Explore Granada – one of Andalucía’s cultural gems

Only two hours away from the famous coast of Marbella and Puerto Banús lays the lively city of Granada, with many beautiful sites, history and culture to enjoy. With so much to explore it is no wonder it is one of Spain’s most visited cities − and a must-see on our list of top days out.

Offering the biggest tourist attraction in all of Spain − a visit to the famous Alhambra is in itself worth a trip to Granada. Dating back to the ninth century, the palace contains a long history and architectural detail. A guided tour is the best way to discover the grounds and fortress, but make sure you book tickets online in advance, as there is limited capacity and no surprise but the tickets tend to sell out quickly. After discovering the nazaries palaces from the inside and admiring the gardens of the Generalife, a visit to the Mirador San Nicolás offers the ultimate panoramic view across Granada to the Albaicin gipsy quarter set against a background of towering peaks.

Here you can enjoy a walk through cobbled medieval streets, past many Moroccan tea shops and markets to find a view that is simply breath-taking. The panorama enjoyed from this quaint quarter is of the Alhambra and it’s palaces, the city of Granada and a beautiful backdrop of the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

After building up an appetite, take a walk into the city centre and see what’s on offer. As the original home of the tapa, Granada offers the traditional concept of buying a drink and getting a free tapa dish along with it. We recommend enjoying a drink in as many bars as possible and therefore trying different tapas in each. With your thirst quenched and belly full, Granada nightlife offers an array of bars in both the old and new towns, many with live music, flamenco shows and mini-theatres; plenty to keep you entertained from dusk until dawn.

Granada is also home to one of Spain’s top universities, attracting Erasmus students from all over the world. As a great centre of tourism and culture, this vibrant city offers a true taste of Spain, attracting a diverse crowd with its romantic ambience, scenic setting and beautiful monuments. If that wasn’t enough to entice you for a visit, only 20 minutes away from the city are the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the largest ski resort in Andalucía with family friendly slopes that suit all abilities and tastes, and offer incredible scenery to boot.

So whether you are looking for an active break from the beaches to the slopes, want to explore the historical Alhambra palace or enjoy a tapa or two; Granada has an experience for everyone to savour. Explore Granada, two hours from Marbella, a perfect weekend.

By Fai M. Rodríguez