Travel information on Granada attractions, plus find out what makes Granada such a spectacular short break destination.

Granada, the Andalusian city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, has a history as varied and colourful as that of Spain itself.

Granada Attractions: Granada History

One of Roman Spain’s earliest cities, known as Illibris, and then a major city during the days of Moorish Spain, when the Alhambra – the ‘red or crimson castle’ - that overlooks the city, was in its prime, then turned into a Christian powerbase during the reign of Emperor Charles V in the sixteenth century, Granada has always been something of a barometer against the varied influences that have dominated Spain through history.

This is as true today as it was in the medieval era. Indicative of the blood letting that was taking place throughout the country during the Civil War, when the Nationalists took the city from the Republicans in the early days of the conflict in 1936 historians estimate that 4,000 people were summarily executed in the city. And more recently, Granada, like much of Spain, has been transformed by the twin effects of industrialisation and tourism. Especially tourism, which has been good to Granada.

But Granada is not just another tourist trap, it has a unique feel and attitude all of its own, which is a million miles away from the Brit heavy beach resorts along the coast. It is an enviable year round city break destination, too, ideal for a weekend getaway from the UK or even perhaps as part of a brief sojourn from the Costa Del Sol if you are holidaying along the coast.

View a slide show of photographs from the Alhambra & more Granada attractions, Click Here

Granada Attractions – The Alhambra

The best place to start on any visit to the city is the inspirational Alhambra, the hilltop fort and palace complex that perches above the city.

Built on the site of an existing fortress dating back to the 9th century the complex of palaces, gardens, city gates and mosque that became the Alhambra dates back to the 14th century and the reign Muhammed Al-Ahmar and his descendants. A testament to the Alhambra’s defences can be seen from the fact that it was the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, thus ending the best part of 700 years of Muslim influence in Spain.

You can reach the Alhambra either by walking up the steep-sided path from the city centre or by driving. There is a car park at the top of the hill by the entrance to the Alhambra – if you are staying at one of the city centre hotels that have no parking facilities you can leave your car here for €15 per 24 hour period. Entrance to the Alhambra costs 10 Euros, though some parts are open for free.

To minimise congestion in the Palace Nazaries, which is widely regarded as the most impressive Muslim palace in Europe, each ticket bought gives you a specific half hour period during the morning or afternoon when you are allowed to enter the palace. Even with these restrictions there is still a large throng of tourists gawping at the palace at any one time – but it is still worth it.

As well as the Palace Nazaries, other must-do attractions in the Alhambra include the beautiful summer palace and gardens known as Generalife and the old fortress Alcazaba - be sure to take in the fantastic views from the old watchtower, Torre de la Vela. There is also a cathedral – built on the site of an old mosque – as well as an interesting museum, home to several excellent examples of Muslim Spain’s craftsmanship in the arts of ceramics, ironwork and carpentry.

Perhaps the most impressive building in the Alhambra however owes nothing to Muslim Spain and everything to do with the Renaissance. Begun in 1527 by Pedro Machuca, who studied under Michelangelo, during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, the Palacio de Carlos V is widely viewed as the best example of Renaissance architecture in all of Spain. The building is square, but contains a two tiered circular courtyard within it – said to symbolise the symmetry of heaven and earth.

Granada Attractions: City Centre

Away from the Alhambra and a short walk – albeit down (or up) a very steep hill – sees you enter the centre of Granada. There is plenty to see and do in the centre of Granada and even without the magnificence of the Alhambra above it would most definitely still be worth a visit.

An interesting part of the city to explore is the Albayzin (pictured), Granada’s old Muslim quarter. With narrow, meandering streets similar to those of Muslim cities in North Africa, this area is bursting with small cafés and shops selling beads and other trinkets. The hookah pipe features quite heavily in many a tea shop too, and the streets are often filled with the sound of the bongo drum from many a street performer: a backpacker’s stop-over spot for those en route to Morocco since the 1960s, there is a definite alternative and ‘new age’ feel to this part of the city, but it is not imposing, and it is well worth a visit.

Away from the Albayzin proper and the streets leading to the centre also have a young feel about them; those looking for a lively bar to while away the hours will not be disappointed.

As one of Andalusia’s largest cities and a regional centre, Granada is an excellent place for shopping too. As well as many of the high street chains we know and love in the UK, such as Zara and H&M, there are also numerous local stores and boutiques selling everything from jewellery to jeans. Remember though: Spain is still the land of siestas, especially in the summer months, so don’t plan on an afternoon shop because most shops are shut between 2pm and 5pm.

Granada has a large collection of restaurants, ranging from the high end to reasonably priced. Many of the best, as ever, are to be found away from the more tourist heavy plazas and serve excellent tapas and mouth-watering paellas, with generous glasses of Spanish wine.

Modern day Granada is a heady mix of all the cultures that have gone before it; in one street as like Morocco as Marrakech, the next, quintessential Spain where siestas and sangria reign supreme. Whether you are looking for historic sights or a new city in which to shop; a boozy break or culinary experience, Granada has a little bit of everything and a lot to offer.

Granada Attractions & Travel Information

Where to Stay: Hotels in Granada

Recommended Hotels in Granada: Posada Pilar del Toro – Conveniently located near the Albayzin quarter and a short walk from Plaza Nueva – the square at the foot of the path leading to the Alhambra, the Posada Pilar del Toro is a good three star hotel. Rooms are clean and tidy, the restaurant is good and an excellent location from which to explore the city. Doubles from £60/nt. (Tip: If you are travelling by car – park in the Alhambra car park for €15 a day and walk to the city centre). www.posadapilardeltoro.com

Granada Travel Information: Flights to Granada

Getting There: Cheap Flights to Granada

Ryanair fly from London Standsted, Liverpool and East Midlands to Granada daily. www.ryanair.com