Patios Cordobeses

This is a neighbourhood with beautiful patios in locals’ homes. Many will let you in for free but ask for a donation when you do.

Came here on a Monday so many were closed but still managed to see a couple of great examples.

Take your time to walk around and maybe have a beer at one of the alfresco cafes or bars in the neighbourhood.

Wonderful little spot full of independent workshops and small businesses. Free entry with cute courtyard, try and donate or buy something if you can to support.

In Cordoba, you simply must saunter into the mesmerizing Mesquita and then amble your way down to the prestigious gathering known as the 'Asociacion De Amigos De Los Patios Cordobeses'—a tongue-twisting delight that translates to the Association of Patio Aficionados in Cordoba! These patios are not just meticulously crafted, but they're a testament to the sheer dedication and countless hours poured into their design. A stroll through these marvels is an absolute necessity for anyone meandering around Cordoba with a bit of time to spare.

Absolutely gorgeous patios. I visited as many patios as possible and these were easily my favorite. If you only visit a couple patios, make it these; so beautiful. The earlier you arrive the shorter the lines, but even at 1100 with a substantial line it was only a 15min wait. Entrance is free, but I recommend bringing some euro coins so you can donate a little bit and help them maintain the flowers.

You're visiting Cordoba not only for its Mesquita or Alcazar but also and maybe not less for its wonderful Patios.
These are among the main attractions in Cordoba, not to be missed.
The only problem is that the people living there are not always nice and often demand a fee for visiting their place.
A fee is legitimate of course, but then shouldn't they let us know that before we enter and visit, and let us decide whether the visit is worth the price they demand.
Awkward and unpleasant situations could be then avoided.
Still, absolutely beautiful to see

This is a must for any garden or flower aficionado visiting Spain! We did not do a guided tour, but instead wandered the roads in the old town and encountered the patios on our own. They have signs outside. I recommend late April to not have as many crowds as May, still lots of flowers. The owners of the home ask for donation but do not generally force any fees. Keep in mind to have some loose Euros on hand so they can maintain their gardens.

Must see during their annual patio festival in the first half of May! Those participating in the competition will deck out their patios in hundreds of potted and hanging plants, fountains and wells, and other decor and open their patios to the public. The competing patios are free to visit and were open between 11am-2pm and 6-10pm in 2023.

This particular route (Alcazar Viejo) is very popular, since it is a route of 12 patios in close proximity to each other and the alcazar and mezquita as well as mostly ADA friendly, and thus is extremely crowded! We visited around 11am when they opened and certain patios had lines of 15-30 minutes to get in. As we were staying in Cordoba for several days, we got to walk through some other routes and it was much more enjoyable to visit the patios between 6-8pm since the sun was still out, it was less crowded, and the weather was cooler.

The patios are most beautiful things of Córdoba. You will love the beautifully decorated roads that lead to the houses and the unique decor and charm of each house. The flowers are still watered by hand at least once a day. A 2 euro donation is appreciated.

This is another must see event in Córdoba in early May. Dozens of locals open their homes to display their patios (courtyards) which they have lavishly and lovingly decorated for the occasion. Maps will guide you from home to home. Try to go in a weekday as weekends bring very long lines. Plan to stay overnight as it would be a shame to rush this experience.

Really worthy to visit.
If you are looking for something different than you see in your road trip in Andalusia you have to visit those Patios “Means Houses”.

Every house has its story, you will be lucky if you met with some of residence, he/she will explain to you the stairs behind each item in the house.

What a cute place! The flowers! The colours! There's no entrance fee but the owner asks if you would contribute to the upkeep by form of donating any amount you wish.

A must visit patio in the district of San Basilio. It's not only a patio but also the seat of the Association of Friends of Patios and a place where to buy souvenirs made by artisans. The entrance is free.

Beautiful patios - well maintained, and the local folks are warm towards visitors, opening their doors to them. Some are free, check with the local offices to see which ones are open .

The Ruta Patios Cordoba is well worth taking the time to see. Locals compete each year for the prestigious award of the best patio. The courtyards are lined with flowers of all descriptions. For 5 euros you get admission to all of the patios and a handy map to help guide you through the streets. Be sure not to miss the statue of the man helping the boy on the ladder.

If you go to Córdoba you have to see the gardens, it's only 5 euros and you see all the gardens that compete for the most beautiful one. It's a joy to the eyes!! Can't miss it!!!
The owners pets are the best.

The Patios de Cordoba May Festival is a vibrant celebration of Cordoba's tradition of beautifully decorated courtyards. It offers visitors a chance to explore these hidden gems, filled with blooming flowers and intricate tile work, that exemplify the city's unique charm and hospitality.

Extremely nice patios - beautiful Flowers, only cost 6€ to visit the 5 patios. Worth your time !

Run by an association that organizes the Patio contests. It is free entry welcoming you to purchase in their artisan workshops, no obligation.

A small house decorated with plants and flowers. It is worth visiting. The entrance is free.

One of the more beautiful areas in Cordoba is the patio gardens. Every Spring the town celebrates the Patio Festival. The Patio Festival in Cordoba Spain is a tradition that began in 1918. However, during the Spanish civil war it had been interrupted and became reintroduced in the 1950s. The festival is intended to make hidden treasures available to the public. Furthermore, it is to honor the residents’ efforts to retain these traditional places.

Since 2012, the Cordoba Patios have been part of the world cultural heritage and the area was deemed an UNESCO world heritage site. During the festival, people are welcome to enjoy courtyards of incomparable beauty, packed with trees and flowers, fountains and accessories.

While we didn't get to see the patio festival itself, there were still clues and beautiful patios all around town. Some were more extravagant than others and maybe that was premeditated or maybe some flowers on other patios had died off throughout the summers heat. Either way, the Cordoba Patio Festival is just one of the many reasons to come to Spain and Cordoba.

Read more about Spain on my travel blog at NavigatorNick(dot)com