Granada

Granada City.

First of all Granada is situated in province of Andalusia.
The city is 738 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

Climate

Andalusia is a province  in the south of Spain. The coast is the Costa del Sol or Sunny Coast.
The summer season, can be very hot. The other seasons are  warm with many day of sun.
In fact, it has a Mediterranean climate.
The weather is attractive for the many visitors during the all year.

Because of the heath most of the shops and museums are closed for the siesta.
In Andalusia they like to take their siesta from 2 till 5 in the afternoon.

Sierra Nevada and Alhambra.

in fact the city is not only beautiful but also very interesting.
From the heart of the city you can admire the tops op the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

In fact, Granada has one of the most famous monuments of Spain, the Alhambra.
After all, ‘The Alhambra’ is  a gigantic historic palace full of remains of both Moorish and Catholic culture .
The old town is one of the best preserved examples of Moorish city.

The older districts like the Albaicin and Alhambra are a tangle of narrow streets.

Furthermore, Granada is famous for its prestigious university : “Universidad de Granada”.
Presently the city of Granada is an example of an old historic city who lives in the present with the many students.
As a result that the new area’s are open and spacious .
Although the past is still very much alive in Granada , the city is also very modern and trendy .
The best is that the city preserves the Moorish past.

Alhambra.

One of my most favorite places is the Alhambra.

In brief , the Alhambra is a highlight of the Moorish architecture. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain .

In fact , this beautiful building complex consists of three parts. This parts are the fortress, the royal palaces and the Summer Palace.
Low down in the” Summer Palace” there are enchanting gardens : the  “Generalife ” .

In front of the Alhambra is situated the Generalife  . In the past  it was the summer residence of the kings .
Below the Generalife in the gardens there are  many pools, fountains and the romantic patios  who provide the necessary cooling .
In front ,there is a ‘ mirador ‘ or viewpoint, which offers you a magnificent panorama after a small climb. .

Within the Alhambra , you will find an abundance of wonderful treasures.
Highlights of the Alhambra is the “Mexuar”. This is the oldest part with a patio with impressive marble lion fountain .
In fact, the buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Afterwards they were  further embellished by the successors of the Arabian monarchy.

Tickets

The Alhambra is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Their fore only a certain number of visitors per day is allowed . So buy your ticket online.Tickets can be purchased on site.
Additionally , the tickers give access to the entire domain.
in brief , booking in advance is definitely necessary.

Albaicin .

Like wise, one other place I like is the old quarter of ” Albaicin.”

In fact , “Albaicin” is the old Arabic quarter. In this part of Granada ,you can visit the finest examples of medieval Moorish houses .Side by side , on one of the hills is the “ Barrio of Albaicin “. There the visitor can see and visit the many white traditional buildings .
Indeed, the white houses along the narrow streets have one thing in common. They all have charming courtyards with fountains, flowers and greenery. It is like a labyrinth.
There you can feel the heart beat of Granada. At evening or at night  you can enjoy a Flamenco show. It is sure a nice experience you will remember.

Initially the Moors lived here. Later on the Christians, Jews and Muslims. All lived together in harmony.
From the hillside there is a splendid view of the Alhambra. And on the other side the Sierra Nevada in the distance. Splendid views of the two top attractions of the Granada region.

Cathedral of Granada.

Meanwhile our stay, we also visited the “ Cathedral of Granada”.

After all, this cathedral ( 1521 ) of Granada is in the heart of the city and is quite large. But it is hidden by the many surrounding buildings.
In the past, the cathedral was and still is a masterpiece of Renaissance.
Side by side  there is the “Capilla Real” . This  Royal Chapel is an impressive building nearby the cathedral.

This chapel  is built-in the late Gothic style .
Then next to the chapel is a small museum. In the museum there are several art collections. The visitor can see famous  beautiful Flemish paintings.

“Federico Garcia Lorca Museum”.

In brief, Lorca (1898-1936) is one of the most famous inhabitants of Granada.

To sum up, he  was an writer, an poet, an painter and an musician.
The museum is the house of Lorca’s parents.
He wrote some of his important works in this home. You can see original furniture, manuscript, photographs and compositions.
During the Spanish Civil War, he was assassinated by a nationalist supporter of Franco.

Tips for trips

From Granada you can go visiting the Sierra Nevada. In winter it is even possible to go skiing.
In summer it is an ideal place to go walking or hiking.

Alpujarras.

Another recommendable trip is to this valley near the Sierra Nevada. See our page  Alpujarras. For me as a nature lover it is a must. There you can explore the “real “Spain.
The white little villages who are clinging to the mountains. 

White villages but also a famous natural spring water, bottled in the mountains.
So, take a nice trip to the  narrow roads of the “Alpujarras” and admire the beauty of  Andalousia.

 

How to get there

The good thing , Granada is between two airport. First, the airport of Almeria : a hour and half drive.
Second , the  airport of Malaga. Also a hour and half drive from Granada.