Granada
Spain
Backpacking Granada
Information on Granada, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Granada is blessed with Moorish heritage dating back more than 700 years. The pinnacle of this is the Alhambra, a compound with palaces, courtyards and gardens where the Emirs of Granada would escape the summer heat. Backpackers will a gritty, compelling city where serene Islamic architecture and Arab-flavored street life go hand in hand with monumental churches, old-school tapas bars and counterculture graffiti art. You can work your way along the streets of the old Moorish city, laid out exactly as it was in Medieval times, or enter the cave dwellings of the historic gypsy neighborhood famed for its flamenco shows. All the while the soaring peaks of the Sierra Nevada will draw you gaze in the distance to the east. There’s also an energy to Granada’s streets, packed as they are with bars, student dives, bohemian cafes and intimate flamenco clubs, and it’s this as much as the more traditional sights that leaves a lasting impression.
Must See
Alhambra Palace - The Alhambra (above) is an ancient palace, fortress and citadel. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications and was named for the reddish walls and towers that surrounded the citadel.
Albaicin - The Moorish quarter has character in parts, but also some really touristy sections. Take the Carrera del Darros from the Plaza Nueva up towards Albaicin with the river next to you and the Alhambra as a backdrop, this walk is worth giving the bus a miss.
Must Do
View From Sacromonte - Located at the very top of the Albayzin district, passing all the hippie houses on the upper level. From here you have a breathtaking view over all of Granada including Alhambra Palace, the Sierra Nevada, and surroundings. A great place for a sunset.
Shop the Alcaicería Market - f you’re looking for some souvenirs or handmade products this is the spot. In the former Arab quarter the market still retains a sense of the past with Shisha bars and kebab shops lining the streets. The market street is lined with a wide selection of lamps, leather bags, slippers etc.
Explore the Sierra Nevada - Experience the highest mountain range in all of Europe. They can be done as a day trip or as an overnight. There are trails for all sorts of difficulties and a summit should take no more than 3 hours.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Granada is some of the best in Andalucía. As a world-famous university city, it has a large amount of students, so there is a very large mix of venues and music on offer. The bars in Granada are well-known for their free tapas - all you have to do is order a drink and they will bring you a quick bite. The most famous areas for tapas are Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla where in the summer months there is the option to sit outside, within the square. Both squares are lively and popular areas, right in the heart of the city. Enjoy the bars & pubs of Granada before heading to the clubs after midnight.
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