Famous for The Alhambra (grand Islamic architecture), free tapas and a beer spa.
Google Map
Accommodation – Granada
Apartment near downtown with WIFI and parking – (3 nights)
The apartment is so conveniently located in the center. It is huge, very well maintained and equipped. Paola is very responsive to any queries. Everything conveniently located, even walking to the Alhambra.
Places to visit
Alhambra – The Alhambra is an ancient palace, fortress and citadel. The eighth-century-old site was named for the reddish walls and towers that surrounded the citadel: Alhambra in Arabic means red fort or castle.
Take time to admire and appreciate the intricate details and craftmanship of the Nasrid Palaces (El Mexuar, Comares Palace and Tower, Palace of the Lions of the Alhambra, Hall of Kings, Partal Palace of the Alhambra) . Breathtaking, impressive and majestic. A must see in Granada and well worth your time.
Alhambra General ticket 14.50€ p/p – Purchased ticket online on official website well before we travelled to get the date and time for the Nasrid Palaces. First entry on a Sunday morning, to avoid crowd at the Nasrid Palaces for hassle free visit and great photos.
We walked up to the Alhambra Puerta de la Justicia (Google link below) from the apartment. This gate is less busy than the main gate where the main ticket office is located – 15 mins walk away. And also closer to the Nasrid Palaces.
Please bring your passport with you if you have purchased your ticket online, as at the Puerta de la Justicia, they will ask you for it. If not, you will have to walk 15 mins to the main ticket office to be re-issued your ticket and 15 mins back. That was my mistake, fortunately there was no lineup as it was still very early – no tours had arrived yet. It pays to be early 😊.
Continue your visit to the Alcazaba and then Generalife
Google Map – Path to Alhambra Puerta de la Justicia
Generalife – Wow, what a tranquil space of stunning beauty. The water features, gardens and courtyards are beautiful and exceptional. Photos/videos galore while strolling through the garden’s multitude of colourful blooms which glorious scent wafted through the air, the sound of water trickling from the numerous different fountains. It is so serene and peaceful, an invite to lie down and take a nap after your visit.
Royal Chapel of Granada – Stepped into history in this beautiful Gothic building and the chapel’s exquisite altarpiece. Impressive marble tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella. In the crypt below is the actual lead coffins of Ferdinand, Isabella and their heirs. No photos / videos allowed. Free entry every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, booking required. Otherwise entry is 5€ p/p
Monastery of Saint Jerome – The refectory is ordinary, but The WOW factor applies to the monastery’s church – it is a stunning place, utterly beautiful. The church features are simply out of this world – architecture and artistic ceiling, pillars and walls. 5€ p/p
Granada Cathedral – Entry 5€ p/p
Mirador de San Nicolás – amazing ambiance with music and locals alike partying with tourists. Worth spending 30 mins or so to enjoy and participate.
Walking down the Mirador through Albaicin to get acquainted with the neighborhood.
Earlier morning for best photo as sun is in the right direction.
El Darro Riverbank – One of the most beautiful areas in Granada are the streets that go along the riverbanks of El Darro. Narrow bustling streets fill with charm.
Puente de Espinosa and Puente de Cabrera date back to the 16th, these 2 bridges cross the river around the heart of the restaurant and bar area.
Calle Caldereria Nueva – Nice stroll down this alleyway. Nice scents, sounds and atmosphere which give the illusion of North Africa.
Eat
1. Mercado San Augustin – Stopped by for lunch, but it was so packed. Tried to get seats at the Pescaderia Serie Oro for its seafood, had a long waiting time. So, decided to sit outside at La Picateria – here you can order from the Pescaderia Serie Oro – loved the seafood. 30€ for 2.
2. Restaurante Genil Rio – We enjoyed the paella, Spanish chicken curry, tapas and of course beer. Average price per meal with drinks 22€ for 2.
3. Teteria Dar Ziryab – Coming down the Calle Caldereria Nueva late evening, decided to stop for dinner and ordered the chicken tangine which was average but the tea was great. Friendly staff and great decor. 20€ for 2
On a side note: We met a great French couple Aysha and Mohamed from ( Lyon or Toulouse – cannot remember exactly) and we chatted for a long time at the Teteria Dar Ziryab. We met again briefly at the Alhambra the following day. We regret not taking their details to keep in touch. I hope they stumble on this blog and get in touch. We are the couple from Canada.