You only truly understand what it means to miss Granada once you leave, when you realise you have to say goodbye to the relaxed, easy-going way of life that flows through its narrow streets, the scent of spices that catches you by surprise around every corner, the beauty of neighbourhoods that seem to belong to another era and that unforgettable picture of Sierra Nevada and the Alhambra. And that is precisely where this visit begins: a journey you will wish could go on forever, filled with all these experiences.

The saying that all roads lead to Rome could just as easily be applied to the Alhambra in Granada. Its imposing silhouette can be seen from countless corners of the city. And even when you cannot see it, you can somehow sense that it is there. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 together with the Generalife, this city, fortress and palace is a glorious blend of Islamic architecture, including the Generalife Gardens, the Alcazaba and the Nasrid Palaces, alongside later additions such as the Palace of Charles V and the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra.

An expert tip: book your ticket in advance and double-check your allocated entry time for the Nasrid Palaces, as access is tied to the specific time shown on your ticket. And if a daytime visit leaves you speechless, look out for the different night-time experiences too: opening days and times may vary depending on the season.

Leave behind the Paseo de los Tristes and its wonderful views of the Alhambra and you will soon find yourself in a neighbourhood whose name is known far beyond Granada. The Albaicín was added in 1994 to the UNESCO World Heritage listing that already included the Alhambra and Generalife. Its reputation precedes it, and seeing it for yourself certainly does not disappoint.

Perched on a hillside, it is filled with pretty whitewashed houses, traditional cármenes, charming squares and historic cisterns, while traces of its Muslim past reveal themselves with every step. Be warned, though: those steps will often take you along cobbled streets and up some fairly steep hills. But that is all part of its charm: wandering without too much of a plan and allowing its viewpoints to surprise you along the way.

There is a square, Plaza de las Pasiegas, right at the foot of Granada Cathedral. The views are superb, the tranquillity first thing in the morning is a treat, and using it as your starting point for exploring Granada's historic centre is always a good idea. The Cathedral's main façade rises before you as a promise of what awaits inside: a magnificent, harmonious building whose highlights include the Main Chapel and a brilliant white light that floods the interior and plays beautifully with its colours.

Nearby stands the Royal Chapel, a genuine journey through history and the final resting place of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Catholic Monarchs; their daughter Joanna I; her husband, Philip I; and Prince Miguel.

Make sure you also visit La Madraza, a historic building founded in 1349 by Sultan Yusuf I as a centre for higher learning, where subjects including theology, law, medicine and mathematics were taught. Knowledge remains at its heart today: it is now home to La Madraza, the University of Granada's Centre for Contemporary Culture, which hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

And before making your way towards Plaza Nueva, be sure to wander down the narrow Calle Alcaicería, lined with souvenir and craft shops that evoke the great bazaar and Nasrid silk market that once stood here.

It is the classic Granada photo everyone wants to take home with them. Set in the heart of the Albaicín, directly opposite the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada rising in the background, the already beautiful panorama becomes even more spectacular as the sun begins to set.

It remains one of the city's most iconic viewpoints and one of the best places for a sweeping panorama of the monumental complex. Arrive early, find somewhere to sit and simply take it all in. The show is about to begin.

Walking through this neighbourhood during the day is full of surprises. Come nightfall, it becomes a place of flamenco song and dance. More specifically, of zambras, a form of flamenco deeply connected with Sacromonte and its caves.

And when the performance takes place inside one of those caves, trust us when we say the atmosphere is something special. After all, if there is one thing that defines this neighbourhood, it is its cave houses, an enduring symbol of Sacromonte's history and culture.

To discover more about its residents, traditions and surroundings, head to the Sacromonte Cave Museum, where a collection of cave dwellings recreates what everyday life in the neighbourhood was once like.

And if you fancy continuing uphill, the Sacromonte Abbey awaits on Mount Valparaíso, offering magnificent views of the Alhambra, the Albaicín and the Darro Valley.

The presence of Granada-born poet Federico García Lorca can be felt throughout the city. You just need to know where to look. It is unmistakable at places such as the Federico García Lorca Centre, on Plaza de la Romanilla, dedicated to researching, preserving and sharing his work, where exhibitions, talks and other cultural activities continue to keep his legacy alive.

It becomes more intimate at the Huerta de San Vicente, the García Lorca family's summer residence, where the poet wrote parts of works such as Gypsy Ballads and Blood Wedding. And it takes on a symbolic significance at Chikito Restaurant, located on the site of the former Café Alameda, home to El Rinconcillo, the literary gathering Lorca attended alongside other Granada artists and intellectuals.

As we said, you simply need to know where to look. In fact, Granada has a route dedicated to places associated with Lorca, allowing you to follow the poet's footsteps through the city.

The hammams of Islamic Granada were places where local people went to bathe as part of a ritual in which water played a central role. You can get a sense of what these baths were like by visiting El Bañuelo, one of the best-preserved Arab baths in Spain. Dating back to the 11th century, the building still retains its different rooms and distinctive vaulted ceilings dotted with star-shaped skylights.

You cannot bathe in El Bañuelo itself, but you can enjoy the experience at Hammam Al Ándalus Granada, on nearby Calle Santa Ana, where water, massages and wellness rituals recreate the spirit of the historic Andalusian baths. Give yourself permission to stop and unwind. That is part of Granada too.

Going for tapas in Granada can feel a little like a treasure hunt, hopping from bar to bar in search of the best bite to accompany your drink. Whether you head to Calle Navas, the Realejo, the Albaicín, Calle Elvira, Plaza de Toros or La Chana, tapas culture stretches across the entire city.

And yes, this tradition remains one of Granada's defining characteristics: in most bars, your drink comes with a tapa. Depending on the establishment, you might be served whatever is coming out of the kitchen at the time, offered a set selection or even be able to choose your own.

Keep your fingers crossed that local favourites such as Sacromonte tortilla, broad beans with ham or papas a lo pobre make their way to your table too. And when the time comes to move on to the next bar, do not resist. That is all part of the experience.

The human body, biodiversity, space, physics, astronomy… they all come together at the Parque de las Ciencias, an interactive museum designed to make science accessible and engaging for everyone.

A visit is guaranteed to spark your curiosity. You can step inside the BioDomo to discover different ecosystems and species, learn more about how the human body works, look skywards in the Planetarium or stop to admire the butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House. It is an especially good choice if you are visiting Granada as a family, although a little curiosity is all you really need to enjoy it at any age.

Granada has three Sercotel options, each with a very different personality. Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa is perfect if you want to stay surrounded by history right in the heart of the historic centre, close to the Cathedral, with the charm of its inner courtyards and traditional Granada flavours at La Bizcocha restaurant.

If you prefer to explore the city at your own pace, Sercotel Granada Suites offers spacious four-key apartments in the heart of Granada, with a fully equipped kitchen and private parking, making it an especially convenient option for families, couples or longer stays.

And for those who want to see Granada from a different perspective, there is Sercotel HMO Martina, just a few minutes from the historic centre and very close to the railway station, with a panoramic rooftop terrace, heated swimming pool, gym and restaurant, as well as rooms offering views over Granada, the Albaicín or Sierra Nevada.