The history of the Muslims in Spain and their legacy is nowhere more apparent than in the university city of Granada. The city is an hour's drive from Benalmadena, making a day trip from Arenal Golf a very worthwhile experience.  The thriving town is full of the historical with a blend of east and west culture where both Spanish and Arab residents live side by side with mutual respect.  For the full history of the Alhambra, the heritage site that dominates the city, visit  www.islamicheritage.com, a very useful site packed with information.

The views from the hilltop fortress are magnificent, reaching over to the snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Coming down to the city the Albaicin, the old Arab quarter provides winding, narrow cobblestone streets full of sights and smells of a bygone era.  The shops are owned primarily by Moroccans who cross the Straits of Gibraltar and sell a host of merchandise from spices, fabrics and beautifully handcrafted ornaments. The tantalizing aromas of spices and perfumes fill the air and take you back to another world.  The fragrances emanating from freshly prepared food, draw you into the many restaurants of authentic Moroccan cuisine served in traditional style of highly ornate and decorated utensils.

Every culture has its own tradition of afternoon tea which in some cases dates back centuries, and the Moorish tradition of the tea room is still very much alive in Granada.  Unlike scones and afternoon tea,  however the teteria is a highly exotic experience following the Arabic tradition of sipping exquisite aromatic herbal teas in a quiet, cool ambience.  The bohemian and opulent decor provides a relaxing atmosphere with low tables and chairs and scatter cushions of fine, richly coloured fabrics.

There is an excellent shuttle service providing buses every ten minutes from the town up to the Alhambra.

It's worth buying tickets in advance and joining a guided tour.  A useful site:  http://www.alhambra.info/indexeng.htm

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granada sits in the valley of the Sierra Nevada, an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by mountains and green wilderness.

The ski station sits at approximately 3,400m above sea level and provides skiing facilities from beginners to Olympic champions.  The many bars, hotels and restaurants provide plenty of apreski and a lively night life.

A useful website: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sierra-Nevada

The peaks of the Sierra Nevada provide snow sports available during the winter season which lasts between December until late March.  The facilities range from professional level to beginners.

The Sierra Nevada resort has

                                  

              

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    ARENAL GOLF            

 Granada

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