A weekend in Granada
Posted on 20 September, 2019 in English
Granada, home to the Alhambra, is located 130 km in the northeast of Malaga. It is perfect for a week-end trip as there are a lot of things to see and to discover. Here is a small list:
Things to see
1. The Alhambra & Generalife
If you go to Granada, the Alhambra is a must-see. The Alhambra is an Arabic fortress and palace that was completed at the end of the 14th century. It is a very popular place for tourists. So, remember to buy your tickets well in advance. If not you’ll end up like me and only see the outside of the Alhambra. The Generalife is a palace and summer garden next to the Alhambra. The tickets for the Alhambra and Generalife can often be booked together.
2. Mirador San Nicolas
The Mirador San Nicolas offers a spectacular view of the Alhambra and the city of Granada. It’s a small hike up a mountain. There are restaurants and cafés nearby that allow you to relax.
3. Basilica de San Juan
The basilica is a church in baroque style. The entry fee is 4 € and everything inside is decorated in gold. It’s worth a visit!
4. Cathedral of Granada
Like many big cities in Spain, Granada has a big cathedral in the city centre.
5. Streets & Churches
Granada has many small streets, churches, plazas and parks throughout the city. Everything is very close. So, just turn off your phone, put away your map and get lost in the streets of Granada. You will discover beautiful churches, streets, shops and much more.
Experiences
1. Arabic Sweets
My highlight in Granada was an Airbnb experience where I learned how to bake Arabic sweets from scratch. These sweets are nut-based and made without any artificial sugar. You use honey to sweeten them and different spices of your choosing to give them your own touch. In the end of this workshop you can enjoy your sweets with tea and have a nice chat with the host.
2. Street Art
Granada has a rich street art history and is home to el niño de las pinturas. Walk through the streets and discover amazing paintings made by him and other street artists that are home to Granada.
3. Gypsy Market
Outside of the tourist centre in Almanjayar on Sundays from 10am to 4pm you can find a gypsy market. You can buy clothes, vegetables and other useful things for just a few euros. If you want to get a great deal, this is the place to be.
4. Hammam al Andalus
The hammam is an Arabic bath. You can relax in hot pools (or cold pools if you like), get a massage or a cleaning ritual. This place allows you to leave behind your everyday life for a bit and enjoy the quiet and peaceful water. In addition, if you have already been to the Hammam al andalus in Malaga you get a discount of 10%.
Each Saturday Academia CILE offers to its student an excursion to a city of Andalusia. Granada is one of the various cities that our students can visit.
