Granada is the last province of Spain to have been held by the forces of Islam. With the decline of the Muslim empire in Spain, much was lost. This was a period of great enlightenment for Iberia and marked a meeting place of east and west.

Evidence of this phenomenon, a series of events that happened over 600 years ago, is nowhere more marked than in the province of Granada where the unsurpassable Alhambra is a pristinely preserved testament to the beauty and artistic legacy that was ceded to posterity.

Granada has just about every climatic zone concentrated within its provincial boundaries. For more that 100 kilometers the coast of Granada boasts clean and well-kept beaches that lend themselves to enjoying the near perfect year round climate of long sunny days and balmy nights.

It’s no wonder that this part of the world has been baptized as the tropical coast as many tropical fruits, such as the chirimoya, grow here in abundance. This and the hundreds of fortresses that are an ever present reminder of the origins of this state, make Granada one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Europe.

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granada

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain chain in Spain is snow-capped for much of the year. From September through to March this area enjoys some of the best skiing in Spain. In summer the area converts to a flower bedecked stage for long walks amongst spectacular scenery.

The preindustrial museum of Sugar is one of the most interesting exhibitions on display in Andalusia. Next to the Palm House, this exhibition explores the origins of sugar cultivation and has a patio where sugar cane and banana trees flourish.

The Alpujarras, the stamping ground of a young Gerald Branan and a beautiful and remote area of Granada, this area was the last bastion of Moorish resistance against Philip II religious excesses. Today the area is dotted with whitewashed villages that, although the focus as one of the favoured areas for settlement by foreign immigrants, it preserves its ancient charm presenting the visitor with a huge range of first class services from luxury hotels to wonderful cuisine.

Important Fiestas

Fiesta in honour of the virgin mother, who is the patron saint of Terrecuevas de Almuñecar on the 12th October, this festival is popularly known as the Fiestas de la Chirimoya, the exotic fruit that is grown here and harvested at this time.

2nd of January is the celebration to mark the taking of Granada by the Catholic Kings in 1492.

Throughout June and July in Granada is the International Festival of music and dance.

Alhama de Granada, 24th June is the Festival of Andalusian song.