Hotel Monasterio de San Francisco

Charming Hotel Cordova

Less than an hour’s drive from Córdoba, through the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir, is the small farming town of Palma del Río and the delightful Monasterio de San Francisco Hotel, a 15th century converted monastery, which exudes peace and tranquillity.

A wonderful serene atmosphere still prevails in the monastery and original features abound, with its shady cloisters, ecclesiastical courtyards and elegantly laid out gardens. Here, set amongst the orange groves and orchards, once tended by the monks, is a particularly delightful swimming pool, where guests can cool off after a day out exploring the great Moorish cities. Many of the converted bedrooms were originally the monks’ cells and surround a charming patio.

The hotel’s restaurant, where Franciscan monks once dined, before sailing off on their missions to the New World, offers excellent cuisine and fine wines.