Córdoba vs Granada

Córdoba

Córdoba has the most extreme summer climate of any major European city — a continental Mediterranean pattern with very hot dry summers and mild wet winters. July–August daytime highs regularly reach 42–46°C (107–115°F); the city has set the all-time Spanish heat record. Spring and autumn are extraordinary; winter is mild and the only time when an inland Andalucía city is comfortably visitable mid-day. Annual rainfall ~530mm, almost all between October and April.

Granada

Granada has a Mediterranean continental climate strongly modified by altitude (738m) and the Sierra Nevada — hot dry summers (but cooler than Córdoba or Seville), surprisingly cold winters with occasional snow in the city itself, and a pronounced day/night swing year-round. The Sierra Nevada is snow-capped from December to May, visible from much of the city. Annual rainfall ~360mm, mostly between October and April.

Córdoba

Córdoba's historic centre is small (1km × 700m, walkable end-to-end in 25 minutes) and densely packed — virtually all attractions are within walking distance once you're in the Casco Histórico. The 8km trip to Medina Azahara is the only longer journey most travellers make. The city bus network covers the modern outskirts but is rarely needed; the AVE high-speed train station is a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. Bolt and Cabify operate; Uber has fewer drivers.

Walkability: Córdoba's historic centre is one of the most walkable in Spain — flat, dense, and the major sights are clustered within 10 minutes' walk of the Mezquita. The summer heat is the only obstacle; even in May, the 14:00–18:00 hours are genuinely unpleasant for walking and the city eats lunch indoors. Comfortable shoes recommended; cobbles get slippery in rare rain.

Granada

Granada's historic centre is compact and largely walkable — but the Alhambra is a 20-minute steep climb above the city, the Albaicín is a 30-minute climb opposite, and Sacromonte is yet another climb. The minibus C30/C31/C32 routes up to the Alhambra, Albaicín, and Sacromonte are the secret weapon — they save the legs and run every 10 minutes. The metro (a single line) is rarely useful for tourists. Bolt and Cabify operate; Uber has limited drivers.

Walkability: The flat city centre is highly walkable; the steep districts (Alhambra, Albaicín, Sacromonte) are walkable in principle but take 2x longer than expected because of the altitude and gradient. Use the C30/C31/C32 minibuses to save the legs for the actual sights, particularly with luggage or on a hot day. Cobbled lanes are slippery when wet.