A late‑night Flamenco marathon, a maze of ancient streets, and a private Segway tour, my short break in Córdoba turned into a whirlwind of music, culture, and unexpected moments.
After finally sorting out my health and travel insurance in Spain, I decided it was time for a short break. A bit of searching online led me to a three‑day, two‑night trip to Córdoba for the White Night of Flamenco, an annual event featuring ten Flamenco performances on temporary stages scattered across the city. It sounded like the perfect mix of culture, music, and exploration.
Travelling to Córdoba.
The coach picked me up in Los Alcázares, already nearly full, and after two more stops we were on our way. Our tour rep, Julie, kept us entertained with facts about the towns we passed and stories about Córdoba’s history. Her commentary made the long journey feel much shorter, and I found myself genuinely interested in everything she shared.
We stopped a couple of times for drinks and lunch before finally arriving in Córdoba.
First Impressions of Córdoba.
Our hotel was spotless, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The room, however, was the smallest I’ve ever stayed in, with a view of the emergency fire escape and other rooms facing the same way. It wasn’t somewhere I’d choose for a long stay, but it was quiet, and I didn’t plan on spending much time indoors anyway.
With a Segway tour booked for the next morning, I headed out to explore the city and get my bearings. Córdoba immediately struck me as one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited: cobbled streets, narrow winding alleys, and a sense of history around every corner. It’s easy to get lost, so a map is essential, fortunately, the hotel provided one with the Flamenco stages marked.
After locating the starting point for my Segway tour, I went in search of a cold beer. I found a bar quickly enough, though at €3 a bottle it wasn’t the bargain I’d hoped for. One beer was enough, and I returned to the hotel for a rest. The Flamenco performances didn’t begin until 22:30, with the final show scheduled for 05:30 the next morning.
Experiencing the White Night of Flamenco.
Around 22:00, I set off through the old town, past the Great Mosque of Córdoba, and across the Roman Bridge to the stage where I planned to watch my first show. I arrived early to secure a good seat and waited for the midnight performance to begin.
La Lupi.
This was my first time seeing a full Flamenco production rather than a short tourist‑friendly version. The dancer, Susana Lupiañez, known as La Lupi, delivered a powerful and expressive performance. She was joined by male vocalists and musicians who clapped, played, and occasionally danced alongside her.
Even though my Spanish wasn’t strong enough to understand the lyrics, the emotion in the dancing and singing was unmistakable. The show lasted an hour and a half, and I enjoyed every minute. When it ended, the entire audience stood to applaud, myself included.
José Antonio Rodríguez.
After the show, my legs were aching, and with a Segway tour ahead of me, I decided to head back. As I passed the Great Mosque, I heard guitar music drifting over the walls, the unmistakable sound of José Antonio Rodríguez, a renowned Flamenco guitarist.
Still hungry, I grabbed a Subway sandwich outside the mosque and listened to the music while I ate. Afterwards, I went inside to catch the last few songs. The performance was beautiful, and I regretted not seeing the full show. I’ll be keeping an eye out for future concerts closer to home.
A Morning Segway Tour of Córdoba.
I was up early for breakfast, and the buffet was excellent. By 09:30, I was walking to the Segway meeting point, and at 09:50 I met my guide, a friendly young woman who spoke perfect English. I was lucky: I was the only person booked, so I had a private two‑hour tour.
She asked what I wanted to see, and since it was my first time in Córdoba, I told her to show me as much as possible. We covered a huge amount of ground, gliding through historic streets, past monuments, and into areas I’d never have found on my own. It was a brilliant way to see the city, and I left with a list of places I want to revisit in the future.
Final Thoughts
This short break to Córdoba was exactly what I needed. The White Night of Flamenco was unforgettable, the city was stunning, and the Segway tour gave me a fantastic overview of its history and charm. If you’re looking for a cultural getaway in Spain, Córdoba should be high on your list, especially during Flamenco season.
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