They say that if you see one Spanish city it should be Granada, a city so blessed with architectural and historical splendor that the entire city has been declared a national monument, mostly in homage to the Alhambra, a 14th century castle fortress like no other.

The extraordinary fortress-palace represents the peak of Moorish art in Spain, set high on a mountain spur below the towering Sierra Nevada. The castle's very existence reminds visitors of Granada's long Arabic history, which lasted through two centuries of Christian reconquest in Spain before the country was finally conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in January 1492, after a 10-year war.

The Alhambra is made up of a series of fortresses, gardens and palaces, which look over the fertile valley plains with the town of Granada spread around its base. The oldest part of the fortress is the Alcazaba, with an impressive courtyard marked with imposing towers. After the Alcazaba was created, various rulers built palaces, chapels and other buildings regularly. Most are given an Arabic twist with brilliant tile and plaster decoration, rare Islamic ceiling paintings, and courtyards filled with orange trees and fountains.

The Alhambra is indeed a marvel that has drawn millions of tourists to its beauty, especially after American diplomat Washington Irving gave the Alhambra a romantic image in his "Tales from the Alhambra," published in 1832. An excellent source for the Alhambra palace is the official Alhambra Patronato web site.

But Granada is more than just the Alhambra. It's said that visitors come to see the Alhambra and stay to see the city. Notable city sights include the Gothic Cathedral with religious paintings by Granada master Alonso Cana, the 16th century Noble Girls School, and the Plateresque Ecclesiastic Curia.


There really is a wide and varied choice when it comes to accomodation in Granada. Here are some of the top rated hotels.

The Alhambra Palace is on the most popular Hotels in Granada. The interior of the Alhambra Palace Hotel is full of exquisite features inspired by the adjacent palace. Its spacious hall is covered in marble, arches, ornate stonework and rich fabrics – a glimpse into Granada's impressive Moorish heritage. This charming decor extends to your own room, where you can marvel at the distinctive, Islamic touches such as the intricate tiles in the marble bathroom. The hotel is set on the same hilltop as the palace, allowing you fantastic views over the city of Granada and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras beyond.

The Hesperia Granada is another popular choice. Recently renovated the historic building that is the home of the hotel Hesperia Granada, provides fantastic accommodation in the heart of the old town. Original features, like the central atrium, bring a wonderful atmosphere to the hotel, an oasis of calm within the lively setting . Perfectly located to explore and discover old Granada and the Alhambra, and as a base for relaxing and enjoying genuine Andalucian surroundings, this hotel is second-to-none.