How we got there: Flew from Ibiza > Madrid | Drove from Madrid > Granada

Where we stayed: The AC Santa Paula - We loved this hotel. It sits in the perfect location within walking distance to most of the sites, restaurants, and even The Alhambra. There is an amazing restaurant in the hotel with a beautiful outdoor terrace with live music -- and the food was incredible.

What we did:

Ate tapas every. single. day - Tapas are free in Granada. Seriously. Order a drink and BAM you get a free plate of food. If you're a food adventurer and seafood lover, tapas are for you.

Visited the Arabic Baths (Hammam) - This was by far one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I wasn't allowed to take my camera in to the baths, but it truly felt like a step back in time. For first timers, like us, a guide walks you through the baths giving you a quick tutorial on each. The baths sit underground & are of varying degrees you can go to & from. Each bath is unique in architechture and incredibly beautiful. I WISH I could have documented this... But alas, I guess it is simply an experience for my memory bank. I've included a few images found online at the bottom of my post.

Visited The Alhambra (Images in next post) - If you goto Granada this is a no-brainer. The Alhambra was originally constructed as a small fortress in 899 and then was converted into a Royal Palace in 1333. The beauty and detail are beyond exquisite. Be aware that when you purchase a ticket to The Alhambra there is a specific time on your ticket when you'll have admission into certain palaces.

Walk the streets - See Flamenco - Do these both at Plaza Nueva

Where we ate: There are too many little places to name them all but a few of our faves were...

Silo: Go here for a pastry and coffee - The outdoor patio is lovely and sits across from the Cathedral.

Lio: Go here for Tapas & drinks - Lio sits on the opposite side of The Cathedral and the views are stunning, not to mention the tapas are delicious.

Cafe Oliver: We were stoked when we stumbled upon this place as we had seen it in an episode of Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown. The patio is prime for people watching and listening to street musicians.

Lost Diamantes: We stopped here after the Arabic baths and actually lucked out with finding a table. This place is packed, but worth the wait.

Drove to the Coast: We were beat from walking and the heat so we took a day-trip to the coastal town, Almunecar. We must have lucked out with their low-season because the beaches were almost deserted and beautifully blue & rocky.

The images below were taken with the iphone, fujix30 or canon 5d markiii. images taken by the hubs or i.

Link to our vid from spain: https://vimeo.com/133797779