Why don’t we start with the northernmost, notable city of Córdoba? Without an airport to fly into Córdoba is most easily reached by high speed rail from Madrid, Barcelona, or Sevilla.

Some people might argue that Córdoba is only worthy of a quick layover between the more bustling cities however I think it is best visited over a 36-48 hour period where you can leisurely stroll through the picturesque city center, visit the sites and maybe even take in a flamenco show or soak in a hammam.

Upon arrival check in to the centrally located, self-service apartments, Los Patios del Pañuelo, in la Judería neighborhood. This 17th century building has been transformed into lux apartments that can accommodate 2-5 people and all look out over the beautiful interior courtyards.

Step out for a stroll to get your bearings. The famed Mezquita sits just one block off of the Guadalquivir river, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos just west of that and the train station and Roman temple further north. The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is the reason most people come to Córdoba. Construction on the former mosque started in 786 after the Christian Visigoth church that stood there was torn down. After two centuries of building and expanding it became the second largest mosque in the world. When the Christians reconquered the area they converted the mosque into a church and erected an impressive, beautiful altar in the center of the massive building. Daily masses are still held here.

Is it time to eat yet? Some of my favorite tapas are found only in the south and there is no shortage of places to eat them here. Tuck into one of the tile covered benches at Bodega Guzmán for a lunch of albóndigas, house made atún en escabeche, chorizo cooked in wine and a nice cold glass of fino from the local Montilla y Moriles wine region. If you are in a hurry or just prefer to walk and eat you can stand in line at Bar Santos across from the Mezquita and order a thick slice of creamy tortilla and a beer to go.

In between bites you can check out the lush gardens of the 1300s palace, Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Take a seat on a bench under the citrus trees or next to the fountains and enjoy the breeze and scent of orange blossoms. An alternative to sightseeing is to luxuriate in the waters of Hammam Al Ándalus where you can rotate between three pools of varying temperatures and relax in the sauna just like the ancient Moors once did ;)

Close out your days by going to dinner at a classic like Bodegas Campo for traditional Córdoban fare like salmorejo, fried eggplant drizzled with cane syrup, and a twist on the local fave rabo de toro, or oxtail, in creamy rice with asparagus and mushrooms. If you are craving something a little different but just as delicious try Regadera where you can order modern takes on classics like mazamorra, a rich, cold soup of almonds, garlic and bread, or try unique dishes like mushroom-stuffed cabbage, tender lamb with miso butter and carrots, or sautéed red prawns with coconut milk and noodles. For dessert go to El Pastel Cordobés and try a slice of the nut-studded, flaky pastry filled with cabello de angel.