Top places in Granada Spain to visit. The Alhambra palace, the General Life Gardens, Nevada skiing, tapas and jamon, what to see and where to go in Granada.
In Southern Spain, lies the ancient capital of the Andalusia region, Granada. Once part of the Muslim kingdom who’s architectural footprint is still a reminder of the battles once fought.
Boasting a vibrant population of young and old, amazing architecture, vibrant colours, gardens of serenity. With university students, tapas and beer. Add skiing in the mountains and beaches nearby… this makes Granada the perfect city of contrasts! A must to spend a few days when in Spain.
We had such great time during our visit, here are a few of the top things to do in Granada!
THE ALHAMBRA PALACE & The General Life Gardens
The journey continues in Granada Spain
We started with a walk around the palace after walking up many steps to get there. You can of course get there by bus or car but we love walking. Once we reached the top we decided we would continue on even though we had not made a booking to go in.
Book Tickets for the Alhambre here – on the Official Ticket site
After a long walk around the outside of the Palace…. We felt like outsiders looking in. We were in awe even of the beauty outside but after a long day we were tired and thirsty and we decided to head home. Smiling at a passer by, an AMAZING thing happened! The kind tourist turned back around to stop us.
Asking us if we wanted 2 tickets for the palace for the 3 o’clock slot as he was on his way to the airport to fly out to Morocco and couldn’t go!
Kindness goes a long way
Thank you! Thank you, Kind Sir! We never did get to thank you in return! Were it not for you we probably would not have returned the following day and we would have missed one of the true wonders of Spain! Tears in my eyes now as I think of this wonderful experience we would have denied ourselves…. So again, Thank you!!
Exhaustion was not going to stop us, as we took him up on his offer. A dream afternoon followed.
Once through the palace you move into the gardens, a feeling of “Alice in Wonderland” as the gardens takes you into another dimension. The General life Gardens are located next to the Alhambra, a recommended visit after the Palace. Make sure your ticket includes both and take the whole day to enjoy.
Need I say more…. The detail was something of another life time. Totally buggered we finally headed home… to dream of the perfect day we had just had.
Palace History
One of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, the Alhambra Palace! Surrounded by forests and a maze of gardens, while standing guard over the city below.
On top of a hill, not to be missed, site to beat all sites, architecture of grandeur, stately gardens, breathtaking beauty…..
It was built by a Moorish king, Mohammed Ben Al-Ahmar in the 11th century during the rule of the Muslims from North Africa.
But none,told the next slot for entering the Palace was the following day and best to book online…. When you want to go I would suggest you book at least a week before the time during high season and 2 days in mid to be safe…
A New Day
Street Shopping
Carrero Del Darro, a street with a hive of bodies morning till into the night. A perfect mix of great atmosphere and shopping. Stop in at a quirky pub or smell the perfumes on offer… Some fabulous little shops for those gifts you seek.
The Albayzín historical Arab quarter of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will find a impressive Moorish history impacting the area’s architecture.
Alcaiceria is a great shopping district too – bazaar shops, with great leather products for gifts at great prices.
More in the streets of Granada
Once again we walked and walked, its what we do, its the best part. NOT only do you loose the weight from the many Cerveza’s along the way but you experience the people, the places both new and old.
The colours, the smells, the language, the music, the poetry of every city. You fall in love, you fall out of love, you loose yourself, you find yourself, you laugh, you cry, you smile. You make memories, you capture the heart, and soul of every place with every step…… that bus you thought to take would have merely passed by!
Shoppin Mall in Granada, Spain
Nevada Shopping Mall in Granada has all your heart desires and is a huge mall in the modern Granada.
Tapas y Cerveza
When visiting Granada Spain pop into a restaurant or bar dotted around the city for a beer and tapas! The Alhambra beer is a good one to order, a thirst quencher paired with jamón (cured salted ham).
Tapas are sometimes on the house – typically between 1pm and 4pm or 9pm and midnight, order a cerveza (beer) or vino and enjoy.
Special Unexpected Moments
On one of our walks we came upon a square where music was playing and the elderly were all dressed up and dancing, witnesses to the love of life with each swirl. It was special to watch , as onlookers also marvelled…
Sierra Nevada – Ski the slopes in Granada, Spain
We were there in September so the slopes were closed due to no snow! LOL!
But skiing would be a great idea for December, or Christmas in Granada!
Granada is one of Europe’s gems, loved our walks…
Where to next?
Drop a pin to: Arcos de la Frontera
Would I DROP A PIN to this location again….Yip, all year around!Dr