My arrival to Federico García Lorca airport near Granada was around mid-day after flying via Madrid from the US. It is a small airport that is about 20 minutes from Granada proper and while you can take a bus into town the quickest and easiest is a taxi. As usual, I was exhausted from being up on the all night flight yet excited to see a new city.

Getting Situated

Dropped off at our hotel Hesperia Granada Centro, I quickly stashed my bags in the room, splashed water on my face and began exploring the city. For many, the big attraction of Granada is the Alhambra (see separate post) but the city itself also has many gems and is small enough to invite relaxing too. I tend to be a worried traveler where I “worry” I am going to miss something, so I zip from one noted attraction to the other and never really kick back and just relax. Grenada allows you time to do both!

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Setting out from my hotel, I quickly explore the city laid out before me without any preset agenda. Just around the corner is Granada’s City Hall and beyond are restaurants festooned with al fresco dining in the city square. Like many places is Spain, tapas abound. In Granada, I found a free tapas is usually presented when a round of drinks is purchased, however, you can also order your own choice for a small fee.

The Cathedral of Grenada

While Grenada has many churches and a few cathedrals, the best known is the Cathedral of Grenada. Work on the church began in 1523 and continued until 1704. Inside, the renaissance style cathedral resplendent with amazing paintings, statues, and the elaborate decoration for momentous pipe organ. Additionally, there is a slightly American connection here in the Cathedral. It is the burial site for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who financed Christopher Columbus’ trips to the new world. I think the admission cost is free or only is a nominal fee and the views are well worth it.

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Bustling City

Like all cities, residents simply live life day-to-day with business transacted. However, if you look, you can find beauty that many take for granted. Fountains, cityscapes and life can be just a pretty as edifices to man’s achievements. Here are a few pictures I captured walking through the city.

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Grabbing Dinner

When in a foreign city I try to ask for a good recommendation. All along the main old town street of Granada, Calle de Reyos Catolicos, was restaurants that served the tourists with a myriad of Tapas offerings that was the exact same as each other and all offering mediocre food to the masses. I had the pleasure of eating with some Spanish colleagues at a restaurant near our hotel that was likely one of the 10 best meals I have ever had. I, along with a work colleague, had met up with friends from England and from Sweden. We surveyed the typical fare and it was found lacking at the touristy restaurant bunch, so I suggested Puerta del Carmen for another fabulous meal. We weren’t disappointed, and I would be happy to return anytime.

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The alarm at 5:00 am was all too rude, but packed for the long journey home, my visit to Granada was unfortunately over. Time to connect the dots with our flights back to the US. Granada was wonderful place to visit and I highly recommend it. A bit off the usual tourist path, but if going strictly for pleasure I would try to couple it with a swing through Gibraltar and Seville. After writing this, I am ready to dust off my limited Spanish and break out the passport. Hope you enjoyed the post and happy to get your feedback.