Granada Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Alhambra Palace
This palace-fortress of the rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom is one
of Europe's most important monuments. It consists of three
distinct groups of buildings: the Palacios
Nazaríes (Royal Palace, or Nasrid Palaces), the palace gardens of the Generalife,
and the Alcazaba. (more info...)
Albaicín and around
The Albaicín is the largest and most characteristic Moorish quarter that
survives in Spain. It contains minor Moorish sites as well as the city’s later
Christian monuments. Highlights include the following:
Moorish public baths
(Carrera del Darro, 31). Tiny baths just along from Plaza Nueva which which most visitors tend to miss. Well worth a visit.
(Tues–Sat 10am–2pm)
Archeological Museum (Casa de Castril, 43). A Renaissance mansion houses this
museum. ((Tues 3–8pm, Wed–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–2.30pm))
Mirador de San Nicolás.
At the side of the Archaelogical museum a road climbs steeply into the
Albaicin where this viewing point offers the best view of the Alhambra in the
whole city. To avoid the walk just take a bus or taxi up there. This is an
absolute must.
Capilla Real
The Royal Chapel (April–Sept Mon–Sat 10.30am–1pm & 4–7pm, Sun 11am–1pm &
4–7pm; Oct–March Mon–Fri 10.30am–1pm, Sat & Sun 11am–1pm) is the city’s most
impressive Christian building. It contains the tombs of Fernando and Isabella (
Los Reyes Católicos).
Cathedral
Granada’s Cathedral adjoins the Capilla Real (April–Sept Mon–Sat 10.45am–
1.30pm & 4–7pm, Sun 4–7pm; Oct–March Mon–Sat 10.30am–1.30pm, Sun 4–7pm). It was
begun in 1521, just as the chapel was finished, but was then left incomplete
well into the eighteenth century.
Other Suggested Activities
Flamenco Performance
Granada still has a large gypsy population from which many of
Spain’s best flamenco guitarists, dancers and singers have emerged.
Traditionally the gypsies inhabit cave homes on the Sacromonte hill. You'll find
various flamenco shows on offer at your hotel reception.
Arab Baths and Tea rooms
Just off Plaza Nueva behind the church of Santa Ana, the Baños Arabes Al
Andalus, c/Santa Ana 16 (reservation required on 958 229 978) is a modern
version of a Moorish bathhouse. Take your swimming gear down with you and relax
after your long journey then have a cup of tea in the tetería (tea room)
upstairs.
A Bullfight
Bullfights are held in season (March to November) at the Plaza de Toros on Avenida del Doctor Olóriz
25. The bullring’s ticket office (tel 958 271 950) or any of the tourist offices
has details of upcoming corridas.
Swimming pool
If you're in Granada in the summer you might want to head out to the Piscina
Miami (tel 958 250 031), junction c/Arabial and c/Virgen Blanca (west of the
centre) which has has an Olympic-size pool and a kids’ pool.
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