Granada

The Alhambra Palace complex is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site started off as a small fortress built on earlier Roman fortifications in 889AD. Over the centuries the complex was home to the Emirate of Granada, which was the last Muslim dynasty in Spain to be conquered by the Christians in 1492. It later became home to the royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella. As such, the complex is of enormous interest to history and architecture enthusiasts. Although it is possible to walk around the very large complex on your own, it would be far more rewarding to join a guided tour of this magnificent historic site – allow at least 2.5 hours.

The Alhambra, Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18009 Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-02-79-71

Located on the Cerro del Sol hill, very close to the Alhambra, the Generalife was built in the 13th century and was used as a refuge or leisure palace by the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada when they wanted a break from the rigors of office in the palace. The building and its very beautiful gardens are built on several levels and you will notice that the décor is far less elaborate than that of the Alhambra. The gardens of the Generalife have also been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and are the best-preserved example of Moorish gardens in the whole of Spain.

Generalife, 18009 Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-02-79-71

Recommended Activities for Families

Constructed in the 19th century, Carmen de los Martires Garden is a must-visit attraction for all nature lovers. The complex lies outside the walls of the Alhambra and contains a palace building and expansive gardens, which are free to visit. Within the gardens you will find French Baroque garden, complete with a large pond and several statues, an English garden and several other themed areas. There is a large lake with ducks and swans and a Palmeras Garden with palm trees and fountains. The garden is popular with both visitors and locals and offers a serene and beautiful place to enjoy nature.

Carmen de los Martires Garden, Paseo de los Martires, 18009, Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-84-91-03

Strolling through the Albaicin, Granada’s Old Arab Quarter, is a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a sunny day. Here, in the shadow of the famed Alhambra, you will find a myriad of narrow cobbled streets, ancient old Moorish buildings and the many churches which were built on the sites of demolished ancient mosques. The Albaicin has a charm of its own – ancient white-washed houses decorated with colorful blue flowerpots spill out into open public squares. There are many remnants of Moorish architecture to admire and plenty of bars and cafes where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Explore on your own or join a guided walking tour.

Albaicin, 18010 Granada, Spain

Located near the top of the Albaicin, Palacio de Dar al Horra translates as Home of the Honest. The 15th century palace has served several purposes through the centuries and is thought to have been the official palace of Zirid King Badis and the home of the mother of the last Sultan of Spain. Later it was home to Catholic monarchs and since 1507 it has been a cloistered monastery. The palace and its gardens is an excellent example of Moorish architecture and design although less sumptuous that the Alhambra. Astronomy enthusiasts can admire a collection of instruments which demonstrates the progression of astronomy through the ages.

Palacio de Dar al Horra, Callejon de las Monjas Albayzin, 18008 Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-02-79-71

The very beautiful Church of Granada was constructed between 1523, when the first stone was laid, and 1704 when it was declared complete. Once you step through the doors of the church and see the striking structure and priceless décor, you will understand why this masterpiece took nearly 200 years to complete. There is no doubt that the cathedral was designed to impress and to emphasize the power and authority of the Christian faith in Granada. You can join a guided tour or set of to discover the history, architecture and impressive art at your own pace with the assistance of an audio guide.

The Granada Cathedral, Plaza de las Pasiegas, 18001 Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-22-29-59

Attractions for Couples

Located in the awe-inspiring Palace of Carlos V, the Museum of Fine Art Granada is essential viewing for all art lovers visiting Granada. The large collection is divided chronologically; you will usually start your tour in Room I, where treasures from the 15th to the 17th centuries are exhibited. In Room II you can admire works by the celebrated Granada artist Alonso Cano (1601 -1667), while Room III showcases works by his many followers. As you make your way through the various other rooms you will see works from the 17th to the 20th century and then finally, in Room IX you can see the museum’s collection of contemporary art.

Museum of Fine Arts Granada, Explanada Palacio de Carlos V, Recinto de la Alhambra, 18009 Granada, Spain, Phone: +34-958-56-35-08

Visitors are invited to come and discover Sacromonte, a historic area of the city where Romani Gypsies and other marginalized ethnic groups settled after the Christian conquest in 1492. Here you will find an amazing neighborhood of white-washed houses and caves which were excavated into the slopes of Cerro de San Miguel. Some of these caves were very rudimentary dwellings, while others featured several rooms and are carefully decorated. For centuries the caves of Sacromonte have been home to the arty and bohemian population of the city and are where you can go to see a demonstration of classic Flamenco dancing. You can explore the neighborhood on a guided walking tour.

Sacromonte, 18010 Granada, Spain