See the City
Some of Margaret & Shand's must-sees and must-dos.
The Alhambra
& Generalife
"I do not know what to call this land upon which I stand. If what is beneath my feet is paradise, then what is the Alhambra? Heaven?"
— Lope de Vega, Spanish author
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It's no wonder the Alhambra and the accompanying "summer palace" of the Generalife are the most-visited sites in Spain. The complex of Moorish palaces is the best-preserved example of stunning medieval Islamic architecture in the world, blended with Christian Renaissance additions. The gardens and elaborate waterworks are to die for, and the history transports you to a world long past.
Margaret and Shand were frequent visitors for their Islamic Art & Architecture and Watercolor classes. This is a can't-miss for any Granada traveller. Buy tickets early, as spots sell out quickly!
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Tour the City:
Walk or Ride
Nothing will give you the truest feel of the city besides a good old fashioned tour. In addition to the monuments you will pass, you can learn and explore in a truly immersive way. Each of Granada's districts—notably el Centro (city center), Realejo (the old Jewish quarter), the Albayzín (the medieval Moorish quarter), and Sacromonte (the gypsy cave neighborhood)—has their own unique flavor.
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Margaret and Shand recommend a walking tour, so be sure to bring your sneakers. Granada is hilly with steps and cobblestoned streets. If mobility is a worry but you still want to see the sights, this hop-on-hop-off tram tour is another great, and very affordable, option!
Catch a Flamenco Show
in a Traditional Gypsy Cave
The fusion of dance, voice, and feeling is often descibed as the soul of Andalusian culture. Emerging in the late 18th century, flamenco gave a voice to the voiceless classes in Spanish society.
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In Granada, the zambra style was pioneered by gitanos, or Spanish gypsies, who dwelt in traditional cave homes in Sacromonte. To this day, a flamenco performance in a cave is a can't-miss for any traveler to Granada.
Visit the Cathedral
& Royal Chapel
The Granada Cathedral is the preeminent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the world. Many cathedrals across Latin America are modeled after its beauty and grandeur.
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Attached to the Cathedral is the Capilla Real, or Royal Chapel. This space is dedicated to the Catholic rulers Isabel and Ferdinand, who by marriage united the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile into what we now know as Spain. The two also initiated the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula and the Inquisition, as well as commissioned many famous voyages, including Christopher Columbus's first trip to the Americas. As the last holdout of the Nazrid kings, Granada was a coveted prize for the couple. The Capilla Real was built to fulfill their mandate that they be laid to rest in the heart of the city.
Bask in a Traditional
Arab Hammam
Also know as "Turkish baths," hammams are the Islamic world's take on Roman baths. These relaxing spas incorporate baths of various temperatures, steam rooms, aromatherapy, massage, and traditional teas and refreshment to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
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Hammams have been a part of Andalusian life since the Moorish kingdoms thrived in the middle ages. There are several hammam spas in Granada, including Hammam al-Andalus, Baños de Elvira, and al-Haram Granada. You can also choose to tour an historic hammam, but those will focus on archaeology without possessing spa facilities.
Celebrate Día de la
Cruz like a Local
Margaret & Shand's celebration lines up perfectly with the festival of Día de la Cruz, also known as Cruces de Mayo. It occurs every May 3rd, and will take place the day before the wedding. This fería started in 1625 with the erection of an alabaster cross in the city, and has since spread across the Hispanic world.
Spy locals in traditional flamenco outfits, parades of Andalusian horses in the streets, and spontaneous celebrations with music and dancing. To celebrate like a true Granadino, travel across the city to see as many carnation-covered crosses and decorated patios and squares as you can. Find out more about the holiday HERE.
Purchase Local
Delights
Granada and Spain are well known for myriad local, artesanal items. Don't leave the city without something to remember it by! Margaret and Shand recommend the following authentic goods:
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Traditional green and blue fajalauza pottery. This craft dates to the 11th century with some family businesses going back over 400 years.
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Spices, including saffron. Saffron is a key ingredient in paella and is harvested from special crocus flowers grown in Spain.
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Local olive oil
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Flamenco accessories including castanets (castañuelas), fans (abanicos or pericones), and shawls (mantones)
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Andalusian wine
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Jarapa rugs and blankets
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Lotions and soaps made with local honey, almonds, roses, oranges, and olive oil
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Beautifully inlaid taracea items (boxes, chess boards, etc.). This tradition has been passed down in Granada since the 14th century
Explore the
Sierra Nevada
As the tallest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, the Sierra Nevadas (snowy sawteeth), are a recreationist's dream. Whether hiking into the hills directly from the city or taking a day trip into the mountains, Shand and Margaret recommend a wide variety of activities. Some favorites in the National Park include hiking through the canyons and waterfalls of Los Cahorros in Monachil, and trekking between the quaint whitewashed mountain villages and taking in the sights of fruit trees, fresh springs, and local woven products in Las Alpujarras. Other activities include mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife safaris.
All in a Day:
Ski and Beach
Early May is the perfect time to complete a favorite Granada challenge: ski in the morning and spend the afternoon sunning on the beach! With 4,000ft of vert, the Sierra Nevada Ski Station is an easy half hour drive from the city center. Combine that with the beautiful Costa Tropical a mere 45 minutes away, spending a day both on the slopes and the beach is suddenly within reach. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Granada is one of the best places in the world to accomplish this feat!
