Rich in history and culture, Granada is one of the top tourist destinations in Spain and one of the most vibrant university towns in Andalusia. In addition to the impressive Alhambra, the city is a stone throw’s away from the Sierra Nevada, which offers great skiing options in the winter and great hikes in the summer. Granada’s cooler weather provides a great relief from the heat of other major Andalusian cities such as Seville or Cordoba. The city can also be an ideal base to discover the nearby Guadix and Alpujarras – both excellent short side trips.
Tip: Enjoy free tapas with your drink at any bar!
Albayzin
Inscribed in the World Heritage Site list, the Albayzin is the historical part of Granada. Its small streets, filled with flamenco music, and whitewashed houses are reminiscent of other white towns in Spain, and indeed the area feels like a small town despite being the hub of a major city. This place is best explored by getting lost, and if you are planning a longer visit in Granada you should definitely stay here. Linking Albayzin to the new part of the town is the Alcaiceria, a street bustling with Arab restaurants, teahouses and souvenirs. The best (but also the most popular) square to enjoy the Alhambra shining in the sunset is Mirador de San Nicolas – an alternative option is to get dinner at one of the nearby restaurants (but come early as they fill up quickly).
Cathedral
The Cathedral, located in the new part of town, can make you forget that Granada was once a stronghold of the Moorish presence in Spain. Built soon after the Reconquista, the Cathedral’s central circular altar covered with beautiful stained glass is a masterpiece. The nearby Royal Chapel is less grand, yet it is interesting to see the final resting place of the royal family that took Granada back from the Moors. Worth a visit if you want a break from Moorish architecture.
Hammam
Dim lights, ancient aromas, and steamy Arab baths are the perfect way to spoil your other half (or if you want to unwind and relax from all your travels). Architecturally, this is one of the most impressive bath houses in Spain and although it was recently built (it opened in 1998) it’s a wonderful replica of the medieval hammams. The old way of enjoying the hammam is to bathe in alternating temperate, warm, and cold pools, followed by a few minutes in the steam room. In between you can sip delicious peppermint tea, and imagine how political decisions were made in places like this centuries ago.
Sacromonte
Ask anyone in Granada where flamenco comes from, and they will invariably say it started in the cave houses of Sacromonte. This relatively remote part of Granada city, perched atop the same hill that hosts the Albayzin, still has some of the best flamenco Andalucia has to offer. Numerous peñas and cave houses offer traditional and enjoyable shows (often with dinner) almost every night.
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