Destination Granada, Spain

From the moment that I laid eyes on the city of Granada, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, I was captivated by its dramatic beauty.

Granada’s, and arguably Spain’s jewel in the crown, has to be the Alhambra. Part fortress, part palace and small city, it is the dazzling emblem of the domination of the country by the Moors.  

The Alhambra was once the residence of the Nasrid, the last Muslim dynasty in Spain. Its walls snake around al-Sabrika hill that crowns the city. In 1492, Granada was the last Moorish city to fall to the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile.  

Oozing romance from an ancient world, this complex showcasing Islamic art and architecture has intrigued artists, writers, poets and visitors for centuries and continues to do so. It is far more impressive in reality than any picture you see.

The Alhambra
Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office

This ornate complex, especially at night, was something incredibly special. As I walked round gazing at the stuccoed columns, carved ceilings and intricately tiled rooms, exotic images of Arabian nights floated into my head.

One of the highlights has to be the Courtyard of the Lions (Patio de los Leones). In the centre is a fountain supported by12 marble lions. Go back during the day to take a walk around the Generalife, the Emirs’ summer retreat. The water gardens are jaw-dropping. (Tip: book your visit to the Alhambra in advance.)

In today’s Granada the past fuses with the present to form a cultural powerhouse that will stimulate even the most world-weary heart. The city fulfils so many requirements for a weekend break. You really can have it all.

Courtyard of the Lions
Courtesy of  the Spanish Tourist Office

Wander around the winding streets of the Realejo, the old Jewish quarter known as “Granada of the Jews” during the rule of the Nasrids. Saunter along the labyrinth of narrow medieval streets peppered with small squares of the old Arab quarter, El Albaicín. Named after the hill on which it stands, this charismatic area, awash with eateries and boutiques, now has a somewhat Moroccan vibe. Pop into one of the bars to enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas – which are free in Granada. 

Punctuate your trip with some retail therapy and explore the elegant streets of the city centre where you are bound to be tempted to flash your credit card in one of the boutiques, or Zara. 

For a cultural jaunt put the Parque de las Ciencias on your itinerary. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep all ages engrossed for hours. The butterfly house is amazing and the birds of prey exhibit is definitely not to be missed.

If you want to fit in some skiing then head to the Sierra Nevada, only 32km from the city centre. The season usually runs from December to May. (There is so much to do there, even if you don’t ski, that I will cover this in another post.)

El Albaicín
Courtesy of  the Spanish Tourist Office

Nature lovers cannot help be bowled over by the fauna and flora of the Sierra National Park whatever time of year they visit. While sun worshipers will be pleased to know that you can even fit in a visit to the beach on the same day – the Costa Tropical is approximately an hour’s drive away. 

Eating out in Granada is truly one of the city’s finest forms of entertainment. Not only is the food and wine magnificent, but there are some rather special “rooms” with a view. 

Lunch at the elegant Hotel Alhambra Palace, now over a hundred years old, was awesome. Architecturally inspired by the nearby Alhambra, the hotel dishes up stunning views of the city of Granada, as well as giving you a culinary treat of the traditional spiced up with a modern edge. The poached sea bass with tropical fruit and rum sauce was scrumptious. I also got to savour my first sip of “Granada” wine, hopefully, not my last as it was remarkably good.

Granada

A great place for dinner is Las Tomasas, El Albaicín, from where you gaze at the Alhambra in all its glory and let your taste buds be tantalised with some interesting dishes.

Flamenco has been popular in Granada for centuries. So, find the time to fit in a show. I loved the Temple of Flamenco, set in a centuries-old cave which has a wonderful authentic atmosphere. The menu consists of modern-styled typical Andalucian dishes which you can enjoy while watching a show that is dripping in raw passion and energy. 

For a quick insight into Andalucía history, I rounded up my action-packed trip with a visit to the Museo CajaGRANADA Memoria de Andalucía. The highlight was a superb meal at the Restaurant Arriaga, on the top of the cultural centre which is also home to the museum. 

It is arguably one of the city’s finest eateries. It was filled with locals, which in my books, says it all. The food is bursting with innovative flavours, but its real pull is the sweeping panoramic view of Granada from the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround you.

My first taste of Granada has well and truly sparked an appetite that will, no doubt, have me craving more.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways flies to Granada from London City Airport in the spring and summer. For more information visit britishairways.com/travel/london-city-airport

I stayed at the Hotel Carmen (hotelcarmen.com). For best rates visit website

For more information on Granada visit turgranada.es and spain.info

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist