Granada

Andalucia is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain. Several important elements made the region a remarkable place - mild climate, characteristic landscapes, monumental buildings, rich history.

The province represents a bridge between two continents- Europe and Africa, a region where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

There are plenty of routes and historical places in Andalucia. In the south eastern part is the province of Granada.

We reach the city by buss from Malaga. The local buses company offers regular buss connections and the travel, depending on the route, takes about 2 hours.

The city of Granada is strategically located between beaches of Costa Tropical and the fascinating mountain Sierra Nevada.

Once arrived we got impressed by the old city center, a complex maze of narrow streets.

 

Here the Arabic architectural style can be felt at every corner.

 

Particularly impressive is the open market where different oriental spices and tea are offered. 

The main destination of our tour is the famous Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens build by the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th. 

 

 

Part palace, part fort, Alhambra is one of the main historic monuments in Europe. The palace and the summer residence El Generalife are Unesco World Culture Heritage site.

We take the steep street going uphill along the river. 

It is important to by the tickets in advance. In summer several thousands visitors come here every day.

Once inside we got impressed by the fascinating buildings decorated with fine ornaments and mosaics and the combination of floating water, fountains and ponds. The unique atmosphere mentally transfers us back to the 14th century.

Palacio Nazaries with its long pool framed by colonnades and pavilions.

Adjacent is the famous Patio de los Leones (Courtyard of the Lions), here water flows through the mouths of 12 marble lions. This is the most emblematic places in Alhambra.

 

The courtyard layout is surrounded by numerous of columns with a geometric designed and proportions.

 

The impressive combination of green terraced gardens and floating water is in contrast with the dry landscapes around.

 

 

The reflecting pool in front of the oldest palace in Alhambra.

 

 

Below is the district Albacin retaining narrow winding cobblestone streets.

 

 

This complex of buildings stands at the foot of Spain's highest mountain- Sierra Nevada.

 

 

... and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Granada.

We leave this charming University City and its magnificent atmosphere and go back to Malaga, one of the most brilliant cities in Andalucia.