Granada is one of Spain's most spectacular historical World Heritage cities, and millions of tourists and international students visit each year. It is located in the east of Andalucia next to the Sierra Nevada. It has an extreme climate in that it is very hot in summer and very cold during winter when it tends to snow a lot. The Sierra Nevada is very popular for skiing.
Granada is 88 kms and has a population of approximately 241,471. It is well connected by road, rail and air. Iberia-Mare Nostrum, Ryanair, Vueling and Monarch Airlines all fly to Granada's small airport.
As is the case of so many historical Spanish cities, the best way to appreciate Granada is by walking around the old quarters and savouring the charm of its streets and admiring the beauty of some of the historical buildings. You will need more than one day to visit Granada - a visit to the famous Alhambra takes a whole day in itself. Well sign-posted car parks are available on the outskirts of the city and traffic is limited by strict controls within the old part, so park your car and start strolling. Tour buses are available for visitors who dislike walking or are unable to do so.
Places to see in Granada
The Albayzin: This is an area made up of steep narrow winding streets lined with typical old white houses. Very atmospheric. There are some great viewing points over the city and of the Alhambra with the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background.
Explore more places in Spain! pay a visit to Seville girls where you can find some old culture that you definitely must see. For meeting people and especially Spanish women visit Playa de las Americas, this is a tourist spot where you find lots of Spanish women!
Historical Sights in Granada
La Alhambra (Alcázar, Generalífe and Palacio de Carlos V): c/ Real, s/n. This majestic building is located in the old part of the city. it was the official residence of the Emir of Granada and the Al-Andalus Sultán, founder of the second independent dynasty in Granada. He built what was an impenetrable fort on the outside but a paradise on the inside. The Alhambra is a magical place and these days visits are restricted and must be booked in advance. It was built in 1234 and was given the name Alhambra because it was built on red earth. The Sultans Yusuf I and Muhamed V were in charge of the decoration which is exquisite. There is perfect harmony between the design of the gardens and the architecture throughout. The Alhambra was both a palace and a fortress. The most outstanding parts are the Palacete del Partal, the Sala de los Reyes (a 16th century ball room), the Sala de los Abencerrajes, the Patio de los Leones the Patio de los Arrayanes, the Sala de Mexuar and the Salón de Embajadores (1335).
The Generalife Gardens: Built in the 13th century as a summer garden for relaxingin for the Arabic monarchs. It is made up of Mediterranean trees and exotic flowers set in peaceful surroundings, separate from the main palace.
Carlos V Palace - This was built in the 16th century following the reconquering of the city. It now holds the Hispanic-Muslim Museum and the Bellas Artes Museum.
Cathedral and Churches:
Cathedral: c/ Gran Vía, 5. Located in the old part of the city. Founded by the Spanish 'Reyes Catolicos' in 1505 next to the largest Mosque in the city. Its architect was Enrique Egas who designed it in a gothic style. It was remodelled and enlarged in 1563 by the architect Diego de Siloé, making it the first renaissance church in Spain.Capilla Real: c/ Oficios, 3. Built by the Reyes Católicos - this is where you can see their tombs.
Sagrario de la Catedral church: Plaza Bib Rambla. Originally a market place, later a Mosque and then finally the Sagrario de la Catedral church.
La Cartuja Monastery: Pº de la Cartuja. Gothic. Founded in 1495 by Don Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, known as the 'Gran Capitán'.
Hospital de San Juan de Dios Basilica: Baroque - 18th century. It has a Baroque entrance marked by two towers with slate roofs.
San Jerónimo church: c/Rector López Argueta. Founded by the Reyes Católicos in 1492. It was moved to the capital in 1500 where it was built with Arabic stones from the Elvira entrance on the gardens belonging to the Nazaríes kings.
Iglesia de Santa Ana: 16th century - located in the Albayzín.
Sacromonte Abbey: Camino del Sacromonte, s/n. Founded in the 17th century. Granada's first bishop and patron is buried in its crypt.
Santa Isabel La Real Monastery: c/Santa Isabel La Real. Located in the Albayzín. Founded by 'Isabel la Católica' in 1501. It was once a Moorish palace until Isabel converted it into a convent.
Mezquita de Granada: Opened in 2003 in the Albayzín. It has a garden, a centre for Islamic studies and an oratory.
Museums in Granada
Manuel de Falla Museum: c/ Antequeruela Alta, 11. Located in the house where the composer once lived.
The Arqueological Museum: Carrera del Darro, 43, in the Albayzín. It has an interesting facade with the coats of arms of the Nazaríes kings of Granada. Located in a 15th - 16th century renaissance style palace.
Art and Popular Customs Museum: c/ Pavaneras, 19. This museum shows 19th century Granada with photos, paintings, decorative art...
Hispanic-Muslim Art Museum: Located within the Alhambra in the Carlos V 16th century palace.
The Bellas Artes Museum: Located within the Alhambra, in the Carlos V 16th century palace.
The Federico García Lorca Museum: c/ Arabial. Located in the house where the writer once lived.
The Science Park: Av. del Mediterráneo. An interactive museum.
Other monuments of interest in Granada
Casa de los Tiros: c/ Cementerio de Santa Escolástica, 19. Mudejar style, built between 1510 and 1540 - the Artes and Costumbre museum is housed here.
Palacio de La Madraza: c/ Oficios, 14. This was the headquarters of the old Arabic University.
Corral del Carbón: c/ Mariana Pineda. Located in the old part 'la ciudad vieja' it is an ancient merchants' inn dating back to the Arabic period (it is the oldest Arabic building that remains). Granada's Tourist Information Office is located here.
El Bañuelo: c/Carrera de Darro, 41, Located in the Albayzín. Arabic baths dating back to the 11th century.
La Chancillería: Located in the Plaza Nueva in the Albayzín. Renaissance style - founded by the Reyes Católicos in 1530.
La Casa de los Pisa: It has many works of art.
Campo del Principe: Located in the Plaza Campo del Principe in the area known as the Realejo. It has lots of bars and terraces.
Carmen de los Mártires: A former convent located within the Alhambra. The surrounding gardens are of particular interest and the small lake is very pretty. Only the gardens are open to the public.
What to eat in Granada: Granada's cuisine has its roots in Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures.
Typical dishes: Broad beans with ham, San Antón stew, Sacromonte omelette, cod fish soaked in orange.
Pastries and cakes: cuajada de carnaval, soplillas de la Alpujarra, torta real de Motril, variedad de dulces de los conventos de clausura como: huevos moles de San Antón, pestiños de la Encarnación, bizcochazo de Zafra, hojaldre de San Jerónimo.
Fruit: Oranges, pomegranates, avocados, kiwis and other tropical fruit.
Where to eat in Granada:
Restaurants in Granada: Ruta del Veleta on the road to Sierra Nevada, 136 (Km 5300) - 5 Kms from Granada. (Tel: 958 496 134 ) Good classic Andalucian cuisine; Velázquez c/ Emilio Orozco, 1 (Tel: 958 28 01 09) Modern Andalucian - Arabic cuisine; Chikito Plaza del Campillo, 9 (tel: 958 223 364) Cuisine from Granada and Andalucia; El Carmen de San Miguel Plazas Torres Bermejas, 23 in the area known as the Realejo (Tel: 958 226 723) Cuisine from Granada and Andalucia; Los Santanderinos c/ Albahaca, 1 (Tel: 958 128 335) Granada cuisine and good fish dishes; La Gaviota Avda. de Andalucía, 2 (Tel: 958 292 572) Andalucian cuisine.
Good tapas bars in Granada: There are many areas in Granada where you can great tapas. It is also a tradition in Granada to give a small complimentary plate of tapas with each drink you order. In the area known as the Realejo near Plaza del Campo del Príncipe, there are a lot of bars and restaurants such as: La Esquinita, el Braserito I and II, El Corral del Príncipe… The Albayzín is full of small bars and restaurants, try the Plaza Nueva, la calle Navas, the area la Cuevas del Sacromonte and the camino de la Abadia - we recommend: El Tragaluz, La Peña Platería, El Aliatar, El Yunque.
Nightlife in Granada
Like any good college town, the Granada's nightlife is pretty funky and lively and is split between several zones.
In Plaza Nueva, one of the busiest areas in summer, several pubs can be recommend: The Eshavira (Postigo de la Cuna, 4) slightly hidden, with good jazz and flamenco performances, La Estrella (Plaza de Cuchilleros, 6) visited by many young people.
La Galería (Cárcel Alta, 7) where predominates Spanish pop, Gustav Klimt (Imprenta, 3) has two floors, high ceilings and with plenty of room to sit.
A very nice place, although not cheap, ideal for relaxing and were you can also have a good cap of coffee, is the Pilar del Toro. Located in a beautiful rustic courtyard and is also a typical restaurant. It was founded in 1789 where you can listen to all kinds of music.
Pub Hurto del Loro
Paseo de los Tristes is located near Plaza Nueva, with many bars and pubs.
In this area you can find pubs such as El Rincón de San Pedro (Carrera del Darro, 12) where you can find new music trends.
El Huerto del Loro (Cuesta de la Churra, behind the Church of St. Anne) a nice and original place with a lovely terrace.
Plaza Isabel La Catolica
Pub Jade
In the Plaza Isabel La Catolica (where the statue of Columbus stands) is El Granero (Plaza Poeta Luis Rosales s/n) that offers house music, although sometimes it can be a little crowded, and down the street San Matias, precisely at no. 25, is the Pub Jade where Erasmus parties are held every Thursday.
At the end of San Matias Street is located Ganivet Pub (Ganivet 13) where every Wednesday is themed night.
Pubs in Plaza de Torros
Irish Pub Monalco
Irish Pub Morlaco's offers an extensive list of international beers, with more than 60 brands, and draft beers: Cruzcampo, Guinness and Murphy's.
It is a typical Irish bar (decorated entirety by hand), with a fireplace in winter, where you can watch football games on 3 TV screens. Special selection of Celtic music, Irish folk, rock and 80s.
There are special offers: mug of Cruzcampo is 2 euros, special prices for students.
Address: Calle Doctor Marañon, 6 (opposite Plaza de Toros), Tel: 958 092 828
Pubs by Pedro Antonio de Alarcon
Pub Babel in Granada
Pedro Antonio de Alarcon is the preferred area for students.
Here you can find pubs for all tastes, from quiet places where you can still talk, to the more noisy and boisterous.
A few locations are: Babel (Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, 54) with good Spanish music; Peaton (Socrates, 25), La Percha (Trajano, 1) o Escandalo (Socrates, 4-5).
After Hours Pubs in Granada
Disco Mae West
Granada 10 (en Cárcel Baja 13), located in an old cinema and next to Carrefour, macro nightclub, known as La Industrial Copera, although undoubtedly the most fashionable nightclub is Mae West, located in the shopping centre Neptuno, and in the centre of Granada is another disco Sala Aliatar (Recogidas, 2).
In Realejo, in Campo del Príncipe, the club Discoteca Sala Príncipe, in what was formerly the Corral del Principe, and Sala Quilombo (Carril de San Cecilio, 25).
Spanish women
There are so many reasons why a lot of men love to date Spanish girls and eventually marry them.
One reason why Spanish girls are so in demand is that they have very nice physical features. I would be lying if I say that physical attraction isn’t a requirement in love and romance. Relationships indeed start with attraction and that attraction depends on our “type”. Going back, many men admire Latinas because of their gorgeous faces. Who can ever resist shiny black or brown hair and blue, green or brown eyes? Of course, who wouldn’t remember that most of them have gorgeous, to-die-for bodies?
Aside from physical features that make them stunning, they have cultural characteristics that make them good wives. Spanish girls, well the majority of them who are not influenced by liberal principles, strongly believe in the sanctity of marriage. In fact, even if divorce has been legalized in their country,Spain still remains lowest in terms of divorce rates. Because of this, most men who are looking for lifetime partners go for Latinas in the belief that marriage will last.
Spanish girls also keep or stay with their customs regardless of where they live. They respect their spouses, the elderly and they have strong affection for family. Spanish wives take care of their husbands and children and cook for them whether or not they have jobs. All of them take pride in being responsible for their households.
The bottom line is that Latinas are extraordinary women.
