Province of Granada, Administrative province in eastern Andalusia, Spain
Granada is an administrative territory in eastern Andalusia that reaches from the Mediterranean coast up to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, covering about 12,600 square kilometers (4,865 square miles). The territory extends from sandy beaches and subtropical valleys along the coast to snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes inland.
The administrative territory was created in 1833 as part of Spain's territorial reorganization, replacing the former boundaries of the Nasrid kingdom that had ruled until 1492. The borders followed partly the old Moorish districts and joined coastal strips with highland zones.
The local cuisine carries Moorish influences that appear in dishes with almonds, honey and spices, found in street cafés and taverns throughout the area. Flamenco tradition is especially alive in the Sacromonte quarter, where music and dance evolved through the centuries-old Romani community.
The area is accessible by major roads from the rest of Andalusia and offers a wide variety of accommodation from village inns to coastal hotels. Summer months can be very hot along the coast, while the mountains may still carry snow in June.
Along the so-called Costa Tropical, mangoes, papayas and avocados grow right by the Mediterranean thanks to a mild microclimate, which is rare in Europe. Harvests often happen from October to November, when most visitors have already left the coast.
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