Kampaoh Córdoba

So Córdoba (20 minutes’ drive) here you come. Number-one stop may be the red-and-white striped arches inside the eighth-century (but much rebuilt) Mosque-Cathedral, and you can step further back into time with a visit to the Roman-era Puente Romano bridge spanning the sleepy Guadalquivir River. Tour the colourful fountain-filled gardens of Palacio de Viana, and then have a wander around the cobbled back streets of the old San Basilio district to discover the flower-filled courtyards and patios that the city is known for. When sightseeing is done for the day, find yourselves a neighbourhood tapas bar and settle in for salmorejo chilled tomato soup and tortilla accompanied by local Montilla-Moriles wines. And of course, you don’t have to move very far to get active. Parque Los Villares itself has plenty of hiking and cycling routes, as well as a comprehensive visitor centre where you can learn about regional vegetation and wildlife. There are a couple of golf courses with mountain views within 20 minutes’ drive, and adrenaline-chasers can head to Guadalquivir Activo (half an hour) to paddle kayaks along the river, go zipwiring or practise archery.