An Underrated Part of Granada - Marci

Most people in Granada don't realize how close they live to nature! Yes, everyone knows that the Sierra Nevada is not so far from the city. Many know about the other natural parks in the area. But the Dehesa del Generalife is overlooked by many, yet it's the easiest place to escape the busy city life to and enjoy nature. To put it very simply, it is the hill behind the Alhambra and the Generalife, which is a protected area, covered in forests and olive groves, and serves as a recreational area for the people of Granada.

People can come here to run, hike or just drive up and have a family picnic and play sports. It is hardly undisturbed nature, but considering that it's pretty much inside Granada, it is as close as you can get. What I can recommend is to follow a circular route which follows roughly the perimeter of the park - see the signs advertising it!

While walking around the park, I would really recommend paying attention to a few of the places. There is one called Silla del Moro, which is not to be confused with the actual Silla del Moro, which is a Moorish fortification a little further back, but an awesome viewpoint that overlooks Sacromonte and the valley around it.

As you go around the park, you will see a series of ruins, which were one day part of the water supply system of the Alhambra. Look for Aljibe de la Lluvia. Sadly, you can't peek inside, but it is cool to see how far the systems supplying the Alhambra extended.

Around the other end of the park, there is a huge recreational area called Llano de la Perdiz. A lot of families and groups of friends walk or drive up here to do picnics, grilling, sports and have fun outdoors. It is a cool area, however I'd go a little further out on the dirt roads and paths. Just be careful, there are a lot of mountain bikers. Go to Mirador Cerro del Sol, it's one of the best views of the Sierra Nevada that you can get to easily. That's where you want to have your sandwich, taking in the amazing panorama!