Granada

Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Moorish hilltop castle and fortress, is another dynamic Spanish attraction. The Alhambra castle complex is one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. The Albaicn is a restored Moorish ancient town with narrow streets and most structures originating from the eighth, ninth, and tenth centuries. It's a fantastic tourist attraction because you can see both ancient and modern Spain in one location.

Granada is also close to Sierra Nevada, Europe's best southern ski resort area. The big resort, located 42 kilometers (26 miles) outside of Granada, features over 100 runs served by 17 lifts and two cable cars. Because of the high elevation, the ski season can extend from late November until early May. The sun-drenched beaches of Málaga are only 164 kilometers (102 miles) away. This means you may ski in the morning and relax at the beach in the afternoon (or vice-versa).

• Best time to visit: between January and May
• Location: Granada, Spain