The ancient Moorish capital city, Granada, is a most unique city
to visit. It literally has something for everyone with combining
both big city vibe and peaceful rural areas away from the hustle
and bustle all within very close proximity to each other.
The main shopping area winds through an intricate network of narrow
streets offering all manner of high street shops. From a cultural
point of view, Granada provides stunning architectural features
such as its Cathedral and Royal Chapel, majestic mansions lining
the tree filled avenues along the "Paseo del Salon", the whitewashed
Moorish quarter of the "Albaicin" and of course the commonly referred
to 8th wonder of the world, the Moorish Royal Palace of the "Alhambra"
perched above the city amidst the splendid "Generalife Gardens".
The city is also renowned for the musical arts with an abundence
of schools & colleges dedicated to all forms of music and hence
attracting stude nts
from all around the globe.
The atmosphere in the city is typically relaxed with a youthful
aire to it due partly to the huge student population found here.
Attractrive plazas are dotted all over the city with perfectly prepared
gardens, plenty of cafes, bars & restaurants catering for all tastes,
pleasant river walks and friendly locals all adding soothing touches
to any c ity
bustle and thereby creating a wonderful experience.
The city itself is compact and the main areas can feasibly be covered
during a day's visit including time for shopping and lunch without
feeling pressured into getting everything in on time!
The bus terminal on the edge of the city is served by a very efficient
circular bus route and even the taxis are reasonably priced. Buses
from the main terminal here provide frequent links to all major
towns and cities in the area. The main bus company operating longer
distance journeys is Alsina Graells.
Among many things, Granada has perhaps one thing that no other city
in Spain offers in quite such intensity....it's Tapas scene. The
tradition of the Spanish "Tapas" originates in Andalucia back to
the times prior to refridgeration and climate control. The locals
are traditionally very fond of a nice glass of sherry or brandy
whether it be at 7am, midday or at night time.
The old tradition of placing a slice of bread on top of the glass
to prevent flies and other bugs taking a plunge soon evolved into
a slice of bread with, say, a piece of cured ham. The Spanish verb
"Tapar" means "To Cover" and so the tradition of "Tapas" was born.
Granada is very much the capital of Tapas whereby in any typical
bar you visit, your drink will always be accompanied with a small
plate of food, FREE!!. This is called a "Tapa".
Beforehand, you had to buy an alcoholic drink to recieve a tapa,
but more liberal thinking and less people drinking alcohol are changing
this in many establishments where even your children will get a
tapa with their orange juice.
Simple yet effective systems in the bars mean that for your  second,
third, fourth or however many rounds you have, you will always recieve
a different tapa. Some establishments have a menu for you to choose
the tapa for yourself.
In most cities within Andalucia, you will find this to be the case
although perhaps more restricted to the typical and traditional
style bars. In the rest of Spain, you will normally find Tapas but
will have to pay for it!!
Some Essential Things to See & Do in the City Include
the Following:
A visit to the Old Moorish Quarter, "El Albaicin", (also spelt
"Albaizin"), including the romantic viewpoint balcony at the St
Nicholas Church for panoramic views over the Alhambra & Granada
with the Sierra Nevada mountains behind, (sunset time is particularly
beautiful).
The Alhambra Palace (pre-booking is highly recommended: CLICK
HERE)
The Cathedral and Royal Chapel
The shopping zone and the main high streets of "Calle Mesones"
& "Calle Alhondiga"
The "Plaza Bib-Rambla" and the tight streets of the "Alcaiceria"
leading off towards the Cathedral
A stroll alongside the river and the "Paseo de los Tristes" from
Plaza Nueva at the base of both the Albaicin & Alhambra.
A stroll through gardens alongside the Genil river at the "Paseo
del Salon".
Evening Tapas around Plaza Nueva.
Tea and cakes in the Arabic Tea shops near Plaza Nueva.
Central city stroll along "Gran Via" to the "Plaza del Triunfo"
returning along "Calle Elvira".
Look out for street shows, exhibitions and pigeon feeding in "Puerta
Real" and then pop into the ever popular "El Corte Ingles" department
store en-route.
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