From shopping in Granada to sightseeing, there is a whole host of top things to do in Granada, the Spanish city that boasts its own mountain range, beaches within a few hours’ drive and an amazing history that is reflected in its streets, architecture and food and drink, even today.
Best time to visit Granada
The best time of year to visit Granada if you really want to tick as much off your sightseeing list is before it gets too hot in summer and before the winter chills come in from the Alpujarra mountains in December, so March to June and from September to the end of November. Anyway, whenever you go, if you´re looking for relaxing break getaway Granada it’s perfect for a visit all year round!
What to see and do
Granada’s history is rich with Moorish roots, Catholic influences and modern buildings.
Perhaps one of the top things to do in Granada on anyone’s list is the Alhambra and its accompanying Generalife gardens. Dating back to the 9th Century, the Alhambra Granada Spain is rich in history, has the beautiful Nasrid palace which can be visited in accordance with ticket timings and has some of the best views out over the city of Granada. To visit the Alhambra you must book in advance as daily visits are limited to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Granada is famous for its tiny streets, located in the Albaicin area, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to Carrera del Darro for a walk along the river or to the Arab Baths if you want to relax like they did in times gone by. Drink tea in a traditional Moroccan tea room within the Albaicin and buy leather goods from the tiny shops that line the streets in this area.
The Sacromonte caves are where Granada’s Roma or gypsy community which dates back centuries live. This is the place to go to see Zambra in a Granada Flamenco cave, an authentic version of Flamenco with its own twist – the singer also dances (other Flamencos normally just have a singer, guitarist and dancer).
What to eat
When you visit Granada you’ll soon find out that it is famous in Spain for its tapas. Some of the best tapas in Granada are found in bars around Plaza Nueva although small, family-run bars across the city also serve their own version of these mini-meals, on a smaller, more traditional Spanish basis.
Named after a 19th Century pope called Pio Nono, these papal shaped cakes hail from Santa Fe, a town near to Granada and are made with egg whites, milk, lemon rind, sugar, cinnamon and rum. Toasted cream is the icing on the cylinder shaped pastry and syrup cake that is Pionono cake.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Granada gets booked up quickly so book ahead! The newly opened Catalonia Granada hotel has its own spa, wellness centre and a rooftop pool to escape to after a day taking in the sights. The train station, the Albaícin Moorish quarter, Granada Cathedral and Gran Via, the city’s main shopping artery are all just one kilometre or less from the hotel. If you are looking for hotels in Granada with fantastic customer feedback the Catalonia is the ideal choice.
