Really you only need one reason to visit Granada: the Alhambra
Spain is packed with so many cities and villages worth visiting that the hard part about planning your trip is often simply deciding where exactly you should go. If you’re considering the Spanish south, though, then your decision is already made: start making plans to head to Granada. Need some convincing? Well, here are three solid reasons that will seal the deal.
The Alhambra
One could really just start and stop mentioning reasons here. The 9th-century Moorish fortress is one of the world’s most revered structures, capturing hearts and taking away breaths with its fountain- and fragrant-flower-filled gardens, Mudejar-style palace, and sweeping views of the neighboring Albaicin barrio. Wandering its grounds is so magical that it will no doubt transport you to another place a world away, and have you longing to return again and again. Learn more about this wonder of the world by joining a Skip-the-Line Alhambra Tour.
The Giant Tapas
You’ve surely heard of tapas, but what they are and how they’re served up is a bit more of a complex issue. One way that tapas come served is at bars as a free addition to an alcoholic beverage. Now, in many parts of Spain, you may or may not receive this free tapa, AND if you do, chances are that it will be serving-sized, and fit for one person to eat or two people to nibble on (such as a tiny dish of nuts, olives or chips). But Granada’s free tapas are rather legendary, and that’s because they’re giant – to the point that after ordering a couple of (cheap) drinks, you’ve easily eaten a proper meal. Explore this phenomenon found in the local cuisine by going on a Granada Tapas Walking Tour.
Its Proximity to Other Places
A visit to Granada will land you in one of the country’s most advantageous locations. Not only are you just a short drive away from other beloved southern Spanish cities, such as Cordoba and Seville, and even to mountain villages, including those found in La Alpujarra, but Granada has unparalleled access to sea and ski. That’s right: Granada is located just a short drive away from the famous Sierra Nevada mountain range (home to Europe’s southernmost ski opportunities) and the sandy shores of the Mediterranean. If you’re particularly keen to explore the coast, then join a Tropical Coast and Caves Day Trip from Granada, during which you can check out the region’s shore, as well as its ancient caves.
-Contributed by Erin Ridley
3 Reasons to Visit Granada from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do