granada is perhaps my favorite place in europe. lots of interesting history, having been ruled by the romans, iberians, and the moors (zirads) from iberia via africa. the main religions changed with whoever was ruling at the time. the alhambra was mostly built by the moors, who were captivated by mathematics, and created amazing visuals. it's a unique place, or at least is in my view. i am lucky enough to have spent a few weeks at the old moroccan embassy, with my room's windows opening up to an amazing view of the alhambra. i watched a few griz games online from there, so obviously there is a montana football connection there.I went to Italy last summer. Rome is amazing if you like history but it is not niche at all. Florence and Venice were both really cool niche spots. Venice is one of the only spots in the world without cars. Transportation is only by boat and walking/biking. Florence was a cool walkable city. Tuscany has similar vibes to Northern California.
the place is now very catholic-oriented, but the lifestyle, with siestas, tapas at all the bars, large gypsy presence in the surrounding caves, etc, making for a lively night life. if you haven't been, go there, and of course to seville, cordoba, and other cities in the area.