Travel around Spain: Granada, Spain's Muslim Jewel

Granada is the capital of the province of the same name. It is situated at the foot of Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain in the Iberian Peninsula. Located in Andalusia, southern Spain, has one of the biggest cultural heritages in this country. In addition to the world famous Alhambra and the Albaicin neighborhood, both designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Granada has a Renaissance cathedral and many other monuments dot the city in each of its corners.

WHAT TO SEE IN GRANADA

Cathedral: is the perfect starting point for a walk through the heart of Granada. In 1501 the Catholic Monarchs ordered its construction as a symbol of Christianity. Mixture of styles, it was designed as Gothic, built in Renaissance and the facade is baroque. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.45-13.30 & 16.00-20.00, Sundays 16.00-20.00.

Capilla Real: few months before her death in 1504, Queen Isabel I signed with King Fernando the order to build his mausoleum in Granada, in a chapel adjoining the Cathedral. Opening hours: Autumn-Winter: Mon-Sat 10.15-13.30 & 15.30-18.30. 11.00-13.30 & 15.30-18.30 Sundays. Spring-Summer: Mon-Sat 10.15-13.30 & 16.00-19.30. Sundays 11.00-1:30 p.m. & 16.00-19.30. Entrance fee: 4.00 €. Official site: www.capillarealgranada.com

City Centre: Alcaicería Street (a street that for centuries was the silk market and today maintains its artisan souk character and charm of the streets), Elvira Street (long path of bars, taverns and wineries very frequented at any time), Carrera del Darro (promenade flanked on both sides of river Darro by palaces, churches, convents and charming hotels), Paseo de los Tristes (offers a wonderful view of the Alhambra, beautifully illuminated at night, outdoor dining becomes an unforgettable experience).

Albaicin: one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe. Walking through the Albaicin is the best way to get to know it. Much of the Albaicin character lies in the typical construction in the neighborhood, houses with orchard and garden called "Carmens". Recommended is the Plaza de San Miguel Bajo, charming to rest and regain strength in one of its many restaurants. One of the most popular viewpoints is that of St. Nicholas with the Alhambra across the roofs of the neighborhood to his feet and the city in the background.

Sacromonte: walking from the Albaicin to the Sacromonte you can see the homes that already admired the visitors two centuries ago: the cave houses, where gypsies settled in the eighteenth century, whitewashed inside and outside, and with chimneys to vent. The Sacromonte is the center of Granada flamenco: every night shows are organized, and at any time you can enjoy exhibitions in bars and terraces.

WHAT TO DO IN GRANADA

Flamenco shows

Taller de Arte Vimaambi (Cuesta de San Gregorio 30, Albaicin) www.vimaambi.com
Jardines de Zoraya (Panaderos, 32) www.jardinesdezoraya.com
Sala Albayzín (Carretera de Murcia) www.flamencoalbayzin.com
Venta El Gallo (Barranco de los Negros 5, Sacromonte) www.ventaelgallo.com

Cueva los Tarantos (Camino del Sacromonte, 9) www.cuevaslostarantos.com

Arab Baths

Baños de Elvira (c/ Arteaga, 3) www.banosdeelvira.com
Hammam Baños Arabes Granada (c/ Santa Ana, 16) www.granada.hammamspain.com
Aljibe de San Miguel Baños Árabes (c/ San Miguel Alta, 41) www.aljibesanmiguel.es

Parque de las Ciencias: XXI century interactive museum that invites you to play, to experiment, to marvel and to enjoy while learning. A planetarium with over seven thousand stars, astronomical observatory, tropical butterflies, piranhas, etc. Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-19:00, Sundays 10:00 to 15:00. Entrance fee € 4.50-6.00. www.parqueciencias.com

RESTAURANTS & TAPAS:

There 4 areas in Granada advisable to dine or to go tapas. While restarurants are better for fine dining, bars are where the tapas offer is even better diversified.