Granada Warnings Or Dangers Tips by suvanki Top 5 Page for this destination

Luggage on buses

I was told of this scam, on the bus while travelling back to the airport. It's not common to Granada, but made me more aware of keeping an eye on my luggage, wherever I travel from now on

I was told that on the airport bus into Granada, when one of the passengers had gone to retrieve her bag, it wasn't there- she'd positioned it at the front of the luggage storeage under the bus, for easy access.

Unfortunately it had been easy access for the baggage thief!.

When these coaches pull into a stop/bus station, the driver often opens the luggage hold doors by a button near his seat - so these doors are opened before anyone has got off the bus.

As the doors open upwards, they also obscure the view of passengers on that side - an ideal opportunity for a bag snatcher to either strike quickly, or mingle with the crowd waiting to get on the bus/or meeting passengers, and casually saunter over as if a passenger retrieving his luggage.

When I caught the bus back this time, it was quite chaotic with the road works and pavements being cordoned off on Via Colon, so passers by were mingling in with those waiting for the bus.

I was very relieved to see my bag was there when we arrived at the airport.

So, either keep your luggage with you- not always an option if the coach is full, or make sure it is pushed into the middle of the luggage hold.

Normally I place my case near the front for a quick 'get away' (and also because I'm a shorty, and I can't usually reach any further!) but in future, I'll not mind waiting - well not too long!!

Roadworks and buses

During my trip to Granada in October (06), I was surprised to see the amount of roadworks going on. Apparently, the amount of traffic passing through the city has been a big problem, so there is a major programme to ease the traffic problem by widening some roads, and creating an underground system.

For visitors, the bus stop for the airport bus from Granada to the Airport is no longer directly opposite the Cathedral, but at my visit it was about another 400 metres along Via de Colon. It wasn't signposted, and even the tourist Info staff were adamant that it was in the usual place.

Also, be careful with your luggage when putting it in the hold. I was told by someone on the bus back to the airport that on their inward journey a girl had put her bag into the hold, only to find that on arrival at their destination that it had been stolen. (Please read my previous tip for more info)

The Granada Tour bus doesn't stop at the Cathedral either - it now waits on Ave de Casino, just past the Post Office on Puerto Real.

The narrow streets around Albaicin can get snarled up with traffic, and visitors crowding the narrow pavements, particularly on C/ Ddel Darro, as you often have to step into the road to walk round people taking pics of the Alhambra etc. Mopeds can sneak up these roads, so be careful when stepping off the pavement.

**UPDATE I understand that the roadworks on Via Colon are finished now, so I assume that bus routes etc are back to normal, but check with your bus driver/ tourist info**

Please see my transport tips for more details

Doggy Doos!

This was the first time in a long while that I'd visited a place abroad and seen that dogs appeared to have outnumbered cats!

The dogs in Granada were quite cute- However! - You have to be careful where you're walking - A lot of the pavements and squares were 'decorated' with canine excretia!
Apparently this is quite a problem in Granada.

The Airport

I was very impressed with this airport on arrival, it seemed to be pretty well organised, although as I was carrying hand luggage only, I was quickly through- and soon was on the bus into Granada (about 15 /20 minutes away- 3 euros)

On departure
- in the arrivals/ departures area there is No Smoking at all- you have to nip outside.

The duty free is quite small, quite a good selection of souvenirs, with a fresh food stall to buy your chorizo, olives etc. Perfume / alcohol choice etc though is quite limited.

My main warning is that once you've passed through passport control, there are no facillities - no shops, no food outlets etc- just lounges with chairs.

I mistakenly thought I'd be able to spend my last few euros after I'd passed through passport control.

So, purchase your presents in Granada, or in the duty free before you pass through passport control.

Crossing Roads

There can be a lot of traffic in the centre of Granada, but there are lots of pedestrian crossings also.

This crossing on Gran Via Colon, near the Cathedral (which is one of the busiest areas) intrigued me!

When the green man light comes on, signalling that it is ok for you to cross, there is a beeping noise, and you have about 20 seconds to cross, as the sign counts down the number of seconds in green lights under the 'walking' man symbol

Those pesky Gypsy ladies! BEWARE AROUND CATHEDRAL Review

Yes, everyone else has mentioned these ladies, so thought I'd add my twopennyworth!
I encountered them around the Cathedral area. Well I was well warned after reading other VTers experiences, so I was prepared!

I was approached by my first rosemary wielding lady, but I just said no and carried on with no problem. I spent quite a bit of time during my 2 days passing through this area, and although I was approached each time, didn't feel threatened. I did see a Spanish looking man get rougher treatment though, as one of these ladies grabbed his arm and appeared to be hurling some abuse/curses at him (but I don't know if he'd said something offensive to her first)

As someone else mentioned, most of the ladies look similar ie certain age, dark hair, aprons, skirts and T-shirt. However, I did spot a younger, thinner woman with blonde (bleached) hair in t-shirt and jeans wielding rosemary bunches too!
Has anyone ever purchased their proferred herb?