Granada
Granada is a sprawling city crowned by the Alhambra, one of Europe's most extraordinary palaces and the crowning achievement of the Islamic culture in Spain.
You'll also find the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella in the Cathedral and on the hill opposite the Alhambra is the gipsy quarter, Sacromonte, with excellent restaurants and plenty of flamenco bars opened late into the night. And, less than an hour away, those looking for skiing and snowboarding can find some of Europe's best at Sol y Nieve resort in the Sierra Nevadas.
The Alhambra
The very mention of the Alhambra is enough to evoke in many people´s minds the spell of an historic past, teeming with life, and the charm of certain exotic legends that pique the imagination with this magic word.
The Alhambra is far more than simply a palace. It was a collection of markets, government offices and the home and retreat of the Moorish rulers for hundreds of years.
Built in the 1300s, the Alhambra was a series of royal residences and government buildings astride a ridge dominating Granada. The decorations in the Alhambra must be seen to be appreciated. Photographs can't capture the almost mystical effects of repetitive Arab art.
The gilded ceilings, carved walls, gurgling fountains, reflecting pools and spectacular views of the city are jaw dropping. The time spend on pure decorative art adorning this series of buildings is mind-boggling.
To visit the Alhambra it is advisable to book tickets in advance. The cost is €10 per person. There are 2 visitings - morning or afternoon. Tickets can be booked direct from http://www.alhambratickets.com/.
Flamenco - Sacromonte
| Performed every day at 10pm, the Zambra La RocÃÂo offers a flamenco show in the caves of Sacromonte, the gipsy district, (where some people live still in caves!). Despite their humble origins, the caves of the Sacromonte achieved international fame and they were visited by many artists from Hollywood, nobel prize winners, royalty and famous politicians as well as thousands of flamenco enthusiasts from all over the world. It was a rich environment for the development of flamenco artists. Gipsys from the same family dance, sing and play a visceral flamenco whose roots date back to the times of the moorish wedding dances in Granada. An additional attraction is the gorgeous view from the caves of the Alhambra and the Generalife by night. Tickets can be booked direct by clicking here |
Almeria
Mini Hollywood
Whoever said you had to go to America to see Hollywood? This unique setting has been transformed into a Wild West town. Here in the heart of the Tabernas desert landscape is Mini Hollywood. Legendary films like "A fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" starring Clint Eastwood were all shot here. Here you will see spectacular staged gunfights and there is a real life saloon to have lunch in. A trip here makes for a different day out and a must for all film buffs.
Address: Carretera Nacional 340 Tel: +34 950 365236.
Maria
The Botanical Gardens - UmbrÃÂa de la Virgen
The Botanical Gardens in Maria have some of the most diverse fauna and flora in the area with some 4000 different species.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 2pm and then from 4pm until 8pm
