Muralla Ziri Boutique Apartments, Granada

Colourful self-catering apartments at the heart of the Albaicín, with an in-house hammam (each sleeps 2-5)

The high hill of the Albaicín was amongst the first areas of Granada to be populated: the Berber clan of the Ziris founded the independent Kingdom of Taifa in the 11th-century.

The city quickly spread across the Darro river to reach the what is now the Alhambra. Vestiges of the fortified citadel still remain, like the defensive wall preserved within both of the two two-storey houses that make up Muralla Zirí, and give onto a narrow street that cuts through the heart of the Albaicín.

The decoration of these perfectly equipped self-catering apartments reflects the area's past, making extensive use of intricately carved plaster friezes and geometric woodwork: along with these flamboyant flourishes you'll find all that you need to self-cater in style.

And after a day of sightseeing you can return to a Turkish bath and massage completing that vision of One Thousand and One Nights. Muralla Zirí is ideally placed for lively bars and restaurants.

The friendly Matés family are experts on the local tapas scene, you could do no better than heed their recommendations for eating out.

Muralla Ziri Boutique Apartments in Granada comprises 12 self-catering apartments, with doubles costing from €80 on a room only basis.

To book boutique hotels in Granada and to read i-escape's full hotel review, click here