Free Tour of Medina Azahara of Cordoba
Overview
In this guided tour of Medina Azahara we will walk through the streets that once housed the ancient civil and military administration of Al-Andalus. We will also travel back in time to get lost among its ruins, corridors, guard and servants' rooms, mosques, towers and royal halls, pool and the great portico, where we can imagine what life was like in that majestic palace.
In addition, on our guided tour, we will visit the Medina Azahara Interpretation Center, which in 2012 was named "European Museum of the Year". Book now and discover the "Shining City" with us!
This activity includes:
- Medina Azahara - Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra
- Free Tour a pie
- Guía oficial en español
Meeting point
Centro de Visitantes de Medina Azahara, junto a la parada de la lanzadera.
On arrival
Meeting point: Medina Azahara Visitor Center, next to the shuttle stop. Look for a blue-green flag with the name Paseando por Europa.
Important: Try to arrive in advance to the activity, since, due to ticket management issues of the site itself, those who arrive late will not be able to join the tour.
Medina Azahara by night: The second meeting point for the night activity in Medina Azahara is at the entrance of the archaeological site. Please wait for our guides at the entrance of the archaeological site, they will take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Reception Center with the rest of the walkers.
Things to note
- As of October 23, 2025, you must bring your own traditional headphones (with 3.5 mm cable) for the use of the mandatory radio guides at the site. Otherwise, we will provide you with headphones at a cost of 0.5 euros per unit.
- Please arrive 15 minutes in advance so that the visit can begin at the scheduled time. Due to the site's own ticket management, late arrivals will not be allowed to join the tour.
- Our guides will be identified with a blue-green flag with the company logo: Paseando Por Europa. - If you are going to visit the site during the summer months, we recommend that you wear a hat or cap, sun protection, water and do not come without having something to eat beforehand.
- Show the guide, at the meeting point, and the booking confirmation email, either printed or via cell phone or tablet.
- Group bookings of more than 6 adults are charged €8 per adult. The maximum allowed is 3 children per adult.
- If your group is more than 6 adults and you have made several separate reservations with different names, but all for the same group, you will have to pay 8 € per adult. Otherwise, we will not be able to accept you on the tour and the guide may ask you to leave the tour.
INFORMATION TO KEEP IN MIND
Public transportation
- If you are booking this activity in the 10:15 or 10:45 hours you can take the bus leaving Cordoba at 10:00 hours and returning at 13:30 hours.
- If you choose the 11:15 or 11:45 am options, we recommend you to choose the bus option to Medina Azahara departing at 10:45 am and returning at 2:15 pm.
- In addition, customers who take the 11:45 a.m. pass will finish the tour a few minutes in advance to ensure that they can catch the bus back at 2:15 p.m.
- If you decide to visit the archaeological site at night (summer only), you can travel from Cordoba by bus departing at 9:15 pm and returning at 11:30 pm. Please wait for our guides at the door of the archaeological site, they will take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Reception Center with the rest of the visitors.
Medina Azahara by night
- The second meeting point for the night activity in Medina Azahara is at the entrance of the archaeological site. Please, if you arrive early and do not see our guides, wait for them to arrive with the rest of the group to start the tour.
- The total duration of the night tour is shorter, as this tour does not include a visit to the Visitor's Center.
Recommendations if you are traveling in summer
- Keep in mind that Cordoba is a very hot city in the summer months and the archaeological site is exposed to high temperatures. We recommend that you wear cool clothes and accessories to protect you from the sun, such as hats or caps, and that you bring water to stay hydrated and make the most of your visit.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
- This tour requires an additional cost for the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the archaeological site.
Adults: 3,00 euros / Children from 5 to 12 years old: 1,50 euros
- This excursion requires the payment of an additional entrance fee for non-EU citizens (1,5 € / person)
HOW TO GET TO THE MEDINA AZAHARA
To get to our meeting point, located outside the Medina Azahara Visitor Center, between the main gate and the shuttle stop, you can take several options:
1. By private car. You can access the Visitor Center parking lot, where our meeting point is located. Remember that you will not be able to go up to the site by private car. It is mandatory to take the shuttle.
2. By bus. There is an exclusive bus for the Medina Azahara Visitor Center that leaves from Cordoba. If you travel by public transport, we recommend you to plan well the options for the transfer, Paseando por Europa is not responsible for possible incidents related to transport.
3. By cab.
How can the tour be free?
Our concept is simple — there is no set price. Instead, you tip your guide at the end of the tour whatever amount feels right to you. Typically, guests give between $10 to €50, depending on their satisfaction and budget.
Most guides accept cash or card payments, or you can do it via our app.
Free Cancellation
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
