From Barcelona, we took an evening Vueling flight to Granada. Granada, in the Andalucia area, and its hills have a different exotic ambiance. The Islamic influence in architecture, culture and food is visible and we found the area beautiful. We had 3 nights here and stayed at a vrbo rental apartment, on Gran Via de Colon street, within 5 minutes walking distance of the Cathedral. This was a very convenient location, and we could walk to sites and restaurants. We took a taxi to and from the Alhambra as it is on a hill and to the monastery.
We went on a walking tour through the Albayzin and Sacramonte areas and my did we get a work out, climbing up hills and many steps but it was delightful to see the charming narrow streets overlooking beautiful views. We got our first glimpses of the Alhambra during this walking tour.
The star attraction in Granada is of course the Alhambra. Seeing this stunning UNESCO world heritage site was a marvelous experience.
The Alhambra: Absolutely magical and stunning, the last and finest Moorish palace, highlighting the splendor of that civilization in the 13th and 14th centuries. Flowers were in full bloom in May and the gardens were a real delight, appreciate the Spanish government for maintaining the gardens so well. Book your tickets early if you want to get into the Nasrid Palace during the day. In fact, we booked our tickets 5 months earlier, the Alhambra tickets tend to get sold out as this is one Spain’s most visited sites. It takes a full day at least to see all areas and honestly, I wished we had a 2 day ticket. Many more tips to share about the Alhambra in another post.
Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
Other sites we enjoyed included: –
Monasterio de Cartuja. It is a charming monastery with amazing baroque architecture and a claim to the most beautiful sacristy in the world. Unassuming, but surprisingly elaborate decorated chapel and paintings, representing the lives & martyrdom of monks. There is a stop for it on the tourist train (no 6) or take a taxi there, opens at 10 am, need cash for tickets, we had no problems in getting tickets, there is no line here.
Granada Cathedral Stunning and such a refreshing change from the usually dark Gothic cathedrals, this one is light and bright. The second-largest cathedral in Spain, unusual for its bright Renaissance interior. 6 Euro entrance fees with audio guide. Enter from Plaza de las Pasiegas. Around the cathedral, watch out for pickpockets and gypsies and say no to those offering rosemary sprigs.
Mirador de San Nicolás Viewpoint Breathtaking vista over the Alhambra and the Albayzín. For a great view of the Alhambra, especially at sunset, the popular and crowded plaza Mirador de San Nicolas is a tourist favorite. Stop at the next-door mosque for an equally stunning view with fewer people and even some light refreshments for sale.
Albayzín Spain’s best old Moorish quarter. During our walking tour we came across several Carmens. Carmens are hillside houses in Granada with private walled gardens, originating from Moorish times. The largest of the Carmens is now owned by the Emir of Qatar. Some Carmens are open to visitors certain hours, such as the Carmen de la Victoria, on Cuesta del Chapiz owned by the University of Granada. We did not have time to visit it but understand it is beautiful, it is a private facility, ring the bell and ask to visit. The Albayzin area is lovely but not safe to roam around at night, especially on dark streets, so exercise caution.
Plaza Nueva which sits in between the Albayzin and Alhambra.
Carrera Del Darro – scenic street by river. Paseo de los Tristes A prime strolling strip above the Darro River lined with eateries and peppered with Moorish history
Alcaicería street an Arab-style bazaar, tiny shopping lanes filled with what some may consider tacky tourist shops.
Walking shoes for Europe
Travelon anti-theft purses
Additional attractions we did not have time for: –
- Realejo – Jewish quarter
- Carmen del los Martires – garden by Alhambra, Triunfo Gardens
- Royal Chapel Lavish 16th-century chapel with the tombs of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand. Historically relevant, but can be skipped if no time, separate 5Euro fee
- Corral del Carbón Granada’s only surviving caravanserai (inn for traveling merchants), with impressive Moorish door.
- Zambra Dance Touristy flamenco-like dance performance in Sacromonte district.
Restaurants we dined at:-
- Alberobello: Pl. Pescadería, 11, Centro, 18001 Granada, very good menu del dia for lunch with outdoor seating, enjoyed the tinto de Verano drink
- Cafetería d’Sano: delicious breakfast options at Calle San Jerónimo 24 Derecha, 18001 Granada
- Restaurante Palacio Andaluz Almona: Moroccan for dinner, Calle San Jerónimo, 5, 18001 Granada
- Parador de Granada: in the Alhambra complex for lunch during the Alhambra visit
- La Telefonica: Calle del Arco de las Orejas 1, 18001
- Los Italianos: for the most delicious gelato, especially cassata gelato
- Restaurante Oliver Pl. Pescaderia, 12, Centro 18001 Granada
Andalucian food include boquerones en adobo (marinated anchovies), cordero con miel(lamb with honey), espincacas con garbanzos (spinach with chick peas), perdiz con datiles y almendras (patridge with dates, almonds), pisto andaluz stew, rabo de toro stew with bull tail
Getting around Granada:
Taxis in Granada are white with a green stripe and are not expensive. Pidetaxi is an app, that can be used to order taxis. And it seemed to work well in multiple Spanish cities. To get a taxi you can request yourself a taxi through the app. You could also call the PideTaxi Granada headquarters, on 958 28 00 00, (need to know Spanish for calling). You see the driver’s name and cab # and estimated arrival time in the app. https://pidetaxi.es/en/
Taxi ranks can be found easily all around the city and vehicles can also be hailed on the street. You can find taxi stands such as one in Plaza Nueva.
At the airport, ask the taxi driver before loading luggage into the taxi how much the fare will cost to the city. If the taxi driver is not able to say how much the fare costs, you are perfectly entitled to refuse to accept the first taxi and go to the second taxi in the queue to ask how much that driver will charge. Although to be honest, we just accepted the first one, it was 35Euros 😊, we are not good negotiators.