The centre of Granada is not only the main tourist attraction of the province but it consists of small villages or pueblos, as they are called, each having their own quaint and unique character. 

Here are some of the remarkable and historical towns that Granada has to offer:

• Alhama de Granada

The town derived its name from the Arabic Word ‘al-hammam’, meaning thermal baths.  As the word suggests the town has natural thermal spring water and so it is also known as the spa town of Granada.  The town not only has the Arab thermal baths for relaxation and entertainment but you can also find a most scenic gorge in the very centre of the town.  It is a very popular tourist destination as it is only 53 kilometres away from the city of Granada and its neighbouring town of Bermejales is a short distance away.  Here you can spend a lovely day near the lake where there is grounds for picnic and barbeque. 

• Almuñecar

Almunecar is located at the coast of Granada – Costa Tropical, it is only 72 kilometres away from Granada centre and is accessible by public transport.  It is situated between the Costa del Sol and the Almeria coast on the Mediterranean.  Aside from the long and lovely crystal clear beaches, you will find a lot of local restaurants and bars in the area.  It is also a historical and cultural place where you can visit the Castle of San Miguel, an Arab fortress, and a Roman Aqueduct that even at present is still in use.  It is a very historical town as the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Arabs have entered the peninsula through its harbour.

• Fuente Vaqueros

Here you will find the birthplace of Spain’s most famous poet, dramatist, author and theatre director, Frederico Garcia Lorca.  It is located 17 kilometres west of Granada and in this town lies the house of Lorca which is now a museum – Museo Casa Natal Frederico Garcia Lorca.  It is a tranquil farming town but there are monuments worth seeing when you are around the area such as the church of La Paz, which dates back to 1663, and the Royal House of the Soto de Roma.

• Guadix

Is one of the most remarkable pueblos in Granada as almost half of the town’s inhabitants dwell in cave houses, some of these caves are complete with modern amenities and some are made even to a very high standard.  The cave area is called the Barrio Troglodite, when passing by the pueblo some locals will even invite you to see their homes.  There are some homes which have now been converted to a mini museum to satisfy the curiosity of the tourists and for a small fee you will see the interiors of these cave houses.  Whilst in Guadix it is also worth visiting the Cathedral which was built in 1584.

• Illora

Is one of the towns in the Poniente Granadino area, the western part of Granada.  It is a small town which has other satellite towns such as Alomartes, Obeilar, Bracana, Tocon and Escoznar.  The main town of Illora has an Arabic castle but is sadly closed at present however it has been said that a grant has been given to the pueblo to reform the castle this year.  It is also worth visiting the Church of the Encarnacion in the main square of the town.  The church has been constructed sometime in the 15th-16th century.  The church is worth visiting as the interior is well kept and preserved, filled with paintings and other historical items.  The surrounding country side of Illora is tranquil and has a magnificent scenery.  The Sierra Parapanda towers over the pueblo and the never ending sight of the olive groves is quite remarkable.

• Lanjaron

If you have been before to the province of Granada you might be familiar with the bottled mineral wáter Lanjaron.  It is a very popular mineral water brand in Granada, if not in the whole of Andalucia.  This town is said to be the gateway to the Alpujarras and is a town famous for its thermal water and spas.  Holiday makers and locals as well flock to the spas and take advantage of the curing properties the thermal water has to offer.  It is not too far from the town of Granada, around 50 km and is accessible by public transport.  A Moorish castle can also be found in the centre of town.

• Loja

Is a small town in the western part of Granada, its location was an important strategic position under the Moors.  To date its military significance under the Moors reflects in the remnants of the walls and tower of the Alcazaba, the walled fortification in an area.  One of the attractions of the town is just a few kilometers outside Loja, on the Rio Genil you will find a series of waterfalls where you can lounge on the grounds nearby and enjoy the scenery.  There are also spas within the town where you can relax and pamper yourself with its treatments and massages.

• Montefrio

Is a small town west of Granada, approximately 45 kilometres away from the city and very near the pueblo of Illora.  As you approach the pueblo you will be amazed with its fantastic view, almost the whole town is built on a very steep hill and on its highest peak you will see the church.  The pueblo is lovely with its white washed homes, small narrow steep streets and lively village environment.  It is definitely worth visiting if only for taking pictures of the view of the town then you can stop and rest and head to one of its bars to enjoy some refreshments.   

• Motril

One of the towns and is the largest one in the Costa Tropical in Granada on the Mediterranean coast.  It is a busy and thriving commercial area and has an inhabitant of just above 50,000 people.  For the sun and beach lovers, Motril can offer you a number of beaches to choose from where you can also do a number of beach orientated sports.  The town also has a castle, the Carchuna Castle and it also has numerous historical and beautiful churches to offer to visitors.  The area also has an abundant supply of fresh produce - fruit, vegetables and sea food, due to its perfect location.

• Santa Fe

Santa Fe may not be the best for sight seeing in Granada however it is rich in history and for people who love history it is worth going and seeing some of the historical landmarks.  It is known as the Cradle of Hispanity as it is where the Catholic monarchs besieged Granada from the Moors and it is also where the monarchs signed the contract with Columbus in search of the new world.  It is not far from Granada, approximately 11 kilometres, and has other attractions such as the Church of Encarnacion, the gates of the town, and a baroque convent.

• Salobreña

Is a picturesque town in the Costa Tropical region of Granada where the beaches are crystal clear and the town is tranquil.  An idyllic place where holiday makers and locals alike enjoy the sun and the sea.  There are numerous bars and restaurants surrounding the town where you can enjoy not only Spanish dishes but also the flavours from Northern and Western Europe.  The villages are white washed built on a hill and it is also worth climbing to see the Arabic fortress and castle, built in the 10th century, at the very top of the hill.    You must also see the church, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario, built in the 16th century on top of the old mosque.

• Sierra Nevada

Granada’s pride, the second highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps.  It attracts not only domestic tourism but people from all over Europe flock to this place during its skiing season.  It has been designated a national park in 1998 and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1986 due to its diverse plant and animal life. The Sierra Nevada is not only popular amongst skiers and snow boarders but also to hikers, mountain climbers, nature lovers and bird watchers.  There are also a lot of bars and restaurants all year round for the visitors.