4. Granada, Spain
Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are the big players in the Spanish scene, but these shouldn’t eclipse Granada. This small southern city has a Roman heritage and distinctive Moorish allure. The impressive 13th century Alhambra palace was once home to Sultans, and the cobblestoned mazes of the old Arabic quarter are remarkable. There’s a strong gypsy and flamenco tradition here too, as seen in the Sacromonte caves. Of course, there are plenty of Catholic churches, monasteries and cathedrals in Granada, too, making it one of the most diverse cities in Andalusia. Flanked against the Sierra Nevada mountains and only 70 km from the coast, there are endless recreational options in and around this Spanish gem. With so much to offer, there’s really no reason for Granada to be amongst the underrated European cities.
