it. I tackled all three on my first whirlwind trip (3 days in Seville, 1 in Córdoba, 2 in Granada), and while it was incredible, I barely had time to blink, let alone breathe.
These days, I prefer to travel slower but I still remember the stress of having to choose.
That’s why I’ve put together this fun little showdown: three iconic cities, five rounds, and some very subjective opinions from someone who’s been back to all of them (more than once). Let’s help you figure out which one fits your vibe.
Let the games begin. Ready? Vamos!
Can’t decide between Seville, Granada, and Córdoba? Let’s play travel matchmaker.
Here’s a (completely unscientific but weirdly accurate) personality test to point you in the right direction:
Of course, you could visit all three (I did!) but if you’re short on time or energy, this little litmus test might save you from itinerary-induced decision fatigue.
Now, let’s get into the details for deciding between Seville vs Granada vs Cordoba.
In this very not-official, not-at-all-scientific showdown, I’ll compare them across five juicy categories: sights, vibe, food, crowds, and how long you really need.
This isn’t about which one is “best,” but which one is best for you. Because let’s face it: Seville vs Granada vs Córdoba? It’s a tough call. But I’ve got you.
Let’s not play coy, Seville is a big show-off. Between the Real Alcázar (a palace so beautiful that it stars in Game of Thrones), the massive Seville Cathedral (complete with Christopher Columbus allegedly buried inside), and the Giralda Tower with its ramp instead of stairs (medieval accessibility, anyone?), Seville is the queen of architectural drama.
But wait! Granada casually steps in with the Alhambra, the actual most visited monument in Spain. It’s a fortress-palace hybrid perched above the city with delicate Moorish carvings, reflecting pools, and gardens that make you feel like royalty… or at least like someone who remembered to book tickets 3 months in advance.
Don’t count Córdoba out! The Mezquita is a stunner: a mosque-cathedral mashup with rows of red-and-white arches that go on forever. It’s less showy than the Alhambra but just as goosebump-inducing and usually with far fewer crowds. Add the Jewish Quarter and you’ve got a historic centre that’s well worth your time.
Winner: Tie. Honestly, you can’t lose in this round… but Granada probably edges ahead if the Alhambra is still on your bucket list.
Seville is sunshine in city form. Think orange trees lining the streets, horse carriages trotting past vibrantly-coloured buildings, and rooftop bars with a view of the cathedral at golden hour. It’s flat and super walkable—ideal for wandering aimlessly and pretending you live there (which you will want to do by day three).
See all the best things to do in Seville here
Granada brings the drama. Expect steep cobbled alleys, crumbling stone staircases, and surprise viewpoints where you’ll audibly gasp.The Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods are all about whitewashed houses, cave dwellings, and flamenco at dusk with the Alhambra glowing in the background. Worth every uphill climb.
See all the best things to do in Granada here
Córdoba is compact, charming, and criminally underrated. Its Jewish Quarter is a labyrinth of flower-filled patios and quiet lanes. It feels slower, more local—like Seville before Instagram. And thanks to its small size, you can cover a lot without ever rushing (or sweating through your shirt, depending on the season).
See all the best things to do in Córdoba here
Winner: Seville for charm, Granada for drama, Córdoba for tranquillity. Take your pick based on your mood or preference.
Seville is tapas central. From homey spinach-and-chickpea stews to melt-in-your-mouth jamón, this is the place to hop from bar to bar, ordering small bites and sipping ice-cold Cruzcampo. It's also the capital of orange wine and late-night terrace dinners. If you're a grazer, welcome home.
Granada is the land of the legendary free tapa. Order a drink, get a plate of food—no questions asked. Sometimes it’s hit-or-miss, but when it hits? Chef’s kiss. Think hearty Andalusian classics with a Moorish twist: saffron, spices, and stews that'll warm your soul (and fill you up for under €10).
Córdoba brings the bold. The food here is rich, rustic, and deeply satisfying. Salmorejo is the thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho. Flamenquín is basically jamón-wrapped meat fried into a crispy log of deliciousness. Not for the faint of stomach but if you’re hungry, Córdoba delivers.
Winner:Seville wins for tapas variety, Granada wins for free tapas (duh), and Córdoba wins if you’re craving comfort food with a capital C. Honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of them—just don’t wear tight jeans.
Need tips on what tapas to gorge on and which ones aren’t worth ordering? Check out my guide to the best (and worst) tapas in Andalucia.
Seville is the extrovert of the group—vibrant, buzzing, always up for a party. That means... crowds. Especially during spring festivals like Semana Santa or Feria de Abril. Even in off-season, the big sights draw hefty queues. It’s lively and fun, but if you're not a fan of shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing, you might feel a little overwhelmed.
Granada gets a steady stream of visitors (hello, Alhambra), but the rest of the city feels much more chill. You can wander the Albaicín, sip tea in a quiet Moroccan-style tetería, and find peaceful viewpoints even in peak season. It has the vibe of a place that knows it's special but doesn’t need to shout about it.
Córdoba is often the least crowded—especially if you stay overnight. Most tourists breeze in on a day trip, meaning by late afternoon, the city transforms. The patios are peaceful, the Mezquita calms down, and you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Big win for slow travellers.
Winner: Córdoba takes this one for its relaxed pace and post-daytrip serenity. Granada’s a solid runner-up for its laid-back corners beyond the Alhambra. Seville? Still fabulous but bring your crowd-dodging skills.
Insider Tip: If big crowds cramp your style, then I highly recommend visiting Andalucia in winter! I think it’s so underrated. Learn more about why I love Andalucia in winter.
Seville is the full-course meal of Andalucian cities. Ideally, give it 3 days minimum—there’s a lot to soak in: palaces, flamenco, river walks, tapas bars galore. Even then, you’ll feel like you’ve just scratched the surface. It’s a place to wander slowly, get a little lost, and linger over every golden-hued sunset.
Granada is compact but layered. Two days lets you see the Alhambra, explore the old Moorish neighbourhoods, and squeeze in a few tapas crawls. A third day? Even better, especially if you want time to relax in a hammam or escape to a mirador for a quiet moment.
Here’s the shocker: you can technically see the main sights in one day—but that doesn’t mean you should. Stay overnight and you’ll experience a completely different city after the day-trippers leave. Two days is ideal to see the Mezquita, wander the patios, and enjoy a long lunch or two.
Winner: Seville for depth, Granada for balance, Córdoba for a quick but meaningful getaway. How many days you need depends on how much you want to savour. But hey, no one ever regrets staying longer in Andalucia.
I get it: choosing between Seville, Granada, and Córdoba feels a bit like choosing a favourite child.
But if I had to recommend just one? Start with Seville. I’m probably biased as it is my favourite city in Spain but I just love it! It has a bit of everything: stunning architecture, buzzing tapas bars, passionate flamenco, and a walkable city centre that makes it easy to fall head over heels.
That said, Granada is a strong second if you’re craving epic scenery and Moorish magic. The Alhambra alone is a marvellous reason to visit and the city itself has other things to offer!
And Córdoba is perfect if you prefer smaller cities and want to slow things down.
No wrong answers here—just different flavours of fabulous. I’ve done the whirlwind version and the slow-travel version, and both were worth it. Just promise me you’ll come back for the others, okay?
The ideal situation would be to lengthen your trip to be able to comfortably fit all 3 without feeling rushed but I understand that vacation days from work are precious! If you only have time for 2 places: Seville is my top choice and then between Granada and Córdoba, it’s really just personal preference.
And hey, if you're still stuck, flip a coin… then book the one your heart secretly hoped for.
Buen viaje!
Overwhelmed by itinerary planning? I’ve got you
I know how tricky it can be to balance all the places you want to see in the time you have. That’s why I offer personalised itinerary reviews—real feedback from someone who’s actually travelled Andalucia numerous times.
Planning your Andalucia trip? Our guides can help:
© Visit-Andalucia 2015 - 2026
The Best Time to Visit Andalucia (Based on Travel Style)
How to Plan A Trip to Andalucia 
Visiting Andalucia On A Budget
Most Beautiful White Villages in Andalucia
What to Eat in Andalucia - Best & Worst Tapas
Overrated or Worth It? My Honest Take on 9 Popular Andalucia Spots
Andalucian Villages with Moorish Heritage
Úbeda Archaeological Museum
