When in the Sierra Nevada, don’t bypass the provincial capital, writes Laurence Dollimore

AS the last Moorish stronghold in Western Europe and one of the world’s oldest cities, tourists flock from far and wide to see Granada’s spectacular medieval sites.

For Sierra Nevada skiers, it’s just at the bottom of the mountain road.

And if you really want to get to know this Andalucian gem like a local, ditch the pricey bus tours and let your intuition lead the way.

Start at the stunning Alhambra, one of the most visited monuments in Spain with gardens most horticulturists can only dream of. (If you want a tour, it’s best to pre-book.)

From here, walk down towards the city to explore the narrow cobbled streets adorned with spice stores and drum-playing hippies.

En route, marvel at the grandiose cathedrals and churches which leave you wondering ‘how did they build that?’, before exploring the beautiful, narrow ascending streets of the Albayzín, and the tumbling white-walled house gardens of the Realejo quarter.

Once you reach the Mirador de San Nicolas, the steep climb is made more than worth it, offering a bird’s eye view of the city and the Alhambra, a scene unrivalled on a bluesky day.

So whether you stop off on your way up to the slopes or drop-in on your way home, be sure to spend a couple of hours exploring this elegant and edgy city.