"Beautiful architecture and fantastic views!" Granada by Bwana_Brown

Granada Travel Guide: 1,993 reviews and 4,909 photos

Patio de la Acequia in the Generalife estate

Granada was the third 'official' stop-over city during our three-week December/January 2009 road trip through Andalusia province in southeastern Spain. Any visit to this very historic part of Spain would not be complete without properly checking out the remaining architectural relics dating from the peak of the Moorish rule during the 1300s. In Granada, the most famous of these are the former palaces of the Sultans (and later the Christian kings) located on a mountainside looming above the city - the Alhambra with its walled fortress and living quarters along with the nearby summer residence and gardens of the Generalife.

We also enjoyed a couple of walking excursions in the sunshine while exploring the old Moorish quarter of the city located below. However, as I had feared, trying to navigate our rental car through the narrow and twisting streets in that part of Granada turned out to be quite a chore as we sought out our pre-booked accommodations! My 'General' tip includes a map showing our driving route in Spain as well as Granada's location among all the places where we spent a night or two.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A friendly city with spectacular Moorish influences!
Cons:Difficult to drive in, likely crowded during peak season
In a nutshell:Worth it to experience the Alhambra and Generalife

Last visit to Granada: Dec 2008
Intro Updated Mar 12, 2009
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Reviews (27)

The Cathedral in late-afternoon of our arrival - Granada

Granada's Cathedral Things to Do (16)

Both the day before our our tour of the Alhambra and the afternoon we returned from it, we happened to walk past... more travel advice

Our route and accommodation locations in Spain - Granada

Granada's location along our route Favorites (1)

This terrain map gives an overview of our driving route in southern Spain. After flying in from Madrid, we spent two... more travel advice

Plaza Nueva view of Iglesia Santa Ana - Granada

Sudden Police road checks Warnings and Dangers (2)

It was about 10 AM on Sunday morning by the time we had enjoyed breakfast at the hostal, retrieved our car and checked... more travel advice

Simply enjoy Granada's streets on foot! Things to Do (16)

Our hostal was only a hop, skip and jump away from Granada's historic Albaicin quarter with its old Moorish influenced... more travel advice

Local Customs (2)
See All Buskers to keep you amused
Hotels (2)
See All A beautiful roof-top patio
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Comments (22)

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herzog63 Feb 23, 2010 at 12:44 AM

Great write up Glenn
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kokoryko Nov 3, 2009 at 2:18 PM

Catching up your Andalucía trip, Glenn. You render so well the atmosphere of the Genaralife Gardens, just made me want to come back there, and also stroll again, hours long, in Albaicin, and look at the Sierra Nevada with the Alhambra in the foreground.
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richiecdisc Jun 4, 2009 at 3:37 PM

The tapas sound tasty and driving from town to town a fun adventure but driving in the city must have been a bit of a nightmare. Good to hear you got it down and out easy on Sunday!
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calcaf38 Apr 26, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Looks like your Granada stop was a triumph - even with the harsh light for the photos and the burden of driving. I often think, in places like Lisbon or Guatemala City: "thank goodness I don't have a car." Lovely, complete page.
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TheWanderingCamel Apr 9, 2009 at 9:19 AM

Took me back to our stay in Granada a couple of years ago - the realization of a long-held dream. Maybe I'll finish my own Granada page one day - meantime, your more recent visit's a nice reminder. Thanks - leyle
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unaS Apr 6, 2009 at 8:33 PM

Planning for a Fall trip to Spain. Great restaurant tips. Thanks.
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deecat Apr 4, 2009 at 6:37 PM

Terrific, Glenn! Made me relive our adventures. Emphasis on architecture was excellent. I, too, loved the gardens. Hostel sounds like a great choice.
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bijo69 Mar 23, 2009 at 4:24 PM

Great page Glenn! I'm off to Granada myself on Thursday and am really looking forward to it :).
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Mikebb Mar 21, 2009 at 1:56 PM

Hi Glenn, very nice page, brought back memories of our visit Sept'08. The Alhambra is a real treasure. Thanks for visiting my Yanchep National Park page.
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JLBG Mar 19, 2009 at 9:23 PM

Your intro photo shows an ideal place for a rest! Too bad it was not your hotel! I am impressed by your visit of the Alhambra, an absolute must see that I have not yet visited! We we will do it, I will follow you on a morning tour!