Full disclosure, I had never heard of the Alhambra until we began planning our trip to Spain. I was familiar with Granada but had never visited. So, you can imagine my amazement when I finally arrived here last week.

For those of you who haven’t visited or, like me, hadn’t even heard of this UNESCO World Heritage site, let me tell you—it’s next level.

History

The Alhambra sits high on a steep hill (yes, we hiked 20 minutes to the top) overlooking Granada. Built by the Nasrid Dynasty (aka the Moors), in the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as a royal palace and fortress. It’s perfectly preserved, a true masterpiece of Moorish design, combining Islamic architecture with lush gardens (even prettier in the spring) and intricate tile work. After the Christian Reconquista, the Alhambra became the royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella, where Christopher Columbus received approval for his voyage to the Americas. Who knew?!

The Moors, who once ruled here (1232-1492), left the most stunning architecture behind. It felt like I’d been whisked away to Morocco (this might be as close as I get). With North Africa so close to Spain, it’s no surprise they left such a beautiful mark.

Alhambra

The Views!

Granada

Granada turned out to be much larger than we expected. We focused on a small but vibrant area, mainly around the iconic Cathedral de Granada and its surroundings. The streets surrounding the cathedral were bustling with shops and cafés. Although we didn’t explore the entire city, we enjoyed the highlights, from the stunning architecture to the lively atmosphere that makes Granada so unique.

Where we stayed

With just two nights in Granada, we wanted to stay in the old city and be within walking distance of the Alhambra. We chose the Casa Morisca Hotel, a cute little three-star which ticked both boxes. It was tricky to find—after a few U-turns, it was the perfect location, with free parking!

A great little find

Visiting Granada in February means low season, with many stores and restaurants closed, especially in smaller towns. The upside? Fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Finding a place for dinner proved challenging. However on our second night, we stumbled upon La Tabernilla del Darro—a charming wine bar with incredible tapas. Highlights included glazed artichokes with romesco and parmesan cloud, red tuna tartar brioche with txaca (crab salad), pickles, and kimchi mayonnaise, gnocchi salad with green pesto, piquillo peppers stuffed with cod, and other tempting dishes. We would have returned if it weren’t our last night!

It was a wonderful two-night escape, and I’m happy we had the chance to immerse ourselves in the charm of Granada, wander its vibrant streets, and delve into the timeless history and breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra.

Add Granada and the Alhambra to your list—you won’t regret it.