By: SUZY TURNER
Suzy Turner has lived in Portugal for 22 years and works as a freelance writer. As well as putting pen to paper for The Resident’s travel section, she contributes to the beauty, parenting and fashion columns and is also our Features Editor.
A BEAUTIFUL city to visit, particularly during the winter months, is Granada.
With its proximity to the breathtakingly scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, and its relatively short travelling time from the Algarve, it is a must for those wanting to see something of the real Spain.
By car from the Algarve, it will take five to six hours to reach the grand city where there is all manner of things to do from skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada to shopping or simply lounging around and taking in the many sights and enjoying some of Spain’s delicious tapas.
Perhaps the most visited site of Granada is the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace. It is one of the most famous items of Islamic historical legacies in the country. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to book tickets early on in your holiday to avoid disappointment later on. When my family and I visited, we left Granada disappointed at not allowing ourselves enough time to see it. Having visited during the New Year break, the queues were astonishingly huge, leaving us too tight on time to take the tour.
Vibrant
The city is also particularly well known throughout Iberia for its university and vibrant nightlife. But perhaps even more exciting is Granada’s fine examples of architecture. Not just a dream for architects, its many buildings are a must see for everyone! Some examples include the Alhambra, the Palace of Charles V, the Cathedral, the Albayzín and the royal chapel.
Skiers on a budget are advised to stay in Granada and ‘commute’ up to Sierra Nevada to take to the slopes, as accommodation in the mountains can be expensive. However, even if you’re not planning on taking to the slopes yourself, a visit to the ski resort is most definitely a must. The ambience is delightful and to sit outside with a hot drink (a hot chocolate and brandy, perhaps?) is simply divine. Watch the world go down the slopes as you sit back and relax taking in the fresh, cold air!
Visit www.turgranada.es for further details.
