Marbella to Granada and Montefrio: 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/).

Originally a Moorish stronghold, with a strategic position and commanding views, Montefrio became one of the premier Moorish frontier fortresses in the 15th century. The citadel was even believed to have been designed by the same architect in charge of the magnificent Alhambra. However, by the end of the century it was recaptured by the Christians and destroyed. In its place, a church was erected, which, incorporates elements from Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Please note: the castle is only open from 11:00-14:00, and closed on Mondays. Slightly down the hill is the Iglesia de la Encarnación, a unique neo-classical structure with a huge domed roof, compliments of the acclaimed architect Ventura Rodríguez. Just outside of town is the La Peña de los Gitanos, a 6-square-kilometer plot that contained over 100 dolmens, some dating back to 5000 BC, along with a post-Roman-ruin and Visigoth necropolis.