Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Costa Tropical - Granada / GRANADA
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| | | Magnificent Arab palace |  | Why go on holiday to Granada?
To see the Alhambra, one of the finest examples of a medieval Arab palace in the world, and to walk the narrow streets of the Albaicin, the old Islamic quarter.
Located near the southern coast, with the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop, Granada is surprisingly green compared with the rest of Andalucia.
How much does it cost?
This certainly isn't the cheapest destination in Spain. As a rough guide, return flights to Granada via Madrid or Barcelona cost from £220. Mid-range hotel accommodation can be found for about £30 a night.
A five-night trip to Granada including flights, bed and breakfast, four-star accommodation, and car hire costs from around £400 per person.
When should I go?
The weather is dry and hot in Granada. Spring and autumn are the best times to go to avoid the intense heat of summer. Average temperatures in May and October are 23C (74F) and by July it can get as hot as 37C (98F).
Ticket prices are most expensive from mid-July until the end of September. Festivals to catch include the El Rocio International Festival of classical music and flamenco in June/July.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Spain.
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| | | Wander the Islamic quarter | | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit the Alhambra, one of Spain's greatest sights and a monument to southern Spain's Arab legacy.
Perched on top of La Sabika hill overlooking Granada, it consists of the spectacularly decorated Casa Real (Royal Palace), the Alcazaba (fortress) and its gardens, the Generalife.
Climb up the narrow, winding staircase of the fortress watchtower for a view of the city and surrounding hills - this is where the banners of the Reconquista were raised in 1492 when Christians took over Granada.
Other buildings on the hilltop include a more recent Renaissance palace, Palacio de Carlos V, which houses two museums, the Museo Nacional de Arte Hispano-Arabe and the Museo de Bellas Artes.
What's good to read while I'm there?
Washington Irving's wonderful Tales Of The Alhambra, which he wrote in the 19th century after an extended stay in some of the palace rooms.
The interest in his and other romantic writings about the Alhambra resulted in it being declared a national monument in 1870.
Don't worry if you arrive without a copy - Libreria Continental, Puerta Real, and Libreria Atlantida, Gran Via de Colon 9, stock books in English.
What else should I see?
Wander around the narrow, hilly streets of the Albaicin, Granada's old Islamic quarter.
See the remains of 11th-century Arab baths, learn more about Granada's past at the Museo Arqueologico, and take a coffee break on Paseo de los Tristes for a great view of the Alhambra's fortifications directly above.
Other highlights include taking a short day trip to Guadix, where nearly half of the town's inhabitants live in modern-day cave dwellings, and going hiking in the snowy-peaked Sierra Nevada.
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| | | Dance the flamenco | | Where's good for nightlife?
Look out for posters advertising live music and flamenco shows. Good flamenco can be seen nearly every night at El Corral del Principe on Campo del Principe.
Alternatively, while away the evening around the Plaza Nueva - start off with some tapas, do a little dance at disco Granada 10 and enjoy a nightcap at the city's oldest bar, La Sabinilla.
For good music don't miss Bar El Eshavira, a basement jazz, blues, flamenco and salsa club at Placeta de la Cuna, open from 11.30pm most nights.
What's the food like?
Here, you will find seafood and tropical fruit from the nearby coast, and meats and sausages of the interior.
Typical dishes include Rabo de toro (bull's tail stew), habas con jamon (broad beans with ham) and tortilla Sacromonte (omelette of calf's brains, ham, prawns or oysters and greens).
Although more expensive, the best areas for eating in the city are in and around the Alhambra, Plaza Bib-Rambla, Plaza Nueva and the tea shops on Calle Caldereria Nueva. Sweet-tooths can try Moorish sweetmeats sold in bakeries.
What should I buy?
A local specialty is marquetry - used on boxes, tables, and chess sets with inlaid materials such as shell, silver or mother-of-pearl.
Other crafts include embossed leather, guitars, wrought iron, brass and copperware, basketweaving, textiles and pottery.
Watch artisans at work on Cuesta de Gomerez and browse the government-run Artespana handicrafts shop in the Corral del Carbon.
What is there for children to do?
Although not ideally suited to younger children, older children may enjoy the medieval Arabic sights, and cave dwellings in nearby Gaudix. The coast is 30 miles away for a day by the beach.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in GRANADA |
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| |  | | La Alcandora
Cosy apartment(60m2), situated in an old renovated premises, with 3 other apartments and a communal, not covered indoor hall in the heart of Granada.
|  | | Albariza
City apartment (50 m2) located in the Albayzín district at the feet of the Alhambra in Granada. The XVIth century building in Arabic style is a restor
|  | | Albariza
City apartment (50 m2) located in the Albayzín district at the feet of the Alhambra in Granada. The XVIth century building in Arabic style is a restor
|  | | Mirador
City apartment (50 m2) with private terrace located in the Albayzín district at the feet of the Alhambra in Granada. The XVIth century building in Ara
|  | | Mirador
City apartment (50 m2) with private terrace located in the Albayzín district at the feet of the Alhambra in Granada. The XVIth century building in Ara
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