Introduction:

At slightly over 2,200 feet above sea level, Granada’s climate is extremely temperate and enjoyable year round. During the winter months, temperatures range from average highs of 54ºF to average lows of 36ºF. By the time spring arrives, temperatures climb to average highs in the mid 60s to lows in the upper 40s. Summer delivers sunny days and plenty of humidity. In the summer months, average highs of 87 are typical, while nights drop nicely to the mid-60s. Fall is one of the nicest times to visit Granada. The days cool down to an average of 70ºF and the nights average 50ºF. Due to Granada’s prime location, visitors can sunbathe on the beach during the day and then partake in some night skiing. The coastal areas of Spain and the Sierra Nevada range are both within an hour’s drive. 

History:

Located in the southern portion of Spain’s Andalusian region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range, Granada’s history is as rich as its scenery. Occupied throughout history by the Romans, Barbarians, Muslims (Moors), Napoleonic army, and Christians, the religious culture remains strong today. The name Granada is believed to have originated either from the Moorish term Gharnatha (meaning hill of strangers) or from the pomegranate, a succulent fruit abundant in Granada. Muslim people eventually lost control of the region and Granada became dominated by Christian monarchs.

Site Seeing:

While Spanish is the primary language in Granada, many tourist attractions and shop owners do speak English. It is advisable to bring a Spanish/English dictionary just in case. Sightseers will need to plan to visit five key areas in Granada. Start by visiting Plaza Nueva, an outdoor shopping complex where unique boutiques line the streets and outdoor cafes can be found throughout. Throughout your visit, it is advisable to enjoy the fine architecture of the area’s numerous monasteries, churches, and convents. No visit to Granada is complete until you have visited Alhambra Palace, the Muslim/Moors citadel and royal palace. Called the “Red Castle,” Alhambra Palace is an easy walk from the city centre. Alhambra Palace offers a once-in-a-lifetime peek into the exquisite architecture, stunning gardens, and beautiful water features. Tourists can learn more about the history of the area while enjoying the tranquility that lies within the palace walls. The Albaycín is the area adorned with amazing houses and cobble streets in which wealthy Arabs once lived. North of the Darro River, the Albaycín sits opposite Alhambra. Pottery shops line the cobble streets beckoning tourists to view and possibly purchase the traditional pristine white and royal blue Granadina pottery. They are beautiful reminders of your time spent in Granada. Granada is a city with a strong religious history, and much of the Christian history is found in the Old Quarter. Start with Granada Cathedral and become mesmerised by the stained glass, original artwork by Alonso Cano, and tremendous architecture. Move on to the shopping district where arts and crafts can be found in many boutiques. Granadina craftsmen demonstrate incredible skill with leather, wood, pottery, glass, and precious metals. As Granada is a busy college town, the Realejo is both the original Jewish community and home to many of the local university’s students. In the 1400’s, Christians came into Granada and Jewish settlements were destroyed. Campo del Príncipe is a huge plaza originally built for Prince Juan’s wedding. Now the plaza contains numerous taverns and eateries. Tapas (appetizers) and beverages are typical fare found in the busy Campo del Principe. Perhaps the most unique area of all, Sacromonte was once home to Granada’s numerous gypsies. The gypsies constructed elaborate homes from caves that were built into the hillside. When flooding threatened the gypsies’ homes, they were moved to low-income housing. The caves that remained were repaired and turned into specialty art shops and flamenco venues. Today, the caves are major tourist attractions and should be added to your itinerary.

Industry:

Granada’s principle industry is agriculture. The surrounding area is extremely fertile and cereals are the dominant crop. While grains are easy to grow and sell, tobacco and sugar cane following close behind. Granada’s main industries are related to agriculture, many area businesses involve drying and treating tobacco, running grain mills, and sugar refineries. Manufacturing businesses are abundant in Granada city with focus on soap making, linens, paper, and liqueurs. The area is prime for growing pomegranates, figs, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, and almonds. With a wide variety of fresh nuts, fruits, and vegetables, it comes as no surprise that Granada’s culinary options are diverse and delectable. Because Granada is close to the ocean, fresh seafood is abundant.

Gastronomy:

A wide array of restaurants can be found throughout Granada City. Arabic restaurants offer exquisite Middle Eastern fare ranging from seafood to vegetarian dishes. Many seafood restaurants abound, and it is worth the wait to dine on delicately marinated monkfish and fresh calamari. For the less adventurous, there are many sandwich shops and ice cream parlours. Tapas are offered in many local dining establishments. Tapas are light snacks that come free when you order beer, wine, or other alcoholic drinks. Tapas offerings change daily. Common tapas dishes include garlic-simmered prawns, Chorizo sausages simmered in wine, or aioli plates of breads and the creamy garlic spread. Visitors to Granada should ensure that they indulge in of the area’s amazing Moroccan teashops. In dimly lit, plush surroundings, patrons indulge in a wide variety of Moroccan pastries and exotic tea blends. These teashops will leave you craving more.

Nightlife:

For the young adult crowd, nights in Granada often begin by participating in a botellones, where large groups indulge in a few drinks in the open areas and plazas and then proceed inside to the area’s best dance clubs. The Spanish government is trying to put an end to these congestive events, so enjoy them for as long as you can.  Granada 10 is one of the city’s hottest nightspots. Before midnight, Granada 10’s relaxing atmosphere draws in the crowds. Movies and drinks can be enjoyed. The real action starts at midnight when the dance club opens. Loud dance rhythms permeate the air while immense dance floors quickly fill up. Granada 10 does have a dress code. Casual attire is not allowed. Cambodio is located in Sacromonte’s cave area. The dance club does not have a dress code, though the fancy décor will make casual wear stand out like a sore thumb. There is a cover charge, but it is well worth every penny. The dance club fills two floors and offers great music and super dance floors.

Summary:

With so much to do and see, Granada should be top of your list when planning a Spanish vacation. You should plan to carry a passport or photo identification card to ensure a pleasant and unforgettable trip! Once you arrive, you may well find that you never want to leave.

Useful Business Links for Granada:

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