Close to 800,000 people make their home in the province of Cordoba. The capital city is home to many of these residents. Other towns may not have populations as high as the city of Cordoba, but they still have at least a few thousand people that enjoy talking to tourists and sharing a bit about their town's history and sights. The province is divided into a number of different regions and landscapes. While one area of the province might be mountainous with whitewashed towns and ancient castles others may be very rural, dry, and covered in thriving vineyards. Cordoba is known for producing some of the world's finest white wines made from Pedro Zimenez grapes. 

A Photographer’s Dream 

Central Quadalquivir Valley happens to be the area in which Cordoba City, the capital city of Cordoba, is located. Tourists tend to flock to Cordoba City while missing the rest of the province's sights and sounds. Cordoba City is definitely worthy of a tourist's time. The city was founded by the Romans, molded by the Moors, and then continued by the Christians. Each group has left their mark on the town through the ancient churches, castles, and even a Roman Bridge. Cordoba City also has an Old Jewish Quarter, La Juderia, that is a must-see for all. Bring a camera because the gardens, buildings, and courtyards are all excellent photography subjects. The Quadalquivir River is very wide and often contains islands that are natural sanctuaries to a wide variety of waterfowl and other birds. Los Sotos de la Albolafia Natural Monument is a wildlife haven that many locals and tourists enjoy viewing. Many animal and avian species make their home in this area.  

Visit the Wineries and Sample the Delicious Locally Produced Wine

Montilla is found in the region referred to by many as the Southern Hills. Montilla is a highly visited area because it is the home to many vineyards who specialize in Montilla wine, a sweet white wine produced only in this area. Tourists should visit the different wineries (bodegas) to learn more about the variety of grapes and how they become this delicious wine. Sierra Morena is located in the northeastern area of Cordoba. Gentle hills and slopes form the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park. The natural park is home to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and used for harvesting cork, which is used to produce charcoal, as well as allowing cattle to graze on the land. Another park, Sierra de Cardena y Montoro Natural Park, sits to the east and offers a safe refuge for a number of rare or endangered animals including the lynx and wolf, as well as housing Andalusia's largest colony of black vultures. 

Something for Everyone! 

Finally, the Southern Sierras forms the provinces other region. There are a number of popular towns found in this area including Cabra, Iznajar, Lucena, Priego de Cordoba, Rute, and Sierras Subbeticas. Cabra and Lucena are worthwhile because of their many historic churches and other buildings. People who come to Iznajar enjoy the man made reservoir on the Genil River that offers many homeowners water views without paying coastal prices. The man made lake offers excellent fishing, swimming, and water sport activities. Priego de Cordoba and Rute are beautiful towns that make much of their revenue producing olive oil. Sierras Subbeticas is a natural park that is home to one of the largest colonies of Griffon Vultures in all of Spain.