Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Southern Spain, close to the Mediterranean Sea in the eastern region of Andalucia. Often referred to as the "Jewel of Spain," Granada enjoys a perfect climate, making anytime a great time to visit. Many local airlines offer connecting flights through Barcelona or Madrid, though if you're looking to see a little more of Andalucia, consider taking the train. For the shopper, Granada is a town full of excellent finds. Head down to the Arab Quarter for bargains in leatherware — you'll find great deals in purses, wallets and much more. And finally, a trip to Granada can't be complete without visiting the Alhambra. Not only a fine example of Islamic art, but a landmark piece of architecture and a great place to sit back and unwind from your travels.

Accomodations

Hostal La Ninfa
Cocheras De San Cecilio, 9, Granada
Ph: 958-22-26-61
Cost: $36 USD per night and up
Small, clean, inexpensive hotel with a café. Call directly for rates and reservations.

Hotel Alhambra Palace
Peña Partida, 2, Around Town, Granada
Ph: 958-22-14-68
www.h-alhambrapalace.es
Cost: Rooms range from $135-$393 USD per night
A legendary hotel built in 1910 and located on the slope toward the Alhambra. Call for reservations and exact rates.

Food

Castaneda is known for its excellent local Alpujarra ham and classic Andalucian sherry, or vino de Jerez. Fino, or dry sherry, is the perfect beverage to complement tapas.

Casa Juanillo Restaurante Terraza
Camino del Monte, 81, Sacromonte, Granada, Andalucìa, España
Ph: 958-22-30-94
Cost: $8 USD and up
This inexpensive Gypsy tavern in Sacromonte valley owned by a family of Flamenco dancers. Table views of the Alhambra, the Silla del Moro and the Sacromonte valley.

Antigua Bodega Castanede
Calle Elvira, 5, Around Town, Granada
Ph: 958-22-63-62
Cost: Inexpensive
This authentic Andalusian restaurant has been open for more than 100 years. There are tables for sit-down service, but you can also stand at the bar and indulge in the restaurant's wonderful tapas and spanish wines.

Activities

Pick up a free map of city walking tours at the local tourist office — it'll help you navigate the city and the Alcaicería, one of the city's best shopping regions.

The Cathedral and Royal Chapel
Plaza de la Lonja, Gran Vìa de Colón, 5, Granada
Ph: 958-22-29-59
Cost: Free, but donations are advised
The Royal Chapel was the last gothic church to be built in Spain. The Cathedral and Royal Chapel are open daily from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and again from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Winter hours are shorter — be sure to call ahead for hours. The Royal Chapel is also available for private tours.

The Church of Santa Ana
Plaza Nueva, Old Granada
Cost: Free, but donations are advised
The Iglesia de Santa Ana, a 16^th-century church erected by Siloé, is located on the east side of Granada's oldest square, Plaza Nueva.

The Alhambra
Moorish Palace, Palacio de Carlos V, Granada (take bus lines 30 and 32)
Ph: 958-22-09-12
www.alhambra.org
Cost: $5 USD for the sightseeing tour/$35 USD for a three-hour guided tour
Granada's most famous monument is the Alhambra, a lavish, impressive Moorish castle originally built to guard the city. Guided tours of the Alhambra occur only in the morning, so plan to spend the afternoon exploring on your own! Hours are 9 a.m.-7:45 p.m. daily, Mar.-Oct.; 9 a.m.-5:45 p.m. daily, Nov.-Feb.