About Place
- "A city where every corner whispers tales of history."
- "The Alhambra's grandeur leaves visitors spellbound."
- "Granada’s vibrant Flamenco scene is unparalleled."
Reasons to Visit
- The Alhambra : Granada is home to the magnificent Alhambra, a sprawling palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the city's Moorish history. The intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views from the Alhambra make it a must-see for any traveler.
- Cultural Fusion : Granada is a melting pot of cultures, blending Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences. This unique mix is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and vibrant cultural life. Walking through the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter, visitors can see the blend of cultures in the narrow, winding streets and traditional tea houses.
- Natural Beauty : Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada offers breathtaking natural scenery. The nearby Alpujarras region provides excellent opportunities for hiking, with picturesque villages and lush valleys. In winter, the Sierra Nevada also becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Visa
- EU Citizens : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- Other Countries : Schengen visa required. Requirements may vary, so it’s best to check with the Spanish consulate.
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from destination : Estimated at $500 per person for a round trip from major metro cities.
- Hotel cost : Approximately $100 per night, totaling $300 for a three-night stay.
- Food cost : About $50 per person per day, totaling $300 for two people over three days.
- Activity cost : Entrance fees and shows approximately $150 per person.
- Near destination travel cost : Car rental and fuel for three days estimated at $200.
Best Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrive in Granada and settle into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Alhambra. Spend the morning and early afternoon wandering through its exquisite palaces and gardens, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Have lunch at El Trillo, where you can try local dishes like tortilla del Sacromonte. In the evening, stroll through the Albaicín neighborhood from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoying the scenic views of the Alhambra. For dinner, visit Carmen Mirador de Aixa for a meal with a view. End the night with a relaxing walk along the Darro River.
Day 2 :
Start your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Granada from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, marveling at its grand architecture. For lunch, try Bodegas Castañeda for some traditional tapas. Spend the afternoon exploring the Royal Chapel of Granada from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, where you can see the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. In the evening, head to Sacromonte from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM to experience a Flamenco show at Zambra María La Canastera. For dinner, dine at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma, known for its Andalusian cuisine. Conclude the day with a nightcap at a local tetería (tea house).
Day 3 :
Take a day trip to the Alpujarras. Depart from Granada at 9:00 AM and spend the day exploring the picturesque villages like Pampaneira and Bubión. Enjoy lunch at Casa Julio in Pampaneira, sampling local specialties such as plato alpujarreño. Return to Granada by 6:00 PM and have dinner at La Oliva, known for its extensive tasting menu. Spend the night enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife in the Realejo district.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your passport and important documents.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Use reputable transportation services.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in public places.
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Drink responsibly and be cautious with strangers.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies.
- Register with your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Have travel insurance that covers health and emergencies.
- Follow local news and weather updates.
Flights
- From New York : Iberia, direct flight, 7 hours, approx. $600.
- From London : British Airways, direct flight, 2.5 hours, approx. $200.
- From Sydney : Emirates, 1 stop, 24 hours, approx. $1,200.
Hotels
- Hotel Alhambra Palace
- Parador de Granada
- Palacio de Santa Inés
- Casa Morisca
- Eurostars Washington Irving
Contacts
- Indian Embassy : +34 91 309 88 40
- Police : 091
- Ambulance : 061
- Firefighters : 080
Country
Closet Airport
- Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX)
Nearest City
- Málaga
Heritage Sites
- Alhambra
Airlines
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Vueling
- Ryanair
Currency
- Euro (€)
Languages Spoken
- Spanish
Real Story
The Fall of Granada (1492)
The fall of Granada in 1492 was a pivotal event in Spanish and European history. It marked the end of the centuries-long Reconquista, the campaign by the Christian kingdoms of Spain to reclaim territory from Muslim rule. Granada was the last stronghold of the Nasrid dynasty, the final Muslim kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula.
The siege of Granada began in 1482 when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, launched a military campaign to capture the city. After ten years of intermittent warfare and political maneuvering, the Catholic forces laid siege to the city in the autumn of 1491.
Emir Muhammad XII, known as Boabdil, was the ruler of Granada at the time. Facing a vastly superior force and internal pressure from his nobles, Boabdil negotiated a surrender. On January 2, 1492, he handed over the keys of the city to Ferdinand and Isabella, ending over 700 years of Muslim rule in Spain.
The terms of the surrender, known as the Capitulations of Granada, promised the Muslim inhabitants religious freedom and protection of their property. However, these promises were not fully honored. In the years following the conquest, the Catholic Monarchs implemented policies aimed at converting the Muslim population to Christianity. The Alhambra Decree, issued in 1492, ordered the expulsion of Jews who refused to convert, further altering the religious and cultural landscape of Granada.
Boabdil's departure from Granada is shrouded in legend. According to one tale, as he looked back at his lost city from a nearby hill, his mother reportedly said, "Weep like a woman for what you could not defend as a man." This spot is now known as the "Pass of the Moor's Sigh."
The fall of Granada had profound implications. It completed the Reconquista, solidifying the Catholic Monarchs' control over a unified Spain. It also marked the beginning of Spain's emergence as a major European power. Just months after the conquest, Christopher Columbus secured support from Ferdinand and Isabella for his voyage across the Atlantic, leading to the discovery of the New World.
Granada's fall was not only a military and political milestone but also a cultural turning point. The city transformed from a vibrant center of Islamic culture and learning into a symbol of the Catholic triumph. The Alhambra, once the seat of Muslim power, became a Christian palace. Despite these changes, Granada retained elements of its Moorish heritage, which continue to shape its identity today.
Cuisine
Granada's cuisine is a delightful reflection of its diverse cultural influences, blending Moorish, Jewish, and Christian culinary traditions. One of the city's most unique culinary traditions is the free tapa culture, where bars serve a complimentary tapa with each drink ordered. This tradition makes Granada an ideal place for food lovers to sample a variety of local dishes without breaking the bank.
Tortilla del Sacromonte is one of Granada's most iconic dishes. This omelet is made with offal, typically including brain and sweetbreads, along with peas, ham, and potatoes. It's a rich and hearty dish that speaks to the city's rustic culinary roots.
Plato Alpujarreño is another traditional dish, originating from the nearby Alpujarras region. This hearty plate includes a combination of pork loin, blood sausage (morcilla), chorizo, fried eggs, and potatoes. It's often garnished with peppers and served with bread, making it a filling and flavorful meal.
For those with a sweet tooth, Granada offers piononos, small pastries soaked in syrup and topped with cream. Named after Pope Pius IX (Pío Nono in Spanish), these desserts are a beloved local treat.
Granada's tea houses, or teterías, offer a Moorish twist to the city's culinary scene. Here, you can enjoy a variety of teas and traditional Moorish pastries, such as baklava and honey cakes, in a serene and exotic setting.
Culture and History
Granada's culture is a rich mosaic influenced by its diverse history. It is a city where the legacies of the Moors, Christians, and Jews blend seamlessly, creating a unique cultural fabric. The city's most iconic monument, the Alhambra, stands as a testament to its Moorish past. This palace and fortress complex, with its intricate Islamic architecture and lush gardens, draws visitors from around the world.
The Albaicín neighborhood, a labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, offers a glimpse into Granada's Moorish heritage. Walking through its winding alleys, one can find traditional tea houses, or teterías, where Moorish-style tea is served alongside sweet pastries. The neighborhood's miradors, or viewpoints, provide breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Granada is also a hub for Flamenco, a passionate and soulful art form that combines singing, guitar playing, dance, and clapping. The Sacromonte district is famous for its Flamenco shows, held in caves where the acoustics enhance the raw emotion of the performances. Flamenco is an essential part of Granada's cultural identity, reflecting the city's deep Andalusian roots.
Religious festivals play a significant role in Granada's cultural calendar. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a particularly important event, featuring elaborate processions with ornately decorated floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. The processions are a moving spectacle of faith and tradition, with participants dressed in traditional robes and hoods, carrying candles and crosses through the streets.
Granada's cultural life is further enriched by its academic environment. The University of Granada, one of the oldest in Spain, brings a youthful and vibrant atmosphere to the city. The university's influence is evident in the numerous cultural events, lectures, and concerts that take place throughout the year.