"Beach_dogs Granada Page." a Granada Travel Page by Beach_dog

In August 2002 while doing a tour of Andalucia, I finally arrived at Granada, a city I have wanted to visit for many years. I stayed two nights here, really it was not enough time. I will visit Granada again many times I'm sure.

Some of the highlights of my visit included exploring the city with its Arab Districts, Calderias with its Arabic Tea Rooms, La Alcaicería the Arabic Market District, the Cathedral, University, and the Tapas Bars. Last but by no means least the Jewel of Andalucia... the Alhambra Palaces. Dont even contemplate visiting this city and not visit the Alhambra.

My second visit to Granada was during the time Hans ( waalwiener ) and his wife Lori were visiting Spain (Feb 2004). They wanted to visit Granada and being as myself and Carmen wanted to revisit, we decided to make it a communal trip.

You cannot see all Granada has to offer in one day, but we tried to cover as much as possible in the short time we had. Firstly we visited the Alhambra, the Generalife and its gardens, the Nasrid Palace and the Alcazaba. We then went down to the city for lunch at Plaza Nueva, followed by a visit to the cathedral and a walk up to the Paseo de los Tristes.

The word Alhambra is of Arabic origin meaning 'red or crimson castle'. Before the 13th. century the rulers of Granada lived in palaces on the neighbouring hill in the Albaicin district. Construction of the Alhambra started in 1238 by the Nasrite Emirs.

Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an alcazaba (fortress), an alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many distinctive features of the monument.

.

The Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabel), captured the city of Granada in 1492, the last area to fall to the Christians. After this date it became a Court to the Monarchs. more construction and alterations took place, but much of the Alhambra remains as it was during the times of the Moors.

Emperor Charles V began the construction of the palace which bears his name and made some alterations to the interior buildings.

In 1870 the Alhambra was declared a national monument, and today is protected and preserved for the enjoyment of the many thousands of visitors it attracts.

One of the best places I've been where you can get good traditional Tapas. Often still given free with drinks purchased in bars. The best areas are around the Calle Elvira, Paseo de los Tristes, Plaza Nueva, Sacromonte and Albaicín Alto Districts. There is more information in my tips section, but often the nicest way to find tapas bars is searching on foot and discovering the bars on route.

Granada is located at the easternmost end of the fertile vega of the River Genil. Set beneath some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It has one of the most beautiful settings of any Spanish city and for many months of the year the mountains are snowcapped.