When planning getaways for weekends and long weekends, we often opt for European capitals, forgetting that in our country there are many corners that are worth discovering. In addition, we must not forget that traveling in Spain has many advantages: it is not necessary to know English, it is cheaper, we follow the same rhythm of life …
One of the places in our country that you should visit at least once in your life is Granada , a city located in the community of Andalusia. Here you will not only find an important historical heritage (some of its monuments have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), but you will also be able to discover dreamy neighborhoods and corners, excellent gastronomy, a great climate and a great atmosphere. Have we convinced you? Well now you must find out what places you should visit in Granada.
Alhambra and Generalife
How could it be otherwise, we have to start by talking about the Alhambra and Generalife, one of the most important monumental complexes in Spain. It is a set of palaces, gardens and a fortress that centuries ago housed a citadel within Granada, serving as accommodation for the Nasrid sultans and the court. Within the complex you can find four areas: the Palaces, the Alcazaba, the Medina and the Generalife farm, all surrounded by gardens, orchards and wooded areas.
Sacromonte
We also recommend a visit to Sacromonte, a neighborhood located on the mount of Valparaíso, in front of the Alhambra, which offers wonderful views of the city. It is a most picturesque place, full of whitewashed caves. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that it is the traditional gypsy suburb of the city, where you can enjoy the purest flamenco. Their “zambras” are very famous, a flamenco dance of the gypsies of Granada and Almería.
Albaicín neighborhood
Very close to Sacromonte is the Albaicín neighborhood, in which many different peoples have lived throughout history, so it is possible to find an interesting cultural mix here . The neighborhood is located on a hill in front of the Alhambra and is made up of narrow and winding streets; intimate squares; houses, palaces and churches.
Bañuelo Arab Baths
If you still have time to discover Granada, we recommend a visit to the Bañuelo Arab Baths, which are located in Carrera del Darro, a street that we will talk about next. It is one of the oldest works of Muslim Granada. In fact, the baths were built several centuries before the Alhambra. They have been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Darro Race
You can take advantage of your visit to the baths to discover the Carrera del Darro, one of the most beautiful streets in the City. Located next to the Darro River, it preserves numerous buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as remains of Arab houses.
Cathedral
Another place worth discovering is the Cathedral of La Encarnación de Granada, which is located in the heart of the city. Built at the express wish of Queen Elizabeth, it is a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance , although externally it has a Gothic structure.
Science Park
If you still have time to spare, you should also visit the Science Park, an interactive museum that is a benchmark for scientific dissemination in Europe. It is located just minutes from the historic city center and offers some 70,000 square meters of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Tapas bars
Finally, if you have the opportunity to visit Granada, you cannot forget to go for tapas, an ancient custom that has not only been maintained, but has also become the essential element of the gastronomy of this Andalusian land.