“From there I saw the most beautiful sunset in the world.” In this case, it is impossible to refute the ex-President of the USA, Bill Clinton. He, like many others, was captivated by the view offered by the Mirador de San Nicolás.

One of the best ways of reaching the viewpoint is to climb little by little through the narrow streets and spots of the Albaicín, a lively district which has been declared a world heritage site. The last stage, through the Aljibe del Trillo and the Cuesta de las Tomasas, already lets us glimpse what awaits us at the end of the climb: an amazing view.

From Sierra Nevada to the Vega de Granada 

This viewpoint is in a small cobblestone square outside the San Nicolás Church. Visitors usually sit on the small protection wall to be able to enjoy the visit: a clear and serene view going from the heights of the Sierra Nevada mountains (in the background, on the left) to almost all of the Vega de Granada meadows.

Just below the viewpoint, we can see the Albaicín, with the course of River Darro in the background and, to the left, the first houses of the Sacramonte. The Realejo and Central districts also stretch before the tourist's eyes, given a brushstroke of modern Granada.

But what people most eagerly await, the star of the landscape, is located just opposite, with no obstacles in the way: the Alhambra de Granada. This wonder majestically sits on the al-Sabika hill, one of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The sight on offer has been captured thousands of times in photographs and on the television, but this makes no difference: seeing it with your own eyes gives you a genuinely special sensation.

You can look from the Generalife gardens, to the ochre and reddish colour of the walls, the Cautiva towers, the Peinador de la Reina or Comaros. The Alcazaba's presence is amazing. This is one of the complex's first buildings, which has been formed with the passing of the centuries.

Restaurants with a view 

To bring yourself out of this state of absorption, there is nothing better than to think of more worldly necessities, like eating. Very close to the viewpoint, in Calle de San Nicolás, is the Restaurante San Nicolás, where you can taste some of the most imaginative dishes offered by Granada cooking whilst you continue to admire the Alhambra.

If you want to really discover the local gastronomic tradition, you have to go back into the labyrinth that is the Albaicín. Here, we head towards the Mirador de Morayma restaurant, located in a carmen (traditional Granada house) which also offers great views. Its dishes range from brain omelette typical of Sacromonte to guisote de cordero  (lamb stew) or ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup).