Alhambra de Granada

Angela, her aunt Maggie and I visited the Alhambra in February. It's 10 euros entry but well worth it. We spent four hours and were amazed at how it could be built by hand, without the aid of modern machinery. It was fascinating to see the irrigation system that supplies all the pools and fountain. The water is channelled from streams and springs through pipes and ditches and even runs through ducts in the handrails of stairs. We didn't really see it at it's best as it was winter and there were no flowers in the garden beds or leaves on the trees but it was still a worthwhile venture. It was worth the entrance fee for the views alone. Standing on top of the tower and looking over Granada city is amazing but scary, I'm dodgy with heights and my knees were trembling when I looked down.

We thought we had seen everything at the Alhambra but bought a DVD to watch when we got home. When we watched it we discovered we had somehow missed out a great deal of the place, so will have to go back again, but only when it's warmer.

Even Angela enjoyed it and she doesn't really like historical buildings or places- she classes the pyramids as a pile of old bricks. Give her shops and department stores any day.

If you do visit go early in the day, especially in summer. We went in February and it wasn't really too busy but it was difficult to park the car. The bars and cafes just outside the entrance to the Alhambra are a bit expensive so it's better to go into Granada to eat or have a coffee.