Granada Things to Do Tips by aaaarrgh

Plaza de San Nicolas Albaicin Review

Wander up through the Arab 'Albaicin' district and you will eventually come to the Plaza de San Nicolas. It is a short distance from the famous Mirador de San Nicolas, which is signposted throughout the area. Plaza de San Nicolas is a large, wonderful, chilled-out terrace with direct views of the Alhambra and the mountains. The square is beautifully paved with decorative stones, has plenty of seats (and low walls) and fruit trees.

Like several other groups of people, I followed the sound of guitar music to find the square. It was a Saturday evening and the square had three or four guitar players sitting on the walls. There were a lot of young couples and, generally, people of all types enjoying the atmosphere.

Several busy bars and restaurants nearby, as well as the previously mentioned Mirador, for food and drinks.

Address: Middle of Albaicin neighbourhood

Directions: This Albaicin area is between Calle Elvira, Plaza Nueva and the sacromonte. Mirador de San Nicolas is well-signposted, the Square is nearby.

Website: http://www.albaicin-granada.com

Sacromonte for the best vistas SACROMONTE Review

There is one big advantage to living in a cave above Granada - tremendous views from Sacromonte of the city, the Albaicin and the Alhambra, framed by the Sierra Nevada mountains.

There is a small Abbey at the very top of the cave-riddled Sacromonte hill. It is possible to walk up there, admire the view and see a few cave-dwellers going about their normal lives - hanging out the washing, exercising the donkey etc.

I took completely the wrong route, through a new housing development, through a fence and across a football pitch! However, there is an easier route along via Carril de San Miguel, which runs close to the old city walls.

The Abbey has a seventeenth century well at the rear, and (when I visited) several pot-smoking youths at the front. As well as seeing some real cave-dwellers, I was interested to see the re-building of part of the city wall. The new wall is being built of entirely different stone, smooth, like marble. It was actually possible to walk along a passageway along the middle of the new wall.

P.S. dress like a hippy if you want to blend in with the young tourists up here ;-)

Address: Pza. Cruz de Piedra/Carril de San Miguel

Puerta de la Justicia THE ALHAMBRA: ALCAZAR Review

Granada's 'Gate of Justice' is one of the main entrances/exits you take to get through the Alhambra walls. It is also the biggest gate, very imposing in its typical red stone. It leads you to the area in front of the Alcazar castle.

I had to look very closely to spot a hand carved above the large arch and a key above the smaller arch. These are actually Islamic symbols, but the rumour was that the Alhambra would only be captured when the hand reached down to grab the key.

Well, belive it or not that must have been what happened, because Granada was captured by Spain's Catholic monarchs in 1492!!

Address: Calle Real

Directions: On foot, the Puerta de la Justicia is halfway between the Puerta de las Granadas and the Alhambra ticket office. Walk up/down the footpath through the woods.

Puerta de las Granadas

This gate I believe gives the city of Granada its name. At the top you can see some stone pomegranates - the granadas. The arch dates back to the mid sixteenth century.

If you are planning to walk or catch the mini-bus from Plaza Nueva to the Alhambra ticket office, you willneed to pass under this gate on your way up the hill.

Address: Calle Cuesta Gomerez

Smallest street in the world

Granada officially has the tiniest street in the world. As you can see, to illustrate this I have embedded a normal-sized 1 euro coin in the pavement. Small or what?!

;-P

Address: Calle Pavaneras

Directions: Off Plaza Isabel la Catolica

The Alhambra - way beyond all expectations!! THE ALHAMBRA Review

Of course, we all come to Granade to see the Alhambra, don't we? I wondered whether it would be a real tourist trap, packed with loud visitors and expensive gifts.

However, I can honestly say it is a fabulous collection of forts, palaces, gardens and views. Even in November. My one regret is not seeing the place in the summer heat, where its water, foliage and shade must work at their best.

For only 10 euros you get at least half a day in the Generalife Gardens, Alcazabar Castle, Nasrid Palace and everything in-between. I found that gave me plenty of time, getting there around 9am and leaving at 2pm. The improtant thing to remember is you must enter the fabulous Nasrid Palace during the time-slot on your ticket. And if you have a morning ticket, you will not be able to enter some of the other locations after 2pm.

There is a limit each day on the number of visitors. Though I saw several big coach parties arriving before 9am, the place is so big that it does not feel crowded. OK, crowds increased in the Nasrid Palace but, to me, that is all part of the experience :-)

There is also a Museum wrapped around a stunning marble-pillared circular courtyard (this, I believe, is FREE if you are a citizen of the European Union). And two hotels within the walls. And several shops. And lots of resident pussy cats :-))

I just wonder how many billions of digital photos exist of this place. It is difficult to take bad photos, the detail of the Nasrid Palace is so intricate, the colours in the gardens are so vibrant, and the views of Granada and the mountains are so good.

Do remeber to try and buy your tickets in advance (see website or other tips here). And take a guide book, or obtain a audio headset - there isn't much information at all on display inside the Alhambra.

Address: 1km up the hill from Plaza Nueva, Granada

Directions: 10 minute walk up the hill from Plaza Nueva along Calle Cuesta Gomerez and through the woods. Very regular mini-bus available. Ticket office is at the top of the hill.

Phone: 902 441 221

Website: http://www.alhambra-patronato.es

Granada's lesser-known Abstract Expressionist

Smack bang nextdoor to Granada's Royal Chapel is the Centro Jose Guerrero, a stylish art gallery. It is interesting for its exhibits and its architecture.

Jose Guerrero was born in Granada in 1914 and, during the 1950's, joined the 'Abstract Expressionist' art movement. No, I'd never heard of him either! The top floor gallery has some of Guerrero's colourful paintings on display.

The gallery covers four floors, which look out through arched windows onto the Royal Palace. It is a new, modern, white art centre that has been cleverly and imaginatively inserted into a much older building. And the galleries themselves are inserted into the heart of this new building.

Free entry. Opening hours are typically 11-2, 4.30-8pm. It was also open on Sunday evening too, but the shop was closed.

Address: Oficios, 8

Directions: On the pedestrianised (and herb-weilding-gypsy-infested) lane next to the Royal Chapel.

Website: http://www.centroguerrero.org