Visiting Granada

Granada is the capital city of the province of Granada, which is located in Andalusia, Spain. You will find the city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where three rivers meet--the Darro, the Beiro, and the Genil. Granada is not far from the Mediterrean coast, only about an hour's drive.

Granada is heralded as one of the three best cities for college students because of its vibrant nightlife. It is also known for the Alhambra. This Moorish palace and citadel is a vital piece of Islamic history and is a hotspot for tourists. There are also many other impressive Moorish and Catholic architectural structures that are worth visiting as well. The graves of Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella; the mosque of Almoravids, otherwise known as Almorabitín; the Santo Domingo Church; the Charterhouse; Old University; Sacromonte Abbey; and the Bermejas Towers are just a few of the sights that you don't want to miss.

Granada has hundreds of beautiful churches and cathedrals that are stunning for their architecture and luscious ornamentation. During the Christian era, unfortunately many of the Muslim buildings were destroyed. However, there are enough that remain to comprise the most complete group of European domestic Moorish architecture. Granada was actually the last Muslim city to fall into the hands of the Christians in 1492.

There are several stunning gardens and parks in Granada that are truly landscaping masterpieces. Some of the most beautiful are located onsite at Alhambra and the palace of Generalife.

Granada has had a very interesting, rich and varied religious history as you can probably already tell from what you've read so far. Before the Moors too possession of the city in the 8th century, the city was primarily Jewish and Roman. After the Muslims were defeated, Catholicism became the recognized religion. Each of these groups has had various influences on the city with a little bit of Gypsy culture thrown in as well. This makes Granada a very fascinating place to visit. There is much history to be learned here.

There are a variety of festivities throughout the year, so make sure you study up on any events that may occur during your visit. Another great way to get a true "taste" of Granada's culture is to try their local cuisine. One of the dishes they are known for is called Jamón de Trevelez. This is actually ham that has been cured in snow. Various soups, fried bread, grilled sardines, Spanish omelettes, topped off with a Moorish dessert of honey and almonds are just a few of the foods you may try while you're here.

There are a number of accommodation options here in Granada and we are here to help you find the right one for you. We can tailor a place to fit your specific needs, the size of your group, the length of your stay, and the size of your budget. Take the worry out of your vacation by letting us help you find the right vacation rental. Granada looks forward to your visit!