Monestario De La Cartuja is an elaborate Baroque monastery and church, constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Sanctuary and Sacristy are particularly impressive. Within the brick walls you can enjoy breathtaking gardens and experience how clerics and monks lived in times past.

Built on a hill overlooking Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra is a majestic medieval complex of intricately decorated palaces, pristine gardens, and a once-mighty fortress. It is among the top 3 most visited landmarks in Spain, and together with the Generalife Gardens, they form a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the complex's fascinating mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture, admire panoramic city vistas from a hilltop perch, and then stroll through the botanical beauty of the Generalife Gardens.

For a few days during the year the locals of Saint Lucia don their fanciest and most summery carnivalesque costumes before taking to the streets. Hailed as one of the best carnival celebrations in the Americas, this yearly event manages to portray the Caribbean culture of this small island nation perfectly. The festival arrives at its climax with a two-day long parade of live music, feathers, beads and scantily clad carnival-goers moving rhythmically under the radiant Saint Lucian sun.

The little town of Boquete offers a good selection of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Since Boquete is an agricultural town, chefs have access to the freshest organic vegetables and herbs. One praiseworthy local restaurant, The Rock, is located on the banks of the Palo Alto River, just outside of central Boquete. The large windows allow for fantastic views up the valley, and the fireplace seating area is a cosy spot at night. "Food without pretences" is their motto, and the menu focuses on locally available produce and meats. Steaks and ribs are cooked to perfection and may be accompanied by artisan beers made exclusively for the restaurant or the perfect wine. Thursday is All-You-Can-Eat Rib Night. If you are in Boquete, a meal at The Rock is a must.