Granada: Last Stand of the Moors

The buildings of Granada hold the clues to its past: the last Moorish state remaining on the Iberian peninsula before the Spanish reclaimed it for the Christians, Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the junction of the Darro and Genil rivers. Its unique history has bestowed it with an artistic grandeur embracing Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. As the last Moorish capital on the Iberian Peninsula, it also holds great symbolic value.

Though both the Romans and the Visigoths established settlements in what is now Granada, it was actually the Moors who put this city on the map. The Moors took the town shortly after their invasion of present-day <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain">Spain</a> in 711. However, it wasn’t until the 13th and 14th centuries that Granada reached its golden age. During this time, a majority of the famous red palace, Alhambra, was constructed. The Moorish stronghold of&nbsp;Granada represented the last vestige of Mohammedan power in Europe. When at last it fell in 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella’s Reconquista (the Christian Reconquest) was finally complete.

Today, Granada is also known as a university town with over 80,000 students all over the city. If you look closely, you will also see many pomegranates (in Spanish: ‘granada’) as decorative elements in the town, as this ruby-red fruit is the city’s iconic emblem.<h3>Alhambra</h3>This UNESCO World Heritage site, a palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs, gets its name from the Arabic root word meaning “red or crimson castle.” The name most likely refers to the colour of the outer walls, made of fine gravel and red clay bricks.

Constructed on a plateau overlooking Granada, the Alhambra was originally built for military purposes. During the 1812 War of Independence, some of the towers were blown up by the French, with further damage in 1821 following an earthquake. Restoration efforts began in 1828 and continued throughout the 20th century.Entering this incredibly restored architectural wonder, you’ll see its famous reflecting pool, as well as cool white marble fountains (including the show-stopping ‘Patio of the Lions’) and water features that temper the heat of the region. With a dazzling array of honeycombed ceilings, intricate details, and top-notch craftsmanship, this is truly a palace fit for royalty.<h3>Caves of Granada</h3>Granada is the most geographically diverse province in the Iberian Peninsula, with distinct concentrations of cave settlements. Most notable among these are the historic Albaycin and Sacromonte neighbourhoods of Granada City on the other side of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Albaycin and Sacromonte are adjacent hillside neighbourhoods, both of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Alhambra Palace. These ancient settlements date back to well before the 15th century.<h3>Albaycin District</h3>Another place to wander amongst medieval Moorish architecture and take in a lovely view of the Alhambra from a cafe, this district has buildings that date back to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, which ruled from 1230 until 1492. A maze-like street system with narrow pathways characterizes the area. The main street of Carrera del Darro is where you will find shops, cafes and all the scenic views you can handle.Visit the 16thC church of San Salvador, which marries Moorish architecture to more classical structures. The remains of the Arab baths dating from the 11thC are also worth exploring.If you’re feeling adventurous, check out<a href="http://bar-aliatar.es/"> Bar Aliatar</a>, also known as ‘the snail bar’, which offers typical Spanish bites like savoury jamón and tapas in a no-frills, old-school setting. Don’t miss out on their namesake (and the house specialty), caracoles — snail.

Come discover <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain/andalucia">Andalucia</a>, the intense, passionate and sensuous soul of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain">Spain</a>. Whether <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/andalucia-biking">small group biking</a> or completely <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/andalucia-bespoke">bespoke</a>, you're bound to fall in love with the architecture, food, language and music of this magical region.

Explore Granada’s rich history as the last Moorish stronghold in Spain—where the Alhambra and the cave settlements coexist with the shops and cafes of cool neighbourhoods like Albaycin. 

Granada: Last Stand of the Moors | History of Andalucia

Andalucia is the intense, passionate and sensuous soul of Spain, where every element—architecture, food, language and music—tells the story of centuries of cultural fusion. Southern Spain invites you to explore Roman ruins, Baroque churches and the 700-year legacy of Moorish influence. Savour gazpacho and every kind of tapa while basking in the sunshine, then immerse yourself in the art of flamenco and learn the delicate craft of carving jamón ibérico. Or simply enjoy leisurely afternoons scented with orange blossoms, sipping sweet Jerez and letting the wonders of Andalucia wash over you.&nbsp;

Spain's passionate south

Cycle white villages and Moorish landscapes, walk Seville and Granada on small group or private bespoke trips through Andalucía, with private riad stays.

Andalucía Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Join us in feisty Southern Spain where controversial bullfights by day and sultry flamenco shows by night harmoniously blend like a fine sherry.

Andalucia is the spirited soul of Spain. Spot white-washed, hilltop villages shine like beacons in the countryside. Feel the pulse of flamenco music and the swish from the dancers’ colourful dress. Dine on tapas washed down with the local sherry to your heart’s content. Did we mention the over 300 days of sunshine per year? Pack your bags, this seven-day experience is one for the books.

Vibrant Culture

Historic Sites

Land of Striking Contrasts

Andalucia is Spain turned all the way up—sun-soaked, spice-laced and alive with rhythm. Wander Moorish palaces, sip sweet Jerez, carve jamón like a local and lose track of time under orange trees. With flamenco in your ears and tapas on your plate, this is southern Spain in full, glorious technicolour—yours to savour, your way.

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Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Bike from Cádiz to Ronda and Granada's Alhambra on a custom Andalucia itinerary. Spain's most dramatic southern landscape, privately guided and built for you.

Andalucia Private Tours: Cádiz to Ronda, the Alhambra & Mountain Landscapes

From jamon in the Pyrenees to snowdrop villages perched on high mountain crags, bring the family on this fun-filled journey from Madrid to Andalucia.

Bike through the olive tree-filled countryside and marvel at Moorish, Roman and Baroque architecture as you zip in and out of rural villages.

Incredible Rides

One-of-a-kind Hotels 

Andalucia unfolds in layers: whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, golden hills lined with olive groves, and the rhythm of Flamenco carrying through sunlit plazas. Ride winding roads from countryside to coast, pause for picnics at family-run fincas, and taste the region’s soul in Sherry cellars and seaside feasts. This is Andalucia beyond the postcards—vivid, soulful, and made to be savoured.

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Spend 5 nights cycling Andalusia in a small group. Jerez sherry bodegas, flamenco tablaos and the white-walled pueblo routes through Spain's most dramatic

Granada: Last Stand of the Moors

By Christine Tucker

Andalucia

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