Seville to Granada and Antequera: Private day trip

Inhabited since at least 500 BC, Granada has been the region’s political center for the entirety of recorded history, and has the monuments to prove it. Next to the grand 16th century cathedral, you’ll find the beautiful carved alabaster tombs of Isabella I and Ferdinand II, the monarchs responsible for finally driving the Moors out of Spain, and backing Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World. There’s also still vestiges of the city’s Moorish heritage. The Old Town follows its original layout, and there’s some amazingly well preserved monuments including a bathhouse with reclaimed Roman capitals and the Corral del Carbón, a 13th century warehouse and shelter for merchants. To experience the roots of the city’s flamenco tradition, pay a visit to the Sacromonte neighborhood with its 16th century cave dwellings. Granada’s crown jewel, however, is the Alhambra. With its impossibly intricate details, this 14th century fortress-turned-palace is perhaps the single finest piece of Moorish architecture (tickets MUST be purchased in advance at https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/).

Inhabited since antiquity, Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences have left the town with a rich tapestry of architectural gems. The city is home to over 30 churches, all with opulent interiors. A journey up to the 3rd century citadel rewards explorers with spectacular views of the town, and is the best place to see the remains of the Roman baths, while the optional audio-guide brings the fortress’s long history to life. For visitors who yearn for natural wonders, the Torcal National Park is un-missable, with its unique rock formations flecked with fossils. Not quite as old as the fossils, the 5000 year old Dolmens just outside of town have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 30-meter-long Menga Dolmen is the largest in Europe, and offers visitors the chance to experience one of the most outstanding examples of megalithic architecture in the world.