![Fortress and gardens Alhambra was a mighty fortress with beautiful Moorish gardens. By Angel Mmateo (GRANADA 001 on Flickr) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons](/Photo/GetImage?imageId=e0faea78-b51b-46c0-ba1f-c3e9e1f604c2)
Granada is best known for Alhambra, its Moorish fortress and palace that is among Spain’s most popular attractions today. The city, much less bustling than Barcelona or Madrid, has a rich, multicultural history, nightlife fueled by students and pleasant climate where people can rest awhile without feeling pressured.
Sounds of water
Visitors remark on the gentle sounds of water that trickle throughout the Alhambra fortress and the nearby 14th century Generalife palace and gardens. “Nowhere else does the splendor of Moorish civilization shine so beautifully,” notes television guide Rick Steves. Alhambra, Generalife and the Albayzin district of the city are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Visitors using Granada as a base for touring southern Spain have easy access to Cordova, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the famed Costa del Sol.
Climate
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Mediterranean
Physical Environment
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Mountains
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Rolling countryside
Culture
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Major public college in downtown
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Local community theatre
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Fine art museum
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Local professional symphony
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Active club/bar/music scene
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Ethnic restaurants
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Local film festival
Politics
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Moderate
Economy
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$$$ -- Prices seem reasonable
Recreation
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Snow skiing within 50 miles
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Biking, hiking, running trails
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Casino gaming within 25 miles
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Public golf course
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Professional sports
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Downtown yoga studio
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Year-round fitness swimming center
Infrastructure
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International airport
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Lots of downtown living space
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Working farms within 25 miles
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Mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhoods
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Vibrant public transportation system
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Safe bike corridors
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Public squares
Health
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Public-assisted (govt.) health insurance
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Community swimming pool
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Community senior center