Granada in Spain
Granada, Spain, means “pomegranate” in Spanish. It is said that the city was named this because its shape resembles a pomegranate. Granada is located in the Andalusia region and was once the capital of the last kingdom of the medieval Islamic dynasty. It is also the place where Queen Isabella completed the Reconquista of Spain. The city is about a 4-hour drive from Valencia. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C, while in winter, it can drop below freezing. Therefore, when planning your trip, make sure to carefully consider what clothes to bring. (There are even snow-capped mountains near Granada, so it’s definitely not hot all year round.)
Granada preserves a blend of medieval Islamic and Christian influences. With the view of the Alhambra in the distance and the medieval atmosphere of the city, walking through the streets can feel like stepping back into Spain’s medieval and Renaissance periods.
Parking in Granada for Visitors with Rental Cars
If you are renting a car to visit Granada, there is something very important to keep in mind: external vehicles are not allowed in the old town of Granada. If you drive into the old town with your own car, you may have to pay a hefty fine, so be sure to park your car outside the old town. However, from a traveler’s perspective, finding a suitable parking spot can be tricky.
I used a website to find parking in Granada. You can use this site to search for parking locations at your desired spot. The image above shows the result for two days of parking in Granada, and as you can see, the parking fees are not cheap. As mentioned earlier, external vehicles are strictly prohibited in the city center, so I recommend searching for a parking location in advance and choosing a spot with a reasonable location and price.
This site offers much better prices and many discounts compared to trying to find parking on-site, so I highly recommend using https://parclick.com/.
Visiting and Touring the Alhambra
I believe the highlight of Granada is visiting and touring the Alhambra. To enter the Alhambra Palace, you must book your ticket in advance. Before COVID, reservations for the Alhambra would sometimes be fully booked up to three months in advance. So, make sure to reserve your ticket early.
https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en
The core of the Alhambra is the palace known as “Palacios Nazaries.” Therefore, make sure to book the Alhambra General / Complete Visit option, and take note of the entry time for Palacios Nazaries so you can enter at the right time.
When purchasing the ticket, the time you select is not for entering the Alhambra itself, but for entering Palacios Nazaries. So you should arrive at the Alhambra at least one hour before your reserved time.
Palacios Nazaries of the Alhambra
You can usually enter Palacios Nazaries up to about one hour after your reserved time. Even if you are late, make sure to ask a staff member for help. Also, a passport is required to enter the Alhambra and all its areas. Do not forget to bring your passport!
This Islamic-style palace, filled with incredibly beautiful patterns, was delicate and intricately designed. It was the residence of the king of the Islamic Kingdom of Granada. When this area was later taken by the Spanish army, the Spanish king ordered that it not be destroyed, and that is why it has been preserved to this day. Many Spanish architects who were impressed by this palace later imitated its design.
The Alhambra is still undergoing restoration, including repainting colors that have faded over time. The design of the inner gardens of the Alhambra was also very impressive. Because Granada is a dry and hot region, water is precious. Yet, through medieval technology, water was made to flow continuously, and the gardens and trees arranged around this water were truly beautiful.
If you plan to visit the Alhambra, I suggest setting aside at least 3 to 4 hours. It’s so beautiful that simply sitting in a shaded area and enjoying the atmosphere is a wonderful experience.
Food Culture in Granada
Some restaurants in Granada have a very unique culture. Though inflation is causing it to disappear, many places still maintain this tradition. In particular, restaurants in Andalusia—especially in Granada—will often serve free tapas with every alcoholic drink or beverage ordered.
The drinks are also very affordable, and the fact that you get food with them is something that surprises and satisfies first-time visitors.
Unfortunately, due to inflation, the amount or availability of these free tapas has started to decrease or disappear in some places. So if you’re visiting Granada before inflation settles down, don’t expect every restaurant to serve free tapas automatically. Be sure to check Google Maps and choose a good place in advance.
The restaurant in the photo is one that always has people lining up to eat. Apparently, there’s a separate section where you receive free tapas with drinks. I personally just paid and ordered my food, and it was very tasty.
Flamenco Performance
Flamenco, which originated in Andalusia, can be enjoyed at many venues in Granada. It’s said that Flamenco shows in Granada are among the most affordable in Spain. I booked my ticket through the GetYourGuide app:
The above links show the reservation and location of the Flamenco performance I attended.
I was very satisfied with the experience. If you’re visiting Granada, I definitely recommend seeing a Flamenco show! During the peak moments of the performance, it’s common for audience members to shout “Olé!”—so don’t be surprised if someone does! And of course, you can shout “Olé!” too!
If I had to choose the best travel destination in Spain, I would confidently say Granada. The city itself is incredibly beautiful, full of history, with the breathtaking Alhambra and plenty to see. On top of that, the delicious and affordable food makes everything come together perfectly.
If I get the chance, I would love to visit Granada again. I truly recommend that you go—it’s absolutely worth it!