Spanish Holiday: Gorgeous Granada

Situated at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, within easy distance of the blue Mediterranean, Granada in the Andalucia Province of south Spain, is famous for its climate: ranging from bright Mediterranean summers to cold, snowy winters. For nearly 800 years, Granada was the center of the Muslim culture, and its Moorish conquerors left an indelible mark with their delicately beautiful architecture, spicy cuisine and intricate arts and crafts.

The center of the olive-producing industry, Granada with its mountainous slopes is the hub of agriculture in Spain. Tobacco, sugar, local fruits, vegetables and spices are the well-known products. Apart from these, there are some breathtaking monuments to be visited in Granada:

The Alhambra: Granada's most famous tourist attraction, the Alhambra fortress and palace were the strongholds of the last Moorish rulers in Spain, the Nasirid dynasty. Located scenically on the Saint Elvira Hill, the Alhambra is a treasure-trove of art, architecture and delicate sculpture and immaculately laid-out gardens.

Granada Cathedral: constructed by the triumphant Christian conquerors of Granada, this magnificent 16th century edifice is in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Catholic monarchs of Granada are buried here in the churchyard. The royal chapel here is also a museum, with spectacular Van der Weyden paintings, the crown of Isabella and the sword of Ferdinand – the two supreme rulers who united the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in medieval times.

Arab Baths: The Hamam banos Arabe or Arabic baths of Granada date back to the 11th century and are great for enjoying a relaxing traditional bath and massage. Organic products, essential oils and the local mineral salts are used.

Carthusian and San Jeronimo Monasteries: If you love medieval religious architecture, these monasteries, with their charming cloisters and quiet, shady walks are the perfect place to spend a few hours in.

Apart from sightseeing, visitors must get a taste of Granada's delicious cuisine, with its strong Arabic and Andalucian influences. Traditional cooking methods using local produce, mountain-cured ham, with a light sprinkling of fresh spices, mouth-watering tapas, hot chocolate, desserts and wines are a foodie's delight.

Walking through Sacramonte's twisting alleyways in Granada's mountainous region, visiting the Old Jewish quarter, the colorful Triunfo Garden are other delightful trips to make while you're here. Another great idea would be to plan your visit during one of the colorful festivals – Easter, Corpus Christi, Day of Taking, etc. to give you a glimpse of local culture and heritage. Sacroamonte is also famous for its unique flamenco shows held in one of the mountain caves! Flamenco is not just about dancing, but also about music, poetic lyrics and great guitar playing.

Get Granada to the top of your holiday list for that unforgettable Spanish experience!