Granada
ATMOSPHERE
The bustling Spanish city of Granada offers the perfect combination of history, breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the snow capped Sierra Nevada as well as nearby mountain villages steeped in tradition and culture. Soak up the atmospheres at Granada’s Plaza Nueva or Plaza Bib-Rambla, the ideal settings to enjoy a romantic evening or head into the Albayzín, Granada’s old Muslim quarter which offers a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and many great eateries.
BEST ART AND CULTURE
Alhambra Palace is a unique fortress dating back to the 9th Century. With its fairytale turrets and snow capped surroundings, the Alhambra Palace is fantastically preserved and one of Spain’s most beautiful sites. The buildings and gardens are drenched in Moorish culture and offer a fascinating insight into Granada’s turbulent history.
Tip: Make sure to reserve tickets in advance and get there early to avoid the queues!
BEST NIGHTLIFE
This atmospheric university city is alive all day and night with the now unique free tapas culture and the hundreds of busy cafes, Moorish teterias and more modern cervecerias. For those that want to enjoy the nightlife in true student style late night venue El Camborio is located in Sacromonte (a pretty ten minute walk from Plaza Nueva) and offers panoramic views over the Alhambra as well as outdoor terraces, dark tunnels and a pretty courtyard on arrival. Food here is a big attraction: typical dishes are based around fish and strong flavours: think fritura de pescado (fish fry), boquerones adobados (fresh marinated anchovies), cazuela de pescado frito (fried fish casserole) and moraga de sardinas, sardines prepared with white wine.
BEST ACTIVITIES/SPORT
During the winter months the nearby Sierra Nevada offers skiing until March. In summer months, the valleys of Las Alpujarras offer a network of pretty walking routes through traditional mountain villages and panoramic mountain views. Guests should not miss the typical Plato Alpujarreño, a heavy meat and potato dish but well deserved after a long mountain hike. Alternatively the beaches are within easy reach.
BEST KEPT SECRET
The bathhouses of Granada. Alhambra-like luxury can be found at Granada’s Hammams de Al-Andalus (Calle Santa Ana).
British Airways offer flights to Malaga from £75 pp (one way). Terms and conditions apply. See ba.com/cityoffer for details.