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Granada Travel Guide: 1,993 reviews and 4,909 photos
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.
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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.
Reviews (26)
Las Alpujarras
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
A region in the west of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Rugged mountain scenery with the towns of Orgiva and Lanjaron worth... more travel advice
Guadix - City of Troglodites
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
A small city located 40 minutes drive from Granada. Its famous for its Barrio de las Trogladitas, a district where many... more travel advice
University of Granada
Things to Do
(11)
I'm not sure if I was supposed to do this, but, the University buildings were located just near my hotel. I took a walk... more travel advice
Calle Elvira the Center of Nightlife
Nightlife
(1)
Calle Elvira is the district at the center of Granada nightlife. Tapas bars, bars, restaurants and clubs are found here.... more travel advice
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Comments (31)
Wonderful photos and great tips. I'm looking forward to my Andalucia trip in September.
Hello, Your hP popped up and saw something striking. Very beautiful PICS of Albacin and Granada. I like these areas very much. I would like to return sometime again. Have a good day.
'cause you're a dirrrty Dog. ;)
Finally made it to Granada last year - a long held dream. 30+ years since I forst went to Spain - what changes!! Nice page. leyle
Never too late to do a little research :-) At least I got the Alhambra tickets in advance!!!!
wow! Beautiful pictures. Will be visiting southern Spain & portugal this summer. I'll be sure to check out your page for tips!
Good page :). Perhaps I will visit Alpujarras at Easter and your page has been useful. Thanks for sharing.
damn........I HAVE to stop talking to myself in public :0
great tips Granada is a fantastic city!
the more you drink the more you get to eat ? I hope I dont get too hungry