Medina Azahara and Almodovar Castle from Cordoba

About this tour

Explore Spain's largest archaeological site and a hilltop fortress in one day from Córdoba. Medina Azahara, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, reveals a palatine city frozen in time after centuries of abandonment. Afterwards, climb to Almodóvar Castle, a 250-metre Arab stronghold with intact defensive walls and dungeons. The six-hour outing pairs these monuments with their unexpected fame as Game of Thrones filming locations, where the castle doubled as two warring kingdoms. Transport and entry tickets included.

Highlights

• Spain's largest archaeological dig, UNESCO-listed since 2018
• Palatine city preserved in original post-abandonment state
• Arab fortress perched 250 metres above surrounding terrain
• Dungeon complex and intact defensive architecture
• Game of Thrones Kingdom of the Reach filming location
• Round-trip transfer from Córdoba town centre

What to expect

You'll start at Medina Azahara, wandering through excavated palaces, courtyards and administrative quarters that hint at the city's tenth-century grandeur. The site sprawls across a hillside with minimal reconstruction—mostly foundations and partial walls—so bring imagination and comfortable shoes. After an hour or two here, you'll drive to Almodóvar Castle, a genuinely formidable structure with crenellated walls, towers and accessible dungeons. The views across the Guadalquivir Valley reward the climb. Both sites are self-guided; no formal tour is provided, so pace yourself and read plaques carefully.

Good to know

Wear sturdy footwear and sun protection; both sites offer limited shade. Lunch isn't included—consider eating in Córdoba beforehand or packing provisions. Infant car seats available on request. Public transport nearby if you prefer independent exploration. Allow flexibility for crowds, especially weekends.