Granada
is the most visited city in Spain by tourists from all over the world.
It is situated 662m above sea level in the foothills of the Sierra
Nevada mountains, the highest mountain range in Spain. It is 129km (80
miles) from Malaga and easily accessible from the Costa del Sol. The
resident population is nearly a quarter of a million and home of Spain's
3rd largest university and is steeped in history.
Founded
by the Romans it became an arab city in the 8th century and it was they
who named it Granada. At the time Granada was mainly inhabited by Jews
who are alleged to be the first people to settle in Spain, even before
the Romans. In 1492 it was the last Muslim city to fall to the
Christians. One of the most beautiful buildings in Spain and certainly
the most famous is the Moorish palace, the Alhambra; a series of palaces
and gardens built in the 14th century which include the Generalife, a
summer palace, and the Palace of Carlos V, an outstanding example of
Spanish renaissance architecture.
The
hill facing the Alhambra is the old moorish casbah, a fascinating
labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. There is much to see
and we recommend this website to learn more. Though this is popular for
day tours, stay a night and sample the bars and cafes, the flamenco
music and the ambience of this wonderful city. 
