The well-known attractions are a great first stop on your tour but the tour
has only just begun. There are some lesser-known activities that will give you
great film footage and some mental pictures you won't soon forget. Some of
these attractions are heavily visited, and others have few tourists, but all
are great places to while away the hours. Make sure to stop and grab a bite to
eat - perhaps an empanada or something from a famous Spanish tapas bar - before
journeying down narrow streets in Granada's
sun.
Sacromonte Hill.
This clutter of caves is not only a must for curious children, but a great
learning experience. Find out about the history of gypsies who once made
their homes here. Looking up at the hill, all that can be seen is tiny
holes. Gypsy families actually lived and worked here, inside the caves
hewn from Sacromonte Hill. Many rooms have been reconstructed to show how Spain's
wanderers would have lived. At times, special gypsy dances take place
inside these cramped spaces.
Monastery of La
Cartuja. This breathtaking Mediterranean-style monastery dates
from the 16th century. Its very appearance is typical of Spain
with tile roofs and round, turreted towers. Parts of the monastery are
baroque and quite elegant, and the interior is strikingly beautiful. Make
sure to bring plenty of film. This is a not-to-miss experience.
Arab baths.
The banuelo, or Arab bath, is a unique approach to a study of Moorish
history. Still existing from the early medieval days, this is a great
place to stop by and see how robed Moorish aristocrats once spent their
free hours. The inner chambers are very well preserved, and a few columns
still stand that boast a lofty history; they were originally remains from
Roman and Germanic structures, used in the construction of the Moorish
baths. Some of these columns were also taken from Cordoba
and used for the enjoyment of Granada's
Moorish citizens.