Singing the praises of Granada in Spain, your way
High in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, in Southern Spain, lies the sophisticated city of Granada. Numerous, stunning and historic features include the world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife. That equally famous song was written in 1932, by Mexican, Agustin Lara. Since then, many world-famous singers, including Frank Sinatra, have recorded their own version in praise of Granada. Summers are hot here. Winters can be cold, with snow and lots of skiing and other winter sports on hand to thrill visitors. You can get to Granada by road, rail and by air, flying in to the city’s airport … but get there, you must!
Skiing in Spain!
In the province of Granada and about 20 miles from the city is the resort of Sierra Nevada, in the foothills of the mountains of the same name. There’s a capacity to accommodate approximately 30,000 skiers here and there are ski lifts, lessons and all the features you would expect from a prime ski resort. It also has one of Europe’s longest seasons; November to May. Spain’s greatest vertical ski drop is here and it goes without saying that, in southern Spain, there are more sunny days than anywhere else. Roads from the city are very good, so access is easy from Granada hotels. Sporting buffs, though, tend to base themselves in one of the many hotels in this area of Granada Province. Families and children are particularly welcome and it’s an easy process for them to get involved in beginners’ courses and specially arranged children’s activities. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada region is immensely popular … on a sliding scale, of course!
Eating for free in Granada!
Tapas are those tasty bites and snacks that are hugely popular in bars and restaurants throughout Spain. Here, in Granada, tapas are still offered free with every round of drinks ordered. In theory, you can eat very well without any food costs. The obvious downside is that when you finally wake up in your Granada hotel, you won’t remember much about it. It’s well worth paying, though, for some of the Granada region’s speciality dishes. These have both Arabic and Andalusian influences. San Anton consists of beans and ham. The Sacromonte Omelette is full of meats and herbs. Grilled sardines are always popular, as is the cold soup; Gazpacho. The locals love breakfast and lunch, so there’s plenty of scope in these areas. Dinner tends to be eaten quite late so hunger pangs are avoided with Merenda, a sort of relaxed afternoon tea. Plaza Nueva is a pleasant place to sit, eat and drink on a sunny afternoon. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and choices range from traditional dishes to burger and chips.
Out and about in Granada
The Alhambra Palace is the most famous and the most visited site in Granada. Few fail to be totally impressed by this Moorish palace or by the condition in which it is maintained. Linked to the Alhambra is the equally impressive Generalife. In these gardens, spectacular fountain effects are powered naturally from the waters of surrounding hills and mountains. Cartuja Monastery houses sculptures and other works of Granada’s artists. The Madraza dates back to 1349 and was Granada’s first Arab university. Centrally located, it is easily accessed from hotels in Granada. These are just a few of the jewels in the region’s crown. Your Granada hotel will furnish you with much more detail, depending upon specific interests. Visit, then, El Albaycin’s medieval streets and spectacular views of the Alhambra. Realejo is the old Jewish Quarter. A number of garden attractions include the French and English landscapes of Carmen de los Martires and the fountains of Triunfo Gardens.
A journey worth taking
From the city’s railway station, it’s easy to get to many cities in Spain; plus, via RENFE, other towns in the province of Granada. There is a good motorway system which allows the 150 mile journey to as far away as Seville, to be undertaken in approximately two and a half hours. It’s less than an hour to the sunny beaches of Nerja. When thinking of air travel, there are a number of hotels that are located close to Granada’s airport. Also known as Federico Garcia Lorca Airport, this is less than 10 miles from Granada city with an easy journey along the A-92, Seville, road. Taxis remain a favoured mode of transport for many and there are two main companies operating in Granada. One undertakes the airport trips and the other covers city centre sightseeing requirements from your hotel. It’s useful to note that, in Granada, you can hail a taxi from the street. The pain is put in Spain, though, as many drivers still don’t speak English.