For eight centuries, during the Moors occupation of Spain and Portugal, the Arabic Empire stretch throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The Christian Groups finally joined together and drove the Arabs out of Spain, and Granada succumbed to the Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand in 1492.
It was to Granada that Christopher Columbus went to ask the Monarchs, to fund his Ocean exploration on board of the three Caravels named "Santa Maria",
"La Pinta" and "La Nina" that culminated with the discovery of the American Continent.

Granada is located in Andalusia, southern Spain, between the Sierra Nevada mountains and a fertile agricultural plain -Vega - some 45 miles from the beach, on the Mediterranean coast; making it possible to ski and sun bathe in the same day.
Its population of around 300,000 has a high percentage of students, that come to Granada temporarily to attend a well regarded University.
Home of one of the wonders of the world: The Alhambra.- Took centuries to build it, and was residence of many Sultans that ruled the region. It consists of beautiful gardens and luxurious Palaces, giving the impression that it was an Arabic attempt to create a heaven on earth. An average of 8,000 people visit The Alhambra daily; visitors being required to have a previously secured appointment specifying the date ad time of the visit.

The Gypsies arrived in Spain some six hundred years ago, and in Granada they settled mainly in the caves of what is now known as the "Sacromonte;" a large hill with a structure of clay and round pebbles, soft enough to excavate, yet stable enough to form the walls of the caves.
It was the mixture of the Arabic influence with the Gypsy idiosyncrasy that gave birth to the Flamenco genre. Some of the best performers turned their caves into
"Tablaos" (a place where Flamenco is played, sang and danced) so the public could come to see and enjoy the true Flamenco, in its original habitat; providing at
the same time a source of income for the performers, their families and associates.
It wasn't until the 1950's that the caves began to incorporate electricity and modern plumbing.Now, you see the walls lined with chairs for the spectators, and
attractively decorated with copper-ware and interesting photographs. Some of the Sacromonte Tablaos are considered to be among the best on the planet. In Madrid, sharing the notoriety is "El Corral de La Moreria", a widely known Tablao where you can dine, have some good wine and enjoy top rated artists.
Some people will tell you that Sacromonte is a tourist trap, with mediocre performers. Maybe in the past it was. Not anymore. You can be sure that if properly guided , you'll see a high quality, genuine Flamenco show. Your Hotel could give you some good tips on the subject.

Probably, the most famous Granadino, is the playwright and author Federico Garcia Lorca. One of his most popular books: "One Hundred Years Of Solitude" was
translated into several languages throughout the world.- Unfortunately, during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), because of his political views and activism, was
taken to a neighboring town and executed by a firing squad.

Unlike most other Spanish cities, Granada doesn't have a very active nightlife. A number of Bars can be found to be very popular, in the Plaza Nueva and Calle Elvira area. Pedro Alarcon should also be mentioned.
Following suit with other Spanish cities, during the season, a large number of Granadinos go to the Bullring on Sunday afternoons; their numbers depending on the "Matadors"(also called Toreros)  featured; every Corrida (Bullfight) having three Matadors performing.
There is a widely spread misunderstanding outside the taurine world, about bullfights; probably because the English word suggests or implies a fight, a competition, or some kind of sport.A Corrida is not a competition or a sport. It is an art form, in which the Matador, instead of paint and brush, uses as his tools a cape, a sword, skill, grace, elegance, courage and personal style. Those are the elements that the aficionados use to judge the performance. It is a show. Like a ballet or an opera.
The bulls have been bred and raised by specialized cattle ranchs, to be fierce and aggressive. Itis never expected to "win".- It enters the ring to be killed, exhibiting the traits it was bred andraised to have.

If ever in Spain, don't leave without spending a couple of days in Granada.- You'll never regret r forget it.