After breakfast and a long morning walk, I embarked on the 45-minute drive northeast to Sierra Nevada, Europe's southernmost ski town. At nearly 12,000 feet, Sierra Nevada is perched high in the mountain range. Thanks to a superior year for snowfall in this part of Europe, the pristine white scenery took my breath away.

This resort town has 115 marked slopes with more than 65 miles of runs, offering enough variety for everyone's liking. I considered a run down the slopes myself--but decided the likelihood of having to finish my articles from a hospital bed wasn't in my best interest.

Having enjoyed two splendid days in Granada, I headed back to La Herradura--feeling as I drove as if I were returning to my own small town and circle of friends. Granted, these friendships were only five days old, but it seemed as if I'd known these people for much longer.

Sidebar: Recommended Reading

Part of DK's acclaimed Back Roads series, Back Roads Spain ($17.00) offers well-planned, multi-day road-trip itineraries that take the guess work out of finding a region's most important and interesting attractions (Granada included).