HOLIDAY INFORMATION ON Granada

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SECOND TRIP WITH TOTALLY SPAIN Thank you, Belen and Totally Spain for organizing an amazing Camino walk and month long trip through Portugal - excellent service; great information about places of interest, every pickup on time, choice of hotels an...

Elza Du Plessis (Bokelman), British Colombia, Canada
2023-10-10

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Home to Spain’s most visited monument, the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, Granada received a whopping 2.7 million visitors in 2019. The New York Times describes the Alhambra as “the essence of Andalusia, a historic landmark encrusted with romantic associations.” It recommends visiting early or in the off-season, when you can still smell the jasmine in the Generalife gardens and “truly admire the coffered wooden ceilings, the waterfalls of tile work, the crescendos of Kufic calligraphy, and the honeycombed fretwork of the Casa Real.”

Granada offers much more than just the Alhambra. The most popular area is the Albaicín neighborhood, the largest still-inhabited Moorish quarter in Spain and the original site of an ancient Roman settlement. The Albaicín is home to many stunning ‘carmens’ or villas and offers some spectacular views of the Alhambra, especially from the gardens of Albaicín's Casa del Chapiz and the Plaza San Nicolás.

Delving into the Old Jewish Quarter, the Barrio Realejo, is also worthwhile. Here, you can see colorful murals by El Niño de las Pinturas and visit a small square dedicated to the Clash's Joe Strummer, who once lived in the area.

Be sure to visit the splendid 15th-century cathedral built right after the conquest of Granada in 1492 and the Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, lie in rest. Another must-see is the Huerta de San Vicente, the summer home of Federico García Lorca, where he wrote some of his most important works. It is now a fine house-museum.

Granada's Sacromonte neighborhood is famous for its flamenco performances held in the Sacromonte Caves. No visit to Granada would be complete without indulging in the city's famous tapas along the popular Calle Navas or enjoying a Moroccan tea in a typical teahouse on Calle Calderería Nueva.

For day trips, the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains and the Costa del Sol are just a short drive away. The Sierra Nevada offers skiing in winter and beautiful hiking trails in summer, while the Costa del Sol provides sun-soaked beaches and vibrant coastal towns.

Granada's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its many museums and historical sites. The Alhambra Museum, located within the palace complex, offers a deeper understanding of the Moorish history of the city. The Science Park, an interactive museum, is perfect for families and those interested in science and technology.

The city’s vibrant festivals also attract visitors year-round. The Granada International Festival of Music and Dance, held in June and July, features performances in stunning historical settings, including the Alhambra. The Día de la Cruz in May sees the city decorated with beautiful crosses made of flowers, while the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions are some of the most impressive in Spain.

Granada’s culinary scene extends beyond tapas. The city boasts numerous restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes, as well as innovative cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try piononos, a sweet treat unique to Granada.

Whether you're exploring its historic sites, enjoying its vibrant cultural scene, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in its charming streets, Granada offers something for everyone. Plan a visit to this enchanting city and discover its many treasures.