Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s known for its Moorish architecture and landmarks such as the Alhambra, a 14th-century fortress and palace complex. The city also has elaborate Gothic cathedrals, royal chapels and parks.
Granada is full of history and culture. It was founded in the 8th century by the Moors, and many of its buildings still reflect this heritage. Apart from Alhambra, other notable buildings include the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, both built in the 15th century. There are also many excellent museums in Granada, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science. And if you’re a fan of Flamenco music and dance, you’ll be interested to know that it originated in this region of Spain.
Wander the warren of streets in the atmospheric Albayzín district and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time – this is Granada’s old Moorish quarter, where flamenco was first performed in public. Or take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Generalife, Summer Palace of the Nasrid rulers of Granada. Discover Granada’s Christian heritage at the city’s cathedral, one of Spain’s largest churches, or visit the Royal Chapel, final resting place of Isabel and Fernando, Spain’s legendary ‘Catholic Monarchs’. For sweeping views over Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains beyond,hike up to the Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint.
Granada has a reputation for being one of the coldest cities in Spain, but this is only true for a few days in winter. From December to February, average temperatures range from 0ºC to 10ºC, with occasional snowfall on the Sierra Nevada. But Granada is also one of the sunniest cities in Europe, so even on the coldest days there are usually blue skies. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the days are warm and sunny but not too hot, and there are fewer crowds than in summer.
