The mountains and the beaches
The snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains dominate the northern horizon from Granada. Mulhacen, the highest peak in Western Europe, is less than an hour’s drive away.
It gives visitors to Granada the unique opportunity to ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon, because the sunny Mediterranean beach resort of Motril is just 31 miles to the south. The main resorts of the Costa del Sol are all within range of a day trip from Granada too.
The Moorish legacy
For centuries, Granada was a major Arabic centre, leaving it with an impressive legacy of Moorish architecture.
The highlight of the city is the medieval hilltop palace and fortress known as the Alhambra. First built in the 9th century, it’s a World Heritage Site that has become one of Spain’s most-visited attractions. Wandering among the exotic gardens, shaded courtyards, intricate water features and ornate carvings offers the essential Granada experience.
Further out of town, it’s worth wandering round the Arab Albayzin quarter, where the narrow, winding cobbled streets lead up a hill between whitewashed houses with geranium-filled balconies and trickling fountains. You’ll find it’s an atmospheric district that’s full of little squares with pavement cafés that are perfect for taking a break.
The Catholics take over…
Once the Christians reconquered southern Spain they wasted no time in building their own monuments. Granada’s 16th-century Cathedral of the Incarnation is an imposing structure dating back to the days of the Inquisition. The interior is still glorious though, the giant columns forcing you to look up to heaven. Among the Renaissance treasures on show, you can spot a masterpiece by Spanish painter El Greco.
There are more artistic gems in the city’s two monasteries. Charterhouse has a flamboyant Baroque interior while St Jeronimo is a Renaissance marvel with a memorable towering altarpiece of gilded figurines.
Modern Granada
Of course, Granada is a thriving, lively and modern regional centre too. Look out for the contemporary Science Park, an entertaining museum and planetarium to the south of the centre. Nearby, the Forum is a striking circular tower block with a revolving restaurant on top that boasts spectacular views.
And the award-winning architecture of the Cultural Museum hints at the busy programme of exhibitions and live performances inside. The gourmet restaurant here is so good it has attracted stars like Mick Jagger and Phil Collins.
