How to get from Malaga to Granada. How to get to Granada How to get to Granada

Granada is the capital of the province of the same name in Andalusia, a city with an ancient history, a place where opposites merge. Judge for yourself: on the one hand - the snow caps of the mountains, on the other - the sea is an hour's drive away. On the one hand, there are magnificent, but frozen monuments of history, on the other, young people and the irrepressible energy of life due to the presence of a university in the city. On the one hand, there are Christian churches, on the other, the richest Moorish heritage.

Since the city is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, its relief is very uneven, with sharp drops. The weather in Granada is also sometimes unpredictable: fluctuations in day and night temperatures can put guests of Granada into a stupor. Summer can be incredibly hot, but as soon as the sun hides, the air becomes cool. The proximity of the mountains affects.

The history of Granada explains many, but almost all of the apparent contradictions. The modern territory of the city has been inhabited for a long time. There were both the Romans and the Byzantines, but the territory received a powerful impetus for development with the arrival of the Moors in the 8th century. Here they reigned supreme until the 15th century, when they were ousted by the Spaniards. The whole process of the liberation of the lands of the Iberian Peninsula from the Arab invasion was called the Reconquista in world history. And Granada was the last city to be liberated. It was from here that the Moors were sent off to the sea, and then to Africa. And then they began to rebuild everything available in the city from Arabic to Christianity. Something, for example, the Cathedral, was erected a new one, something was left as it is - after all, 700 years of Moorish history cannot be escaped anywhere - this is how the city's appearance was formed over the centuries.

Today Granada is famous for its palaces and parks, temples and monasteries, cheerful students, delicious tapas, which, by the way, are offered in most establishments with a free bonus to a drink, as well as guitars. Yes, the world famous Andalusian guitars are made here. So now you know what to bring as a gift to friends and relatives.

How to get to Granada

There is no direct connection between Russia and Granada. However, the city has its own airport, which, with the modern development of air transport, makes it easily accessible. Also relatively close are the airports of Malaga - an hour and a half drive - and Seville - two hours drive from Granada.

As mentioned above, there are no direct flights from Russia to Granada, but you can get there with transfers. Many airlines operate flights from Europe. Inside Spain, you can directly reach Granada from Madrid and Barcelona. You can find current offers and compare prices.

Learn more about air travel to Spain.

Also, Granada has its own train station, which means that it can be reached by train from almost anywhere in Spain. And that means Europe. So, purely hypothetical, and from Russia. But this type of travel will suit real fans of trains, since the railway travel in this case will be very long due to the long distances and the large number of transfers.

You can read more about rail travel in Spain.

In addition, Granada has good bus connections with other cities in the country. You can choose a flight on the website www.alsa.es.

Where to stay in Granada

In Granada, as in all of modern Spain, you will not have any problems finding accommodation. But there may be problems with the choice. Because everything is interesting everywhere.

For example, in Granada, one of the palace hotels of the state chain of paradors is presented - Parador de Granada. It is located right on the territory of the Alhambra in the building of a 15th century monastery. The option is ideal, but you can't call it a budget one.

Also in the center, very close to Granada Cathedral, are the Casa de la Lonja and La Alcaiceria apartments.

In the equally central, very cozy and, as they say today, "atmospheric" quarter of Albayzin, take a look at the Oro del Darro Suites complex, the Santa Isabel La Real hotel or the Gumiel apart-hotel overlooking the Alhambra, which are also located in historic buildings. The Turísticos Alhambra also provides rooms with a view, and although they are located in a slightly newer building, they have excellent terraces and a swimming pool.

If you arrived in Granada in transit - for 1-2 days, and then you are going to continue your journey by train, then it would be wise to choose a hotel or apartment near the train station, for example Hotel Granada Center.

More details about hotels in Granada can be found in a separate article "Where to stay in Granada".

How to get around Granada

You can and should move around the center on foot. However, you need to remember that Granada is a city with a difference in heights, so some sights are located on heights, including the Alhambra, as well as the Sacromonte sights somewhat distant from the center and some others. You can get there by bus. Fortunately, the network of this transport envelops the entire city. The Granada city transport website is www.transportesrober.com. Line plan -.

What to see in Granada

Surrounded by greenery all year round and especially beautiful when the orange trees are in bloom, Granada is made for leisurely walks.

The tourist gem of this city is the Alhambra Palace and Park Complex, located on the al-Sabika hill. This is the most famous Moorish palace in all of Spain, which includes several structures erected by representatives of the Nasrid dynasties, the Alcazaba fortress, the Generalife complex (El Generalife), a mosque, barracks, a mint and other buildings richly decorated in the best Arab traditions. The palace and its surrounding areas are inextricably linked with water. A huge number of pools, fountains and canals, both inside the palace and in the surrounding park, combined with magnificent architecture, make the Alhambra a true wonder of the world.

The construction of the complex began already in the 9th century from the birth of Christ. After the completion of the Reconquista, the Spanish king Charles V decides to demolish part of the complex to build his own palace, which differs significantly in its architectural style from the rest of the buildings on the al-Sabik hill. Today it houses the Alhambra Museum (Museo de la Alhambra) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada), which presents works of Granada and not only masters. For example, the work of Alonso Cano.

It should be noted that if you decide, and you most likely decide, to visit the Alhambra, then you need to take care of the tickets in advance. The season is pretty much in advance. You can buy a ticket on the official website of the museum www.alhambra-tickets.es. It should be borne in mind that it will be discharged for a certain time, since visitors are allowed into the complex in doses.

The second most popular attraction in Granada is the Cathedral (Catedral de Granada), the construction of which began immediately after the expulsion of the Moors and symbolized the liberation of the lands of Granada and all of Spain. Its majestic facade was made in the Renaissance architectural style, which was new for that time. It is believed that this is the first building of this architectural type in the country. The cathedral impresses with its rich interior decoration. The cathedral is also attached to the Gothic Royal Chapel, where many monarchs are buried.

Granada is surprising in that its main attractions are not just individual buildings, but entire locations - districts and quarters - with their own special destiny and flavor. For example, travel guides often designate the Albaycín Area as a separate attraction. The quarter is over 700 years old, and sometimes it seems that everything here has remained the same as it was under the Moors. Perhaps, a few Christian churches, cafes and shops were added, but in general, everything is the same as it was before. It is imperative to visit Albaycín to wander the labyrinth of streets among low two-three-story houses, feel the aromas, hear speech and music, admire the main Albaycín mosque and the Arab Baths (El Bañuelo de Granada) - a typical Moorish building with domes and columns, and in general, it's just a little to observe the life of the locals and feel like a part of this world. The impression will be completed by excellent views from the platform - or as they call it "Mirador" - San Nicolas (Mirador San Nicolas).

Another equally famous location is Mount Sacromonte. Here you can see a unique phenomenon - apartments dug in caves, where after the Reconquista the remaining Muslims and exiled Jews lived, and today mainly representatives of the Roma diaspora live. Also on the Sacromonte you can listen to a variety of gypsy flamenco - zambra.

In addition, on the mountain is the Sacromonte Abbey (Abadía del Sacromonte), which includes a museum, church and catacombs. It is believed that Saint Cecilio, the heavenly patron of the city, died at this place. The exposition of the museum includes sculptures, paintings and many more interesting things.

Also do not forget to visit the Carthusian Monastery (Monasterio de la Cartuja) (15-19 century). Despite the fact that it was partially destroyed, most of the monastery rooms, painted by famous Spanish artists, survived, as well as the church in the unique Andalusian Baroque style.

There are also several unique churches in Granada. Many of them are former mosques. During the rebuilding, the Muslim temple was destroyed, and the minarets were rebuilt in the bell towers. These are, for example, the Church of San José (Iglesia de San José), a minaret that dates back to the 11th century, and the Church of Saint Egidius and Saint Anne (Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana), built in the Mudejar style with frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Also of interest are the richly decorated interior and exterior Baroque churches of Granada, for example, the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, which contains many sacred relics brought from Rome, as well as the relics of the Spanish Saint John of God, and the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Iglesia de Santo Domingo) 16th century with amazing frescoes on the facade. In the Middle Ages, the last held meetings of the Inquisition.

Special mention should be made of the museums of Granada. The most famous ones - the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts - were mentioned above. However, there are a couple more interesting places in Granada, for example, the Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada), located in the Casa de Castril with an ornate portal of the 16th century, the House of Shots (Casa de los Tiros) - the Museum of Local Lore, which also displays household items and objects of art of the 19th century, the Museum of the poet and playwright Fredirico García Lorca in the San Vicente estate, and the Parque de Ciencias de Granada, which will be of particular interest to you if you are traveling with kids. The Science Park is an interactive museum with various thematic zones about the human structure, the biosphere, and much, much more. And everything here is not just possible, but absolutely necessary to touch, pull and pick. The park also has its own planetarium.

Where to go from Granada

If you are lucky enough to be in Granada for a long enough amount of time - so long that you have time to explore its many beauties - go to travel around the near and far environs of this beautiful Andalusian city. So, not far from Granada - just over an hour's drive - is comfortably located in the Guadix mountains, famous for its apartments - caves. Also from Granada you can get to the city of churches Antequera.

The mountain resort of Sierra Nevada deserves special attention. 105 beautiful ski slopes are located just 31 km from Granada. The season here lasts from early November to early May. Its center is the town of Pradollano. You can get there by bus or rented car.

Pay attention to the Andalusian beaches, which are within reach of Granada, where, in addition to resort pleasures, there are also attractions. Good options are Almeria with its magnificent fortress, or Nerja, where you can visit some very impressive karst caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

Read more about the beaches of Andalusia.

When choosing a hotel or apartments in Spain in general and in Granada in particular, use not only booking sites, but also price comparison services. We recommend Roomguru.ru.

You should do the same when looking for air tickets. Take a look at Skyscanner.com, for example.

👁 Before you start ... where to book a hotel? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 we pay for a high percentage from hotels!). I have been using Rumguru for a long time
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Granada -the soul of Andalusia and a city of amazing beautyat the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.In the Middle Ages, Granada was the capital of the Moorish kingdom. Mavramarrivingmfromscorched by the sunNorth Africa,the city with its lush vegetation seemed like heaven on earth. As a result of long-term prosperity over several centuries, Granada inherited monuments of Islamic, Jewish and Christian cultures, as well as features of a vibrant gypsy culture, without which this city is already difficult to imagine.

Granada climate

Granada has a continental climate with a tangible Mediterranean influence. From June to the end of September, the air in the sunny city warms up to + 35 ° C, rains are rare. In winter, temperature drops are significant: during the day the air can warm up to +20 ° C, and at night the thermometer shows +2 ° C. In the winter months, the bright sun can give way to cloudy days.

Granada on the map

How to get to Granada

There is an airport 18 km from the city that receives flights from the regions of Spain, as well as international flights from the UK. You can get from the terminal to the city by bus for 4 euros or by taxi for 25 euros. Buses run from the airport about 6 times a day.

Holidays in Granada

Many tourists associate Spain with a beach holiday. And although Granada itself is landlocked, only 60 km away is the popular resort of the province of Granada - Motril... It is part of the coast Costa Tropical and offers all the delights of resort infrastructure: luxury hotels and budget hostels, long sandy beaches, water activities, vibrant nightlife, excellent gastronomy and many historical attractions.

You can also go to the city - a kind of border between the Costa Tropical and the Costa del Sol, popular among tourists. On its 20 km coastline, you can enjoy 25 different beaches - developed and lively or quiet and secluded.

Almuñécar. Photo: grigs.biz

For those who do not consider themselves to be among fans of beach holidays, it is possible not to travel outside Granada and find other entertainments. For example, visit a flamenco show, take a walk with children in city parks where playgrounds and picnic areas are equipped, spend time at the spa, or relax in one of the many nightclubs.

Granada landmarks

One of the most striking places in Granada is the colorful gypsy quarter, located on a hill. Gypsies appeared in the city in the 16th century and left traces of their presence in the form of ancient houses decorated with handmade ceramics. Cave dwellings and several churches with valuable relics have been preserved.

From the Moors, Granada inherited the luxurious gardens of the Generalife, buried in flowers and filled with exotic trees. Not far from the Gardens of Eden is the impressive Alhambra Palace, which has absorbed the features of different cultures. It was founded by Muslims in the 13th century and then contributed by the Spaniards. The palace consists of a large citadel with numerous towers of different times of construction, an area of ​​water bodies, a monumental ensemble of palaces, a medina, mosques and the Alhambra forest. Water plays an important role in the composition of the Alhambra Palace. It runs through bodies of water, fountains and canals, feeding the complex's lush gardens and groves.

There are many colorful neighborhoods in Granada. Among them, the old one, founded by the Moors, stands out. A distinctive feature of the area is dazzling white houses and labyrinths of narrow streets. Along the way, there are colorful churches, cozy traditional restaurants and souvenir shops. Unusual area of ​​Granada - Navas street known as the tapas route. In addition to the abundance of restaurants and bars, it will delight you with picturesque architecture. It is here that you can find out how modern Granada lives.

The main architectural monument of the city is Cathedral, which the Spaniards founded on the site of a mosque. The seemingly modest structure inside impresses with its magnificent decoration. The interior is decorated with carved snow-white columns, gilding and wall paintings by the best Spanish craftsmen. The largest tomb in Spain has joined the cathedral.

Shopping in Granada

As a souvenir from Granada, it is worth bringing a leather bag or purse - local products have been appreciated for several centuries. Original inlaid wood products stand out on store shelves. The tradition of making them dates back to the reign of the Moors. Granada ceramics with green or blue floral patterns are also appreciated.

For branded apparel, electronics, cosmetics and footwear, head to a local mall Corte ingles... Among the dozens of stores represented in it are Adidas, Prada, Boss, Bulgari, Calvin Klein, Dior, Gucci, Levi’s, Michael Kors, Valentino, Wrangler. Fans of colorful bazaars in Granada can visit the market Alcayseria, founded in the distant past by the Moors. On its counters - silk products, leather bags from Morocco, Granada ceramics, jewelry and interesting wooden boxes.

The best restaurants in Granada

The cuisine of Granada has been shaped by the influences of different cultures, no less than the architecture of the city. One of the best restaurants is Entrebrasas- a great place for lovers of meat dishes. On the menu: steaks, grilled meats, Caesar salad, tapas, herb-fried pork and a wide selection of Spanish wines.

Damasqueros- a popular restaurant with international and Spanish cuisine. Here they will prepare seafood and a variety of fish dishes, specialty roasts, steaks, tuna with pumpkin, couscous, gazpacho with Iberico ham, as well as the best Spanish desserts.

Seafood and fish lovers should visit Los Diamantes... Inconspicuous in appearance, this restaurant is loved by the locals. On the menu: langoustines, grilled prawns, several types of fried fish, as well as traditional mushroom and vegetable snacks. El Trillo is another good Mediterranean and local restaurant with vegetarian options, chicken curry, mango salad and seafood on the menu.

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👁 And for tickets - to air sales, as an option. It has been known about him for a long time 🐷. But there is a better search engine - skyscanner - there are more flights, prices are lower! 🔥🔥.
👁 And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip without bothering? Purchase. This is such a thing, which includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money 💰💰.

Granada became the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain and the site of the final triumph of the Reconquista. The Arabian component has become an integral part of the city - shaking with the luxury of the Alhambra, the ancient Generalife gardens and the Moorish quarter of Albaycín. All these objects are included in UNESCO, representing great value for world culture.

Granada is the fiefdom of the Gypsy flamenco, where it can be seen in the original in the cueva caves of the Gypsy region of Sacramonte. It is one of the few Spanish cities that has its own flamenco school.

You can see the beauty of the city right now on this video:

One can note the tendency of the Granada churches to be restrained on the outside and stunningly rich on the inside, like in no other city. The number of sculptures, paintings and rich decoration amazes the most sophisticated tourists to the holy places.

All this splendor is crowned by wondrous nature - picturesque mountains, among which the majestic Granada is located.

How to get to Granada

Air

For residents of Russia, it is most advantageous to get to Granada from neighboring Malaga, where a direct flight from Moscow is provided during the season. The bus (ALSA) travels from Malaga to Granada in just 1.5 hours.

A train

Granada has rail links to almost all major cities in Spain. From Madrid, the train travels for 4 hours, tickets cost from 30 €. From Seville, the train travels for 3.5 hours, tickets cost from 24 €.

Bus

From Madrid (station Estacion Sur) - 5 hours, tickets cost from 19 euros. From Malaga - 1.5 hours, ticket prices from 11 euros.

When to go

Granada is a mountainous city (700 m above sea level), where the weather has its own characteristics - warm clothes are needed in the morning and in the evening, when the sun has not warmed up the air or is already setting. It can be quite hot during the day. However, there is little rainfall and plenty of sunny days.

The best time to visit is spring, when everything is blooming and the air is still fresh enough. In summer, the average temperature is 25 ° C (the maximum rises to 35 ° C), in winter - 6-8 ° C. In winter, it is quite comfortable, especially for ski lovers, because the Sierra Nevada is located nearby. In addition, in winter in February, the day of the patron saint of Granada - Saint Cecilia is celebrated with colorful processions on Mount Sacromonte.

Story

The history of the formation of the city of Granada goes back to the Iberian Turdule tribe, who named the settlement of Iliberri, which was transformed in ancient Roman times into Iiberis. The village of Granata at that time was a suburb where mostly Jews lived.

From 1013 to 1238, Zawi ben Ziri made Granada the capital of the kingdom of the Zirid dynasty, then it was conquered by the Nasrid, who built the Alhambra and ruled until the beginning of 1492. On January 2, 1492, an army of Christian kings entered the city, marking the end of the Reconquista.

In the 17-18 centuries, the city was badly damaged by earthquakes and epidemics. The way out of the crisis began only in the 19th century, which resulted in an economic surge. Many railways were built, trade and the agricultural sector expanded. For a long time Granada was under the dictatorship of Franco, which fell only with his death in 1975.

Granada landmarks

The Alhambra or the Nasrid Palace (Alhambra, transl. From Arabic. "Red") is a magnificent Moorish palace complex on the La Sabica hill, including a palace, towers, ramparts, gardens, artificial reservoirs and fountains. The construction of the Muslim citadel began in 1238, and in 1492 it became the stronghold of the Christian kings. For its beauty and engineering excellence, the Alhambra was nicknamed "the 8th wonder of the world", in 1984 it was added to the UNESCO list.

The most significant objects of the complex are Myrtovy Dvor, Komares Palace, Meshuar and Lion Dvor. The palace of Charles V was built already in 1526 - now there is the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Church of Santa Maria was erected nearby in 1581-1618.

The Generalife Gardens (Generalife in Arabic for "garden of the architect") from the 12th to the 15th century served as a place of seclusion for the emirs. This place of fabulous gardens, palaces and cozy courtyards is the embodiment of a Muslim paradise on Earth. In 1984, the gardens were included in the UNESCO list.

To enter the oldest Moorish gardens in Europe, you first need to go through the New Gardens and the Cypress Alley of 1931. Generalife Alley, Creek Yard, Asekia Yard, Sultan's Yard of Cypresses - all this has captivated the imagination of poets, artists and ordinary tourists for many centuries.

The Cathedral of Granada (Catedral de Granada) of the 16-17th century was erected on the site of a mosque, as a symbol of freedom from the Moors. The grandiose structure has embodied several architectural trends - Gothic, Baroque and Rococo. Inside, the cathedral is even more majestic - 67 meters long, 45 meters high, mighty columns, stained glass windows, valuable canvases and an abundance of gold trimmings.

Capilla Real of the early 16th century is one of the most revered shrines in Spain, designed in the elaborate late Gothic Isabelino style. The monarchs Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon are buried inside. Inside, a huge wrought-iron lattice separating the nave and apse, delightful marble tombstones of monarchs and an altar with sculptures dedicated to the ministry of John the Baptist catches the eye.

Granada became the site of the final victory over the Moors, so the chapel became the burial place for these monarchs, who played a key role in the completion of the Reconquista and wished to rest here.

Madrassah (Madraza de Granada) is a university palace founded in the 14th century by Emir Yusuf I, now serving as the Academy of Fine Arts and owned by the University of Granada. Tourists will find an amazing courtyard, exquisite mosaics and a delightful Moorish wooden ceiling, as well as a fascinating story about the history of the Madrasah.

From the central street Gran Via de Colón we exit to Plaza Isabel la Catolica. In its center stands a sculpture by M. Benluret in 1892, on which Columbus hands over his designs to Queen Isabella.

The 14th century Corral del Carbon is the only surviving Moorish inn in Spain that has become a national monument. During the reign of the emirs, merchants stayed here, and later it served as a coal warehouse, a comedy theater and a guest house.

Moving northeast along Reyes Katolix Street, we find the neat, functioning Church of St. Egidius and St. Anne from the 16th century. Its main entrance with sculptures is especially beautiful, as well as the interior decoration with ancient frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries and a coffered ceiling.

Nearby are the magnificently preserved Arab Baths (El Bañuelo), which lifted the curtain on the life of Granada during the Muslim era. The dome of the central room with star-shaped holes is impressive.

Dal al-Orra (Dar al-Horra in transl. From Arabic. "House of the Queen") of the 15th century - a palace intended for the first wife of Emir Abu al-Hasan Ali. Later, the emir lived here with his second wife, taken from Christian concubines.

The Royal Hospital (Hospital Real) in the early 16th century was an extremely important strategic site after the completion of the Reconquista to treat syphilis patients, then people with mental illness.

The Basilica of St. John of God (Basilica San Juan de Dios) of the 18th century amazes with its architectural splendor in the Andalusian Baroque style. Inside, the basilica is replete with frescoes, sculptures, gold and marble decoration and paintings from the life of St. John of God by the hand of the artist Sarabia. The remains of St. João Cidade Duarte (the worldly name of St. John of God), a visiting Portuguese who organized a hospital and a shelter for the poor, were buried here.

The Monastery of St. Jeronimo (Monasterio de San Jeronimo) is the first Granada monastery, founded in 1492 immediately after the capture of the city by the Catholic monarchs. The austere Gothic building is rich and majestic on the inside - especially the skillful painting of Juan Medina and the main altar in the Renaissance style with relief scenes from the life of Jesus Christ are remembered. The entrance to the monastery church is decorated with a sculpture of Saint Jeronimo, the interpreter of the Scriptures.

The Carthusian Monastery (La Cartuja), located just north of the rest of Granada, is very modest in appearance, but the interior is breathtaking. The inner courtyard with a citrus garden enchants, the sacristy in the most sophisticated Baroque amazes, the collection of paintings on religious themes, in particular on the history of the Cartesian order, is fascinating. Also amazing is the European Baroque chapel with numerous sculptures and paintings.

Set aside half a day to stroll through the Granada citizens' favorite destination, the Arab Quarter of Albaycín (UNESCO). The quarter, located on a hill, lures into cozy streets with Moorish mansions, museums, Arab baths, aqueducts and arches, and there are also observation platforms with magnificent views of the Alhambra and the mountain peaks.

Sacromonte is a picturesque gypsy quarter in the Valparaiso Valley, which can be reached along one of the streets of the Albayzin district. In the cave houses (cuevas) of this area, burning flamenco was born. Cool caves, where passionate dance is performed, have survived to this day - this is the best flamenco show in Spain.

The Science Park is a unique place where all exhibits can and even need to be touched. It will be interesting for children and adults to go on a "journey" through the human body, visit the Optical Hall, the Biosphere Hall and see other themed rooms. You need to spend at least half a day to visit this park, but it's worth it.

Attractions in the vicinity

The Sacromonte Abbey is located in a picturesque area on Mount Sacromonte (translated from Spanish as "holy mountain"), from where you can see an amazing panorama of Granada. The Sacromonte Monastery is covered with amusing legends about enterprising Catholic Arabs who found in local caves the "authentic" relics of St. Cecilius (the first bishop of Granada) and records of martyrs. According to legend, this served as the basis for the construction of a monastery and an abbey, where, among other things, you can visit a museum with the oldest map of Granada and a stove where several martyrs were burnt.

The Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve is located just 40 kilometers from Granada. In winter, it is a magnificent ski resort, which is the southernmost on the continent with comfortable winter temperatures. And in summer, this is incredible space for trekking and cycling routes on very comfortable asphalt roads with different levels of difficulty.

The famous Frederico García Lorca was born in Fuente Vaqueros. This is an original village where you can visit the house of the Spanish poet on Trinidad Street.

Lanjaron is a place with thermal springs, famous for its mineral waters throughout Spain.

The most atmospheric districts of the city are Sacromonte and Albayzin, where you can take stunning photos against the backdrop of whitewashed houses, Moorish mansions and panoramic photos from observation decks. Also, stunning views open up on Mount Sacromonte, where the abbey of the same name is located.

For tourists who intend to visit all the sights of the city, there is a special card - Granada City Pass (price about 30 €). It is valid for 7 days and saves 30% on visits to the Alhambra, the Generalife Gardens, the Granada Cathedral, the Chapel, the monasteries of St. Jerome and the Carthusian Monastery, the Science Park and some museums. In addition, it entitles you to 9 free passes and a daily ticket for a tourist bus.

When planning your visits, remember that the Alhambra is open until 20:00 in the spring and summer period, and until 18:00 the rest of the year.

Shopping

Shopping places are concentrated on the outskirts of Granada Cathedral: Plaza Bib, Plaza Trinidad, Plaza Reyes Catholicos and Plaza Campiglio. There are also large shopping centers where you can buy world brands at substantial discounts.

What to buy:

• Famous brands: Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, etc .;
• Traditional Granada ceramics (Fajalauza) with blue-green ornaments (Bocanegra street);
• Embossed leather accessories and decorative elements (workshop of Munira Mendoza);
• The finest wood inlay using the Arabic technique (Albayzin quarter, Cruz de Arqueros street);
• Wine skins;
• Guitars from local craftsmen;
• Amazing filigree jewelry.

What to do in Granada

10 things to do in Granada:

1. Visit the Arabian fairy tale - the Alhambra palace complex;
2. Hide from the heat of the day in a Muslim paradise - the Generalife gardens;
3. Treat yourself to an unusual remohon salad with a glass of local wine;
4. Take a flamenco lesson in one of the caves in the Sacromonte quarter;
5. Visit the bath-hamam and taste mint tea in one of the Arab restaurants;
6. Make a pilgrimage to Mount Sacromonte for unforgettable views;
7. Embark on an exciting cycling route through the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve;
8. See the grandeur and glory of the Granada Cathedral;
9. Go on a journey through the human body in the Park of Science;
10. Buy Granada ceramics or embossed leather souvenir.

What and where to eat

Sacromont style tortilla - according to legend, on the Day of Saint Cecilia (Feb 1), a fried lamb was stolen and a Sacromont monk made an omelet with the remains of the lamb: brains, testicles and bone marrow. This became the filling for the Granada omelet. This omelet can be enjoyed at the Brinas restaurant on Plaza Bib.

Remojon is an exotic salad with Moorish roots made from dried cod, olives, garlic, oranges and hot peppers.

Desserts in Granada: spicy pumpkin pies (empanadillas), almond biscuits (almendrados), holy bones (wafer rolls), Royal cake, etc.

Where to eat

Traditional Granada food with views of the Alhambra awaits tourists at the Mirador de Moraima restaurant in the Albaycín quarter. Here they prepare a blood pot with apples, cod with almonds, remohon salad, asparagus, Moraima tortilla.

Another popular place is La Oliva restaurant, where you can taste national cuisine and wines. Inexpensive and cozy place - Oliver restaurant with a huge selection of fish dishes, salads, desserts and delicious drinks.

You can visit places with Arabic food, for example, Kasbah Teteria with great prices and excellent cuisine, as well as establishments on Calle Caldereria.

For some of the finest local wines, head to the Kiki Bar, next to the Granada Winery.

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How can you get to Granada: Granada is located at the intersection of the main transport routes of Andalusia (southern Spain), so it can be reached by several means of transport: by plane, train or bus(the information offered by us is indicative in nature, therefore, it should be clarified in each specific case).

BY PLANE VIA MADRID AND BARCELONA AIRPORTS: Granada can be reached by domestic Spanish airlines, Iberia operates 4 daily Madrid-Granada-Madrid flights. If you find and book a ticket in advance on the Internet Madrid-Granada-Madrid or Barcelona-Granada-Barcelona, ​​then its price will be in the range of 30 or 50 euros or even cheaper.

HOW TO GET FROM MADRID TO GRANADA / you have arrived at Madrid Barajas Airport (Tel. Barajas Airport - /.

BY BUS from the Estación Sur de Autobuses bus station:

- take the metro to the “Estación de autobuses” bus station, which is located next to the “Mendez Alvaro” metro station. (The metro fare is 5 euros.)

- take a taxi to the bus station Estación Sur de Autobuses) (approximate fare 35-40 euros).

Granada is located 450 kilometers from Madrid, the bus service is carried out by the company ALSA. Tickets can be purchased at www. alsa. es / portal / site / Alsa or at the bus station. Travel time is 5 hours. The cost of a ticket to Granada (approximately 16 euros one way or 34 euros "round trip").

BY TRAIN : You can get to Granada by train, but, unfortunately, trains to Granada run only 2 times a day (morning and evening); one-way fare from 28.50 to 57 euros; inquiries and purchase on the website www. renfe. es, information by phone -, you can book a ticket by phone -

VIA MALAGA AIRPORT: Malaga is home to the largest international airport "Pablo Picasso" (Costa del Sol International Airport). Keep in mind that Malaga is 120 kilometers from Granada.

HOW TO GET FROM MALAGA TO GRANADA:

When leaving the customs area of ​​the airport "Pablo Picasso" (Costa del Sol International Airport) - the name of the airport in Malaga, (tel. Airport - you must choose one of the following travel options:

A) take a direct bus from the airport to Granada. This bus usually runs twice a day. Please note that you can also buy a ticket from Granada to Malaga Airport. Detailed information is also on the website www. alsa. es / portal / site / Alsa.

- take bus number "A" (fare - 2 euros) to the stop "Estación de Autobuses";

- Take a taxi to the “Estación de Autobuses” bus station.

Then at the box office buy a ticket to Granada (travel time - 1.45-2 hours, ticket price is about 11 euros); departure of buses - every hour, PThe last bus usually leaves at 22.00. Tickets can be purchased at www. alsa. es / portal / site / Alsa or at the bus station.

Of all the cities in Europe, which I had a chance to visit, without a doubt, it left me the strongest impression. What compares to walking along the narrow and charming streets of the old Arab quarter of Albayzin on a quiet May evening, when the air is clean and cool and the locals leave the house to sit on the terrace of a small cafe? What could be tastier than sweet magdalenas buns bought in one of the Granada monasteries using a simple device at the gate of the monastery, which allows you to make a purchase without visual contact between the nun and the customer? What could be more pleasant than communicating with the inhabitants of Granada, who, in their cordiality and goodwill, surpass, perhaps, the inhabitants of any other city in Spain? In my opinion, nothing.

A bit of history

This city was the last stronghold of Muslims in Spain, but even after its capture by Spanish troops in 1492, it retained its unique Arabic flavor. The oriental charm and charm of this place inspired Washington Irving to write the famous "Legends of the Alhambra", and our compatriot Mikhail Svetlov to compose one of the main hits of the 30s of the last century - the songs "Grenada, Grenada, My Grenada!" The English traveler Henry Morton recalled that the "African glow" stands above this city, and "the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada" can be seen in the distance.

You can get to the city center either by taxi (about 25-30 EUR) or by bus no. 245 (3 EUR). The stop is located next to the terminal building, to the right of the exit through which passengers pass from the flights that have just landed. The bus journey to the last stop at the Palais des Congrès (a large convention center south of the city center) takes about 50 minutes. The bus runs every hour and usually arrives right at the time of the plane's arrival. It makes several stops in the city center, including Gran Via de Colon (opposite the cathedral).

By train

In my opinion, traveling to Granada by train has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, I would classify the scenic route along which the train goes, the convenient location of the station practically in the very center of the city (although in my case it was more of a disadvantage, since I lived on the outskirts) and a small shop of Russian products nearby (for those who have an attack of nostalgia will begin on the road).

A serious drawback is the ticket prices, which, as a rule, exceed the cost of the plane (for example, a ticket from Madrid will cost about 60 EUR with a travel time of about 4 hours). There are daily trains connecting Granada with Seville (3.5 hours, about 30 EUR), Almeria (2.5 hours, about 20 EUR) and Barcelona (7 hours, about 80 EUR).

By bus

Most often, I used the intercity buses in order to travel from Granada to one of the surrounding cities. Alsa buses have regular connections to most cities in Spain. Naturally, large settlements in Andalusia are among the most common destinations. For example, there are at least 20 bus routes between Granada and Madrid every day (5 hours on the way, 20 EUR); there are about 15 flights to Seville (3.5 hours, 16-18 EUR), to Cordoba - about 8 per day (3 hours, 15 EUR).

The bus station is located on the outskirts of the city. Walking distance to the center (cathedral) will take about 40 minutes; if you walk away from the station, then most of the way you will move downhill, and in good weather it will be nice to stretch your legs after the bus ride. An alternative is a taxi, the taxi rank of which is located directly in front of the station building. The cost of a trip to the center is 8-10 EUR.

By car

The car is a good alternative to bus travel. located at the intersection of two major motorways: A44 and A92. The first goes from Motril, passes near Granada, and continues to Jaén. On the second you can get to Granada from Antequera or from Guadix. Those on the A92 will have to take the A44 at Huncaril and drive a few kilometers south to reach Granada.

Clue:

Granada - the time is now

Difference in hours:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Restaurant prices depend on the level of the establishment; a business lunch in a decent location in the city center costs between 10 and 15 EUR and includes two courses, a dessert and a drink. Getting around the city by taxi is a convenient way to get from one point to another; a trip to the central part of Granada will cost around 10 EUR.

Clue:

The cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and more

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub

Major attractions. What to see

The main attraction of Granada is the Alhambra, a former Moorish fortress towering over the city. Currently, it is a whole complex of palaces, defensive structures and gardens. You will need a whole day to slowly walk around the entire Alhambra and visit the famous Generalife Gardens adjacent to it. For more information on the Alhambra, see the Museums section.

In the historic center, the Cathedral of Granada and several churches and monasteries from the 16th-17th centuries deserve attention. The former Arab district of Albayzin stands apart - one of the most distinctive places in the city. Despite its Arabic appearance, this part of Granada hides several charming monasteries, some of which you can buy delicious sweets made by nuns (for example, Santa Isabel la Real, at 15 Santa Isabel la Real). I have always been attracted not by the sweets themselves, but by the original mechanism through which the purchase is carried out; its meaning is that the nun saleswoman and the buyer do not see each other.

To save on entrance tickets, I would recommend purchasing the Bono Turístico card, which allows you to visit the main attractions, 1 sightseeing trip on the tourist train and 5 trips on city buses. Bono Turístico can be bought online or at the Corte Inglés shopping center located at Carrera de la Vírgen, 20-22. The cost of the card is EUR 33.50.

Top 5

• Alhambra... An ancient Muslim fortress and palace of the Granada emirs before 1492; later - one of the residences of the Spanish monarchs. A magnificent example of Moorish architecture.
• Generalife Gardens... The park, laid out by the emirs of Granada, adjoins the Alhambra. Most tourists visit the Generalife on the same day as the Alhambra. I would advise you to follow their example, because the Generalife Gardens are a logical continuation of the palace complex in the Alhambra.

• Cathedral... Built in the 16th century. The interior is finished with white marble, as a result of which the cathedral from the inside makes a very light and almost airy impression. In the Royal Chapel, next to the cathedral, are buried Ferdinand and Isabella - one of the most famous rulers of Spain, under whom the liberation of the country from Muslims was completed and the conquest of America began.

• Monastery of San Jeronimo... An example of the Renaissance architecture of the 16th century. Noteworthy is the altar part of the temple and the charming monastery courtyard.

• Sacromonte Abbey... Strictly speaking, it is located outside the city limits. Some of the monastery premises are set up in caves. The village of Sacromonte is renowned for its cave houses, which are an integral part of this Granada suburb.

Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting

You can try the national Spanish cuisine in Granada in most restaurants (except, of course, restaurants of national cuisine in other countries, although even in a Mexican establishment in the center of Granada I have seen people ordering Tortilla Espanyola). Good restaurants are concentrated in the city center; In the unassuming cafes on the outskirts of Granada, you can try tapas, which will be no worse than in the expensive pretentious places in the Gran Vía area. At the same time, not every café on the outskirts offers paella or some gourmet food. In many cheap cafes and bars in Granada, the old custom of throwing dirty napkins on the floor is preserved, as a result of which the appearance of such an institution can scare away a person who is not familiar with Andalusian traditions. Nevertheless, napkins lying on the floor are an indicator of the authenticity and quality of the bar; feel free to go to such a place and order beer and the same tapas as the locals.

If you enjoy cooking yourself, there are numerous supermarkets at your service. In the center of Granada, at Carrera de la Virgen, 20-22, there is a large shopping center Corte Inglés, on the ground floor of which there is a supermarket with a wide range of products (including cheeses, jamon, vegetables and fruit). I always bought spices for cooking from the merchants standing by the wall of the cathedral on Carcel Baja street. A 3-minute walk from them is the Mercado San Agustín, in Plaza de San Agustín.

Granada has a large number of cafes and restaurants, the general features of which I have already described in the Food section. Listing absolutely all the establishments that exist in Granada would require writing an entire encyclopedia. In this section, I will mention only a few noteworthy places.

• Poë, Rue Verónica de la Magdelena 40. Open from 20:00 until closing time (tapas until 00:30). Tapas bar with complimentary wine snacks. The tapas are quite good, but small in size.
• Bella y Bestia. A chain of tapas bars in Granada (for example, on the embankment of the Darro River). Big and tasty tapas, one of the best of its kind. The only drawback is that it can be difficult to find a free table.
• Café Fútbol, ​​Plaza de Mariana Pineda 6. A restaurant renowned for its delicious desserts and sweets.
• La Blanca Paloma, street Reyes Catolicos, 48. Cozy cafe with a large selection of desserts.
• El Aguador, Plaza Romanilla 12. Local cuisine restaurant with a wide selection of dishes. Prices are slightly higher than average in the city (average bill 20-25 EUR). Great service, delicious paella.
• 4 Gatos, Placeta de la Cruz Verde, 6. Small cafe in the Albaycín area. Budget prices, great breakfast spot. Opens in evenings from Wednesday to Saturday only.

Budget

• Dulcimena, calle Molinos, 19.
• La Taberna de Kafka, calle Huete, 2.
• Bakery Street, plaza Romanilla, 5.
• Grazie Mille, calle Gran Capitán, 15.
• La Pajuana, calle Virgen del Rosario, 12.

Middle level

• El Asturiano, calle Jardines, 9.
• Lebowski Bistrot, calle Varela, 11.
• El Mercader, calle Imprenta, 2.
• Legado Andalusi, plaza Bib, 2.
• La Nonna (pizzeria), calle Doctor Fleming, 13.

Expensive

• Alacena de San Nicolás, calle San Nicolás, 3.
• Alvaro Arriaga, avenida de las Ciencias, 2.
• Los Santanderinos, calle Albahaca, 1.
• Damasqueros, calle Damasqueros, 3.
• La Fábula, calle San Antón, 28.

Holidays

Safety. What to watch out for

How to get around the city

Most companies require online car reservations. Another common requirement is the mandatory payment of the rent by credit card (debit cards may not be accepted). To book, you must show your passport, bank card and driver's license.

In addition to the car, you can rent a moped or scooter. There are several companies in the city that provide this type of service (Motorcity Rent, Rent & Move).

If you nevertheless decide to move around the city by car (which, as I already wrote, is not the best solution), remember that a number of streets in the city center are closed to private vehicles (including Gran Vía). Large posters at the entrance to the “restricted area” warn about this. For this reason, you should not unconditionally trust the navigator when laying a route through the center (which I had the "pleasure" to see from my own sad experience). Taxis, buses and people who live or work in the area are eligible to enter Gran Vía, so do not try to follow a car with a Granada license plate in order to find a shorter and more convenient road through the center.

Granada - holidays with children

A trip to Granada will certainly leave an unforgettable experience for children, not to mention the fact that getting to know the main attractions will greatly expand their horizons and help develop an interest in history and art.

Of the places where you can go with children (besides the Alhambra with its Arab fortress), I would mention the Parque de las Ciencias, located on avenida de la Ciencia, s / n. It is a museum that tells about the main achievements of modern science and technology in an entertaining and entertaining way. The Park has a planetarium; various events for children are regularly held. The ticket price is 7 EUR for adults and 6 EUR for children.

In the vicinity of Granada, next to the ski resort in the Sierra Nevada, there is the Hoya de Pedraza botanical garden. It is located on the A395 highway, at an altitude of 1900 meters. It takes about 40 minutes by car from Granada.

Another place designed for children is the water park, which I already wrote about above.

Ski vacation

Located 40 kilometers from Granada, the Sierra Nevada ski resort attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world. You can get to the resort by car. For information on how to get to the resort in the Sierra Nevada, see the section "What to see in the vicinity".

Skiing or snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada is available from late November to April. The resort is located at an altitude of 2 to 3 kilometers. There are trails here not only for beginners (like me), but also for experienced skiers. The disadvantage is that too many people come here on weekends and during the Christmas holidays. The trails are open in March and April, but there is not much snow on them in the spring, so it is better to ski in the Sierra Nevada in the winter.

Ski passes

Ski passes to the ski resort in the Sierra Nevada can be purchased online on the website. If you buy online before the start of the season, you can get a discount.

Prices vary depending on the day you buy your ski pass. An adult lift pass for 1 day costs from 35 to 47 EUR, for a week - from 187 to 258 EUR (prices for the 2016/2017 season). Highest prices on weekends and two weeks after Christmas; the lowest are in the second half of April.

In addition to buying online, you can purchase ski passes in the resort itself, in Pradollano, in the Andalucía square (plaza de Andalucía). Ticket offices are open from 08:30 to 16:30. In addition, ski passes can also be bought at the reception of some of the hotels in the resort.

Trails

The difference in altitude on the ski slopes in the Sierra Nevada is 1200 meters, from 2100 meters above sea level to 3300. There are 124 slopes with a total length of 106 kilometers. Of these trails, 19 are green, 41 are blue, 50 are red, 7 are black and 7 are snowparks. The general direction of the tracks is to the northwest.

Anything to add?