The heart of Spain lives and beats in Andalucia, they say, and I will not be the one to dispute this. Granada is a wonderful town completely that represens all that we imagine Spain is. The tapas bars, the white village, the wine, the flamenco and the friendly Spaniards. Granada is home to the magical Alhambra palace. There are many beautiful monuments to see in Granada and the Alhambra should not be missed.

The Alhambra shows the true beauty of the Moorish influence on architecture in Southern Spain. Room after room of the palace has detailed and intricate patterns that are carved and painted throughout the palace, lovely open patios with gurgling fountains and elaborate water paths throughout the massive gardens. I felt like I was temporarily transported out of Spain and into the ancient days and land of the Moors. On my way to Granada I read Washington Irving’s 1832 novel “Tales of the Alhambra” which relays a tragic love story, portraying a vivid image of how life actually was at the Alhambra. Because of this I was able to walk through the Alhambra and the walls seemed to tell the story of wives hidden away above the patio, quietly watching the activity down below through the elaborately carved wooden screens. The story of Granada is fascinating and really seems to come alive here.

Neighboring the Alhambra is the Albacin, an area where curving cobble stone streets are just wide enough for two mules to pass side by side and lush bougainvillea and geraniums spill out of secret gardens enclosed behind walls. This area is the perfect spot to just lose yourself in. Walking through gypsy neighborhoods, Arabic neighborhoods and shopping areas culturally rich and interesting.

Here you will find some good flamenco performances in rustic bars that are bars dug into the rock, like caves, which make it quite unique. These performances, referred to as “Spectaculos”, though fantastic and impressive are still a bit on the touristy side, but worthwhile since the “real deal” is hard to find as it usually erupts spontaneously or at Gypsy gatherings which usually don’t include too many outsiders.

Granada is a lively and vivacious town rich with history and culture.