How to spend a perfect day in Granada, Spain

The caves of Granada's hills, the alleys of Labyrintine and the medieval Moorish streets combine to make it an enigmatic city break destination. The capital of this southern Spanish province offers literary lunches, mirador sunsets and Islamic architecture, where the spirit of flamenco infuses every aspect of artistic life.

8am: Breakfast with churros

Although we have no idea of ​​the origin of churros – a luxurious breakfast dish of deep-fried tubes of dough, ground in sugar or dipped in hot chocolate – one theory is that they came to southern Spain in the marshes . Indeed, Granada has plenty of great spots to try this perennial favorite. Start your day in one of the best cafeterias Alhambra and choose to sit in the atmospheric wood-paneled interior or on the terrace overlooking Plaza de Virambla, the heart of Granadino Café culture.

10am: Marvel at the Alhambra

A trip to Granada is not complete without visiting the Alhambra, one of the largest buildings in the world. An incredibly atmospheric mash-up of European and Islamic architectural styles, the palace was expanded and added to by successive Christian and Moorish rulers between the 13th and 17th centuries. It is essential to reserve your ticket slot online in advance.

12pm: Cave of Sacromonte

After the Alhambra, the most atmospheric place in Granada is Sacromonte, a large hill covered in cave houses and flamenco venues. Feel the unique history of a place that was traditionally the home of Granada's Romani community. There are also exhibits about the local fauna, flora and history, including the story of Granada's flamenco.

2pm: Literary lunch

Poet Federico García Lorca died almost a century ago, but it's still possible to join him for lunch. The atmospheric Lelejo restaurant Chiquito was once the café where Lorca met with fellow intellectuals. With its dark beams and tiled wall decoration, it looks much like it did in Lorca's time. There is now a full size statue on one of the tables. The menu includes traditional local delicacies like tortilla del sacromonte.

4pm: Moorish Relaxation

Head to Hammam Al Andalus to be pampered Moorish style. The treatment menu includes hydrotherapy and essential oil massage. Perfect to rejuvenate tired muscles after a day of walking in the hills of Granada. Suitably refreshed, take a 5-minute walk to Calle Calderería Nueva and have mint tea in one of the beautiful Moroccan teahouses down the street.

6pm: Go tapas hopping

Andalusia is considered the home of tapas, and Granada is one of the few cities where most bars still serve all drinks free of charge. sandwich). Aimless bar-hopping for tapas is one of the many pleasures of visiting Granada and is an inexpensive way to fill up, but if you're looking for some pointers, options include local chain Los Diamantes .

8pm: Sunset at Mirador

Views of the Alhambra command the eye from all over Granada, but the most famous and beautiful of them all can be enjoyed from the Mirador de Nicolás, located on a hill in the Albaicín district, directly opposite the palace. Visit for an hour around sunset to peer at famous monuments and experience some of the city's most vibrant street life. Expect to see musicians strumming flamenco guitars and kids watching the Plaza, which is lined with terrace restaurants perfect for a casual dinner or a few drinks.

9pm: Flamenco Auténtico

There are dozens of options when it comes to seeing live flamenco while in Granada, but most of them are rogue tourist traps. Discover the authenticity of Peña La Platería, Granada's oldest flamenco club, opened in 1949 in the medieval alleys of the Albaycín. Scheduled shows are held every Thursday night, but impromptu performances often occur on other days. If all else fails, try Jardines de Zoraya, another lauded venue nearby.

(Here's how to experience flamenco in Granada.)