The highlight of Moorish architecture in Grenada was found here at this sprawling hilltop location…read more Remember you need your passport to buy tickets and gain entrance so don't forget it. It was the only item checked by security when entering the palaces, Alcazabs and Generalife. We took bus C32 from the center and while most people got off at the Alhambra main entrance we exited the bus at Puerta de la Justicia which was a lot closer to the Nasrid Palaces plus avoided some of the uphill slog. We also visited the Palace of Charles V (quick but surprising acoustics) and Alcazaba (old fort with a tower climb) before ending at Generalife. I forgot that all the museums on site were closed on Mondays. I purchased our tickets online and secured a 9am entrance to the Nasrid Palaces which wasn't as crowded at that hour. The was some renovations happening but for the most part we were able to enjoy the stunning architecture and views. The Partal Palace was our favorite along with the Hall of Ambassadors and Court of the Lions. Walking through the gardens and then downhill to the Generalife we went against the flow of visitors. The Generalife was a much smaller palace that served as the summer retreat. Here water was a highlight showcasing the prowess in the engineering that went into supplying water to these gardens and palaces - Escalera del Agua. The Royal Chamber was a must see inside with richly detailed ceiling, arches and walls. If your legs are still strong after visiting everything then I suggest walking back to town via Cuesta Del Rey Chico. It was a path that ran below the walls of the Alhambra and gave a different perspective and much less crowds.

I was really looking forward to seeing the Alhambra - it's a palace and fortress complex perching…read moreatop the steep hils of Granada, with construction first starting in the 1200s. It's one of the most famous architectural wonders of Islamic architecture and is one of the best preserved places in the world of islamic origin (mixed with Spanish Renaissance architecture). Our ticket included access to all visitable places of the complex (a lot free to the public), Nasrid palace (timed entrance), the gardens and the Generalife (former country estate). We did an unguided tour, so I felt like we missed out on the history a bit as we walked through the palace - it reminded us of the Real Alcazar from Seville, but bigger and more grand in scale. I'm glad our ticket was for 10AM because the grounds only got busier throughout the morning.

Wonderful air b&b view down centro city de granada and we are looking forward to our 13 minute walk…read moreto mirador de san nicolas

Great views of Alhambra. Pack full of people at night with…read morelive performers. Walk there through colorful moorish quarters and take a taxi back to your hotel. (Written by husband)

More than a beach city in the south of Spain…read more Yes, it does have 16 beaches, one in the city center. But does offer way more than lazy sunny days relaxing on the beach. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. And full of various cultural sites. I suggest an early morning hike up to Gibralfaro Castle, as the path is not fully shaded and the line for entry can get long. It is one of the largest Arab fortresses in the area. From here you can look out to the Mediterranean, the historic old city and Plaza de Toro de la Malagueta bull ring. On the back side back down in the city is a fabulously preserved Roman theater, the city museum, and the Cathedral de la Encarnation. The entire day can be spent wandering this great old area, with a few stops at small cafes for a snack and occasional coffee or sangria. Food and drink here are affordable and delicious. For unique and incredible fresh grilled seafood, head back down to the beach and enjoy the grilled sardines on skewers.

If you.Go to Malaga be absolutely sure you visit this place. The views are amazing, the town…read moreitself is very quaint and has shops and restaurants but not too many so it has a local vibe in some of the quiet Reas toward the top. There is a bus every hour to Nerja. You take the bus from Nerja to Frigiliana. If you stay in central Malaga the bus leaves from the main station but you can save time walking there if you research the route and wait at one of the stops along the way.closest to your hotel. If central, Estacion Muelle Heredia on the N-340 across from Soho. "Muelle" does not come up in google maps all the time, but it is written on the stop/mini station. Be sure to be on the south side of the street if going to Nerja ie the Mediterranean / Alboran Sea / port side. Once you arrive in Nerja stay at that same station and cross the street. You pay the bus driver direct. Websites said exact change only but someone used a credit card. Once you arrive in Frigiliana get off at the main drop off next to the playground and near a round about. The bus for us stopped before that in Old Town. We spent most of our time walking up and down little alleys where people lived and or rented houses. We also browsed the boutiques, had coffee and ate linch with an incredible view of the sea and mountains. Beautiful. Nerja has a more beach tourist vibe, this place has a quaint, relaxed and in places sophisticated vibe. You need 3-4 hours to get a feel for the place. We spent 4 hours here and 4 hours in Nerja. Absolutely worth a visit.

One of Spain's famed Pueblos Blancos, Frigiliana is a popular side trip for Costa del Sol visitors…read more It's SUPER touristy; the people who vacation at just one beach area and stay there the whole time--except a half-day bus trip here (This is just a 10-15min drive from Nerja)--rave about this as a "must see" because it's the only thing different they see in their whole trip. This is not what I would call a "must see" in Spain. If you're in Nerja go to the caves instead (Fundación Cueva de Nerja and/or Cueva del Tesoro). Frigiliana is a pretty scenic village, full of overpriced tourist shops, but lacking in any history. If you are the cruise ship-type vacationer who just wants somewhere to get steps, buy junk, and nurse a hangover, sure, Frigiliana is your place. My husband couldn't wait to get out of there. I'm all for callejear (wandering the streets) but you will get so much more out of that activity in the Juderia of Córdoba or the Albaicín in Granada. There just wasn't enough interest or history for us in Frigiliana. When I was trip planning restaurants to enjoy lunch in Frigiliana, and one of them was already booked for every time slot months in advance, it was clear I didn't want to eat there. We spent about a half hour there (paid €4 for "free" parking), and left. The only redeeming thing was the cat sanctuary. We spent money to donate there rather than buy a stupid magnet. Adios Frigiliana!

Great views of the city, the entrance was free and learned a bit of history. Well worth the hour…read morethat I spent there.

I remember standing on the ramparts and looking down over Almeria and realising that basically the…read morewhole town used to be inside the walls of this fortress the bit that you can see now is a tiny part of once was one of the major ports on the Mediterranean. There's a good AV in English that tells you about the history. Lots to wander around, including the ruins of a formal garden, and massive interconnected room-sized tanks where the water supply for the city was once kept. Apparently it was once as grand as Granada.