Granada is a scenic city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, a relic of a thousand and one
nights. The warmest coast in Europe, the "Costa Tropical" can be reached within 45 minutes. The highest mountain
of the Iberian Peninsula is also at an arm's distance. Granada, the cradle of the most
diverse cultures, was always a beloved city. Romantic 19th century intellectuals lived here, as well as the ancient Greeks,
Romans, Phoenicians and the Moorish. Granada is certainly the city in Europe with the most evident traces of the
Moor empire. The majesty of the Alhambra Palace dominates the city. The Albaicin, the gypsies' quarter, the Sacromonte with
the small rebuilt pubs and Flamenco stages are all witness to a lively past.
For
centuries Granada was ruled by many Caliphs and dynasties. This has left a strong imprint on
the architecture and adds to the magical fairy-tale atmosphere. Granada was the last
stronghold of Islamic Spain and the Arabs finally succumbed to Isabel and Ferdinand (the catholic monarchs) in 1492. The Muslims
and the Jews were forced to leave the country or convert to Christianity. At the same time Christopher Columbus came to Granada to ask Isabel and Ferdinand for a grant to build ships. They gave him the money and surely, you already know the
rest.
However, Granada
is not just history. The "Granadinos" say that what counts is now. Granada is
a lively university city with about 60,000 students which of course influences
the vibrant nightlife. Meeting new people and chatting in Spanish is an important part of the learning process. There are
plenty of terrace bars where you can have tapas as well as discos, bars with live music etc. The main action is centred around
the streets "Pedro Antonio de Alarcón" and "Plaza Nueva".