http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32368 Just be careful as pickpockets are known to operate in the area.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32365 The two monarchs lie in the crypt in simple lead coffins along with a few other related royals.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32365 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23869
However, be careful, stay away from the city centre. The Hoteles and Pensiones in the middle of the city are crammed full of zealous foreigners and 'Granadinos' with attitude.

Perched up on 'the' hill, overlooking the Alhambra, are the white houses and cobbled streets of the Sacromonte, just next to the Albayzin. It's a world within itself, yet close to everything. The views over the Alhambra are breathtaking. To the north, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada towers over the province.

The beauty of this place is also the lack of tourism. No one knows about it. I shouldn't be telling, perhaps. If you see this, and get the urge, go, if you don't you're making a mistake. There's no way one would fail to enjoy this area.

It's easy to get into the centre, too. Simply drop a ball, and follow it. It'll take you all the way there.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23869 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22215
There are no buses to Castaras, so you have to walk. There is always a bar open in the tiny village for lunch. Walk on the GR142, generally east, from Busquistar and you will come across it. If you must go by car then access is via Almejijar or Trevelez.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22215 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21684 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21684 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20753 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20753 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17257
Stay in one of the local rental apartments mentioned below - they're excellent.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17257 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13542
Friendly staff. Basic but clean, with good showers!

We stayed in a double but I think there are bigger ones available. They also include small kitchen/dining areas for those who want to self-cater.

The old town is great (lots of bars, restaurants, nice squares) but if you want to go into the main town, it's only a short leisurely walk.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13542 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10955
The locals are really friendly and welcome the few tourists who visit their town. There are plenty of hill walks starting from Antequera and leading to El Chorro gorge and the natural park of El Torcal.

Antequera is one of the most authentic country towns of Andalucía with a comforting village atmosphere.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10955 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10908
We stayed in a lovely, newly reformed holiday let with stunning views in Juvíles, one of the highest and prettiest of the villages, about an hour and a half from Granada city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6606

The right time of day is at sunset when the Alhambra is tastefully floodlit. Afterwards casually make your way down through the barrio visiting the numerous Flamenco bars.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6606 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4799
Dine at El Huerto de Juan Ranas which over looks the alhambra, tapas at bodega castaneda in calle almireceros.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4799