by Lee Gutcher
Granada is, with Seville, one of the biggest tourist
attractions in Spain, not just Andalucia. The primary reason is
for the truly extraordinary monument of the Moorish Alhambra; this
emotive, sensual palace-fortress is set against the magnificent
backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is under
no circumstances to be missed.
Whilst the Alhambra alone justifies a visit to Granada,
the city is an attraction in it's own right. It is one among the
most picturesque of the Andalucian cities, has an atmospheric gypsy
quarter - the Albaicin.
See Granada
home page.
Arriving & Accommodation
Both the train and bus stations are some distance form the city
centre. From the bus station bus number 3 will take you to the centre,
likewise bus number 11 from the train station. A convenient stopping
place is the Gran Via (the main street) or the Plaza Nueva. The
city centre itself is very compact and everything is within walking
distance. However you might prefer to avoid the uphill walks to
the Alhambra and Albaicin by using the frequent red buses (No 32
and 31 respectively).
There are numerous hostels on the long Gran Via
street, especially around the Cathedral. And there are other options
from the Plaza Nueva up towards the Alhambra.
Must See
- The Alhambra
- Mirador de San Nicolas - (This is where you can
take that picture postcard photograph of the Alhambra with the
snow-capped mountains in the background)
- Albaicin - This Moorish quarter has character
in parts, but watch out for the overtly touristy sections. Take
the Carrera del Darros from the Plaza Nueva up towards Albaicin
with the river alongside and the Alhambra as a backdrop, this
walk is worth giving the bus a miss.
By Choice
- Capilla Real and Cathedral - The Renaissance
Cathedral is not among the better ones of Andalucia. The adjoining
Capilla Real is of more interest. Here rest the tombs of Fernando
and Isabel.
- Arab Baths: (Free with EU passport) Half way
up the Carrera Del Darro these well preserved 11th Century baths
are well worth a quick look.
- Archaeological Museum: (Free with EU passport)
Further up the Carrero Del Darro this Archaeological museum is
one of the best in Andalucia. The Roman section is a highlight,
but unsurprisingly the Moorish section has pride of place.
Hover the cursor over Granada to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.
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