Granada

The Andalucian city of Granada would be well worth a sojourn even if it didn't boast the most spectacular Muslim monument in Europe.

The object of universal awe is one of its two main hills, the Alhambra, on which lie the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress; the extraordinarily ornate Palacio Nazaries; and the luxurious, water-wended Generalife Gardens.

As the crowning architectural achievement of nearly eight centuries of Moorish power in Spain, the complex is truly jaw dropping.

That's not all Granada has going for it, however. Across the Darro River on the second hill is El Albaicín, the old Muslim casbah that, like the Alhambra, is special enough to have been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among its cobbled medieval streets and crumbling churches, you'll find the Arab Baths and the Archeological Museum, along with myriad little shops and bars, and fabulous views from Iglesia de San Nicolás.

In the Cathedral Quarter to the south of El Albaicín, don't miss the Capilla Real (the mausoleum of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, who expelled the Moors from the city in 1492), and La Cartuja monastery.

Another popular attraction is the flamenco singing and dancing in the caves of Sacramonte, where gypsies have been living for centuries.

Granada's also quite the party town. You can expect to kick off a typical night at around 11pm with a tipple or two (and often, delicious complimentary tapas) from a local bar, tavern or café, before heading on to the clubs, late bars and lounges in the newer parts of town.

Depending on your venue of choice, chances are you won't have to pack away your party hat till 4 or 5am. Olé!