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| Granada, Spain |
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Enjoy Tapas, the Alahmbra, Flamenco and More in Granada
Granada is a beautiful and atmospheric city filled with gardens, flowers and narrow streets. It is an ancient city that features many interesting attractions that chronicle its unique history and diverse influences. To understand and appreciate Granada, it is important to recall it was once the capital of Moorish Andalucia.
Hotel Options in Granada
Like many cities in Spain, visitors have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a hotel in Granada. Before you start searching for hotels, decide on your budget and also where you would like to be. You may wish to be close to historical attractions, shopping areas or a variety of bars and restaurants. As you research the different areas of Granada, you will see which ones best suit your tastes.
If your budget allows, you can choose from many gorgeous four-star hotels throughout Granada. Family-owned and operated hotels offer comfortable and well-serviced accommodations in the mid-price range. There are also budget hotels available that may offer limited services and sparse accommodations, but still suit your needs.
For four-star luxury accommodations in Granada, the Hotel Macia Real de la Alahmbra is an excellent choice. The facilities are very modern and the rooms feature contemporary decor. The hotel is very well-serviced and you can enjoy dining in the gourmet restaurant or relaxing at the cafe bar. The Hotel Macia Real de La Alhambra is a short drive from the Alhambra and a short bus or taxi ride from the city.
Eating and Drinking in Granada
Granada is located between two very distinct geographical features: the mountains and the sea. Its unique position influences the food you will enjoy in Granada. You may enjoy Jamon de Trevelez, a special type of ham that is cured in mountain snow, or grilled sardines known as Espetones. Another coastal recipe is Ajo Blanco, an interesting cold soup made with almonds.
You will probably enjoy eating at many tapas bars in Granada, and you will be delighted to find in Granada, tapas are free. Tapas will be served with your beer or wine; although you may or may not be able to choose the tapas you are served. Some bars offer set lists of tapas you may choose from depending on which round of tapas or drinks you are on. Although free tapas may not contain the more pricey ingredients, they usually feature fresh local foods and are flavorful and delicious.
Although tapas serve as a delightful mini-meal to enjoy while you are out for a drink, you won't want to miss more elaborate dining at some of Granada's quality restaurants. Calle Elvira is an excellent street to head for whether you are looking for tapas or a full meal.
Via Colon on Calle Elvira is an elaborately decorated restaurant that specializes in grilled meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. You can enjoy flavorful, fresh cuisine indoors or out on the terraza beside the Cathedral.
Exploring Granada's Attractions
When you aren't enjoying tapas and wine in Granada, you can explore its many diverse attractions. Much of Granada is best explored on foot, but there are tourist buses, regular buses and taxis available for transportation among tourist attractions.
The Alhambra is the most impressive site in Granada and you will want to devote plenty of time to exploring it. The Alhambra is a giant castle that was once home to many Arabic Sultans. Construction started in the 13th century, but it was built and lavishly decorated over many centuries. The Alhambra includes palaces, gardens, courtyards and fortifications and is a fascinating and impressive architectural masterpiece.
Although other attractions in Granada may seem dwarfed by the Alhambra, there are many interesting museums, plazas and other historical sites to visit during your stay. You can tour the Carmen de los Martires museum and grounds and enjoy terrific views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada as well as the Alhambra. Each room of the museum contains artifacts, from Paleolithic times to the Late Antiquity. The gardens contain a charming duck pond and bridge as well as ruins, statues and grottoes.
There are many other fascinating attractions in Granada, and one you will not want to miss is the Cathedral. The construction of this massive gothic cathedral began in 1523 and took 180 years to complete.
Granada Nightlife
Granada is a joy to explore by day, and by night, it is equally vibrant and entertaining. There are many bars located in Pedro Alarcon that will appeal to younger visitors, while around Plaza Nueva and along Calle Elvira you may find a slightly more adult crowd.
In Granada, you can enjoy live music such as jazz or Flamenco, dance at clubs or relax on a terrace in the warm season with a glass of wine or a pint of beer. You can also visit Las Cuevas del Sacromonte to enjoy the informal dance and music celebrations hosted by local gypsies. |
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