| The province of Granada is dominated by the
Sierra Nevada. When you've exhausted the magnificent
city of Granada there are countless other possibilities,
perhaps most enticing, the hikes of the Sierra
Nevada's lower southern slopes, known as Las Alpujarras.
The Sierras are snowcapped for much of the year
and offer skiing from November until late May.
During the rest of the year the Sierra Nevada
nature park offers the walker endless opportunities.
The desolate upper slopes of Mt. Mulhacen at an
altitude of well over 3000m give the impression
of being in a lunar landscape.
The Alpujarras is scored by long, sheltered valleys
and occasional gorges, all good hiking territory
if you're prepared to strike off into the hills
with a tent. There are some fifty or so beatiful
white villages scattered around here, many of
them worth a visit.
Although not nearly so well known for its coastline
as its neighbouring province, Málaga, Granada
is similarly picturesque beachside. The Costa
Tropical has sandy beaches and hidden coves. The
town of Almuñecar, becoming increasingly
popular with tourists.
La Herradura is pretty and unspoilt while nearby
in a protected cove is the impressive Marina del
Este yacht harbour. Water sports and scuba diving
are popular here, thanks to the variety of sea
life and clarity of the water.
The white village of Salobreña is worth
a visit. Here you will be torn between visiting
the moorish castle and the beach. The sight of
sugar cane plantations and Avocado, confirm the
the origin of the name Costa Tropical
For a completely different atmosphere inland,
it would be hard to beat Guadix, a crumbling old
Moorish town with a vast and extraordinary cave
suburb. This, the Barrio Santiago which still
houses some 10,000 people, and it is the main
reason for stopping off.
There are also cave dwellings in the nearby village
of Fuentenueva, which have been cleverly refurbished
for holiday accommodation. This village is also
noted for its historic buildings, including the
11th century Alcaza of the Seven Towers.
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