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| | Andalusia | |||
| Granada | |||
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Granada has been a favorite port since the Phoenicians started coming here thousands of years ago. Some say it was founded by Hercules’ daughter, Granata. For centuries this was the capital of Moorish Andalusia and it shows everywhere. Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Castile (who also financed Columbus) united Christian Spain to drive the Moors out and took over the city in that banner year, 1492. Granada is a "must see" on your travels through Spain with kids. |
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The Alhambra | ||
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Granada day trips | ||
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Visit a guitar maker – The area around Granada is home to some of the world’s best guitar makers, and there are dozens in the city. At some shops, kids can watch crafts people at work. | ||
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Royal Chapel at the Cathedral – King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabel are entombed in the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real). You’re first
greeted by a painting of the last Moorish King, Boabdil, giving the key
of Granada to Ferdinand and Isabel, who unified Spain in the 15th century. The tombs are made of Italian
marble and the faces of the King and Queen were based on death masks, so
you’re really seeing what they looked like (unusual for monarchs…)
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| The chapel is also a museum of things related to the capture
of Granada and the conquest of the Americas. Isabel also amassed a collection
of hundreds of great art – but Napoleon stole almost all of it. What’s left
is still impressive, with work of Spanish, Italian and Flemish masters.
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Walk to the gypsy quarter in Sacramonte for flamenco – Plan to take a leisurely stroll along the Darro River, where you’ll find inviting places to stop for a snack or shopping. This is a great way to really get the “feel” of Granada at a pace that even small kids can handle. At Sacramonte the gypsies have been living in caves for 600 years. You don’t have to buy a ticket ahead of time – just scout out the “tablao” (caves that offer flamenco shows) until you find one that seems right for you. Be sure to find one that’s wider than narrow – it’s especially important for children who might otherwise have their view blocked. | ||
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Take Flamenco lessons – After you've toured the gypsy caves you may all find yourselves unconsciously tossing your hair back wildly and wishing you knew the graceful hand motions and staccato feet rhythms of Flamenco. Well, why not? If you'll be in the area for a few days, ask about taking beginners lessons – not too expensive and a great way to make up for missed dance classes or soccer practices. | ||
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Experience a Moroccan tea room – Stroll through el Albacin, the ancient, cobbled Arabic quarter and stop in one of the Moroccan “teterias” (tea rooms) for a taste of something different. You can also tour some of the mansions here, where families can claim ancestry to the Moors who once ruled the area. The Iglesia de San Nicolas here has a great view of the Alhambra and Granada below, especially beautiful at sunset. | ||
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Go to the market – In La Plaza Larga (a medieval square) you’ll find the local market place. It’s a great spot to stop for some local fruit, or kids can browse around for a small souvenir. | ||
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Have your fortune told – Right in the shadows of Granada’s Cathedral, the gypsy women will read your palm for a few pesetas. You will need to speak Spanish if you want to have some clue about the future. |
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Fun food – |
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In the Plaza Nueva, Plaza Larga, and Plaza de Los Tristes you can enjoy fresh fish in cafes where you sit at open air tables on the plaza. You’ll also find vegetarian restaurants, restaurants that feature African food (where you may sit on cushions on the floor), or stop for appetizers (called “tapas” here) at any bodega. |
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Among the local favorites are a dozen different omelettes (called “tortillas” but don’t confuse them with the flat Mexican corn or flour tortilla). A cautionary word: the famously spicy “Sacramonte tortilla” is made with organ meat. |
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Licorice is a great candy treat. For dessert, try the "piononos de Santa Fe" – Granada’s favorite cake. And fruits, sweet sun-ripened cherries and oranges and almonds. |
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Shopping – |
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This is one of the best places on earth to buy a true Spanish guitar – and the craftsmanship that goes into guitars is found in a dozen other crafts. Marquetry, the art of creating images with inlaid woods (using different species for shades), ivory, or shells, is a Moorish art conserved in Granada for centuries. The same detail is found in enameled pieces and embossed leather made here. If you love silk weavings and lace, you’ll find gorgeous mantillas and scarves here: Granada was one of Europe’s connections to the silk trade since the 12th century. |
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Just arrived or only spending a few days in Granada? Get oriented and ride around the city in a hop on – hop off bus. 10+ stops around the city, including the Alhambra, Cathedral, and more. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you can board the double-decker bus anywhere on the route, stops are marked on the streets: |
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Granada Hop On Hop Off Bus |
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