One of our stops on a 3-week vacation in Spain was to the mystical city of Granada. It’s the home of The Alhambra palace and fortress which Moorish poets have described as “a pearl set in Emeralds.” It began as a small fortress in 889 AD and was converted into a palace for the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada in the mid-13th century. Its intricate design and stunning beauty remain to this day.
Find a local guide in Granada, here.
There are 93 Spanish Paradores (historic hotels) in Spain and the Parador de Granada is the most popular with tourists. It’s located within the Alhambra compound. Constructed between 1332 – 1354, it was originally a Mosque and later a convent. Kings, queens, and many other dignitaries have been received there.
Check current pricing for Parador de Granada here.
Down the hill from the lavish Alhambra are the Roma enclave and caves of Sacramonte, where you can enjoy traditional food and Zambra, a variation of flamenco performed by the Roma who have resided there for centuries.
Another point of interest in Granada is the exquisite Granada Cathedral which took over 180 years to build and is still not finished yet. It was built in the Renaissance and Baroque style and dates back to 1523.
Granada is located in the Andalusia region of the country where cultures have mixed and thrived for centuries. Throughout the city, you can see the opulent extravagance of the Moors, mysterious and stunning Catholic monuments, Gypsy life, and remnants of Jewish Sephardi culture and academia.
Read more about our trip to Spain here
Photos of The Alhambra and Granada, Spain
Click on the images below to view them full-size.
Gorgeous! What an amazing place. And your photos are lovely. My fave: Alhambra Arab windows.
My niece is in Spain for six months. I’ll have to direct her to THIS place (if she’s not already got it on her agenda).
Thank you for sharing!
I hope your niece gets to visit the Alhambra. It’s truly magical. One of my favorite sites in Spain. Glad you like the photos.
I WAS just tallking with Michael about a trip to Spain. I’ve only been for a few days and he’s spent more time there.
I love Spain and could easily live there. It’s an amazing place. You can walk into any tiny cathedral and be completely stunned.