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 Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office |
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.
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.
 |
| Courtyard of the Lions Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office |
One of the highlights has to be the Courtyard of the Lions
(Patio de los Leones). In the centre is a fountain supported by 12 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.
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.)
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.
 |
| El Albaicín Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office |
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.
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.
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
four times a week and costs from £59 one way. (Price includes
free onboard food and bar service and 23kg of free checked baggage
allowance.) For more information visit
www.britishairways.com/travel/london-city-airport
I stayed at the Hotel Carmen ( www.hotelcarmen.com). Rooms
from €115
For more information on Granada visit www.turgranada.es and
www.spain.info
