Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada is the one place that many visitors believe you should see, Granada.  Once the Moorish capital of Spain under the rule of the Nasrite dynasty and the last Islamic kingdom in the Western World, now it is one of the major tourist attractions in Spain. 

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a massive Moorish castle on which construction began in 889 and continued until Boabdil was defeated in 1492 and handed it over to the Catholic Monarchs (Isobel and Ferdinand). It consists of gardens, fortifications and sumptuously decorated palaces.  Spectacular plasterwork motifs with religious inscriptions and running water displays are visible throughout the castle. 

One of the favourite stories of the Alhambra is that Sultana Zoraya (one of the wives of Abu’l Hasan - Boabdil’s father) used to meet her lover in the Generalife (the gardens).  Her lover was the chief of the Abencerrajes and when Abu’l Hasan discovered the affair he had all the men of the Abencerrajes lineage put to death by sword in the Hall of the Abencerrajes.  It is said that the fountain in this room is still stained with their blood although the markings are more likely to be rust.

Following the Castillian Conquest the Alhambra was modified and the Carlos V palaces was added.
Receiving 8,400 visitors per day it is obviously the main attraction of Granada.  It has been described as the “Jewel of Moorish Spain”. 

If you are planning to visit the Alhambra we would recommend that you book your tickets in advance as numbers are limited.  Although the doors open at 10am we have seen long queues form from 9am.

The Cathedral

This is a purely “Rennaisance” cathedral.  Building started in the 15th century although it wasn’t actually completed until 1704 with the exception of one tower which is to this day unfinished.  In front of the Cathedral is the Royal Chapel where Isobel and Ferdinand were laid to rest.  Here you can see Queen Isobel’s art collection, great jewels and Flemish and German masterpieces.

In the small streets surrounding the Cathedral there are many bazaar type shops which are worth a visit, but be warned there are also a lot of gypsies around who will try to read your palms or give you a piece of heather and then charge you 5€ or more - they are very pushy, do not let them get hold of your hands.

The Albaicin

In 1498 the city of Granada was divided into a Catholic quarter and an Arab quarter. Although this area is still referred to as the "Arab Quarter" in 1568 the Moors were expelled and it was occupied by the Catholic Castillian people.  It is a maze of narrow alleyways and carmenes - small Moorish villas with enclosed patios. The most spectacular views of the Alhambra are from the Albaicin.

El Bañuelo Baths

Although the Catholic Monarchs considered communal baths to be immoral and had them destroyed, it appears that this 11th century hammam survived practically intact because it passed into private ownership. 

Gypsy Flamenco and Sacromonte

While in Granada you will have the opportunity to visit the cave houses at Sacromonte.  Direct from your hotel you will also be able to book a minibus trip to see a gypsy flamenco show in one of these caves. Although the free drink is normally watered down the show is quite good and takes place right in front of you.