Spanish Cities and Towns

Once you have selected your preferred region of Spain read up on some of the towns and cities to narrow your choice for a property purchase. The most popular of these are described in the following pages.

Alicante, Almeria, Altea, Andalusia, Aspe, Barcelona, Baza, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Benitachell, Blanes, Calpe, Cartegena, Castilla la Macha, Catalonia, Crevillent, Denia, Elche, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Guadix, La Romana, La Vega Baja, Lorca, Malaga, Mar Menor, Marbella, Mazarron, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Orihuela, Puerto Banus, Quesada, Salinas, Salou, Sitges, Sotogrande, Spanish regions, Tabarca, Taberno, Tarragona, Torremolinos, Torrevieja, Tossa del Mar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Zurgena

Granada

The scenery in Granada province is breathtaking to say the least. On the southern side lies 103 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline called the Costa Tropical that offers golden sand beaches, sheltered coves and steep cliffs. Here all manners of water sports can be had. On the lush, green coastal plain lies some of the most fertile land in Spain that produces a wide range of exotic fruits such as kiwi and mango. Inland, the terrain becomes more dramatic and steeper as you approach the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the magic city of Granada itself.

Granada city, within Andalucia, is 127km from Malaga and 254km from Gibraltar. It is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Granada has been voted the most beautiful city to visit by many tourists. Within the town lie so many places of interest, you will never see them all. Most of them are of Moorish origins. The most impressive is the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, which is one of the most important places to see on the Costa del Sol.

Sight-seeing in the city is best on foot but a taxi may be in order for some places. Car parking is a nightmare as there are few car parks and the traffic system is hard work. A good place to park is at the Alhambra. Then walk into the old city. There is never a good time to drive through Granada. As you wander the network of streets, there is not one that doesn't have some kind of monument or impressive building to look at. The bullring is located some distance from the old centre.
The Cathedral, built in 1523 by order of Queen Isabel was designed in Gothic style and completed in renaissance style by 1704. It contains many important sculptures and paintings. The tower houses the cathedral museum. Visit the Royal Chapel within to see the Royal tombs. Without doubt this magnificent structure is one of the finest in the world.

One of the best walks around the city, taking in many buildings, begins at the Town Hall in Plaza del Carmen and meanders along Reyes Catolicos, past the Cathedral and on to the Alhambra, finishing at the Abbey of Sacremonte. We walked most of this route within two hours.

The town hall stands on the site of the former Carmelite Convent.On the route, take in El Banuelo which are the 11th century baths, Casa de los Pisa, now a museum, the Convent of Santa Catalina and the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo at which point you will see the Alhambra on your right, over the Rio Darro. Continue your walk towards the gypsy quarter of Sacremonte. Here you will see some of the best flamenco shows in Andalucia.

To get the most from Granada, a guide book is a must. These can be bought from most shops and a good one will cost about 4€. The city is divided into sectors and each has to be explored on it's own. Granada has a wealth to offer the visitor in terms of history and culture, for no matter the time of day, the city is alive. Be aware though when wandering the streets, there are many dubious individuals attempting to tempt you to part with money, from shoe shines to gypsies selling 'lucky heather'.

When it comes to celebrations, Granada has it's fair share and one such is the anniversary of the surrender of Granada in 1492 which is celebrated on Jan 2nd with a giant fiesta. In March and April there are colourful processions. May and June there are festivities and bull-fights. June and July features nearly 3 weeks of classical concerts and ballets, open-air. See our holiday dates section for more.
Today, Granada is home to the third largest university and is one of the most important commercial cities in Spain.

Shopping: Granada is well known for it's tulle embroidery, lace and ceramics, copperwork and marquetry, carpets, rugs and guitars. On the site of the old Arab silk market, behind the Cathedral stands the alcaiceria, a modern medina of souvinirs and trinkets.