TAKE a look at this lesser-known European sunshine spot with white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife and €34.99 Ryanair flights.
While Madrid and Barcelona have certainly earned their places as some of Spain’s most exciting cities, the huge country offers plenty more.
The spot enjoys year round warm weather[/caption]
South-eastern Granada is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
And as a hidden gem, it’s the perfect way to take in the Spanish culture without being bothered by crowds of holidaymakers.
Although the city enjoys year-round warm weather, summer is especially dreamy as temperatures climb as high as 35C.
And there are flights for below €40, meaning you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
Ryanair is offering flights to the region for only €34.99 on selected dates.
The airline giant flies from Dublin Airport into Malaga, one of the closest airports to Granada.
From there, visitors can take a pleasant bus journey for roughly two hours to reach Granada.
The short trip is an ideal way to catch up on any lost sleep or simply take in the countryside views.
Granada itself is a stunning medieval city based at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It is best known for the Alhambra, the ancient hilltop fortress which presides over the city.
The spot is a haven for art, poetry, culture, and music, so there is truly something for everyone.
Although not located directly on the coast, the wider Granada region is home to some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches.
Just a short trip outside the main city will delight tourists with a white-sand beach, crystal clear water, and all the necessary beach facilities.
One of the most popular beaches in the Granada region is the Playa de Cantarrijan.
It boasts miles of unspoiled sand and is totally surrounded by nature including rocky cliffs and native trees.
The spot is popular among families as it has all that you’ll need for a day at the beach.
CLASSIC SPANISH BEACH
It is ideal for swimming as there is crystal-clear water and the water is not too deep.
And for those who have snorkels, it’s home to truly stunning marine life.
For those who prefer dry land, there are sun beds to rent for the entire day and plenty of space to throw down a towel.
Plus, the beach is lined with bars and restaurants which are ideal for a post swim pick me up.
Another popular beach in the Granada region is the Playa San Cristobal.
A classic Spanish beach, the sandy spot is set against a backdrop of shops, bars, restaurants, and high-rise apartments.
MUSE SEE SPOT
It is also surrounded by rocky cliffs that protect from the wind.
The beach boasts soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and lines of palm trees.
And with plenty of places nearby to fuel up, it’s the perfect spot for a few hours in the sand.
But Granada itself offers far more than just beaches.
A must-see while in the ancient city is the Alhambra, which is the second most visited place in Europe.
The palace dates back thousands of years and is nowadays used as a museum and for walking tours.
DAY TRIP DELIGHT
Each room is designed differently and offers the perfect photo opportunity.
But the real treat is taking in the views over the city from the top of the building.
To take in some of the other must-see sights including stunning architecture and gorgeous art, consider taking a walking tour.
It’s a great way to get insider knowledge on the city from a local guide.
Another great way to spend some time in Granada is to take a day trip, of which there are plenty on offer.
Visitors can enjoy a multi hour trip into the Sierra Nevada mountains to take in the area’s natural beauty.
A jeep tour is perfect for a group of friends, and many of the trips also include hiking through the natural landscape.
Plus, you can enjoy some unique food and drink spots on the tour.
At night, Granada continues the theme of having something for everyone.
The buzzing city has an almost uncountable numbers of bars offering everything from cocktails to karaoke.
And one of the best ways to experience the nightlife is to head on a pub crawl.
They are a great way to meet new people while travelling and allow you to take in as much as possible in one night.
The wider Granada region has some stunning beaches[/caption]
