The scenery in Granada province is absolutely breathtaking. Along its southern flank extend 103 kilometres of blue Mediterranean coastline called Costa Tropical. This stretch is lined with beaches, sheltered coves, steep cliffs and all manner of attractions for tourists, ranging from modern resorts with facilities for yachting, scuba diving and water sports to quiet, picturesque whitewashed villages.

On the lush green coastal plain is some of the most productive farmland in all of Spain, including exotic fruits such as mango, kiwi, avocado and custard apple. Inland from the coast the terrain becomes steeper and more dramatic as you enter the spectacular snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains, home to the most southerly ski station in Europe and the magical city of Granada itself with its legendary Alhambra.

Whatever else you do while in Granada, don’t miss the Alhambra. Michelle Obama is one famous visitor who certainly didn’t – during her 2010 summer holidays on the Costa del Sol with younger daughter Sasha! It was built by Moors from the Nazarite dynasty at a time when Granada was Islam’s last bastion in Spain and today, more than 500 years after the Catholic monarchs reconquered Granada in 1492, the Alhambra is still considered one of the wonders of the world. Its beautiful courtyards, towers, pools and gardens – the Alcazaba, the Patio de los Leones, the Generalife and the Palacio de Carlos V – together constitute one of Spain’s most-visited historical sites, so much so that prospective visitors must book well ahead to see it.

The province has three golf courses: Santa Clara and Granada (both inland, 15 and 10 kilometres, respectively, from the city) and Los Moriscos (on the Motril coastline).