An officially recognized wonder of the world can be seen less than four hours' drive from Torrevieja. The Alhambra Palace complex is one of the Seven Wonders of the Muslim World. One poet lyrically described Alhambra as a pearl of emeralds. The splendor and architectural ingenuity of the complex, which is the size of a small village, is indeed unmistakable.
With a history dating back to the 9th century and culminating in improvements in the 13th century, the large complex is inspired by a description in the Quran of paradise as an oasis of trees, fountains and buildings. It's not easy to absorb all there is to see in a single visit. The interaction between Moorish and Catholic architecture, the sultan's palace, countless towers, the opulent palace of Charles V, the Christian churches and the legion of art treasures all cry out: 'Look at us'. Those who have time to admire the details will be particularly captivated by the detailed, colorful mosaics.
In addition to the beautiful buildings, another important attraction awaits visitors, namely the Generalife. This is a garden complex that is listed as one of the oldest gardens in history. Stroll through the Hof van het Waterkanaal, the medieval Persian gardens and the Garden of the Sultan and enjoy the way the gardens have been laid out, the flowers and the multitude of beautiful fountains.
Due to its strategic location on a hill, the Alhambra can be admired from almost anywhere from the city. If you descend to the lower parts of Granada, you will find yourself in a city that, in terms of beauty, interesting buildings and unexpected gems, can easily compete with the other main tourist cities in Spain. The cathedral, the monastery of San Jeronimo, the many churches and numerous squares are all well worth a visit. Or walk through the Jewish quarter or the gypsy quarter and be surprised by unexpected beauty.
If you want to visit the Alhambra (booking in advance is necessary), you should take the time to visit the palace complex and the rest of the city. From the costas there are several companies that organize multi-day excursions to the city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.