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With the Alhambra overlooking the city’s Arab-style buildings and grand churches, Granada attracts visitors from all over the world with its Old-World allure. Culture vultures can travel to medieval Spain on the cobblestone streets of Moorish Andalucia’s long-time capital.
Visitors can bask in the Spanish sun while wandering through the lush Generalife garden, the Realejo Jewish quarter and the Albaicin Arab quarter, as well as explore the elegant interiors of the Alhambra fortress and the Basilica San Juan de Dios. In the evening, locals and tourists flock to the city’s traditional bars for wine, flamenco, generously portioned tapas, and a great time.
How to Get There
Riding a train is the most efficient way to travel through Spain, and Granada is without a doubt one of the country’s most popular destinations. Visitors flying into Spain can land in the Madrid Barajas Airport and take a three-hour Renfe train ride to the southern city.
Alternatively, they can land in the Barcelona El Prat Airport. From there, they can catch the 11-hour overnight train to Granada’s main train station. Those coming from Seville can take the regional bus, which has a three-hour-long route. The train station and the bus station are a 15 and 20-minute walk from the city centre, respectively.
Getting Around
Granada is a small city, which means that walking to and from major sites is easy and comfortable—it’s also the locals’ favourite way to get around! Of course, there are always city buses with routes all around the city (and to and from the Alhambra!) for when the Andalucian sun proves too much to bear.
Night buses, also known as “buhos” or “owls”, run through the city’s major streets every weekend for people burning the midnight oil. And when all else fails, there are always taxis, which are cheaper and faster in Granada than in other popular cities in Spain.
Top Things to Do
Granada’s rich cultural heritage is a top reason many visit the city. The top tourist spot is undoubtedly the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the seat of Moorish power in Spain. Another top tourist spot in Granada is the Generalife, the paradisiacal gardens of the Nasrid emirs. Here, visitors can marvel at the hypnotic geometric patterns of Islamic architecture.
Visitors should also stop by the Carmen de los Martires Gardens. Though oftentimes eclipsed by the Generalife, these flower-laden gardens look like they’re pulled right out of a fairytale and boast a sweeping view of the city below.
Though Granada’s history is closely tied to the Moorish conquest of Spain, the city is home to stunning cathedrals and churches. One famous structure is the Capilla Real, the resting place of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand. There’s also the Basílica de San Juan de Dios, which is the city’s quintessential example of baroque architecture. The city’s old Jewish and Arab quarters are also wonderful places to stroll through before dinner.
And while the city may be small, but Granada has got lots of activities to round out every visitor’s experience. One of the top things to do in Granada is to catch the boozy, flamenco-filled, week-long feria, which is typically held in June. Those who can’t catch the feria can still enjoy a night of Granada’s own Zambra-style flamenco in one of the tablaos in the Roma gypsy neighbourhood of Sacromonte, known as one of the cradles of the artform. The tablaos are typically found in historic cave homes, like the Cueva Los Tarantos.
What to Eat
Like all Andalusians, the people of Granada know how to wine and dine like royalty. The city’s famous for serving up larger-than-normal free tapas along with every round of drinks. One of the most sought-after bites in the city is Jamon de Trevelez. Diners can expect to see fine slices of this high-quality Jamon on top of many of the tapas in classic watering holes like Bodegas Castañeda and Los Diamantes.
Meanwhile, visitors should also try the city’s most beloved dish, which is the Plato Alpujarreño. This is a mixed meat dish topped with potatoes and a fried egg. On the other hand, pastry shops like Pasteleria Lopez-Mezquita prepare traditional baked treats like pionono and dulces arabes.
Nightlife
Granada is home to one of Spain’s most prestigious universities. As such, weekend nights mean this university city comes alive with young Spaniards looking to let loose some steam. Partygoers can find many of the city’s favorite nightclubs and music bars on Calle Pedro Antonio. Those looking for a more relaxing evening can head to one of the pubs along Calle Elvira or the Moroccan tea rooms on Calle Caldereria Nueva.
Where to Stay
Granada offers a wide variety of tourist accommodations, from posh hotels to boutique bed and breakfasts to lively backpackers’ hostels. Hotels in Granda’s historic city centre are conveniently located next to most of the famous attractions and busy restaurants and pubs. They are also quite luxurious, with prices reflecting their prime location. The uphill Albaicin Arab quarter, on the other hand, is full of charming boutique hotels with lovely views of the city centre and the Alhambra, as well as easy access to topnotch hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Meanwhile, the old Jewish quarter known as Realejo provides young travellers with budget-friendly hostels that are close to nightlife hotspots. Finally, for those who want the experience of travelling back in time to medieval Spain, there are always the guest houses in the famous cave dwellings in the Sacromonte area. These cave dwellings give guests a quieter and more private accommodation.
