Granada is a very special city. Nestled beneath the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is a mix of many cultures, ages and people – a real melting pot of activity, but a fascinating place to visit.

Granada is located just 60 minutes drive north of Malaga, and is well-served by the international airport of Malaga and its very own Granada airport which lies just 15 minutes to the west of the city.

Perhaps best-known for its historic monuments, the most famous of which is the Alhambra Palace, Granada is Spain´s 3rd most popular university city, with students accounting for 25% of Granada´s population. This gives the city a real energy and a nightlife that will enthrall those party-lovers amongst you.Granada provides history on every street corner, a youthful energy, a huge selection of restaurants, tapas bars and nightlife, yet it retains its darker edge, with graffiti and gypsies clearly in evidence. In fact, a must-do is the journey through the ancient Albaicin quarter, up to San Nicolas square, from where you can watch the sun setting over the impressive Alhambra – it´s one of those ´wow´ views, and a breathtaking moment that all visitors to Granada must make time to enjoy.

In fact, that square summed up Granada perfectly at 7pm on Saturday night – tourists taking in the stunning views, young courting couples hand in hand, a wedding party posing for photographs, and a gypsy sitting under a tree playing flamenco guitar.

I haven´t even mentioned the skiing in Granada, just 25 minutes away from the city, with slopes that can boast to be Europe´s highest. With Europe´s longest cable car ride set to take skiers from the city to the slopes by 2010, Granada is set to become a thriving tourist hotspot, as well as being rightfully regarded as a wonderful place in its own right.