The city of Granada is just 90 minutes north-east of Malaga and sits majestically at 700 meters (2100 feet) on a wide plateau, with the back drop of the Sierra Nevada mountains as its protector, the highest mountain range in mainland Spain, and yet located just 45 minutes from the Costa Tropical.
Granada is steeped in history and was in fact the capital of the Moorish empire in Spain, which dates back to the early 11th century. The Alhambra, a beautifully preserved Moorish palace, overlooks the city and is without doubt the largest attraction in the city. In fact, it is not only the most visited monument in Granada, but the most visited monument in all of Spain.
Despite its long history, Granada has much more to offer visitors than simply its past. With a population of just under 240,000 but with a student population of over 60,000, it is a lively city that manages to find harmony between old and new, contemporary and historical, making it a great city in which to learn Spanish. It is a city of contrasts, and despite being a relatively large city, if you step just a couple of minutes off the beaten track, you can find yourself in a much older, more historic, more village-like Spain.
No visit to the city would be complete without visiting the old quarter, or Albaicin. Sitting at the top of a hill directly opposite the Alhambra Palace, and meandering its way back to the city centre, is a network of tiny cobbled streets and white washed houses which you would more likely be expecting to find in a village, rather than a bustling little city. There are several view points which should not be missed, including the famous San Nicholas which overlooks the Alhambra Palace, which is a popular place to visit at sunset. If you are feeling especially energetic, it is worth getting up early and enjoying it first thing in the morning. Out of peak season you may even find you have the spectacular view all to yourself.
Of course, like everywhere in Spain, food plays a fundamental role, not just to entertain our taste buds, but more importantly to bring us together. One thing that the city is famous for across Spain, is its tapas. Sure, we are all familiar with the concept, but here they take it one step further. With every drink you have, you are given, free of charge, a small tapa. Here there is the cultural belief that if you drink, you should eat, and that if you eat, well, you should drink. Needless to say, a lot of time can float away simply tasting the wonderful variety of tapas that unexpectedly, but welcomely, arrive at your table.
Whilst you are here, why not indulge yourself after Spanish class and relax and unwind by visiting the enchanting Arab baths. Located at the foot of the Alhambra Palace, in a tiny street off Plaza Nueva, you will find a warm water sanctuary that will transport you back to another time.
