About The City

Granada (pop. 250,000), offers a rich history and cultural diversity, numerous outdoor activities, and the distinct feel of Southern Spain. Perhaps best known for the Alhambra, a massive Arab fortress and complex of palaces, Granada also offers shopping at various markets, activities in the surrounding mountains, and opportunities to visit to the gorgeous beaches of the Mediterranean Coast. The rattle of castanets and the strum of guitars echo throughout the valleys of Granada as the Gypsies perform the traditional dance of Southern Spain: Flamenco. Granada overflows with cultural and architectural remnants of an illustrious past. At the same time, the modern aspects of this vibrant city are visible around every turn. Granada was the last Muslim kingdom to be recaptured by Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492, and although never officially Spain’s capital, its symbolic importance in the creation of modern Spain has made it a familiar name to historians and tourists alike. The city lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, allowing easy access to scenic hiking. The Granada region also boasts more than 50 miles of beaches, known collectively as the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, these beaches are just an hour drive from the city and are a vital part of summer life for the people of Granada.