Granada is located in mid-eastern Andalusia, in southern Spain. It is one of the most historic and varied cities you will find in Spain. If you could only visit one city in Spain, it definitely should be Granada.

Granada offers tourists the chance to discover an authentic and rich blend of Spanish culture and Arab legacy, alongside the modern, cosmopolitan feel. The city also serves as an excellent base to explore the rest of the region. In this vibrant city, you can feast yourself on all things historic or chill out in one of the many central tapas bars, lively pubs and open air cafés that can be found everywhere in the city's core.

The entire city of Granada has been declared a national monument, in most part due to the homage of the wonderful Alhambra Palace, a unique Moorish fortress dating back to the 10th century. The Palace and its beautiful gardens is the most visited historic monument in the country, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year – it's easy to see why! Take the time to explore the whole complex; from the stunning Generalife Palace with its amazing gardens and fountains to the Palace of Charles V, the Alcazaba, the court of the Myrtles, the bath of Comares, the Hall of Kings and so much more – this is a voyage back in time like no other.

For something different yet in-theme, try the Arab baths (Hamman), a great way to be cleansed and relaxed during your holiday. Granada lies on the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Range, featuring the highest mountain mainland Spain and in geographic

al Europe (outside the Caucasus or the Alps) – the Mulhacen, at an impressive 3480 metres. No matter where you are in the city, a stunning view of the range and its wintry snow-capped peaks can be clearly seen. There is a well-established road leading up to the Sierra Nevada ski resort, a small largely self-contained village teeming with hotels, views and excellent ski slopes – a fun time for the whole family.

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In Granada, dining out by pub-crawling (tapas-crawling) is certainly a traditional and enjoyable experience. It is an ingrown custom and so many bars offer a free tapa with your drink; if that wasn't enough, the tapas sizes are among the most generous in Andalusia. Why not combine a good walk around the warren of streets in the heart of the city, before stopping off to some delicious local tapas. As with any city, you can also find a wealth of modern restaurants serving international treats.

A good place to start your dining experience in Granada are the streets between Plaza Nueva and Gran Via, or the area around Plaza del Carmen (near the town hall, or Ayuntamiento) and along Calle Navas. The picturesque plaza at Campo del Principe near the Alhambra hill boasts a line of open-air restaurant terraces – a very popular location on summer nights. Other good bars to try out in the central area include the Bodegas Castañeda near the top of the Gran Vía, and the lively Bodegas La Mancha and Bar Sabanilla. Granada is known in the country as a vibrant university city, housing a thriving international and Spanish student community. You'll find the nightlife has a superb feel, with cheap drinks and plenty of bars to choose from, making it a perfect place to party.

There are some excellent fiestas and festivals in Granada, including a music festival taking place in June, and great ways to take part in traditional dance and music workshops. Granada has its gypsy quarter which is located in the famous Sacramonte district. Traditionally, the gypsies have inhabited cave homes on the Sacramonte Hill, and many still do today, offering displays of zambras to the tourists. These areas have spawned some of the best flamenco guitarists and dancers in Spain, and are home to some of the best flamenco clubs where you can take in the gypsy atmosphere whilst they marvel you with their intricate and unique guitar-playing techniques and dancing skills. Just be careful and attentive, as there are places which try to take advantage of the many uninformed visitors to the district; they may insist on bargaining, so make sure you only take what is absolutely necessary.

Hotels in Granada


The Alhambra Palace is on the most popular Hotels in Granada. The interior of the Alhambra Palace Hotel is full of exquisite features inspired by the adjacent palace. Its spacious hall is covered in marble, arches, ornate stonework and rich fabrics – a glimpse into Granada’s impressive Moorish heritage. This charming decor extends to your own room, where you can marvel at the distinctive, Islamic touches such as the intricate tiles in the marble bathroom. The hotel is set on the same hilltop as the palace, allowing you fantastic views over the city of Granada and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras beyond.

The Hesperia Granada is another popular choice. Recently renovated the historic building that is the home of the hotel Hesperia Granada, provides fantastic accommodation in the heart of the old town. Original features, like the central atrium, bring a wonderful atmosphere to the hotel, an oasis of calm within the lively setting . Perfectly located to explore and discover old Granada and the Alhambra, and as a base for relaxing and enjoying genuine Andalucian surroundings, this hotel is second-to-none.

One of Spain`s finest Paradors is located right on the gorunds of the famous Alhambra Palace. The Parador de Granada This historic complex offers visitors the opportunity to take intimate and peaceful walks around the grounds - especially appealing when all the tourists have left for the day. In the building there are numerous works of art and exceptional pieces of furniture decorating the Cloister and the interior rooms. In the dining room or in the coolness of the summer terrace, with exceptional views of the Generalife, Andalusian gazpacho, Granada-style beans and Santa Fé pastries are served.

A great way to discover the area is by vehicle. Cheap car hire Granada is available in many locations in and round Granada. For as little as £9 per day you will have the freedom to drive and explore all corners of this picturesque part of Andalucia.