Granada: TravelGuide

Sun and snow, land and sea, history and legend. The province of Granada has so much to offer, from the mythical city that witnessed the fall of the last king of Moorish Al-Andalus to pristine natural areas. The land that charmed the romantic travellers still bewitches anybody who visits it. The... More

Sun and snow, land and sea, history and legend. The province of Granada has so much to offer, from the mythical city that witnessed the fall of the last king of Moorish Al-Andalus to pristine natural areas. The land that charmed the romantic travellers still bewitches anybody who visits it. The province of Granada lies in the south east of Andalusia and has been the bridge between the Orient and the West since time immemorial. Granada is an ancient land with snowy peaks from which one can almost touch the shores of Africa. The historic and artistic heritage of Granada is a legacy of the different cultures which settled in its villages and towns. The ancient capital of the Nasrid Kingdom and its province are a precious jewel for true lovers of art. The Alhambra, the Generalife and the Albayzín have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. However, they are only a sample of the enormous monumental wealth of Granada. Other towns such as Guadix, Montefrío, Loja, Alhama de Granada, Orce or Huéscar offer their visitors anything from Arab baths, Muslim fortresses, castles and towers to monumental temples and Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque constructions.their visitors anything from Arab baths, Muslim fortresses, castles and towers to monumental temples and Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque constructions. The city of Granada is a meeting point for those who love culture. There are museums, theatres, an auditorium, and a year-round cultural schedule. Events such as the international festivals of Music and Dance, Tango, Jazz and the festival of young filmmakers have become essential meetings for many people. The Teatro Alhambra has a regular programme, and the prestigious Orquesta Ciudad de Granada performs a complete and varied annual programme at the Manuel de Falla auditorium. Flamenco, one of the identifying featurea of Granada, can be enjoyed daily in the Caves of the Sacromonte, where the gypsies dance their popular zambras. And the Parque de las Ciencias or Science Museum is a place where both adults and children can discover the fascinating world of Science and the Universe. Granada has a great diversity of protected natural areas. The Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada features the highest peaks of mainland Spain, but there are also five natural parks and the Paraje Natural Acantilados de Maro - Cerro Gordo. This is a 395 ha. coastal landscape formed by erosion, where the Sierra de Almijara opens up to the Mediterranean. Paluable prairies of poseidonia grass grow in its sea bottom. The interior of the province conceals charming places to visit. Alpujarra-Valle de Lecrín, the western part of the province, the areas of Guadix - Marquesado and the high plateau of Baza - Huéscar have managed to preserve their essence throughout history. Visitors will find a broad and varied range of accommodation, from 5- star hotels to the comfortable caves which are so typical of Granada. Time seems to have stopped in these villages, and their people live in perfect harmony with the environment. Traditions are transmitted from pa-rents to children, in a way that takes us back to a past with neither stress nor hurry. Motril, Salobreña and Almuñécar are the most popular destinations on the Costa Tropical. They are surrounded by an orchard of tropical crops and enjoy a unique subtropical climate in the Peninsula, with an average temperature of 20º C. These towns are very well equipped in services, and offer the perfect setting to enjoy a good vacation whilst avoiding the mass-tourism of other Andalusian tourist destinations. The eastern coast of the province is also well worth a visit. Travellers will love the coastal villages and their centenary watchtowers. The Sierra Nevada ski resort hosted the World Alpine Ski Championship in 1996 and receives thousands of people every year who choose its runs to enjoy the snow. It is the summit of mainland Spain, and its view reaches as far as the African coast. The Sierra Nevada is a real paradise for lovers of alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and other winter sports. The resort is equipped with the most modern facilities and has a long season which stretches through Spring. Less