Granada

Granada is another Jem of Andalucia. I have been told by a tour guide (possibly a slightly biased one) that Granada is the #1 study abroad location for European students in all of Europe. I believe it. If you think Sevilla has a laid back, relaxed, love-life attitude then wait until you see Granada. The city was one of the last strongholds of the Muslims in Spain until around 1492. The remnants of Moorish architecture are everywhere which give the city an almost Moroccan feel. Alhambra sits on a rock ominously overlooking the entire city with the Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop. It's a very picturesque town.

The Alhambra is the number one thing you have to see when in Granada. If you're taking a Spanish history class, you will quickly realize that Granada played a significant role in the history of Spain. The Alhambra was the palace and fortress of all the Moorish rulers in Granada when Spain was occupied by the Muslims. It is wise to buy your tickets ahead of time but we bought ours the day of because it was not peak tourist season. Also make sure you check the time on the ticket that you buy. Each ticket has a specified time you are allowed to enter the main palace of the Alhambra and if you miss the time, you're out of luck. Once inside the Alhambra you could easily spend half a day meandering around the many palaces and gardens. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore the Granada at your leisure.

Another great area to explore in Granada is the Albaicin, which is the old Arab quarter of Granada. Here you will find a great deal of Moroccan and Arabic influenced shops selling all sorts of rugs, blankets, and trinkets. Also there are many restaurants with great Arabic food and tea. Most have dim lighting with Arabic light fixtures and low tables with seating on floor pillows. At sunset climb to the highest point in the Albaicin and find any of the plazas situated there. The sunset is breathtaking with the Alhambra and Sierra Nevadas in the background. These plazas are also often accompanied by some authentic flamenco music played by locals.

If you have time, a quick visit up the the Sierra Nevada Mountains is worth your time. There is a bus that runs from the bus station to the mountains a few times a day. Check the schedule and don't get stuck on top of the mountain for the night. Once on the mountain there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore as well as great views and even a little skiing or sledding if you're feeling brave.

And finally, make sure to head out to a tapas restaurant before you leave because Granada is known for it's free tapas. Granada is actually one of the last places in Spain to still offer a free tapa with your drink. Nearly every bar you go to will offer your a free tapa of some sort with your drink. A college student's paradise.

Transportation to and from Granada can be done by bus or by train. Both are similar and price and duration so it's up to you. The advantage of taking a bus is that the bus station is much easier to get to in Sevilla than the train station. Either way, the trip should take around 3 hours.