So I thought with this entry I’d tell you a little bit about this wonderful city I live in. I’ve also been wanting to compile a list of the highlights of the city for a while, so if you or anyone I know ever gets the chance to visit they will have an agenda full of things to do and see. This, of course, is only my own list—there are THOUSANDS of other things to do and see here; I have only included what I think are the highlights.
Sites of Interest (just a few of many):
–The Alhambra (pictured): The old palace was constructed by the Muslim Empire, which reigned in southern Spain for quite a few centuries before the Catholic Kings were given the keys to the city and took over. It is a breathtaking castle that sits atop a forested hill overlooking the rest of the city. It also happens to be the number one tourist destination in Spain, due to its incredible views and important history. Tours usually last a good 3 to 4 hours and feature lots of walking.
–Cathedral/Royal Chapel: The fourth largest Cathedral in the world is here in Granada, Spain. Masses are still held and are open to the public (side note: all of the gold you see used in decorating the church is 100% real). The Royal Chapel on the side of the Cathedral features the tombs of the most famous Spanish monarchs of all time: Isabel and Ferdinand (known as Los Reyes Católicos) and also some tremendous artwork.
–Universidad de Granada: Granada is primarily a university town, with over 70,000 students attending it, many of which are foreign. In fact, it is the number one destination for study abroad in Spain. This means that Granada is famed for its nightlife and youth-friendly atmosphere, as well as for all of the invaluable resources and opportunities that come with having a strong educational base in the city.
Nature:
–Beaches (pictured): Granada is only an hour or so bus ride away from the Mediterranean and La Costa del Sol. You can easily take a trip that is both cost-and-time effective to one of the many charming seaside villages nearby.
–Mountains: Granada is surrounded by mountainous territory, and on any day you can look up and see the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas rolling off into the distance. Also, with just a bus ride of a few hours, you can be in the mountains for some of the most renowned hiking, natural parks, and ski resorts in the country. You can even access the hills directly from the city and hike up the slopes on your own for an adventure-filled afternoon trip.
Shopping:
–Los Reyes Católicos: This is the main shopping street here in Granada. There are thousands of stores right on the street and on the dozens of little streets branching off of it. You can find everything from the hottest fashion stores where all the Spanish fashionistas shop (H&M, Zara, Blanco, Mango, Sfera, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Bershka) or thousands of stores selling Spanish souvenirs for cheap prices.
–El Corte Inglés: There are two of these here in Granada, and they are the Spanish version of a big department store. You can buy everything from food to perfume, and the clothing section is huge and features famous Spanish designers and the latest styles in the European fashion world.
–El Albaicín: This is the charming old Arabic neighborhood in the hills. Here you can find tons of cool Arabian-themed and Morocco-made gifts such as tapestries, earrings, tea sets, scarves, cool lamps and clothing for cheap prices.
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Food:
–Los Italianos: The most famous ice cream store in the city. Our own first lady, Michele Obama herself, went here when she visited Granada. It is owned by an Italian family and features the most mind-blowing artisan ice cream flavors I have ever tasted, in dozens of unique, interesting flavors that you can combine. Unfortunately, it closes in the winter, but never fear: there are hundreds of little gelato shops scattered throughout the city.
–Tapas: This is a great feature of Granada: free tapas! For those of you who don’t know what tapas are, they’re small portions of food (an appetizer split with a portion for each person) that come free with any glass of beer or wine you order at a bar. Examples would be bread with cheese and olive oil, an assortment of hams, pieces of a Spanish tortilla, etc. It’s a Spanish custom to go out for tapas in the evening and bar hop to order different tapas.
–Drinks: The drinking age in Spain is 18, and drinking is considered a very social, normal activity here—in moderation, of course. Therefore, if you are of age and want to drink responsibly, there are a few drinks you should try. Of course, Spain is famous for its wine. If you’re going to order red, go for a red from the region of Rioja. An authentic Granada white wine that isn’t usually on the menu (but you can ask specially for it) is called Calvente. For those of you into fruitier cocktails or some fun summer drinks, you of course must try the famous sangría or tinto de verano. The Spanish version of champagne, called Cava, is also sweet and bubbly. Drinks in Spain are much cheaper than in America, typically only costing around 2 or 3 euros (3-5 American dollars).
–Kebabs: There are thousands of little shops selling kebabs. They’re not actually a Spanish food, but they are well worth trying, and they make the perfect greasy, delicious late-night snack. They’re a lot like a Greek gyro, with a tortilla-like shell and your choice of meat, falafel, and vegetables and sauces inside.
–Teterías: In the Arabic neighborhood of Albaicín in the hills, there are thousands of adorable, cozy, dimly-lit and incense-filled teterías (tea shops) where you can go and pick from an infinite amount of exotic teas. Great atmosphere and a perfect way to break up the busy days and relax for an hour or so.
–Churros con chocolate: It’s a sinful treat that you have to try at least once in Spain, usually eaten as a morning snack, but I’ve taken to getting them as dessert sometimes. They´re basically a chain of fried dough that you sprinkle sugar on top of and dip into a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The point here is not about how many calories they contain (I don’t want to know) but that it is a cultural experience and extremely delicious, of course!
Events:
–Flamenco (pictured): Flamenco is a traditional style of dance that evolved over time and has now become a major sign of Anadalucían culture. It is a must-see when you come to Granada! In the caves in the neighborhood of Sacremonte (on the hill, under the Alhambra), there are thousands of bars with Flamenco shows. Lots of them feature an included dinner or drink.
–Discotecas: If you’re into the nightlife, you have to go to a Spanish discoteca (their version of a dance club) at least once. Be warned, though: the parties don’t usually pick up until 2 AM at the earliest, and frequently last until 8 AM the following morning. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes that you can dance in and that you have the stamina to stay up late, late, late!
–Arabic Baths: The baths are a remnant of the powerful, ancient Muslim empire that was based in Granada from about the 12th to the 15th century. They are a bit like a sauna and feature a spa-like atmosphere. You can seek discounted packages for groups or specials and enjoy a day or evening of relaxation.
–Plaza de Toros: This building is about two seconds from where I live. It features some great bars and tapas restaurants, but more importantly it is the city’s bullring and hosts a few annual bullfights. Be warned: while this is a Spanish tradition, it is very gruesome and controversial and is NOT for the faint of heart (or stomach). Only for those who wish to have a truly authentic cultural experience.
Pictures:
1. The Alhambra at dusk.
2. A picture of a beach at Nerja, a nearby coastal town.
3. A traditional Flamenco dancer in the caves of Sacremonte.
