Andalusia was able to charm us because of it's cultural heritage and rich and unique history. Furthermore, this region has a Mediterranean temperate climate which includes many hours of sunshine and that makes the visits more pleasant. We visited the region during the month of May in order to enjoy the Festival of patios at Cordoba as well as the abundant flowers found in the gardens of the different sites. The cities of Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla are the most visited in Andalusia and represent our itinerary in our blog posts from the South of Spain. So, let's start with Granada!

Our flight from Montreal brought us to Malaga and after about a 2 hour drive, we were finally in Granada. In order to ease the visits and to better soak up the atmosphere of the town, it is better to stay close to the historic center. We chose to stay at the Hospes Palacio de Los Patos located at a 5-10 minute walking distance from the historic center. By booking directly on their website (www.hospes.com) you get the wifi and the parking with the price of the 5 stars room. Peaceful despite it's central location, there is a spa and a courtyard.

Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de Los Patos, 1 Solarillo de Gracia.

Activities:

The must-see monument of Granada is indisputably the Alhambra that was declared Unesco World Heritage in 1984. It has several spaces including the Nasrid Palaces, the military zone (Alzacaba), the Medina (ancient town) and the Generalife domaine with his gardens. As it represent the most visited monument in Spain, it is best to book your tickets in advance. To do this, consult the website (www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es) buy your tickets which are available 3 months in advance. The Alhambra is a fantastic example of islamic architecture and his location on a hill with the Sierra Nevada in the background is spectacular. We need to grant at least half a day in order to do the visit.

In order to recover from the tiredness and to continue the cultural immersion, a couple of hours of rest at the Hamman Al Andalus are more than recommended. The baths are decorated with mosaics that reminds of palaces, that makes you feel in the thousand and one nights setting.

You must also see the Albaicin which is the old neighborhoods, then go admire the exceptional view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada from the Mirador San Nicolas.

 You can also take a break in one of the numerous tea house of the neighborhood such as La Teteria Del Banuelo. Once again, this allows you to dive into the atmosphere of this beautiful city, mint tea and moroccan pastries are on the menu.

The gypsies neighborhood of Sacromonte is where we find the caves in which are presented the flamenco shows that are very touristic. We preferred the more authentic flamenco shows in Sevilla.

Our top picks for food:

Breakfast or snack: 

• I Need, 5 Cuesta Del Realejo, open from 8am to 8 pm everyday. Excellent coffee and breakfast.
• Dulcimena Coffee and CO, 19 Calle Molinos, open 8 am to 1 pm and 4 to 7 pm.
• Pasteleria Casa Isla, 1 Passage de Recogidas. To taste the pionos, a Granada specialty.
• Café Baraka, 24 Calle San Jeronimo, 8:30 am to 8:30 pm except Sunday 9 am to 8 pm.

• Gran Cafe Bib Rambla, 3 Plaza Bib Rambla. Excellent for chocolate and churros.

• Heladeria Los Italianos, 4 Gran via Colon. Gelato.
• Teteria del Banuelo, 5 Calle Banuelo. Tea room that has a terrace with a view of the Alhambra.

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Tapas and meals: 

• La Botilleria, 10 Calle Varela. Free tapas with a consumption.

• Terrace of the restaurant Especia du Parador de Granada, Real de la Alhambra. Excellent for lunch after visiting the Alhambra.

• Carmen Mirador de Aixa, 2 Calla Carril de San Augustin, Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 to 11 pm. Magnificent view of the Alhambra, obligatory resevation at www.miradordeaixa.com

• Carmela, 13 calle Colche, noon til midnight, for tapas.El Deseo, 20 plaza Romanilla,12:30 to 4 pm and 8 until midnight, serves italian tapas.

Until next time, Happy travel!!!