Granada offers a unique mixture of Europe and Arabia

Granada's complex history and the Alhambra offer an "iconic spectacle", according to the Times.

The city is situated in the autonomous region of Andalusia in southern Spain, at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains and where three rivers, the Beiro, Darro and Genil come together.

The area has been influenced by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions over the ages.

The Times reports that this area in southern Spain offers a unique flavour of Europe and Arabic Andalucia.

A palace and fortress complex built by Granada's former Moorish monarchs, the Alhambra, literally translated as "the red fortress", has been restored and now stands above the city like "an enchanted place", says the paper.

Granada is also famous for its distinctive ceramics, which even now show Islamic influences in their design.

The area is easily accessible on a driving holiday vis the Bilbao ferry.