We drove to Andalucia after the beach. The starkly dramatic landscapes reminded me of the hummocks of volcanic ash in the painted desert of Arizona, only much older.

It was not in the cards that we would spend a night in exotic Zahara del Seirra. We arrived as the sun was setting. The scenary en route to Zahara was fascinating but towns were rare. It was ominous. Thank goodness the tourist office in Algodonales suggested the youth hostel when we found no hotel rooms free.

The next day we drove on winding mountain roads toward Granada and stayed the night in Lanjaron, best known for free flowing spring water.

Granada was 2 hrs from Lanjoran. We arrived to ditch the car and check in at our hostal before noon. We walked around the city the rest of the day and saw La Alhambra lit by the setting sun from the square at the top of Albayzin. After eating at Casa Torcuata suggested by Rick Steves, we walked down narrow paths to the Kasbah for tea, sweets and exotic music.

Granada

Beautiful
Exotic
Sensual