Surrounded by mountains and lorded over by the greatest Muslim monument in Europe, multicultural Granada is something of a Moorish masterpiece.

Its crowning jewel is the Alhambra, an 11th century palace that also once functioned as a citadel, fortress and the home of government officials and sultans as well as their servants and soldiers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is enjoyed by an average of 6,000 tourists a day. Elaborate water features, intricate mosaics, grand courtyards and breathtaking balcony vistas make the Alhambra one of the world's greatest visual feasts.

Beyond Granada's main attractions lies an atmospheric mesh of medieval, Moorish streets and a cave-quarter known as Sacromonte that is home to a large gypsy population and vibrant flamenco bars. Among Granada's other must-sees are a Moorish bathhouse, an archaeological museum, a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral and the La Cartuja monastery.  

You can also eat (and drink) on the cheap here as tapas bars in Granada dish up a free (and very generous) portion of food with every beverage.

Work off your excesses by hiking or skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.   

If you feel compelled to stay in Granada longer (and you certainly won't be the first), the city is home to a number of good Spanish schools.