Posts Tagged ‘Granada’
Granada is one of the only cities in Spain, especially in Andalucia, that does not seem absolutely crazy about football. Although they do have a team, CF Granada, the locals do not show nearly as much interest in Granada as in the rest of Spain. However, there are more than enough other sports to take part in Granada to make up for the lack of football support.
One of the most unique qualities about Granada is its location. Close to the sea as well as the mountains, Granada provides the opportunity to take advantage of land, air, water, and mountain sports. Skiing at the Estación Sierra Nevada is an experience unlike any other, and provides one of the best equipped ski resorts in Spain. With 45 marked runs covering 62 kilometers, there is plenty of variety in difficulty and scenery in this particular part of the Sierra Nevada. Don’t miss out on the chance to have the skiing trip of a lifetime while traveling in Granada.
Trekking and hiking are also very popular in Granada, due to the mountainous terrain. Many college and local clubs sponsor trips to discover the region, and Granada is rumored to be one of the most beautiful places to hike in all of southern Spain. Paragliding, cycling, and camping are also available in this area.
Like the rest of Spain, tennis has long been a popular leisure sport in Granada. However, today there is a new form of ‘tennis’ that is sweeping the nation. Padel is one of the most played sports in the Granada area, and is highly enjoyable, combining squash, racquetball, and tennis in a unique and exciting sport. Granada offers plenty of ways to get active, and year round there is always something to do in this city tucked beneath the Sierra Nevada.
Dating all the way back to 1500-2000 B.C., Granada has quite a long history. After the Romans conquered the entire Iberian Peninsula (what is today Spain and Portugal) and ruled for 3 centuries, the Visigoths took over the city. During their reign, the town began to increase in size and importance, Christianity began to gain popularity, and Granada became an important military station.
For 200 years, the Visigoths ruled over Granada, until the town was taken over by the Arabs. During this time the great fortress and palace of the Alhambra and Generalife was built, as well as other important monuments of the city. The Arabs ruled peacefully until 1492, when Ferdinand and Isabel conquered the city and converted it to Christianity.
Although originally the Muslim origins of the city were respected, in 1499 the bishop declared that all Muslims in Granada must be baptized and converted to Christianity. This caused great turmoil throughout the city, and many Muslims continued to practice in secret.
In 1531, the University of Granada was founded by Carlos V, becoming one of the most prominent universities in Spain. The University and the city have only gained popularity since, and today Granada serves as a tourist attraction, a hub for students studying at the University, and a great place to live or visit.
One of the most popular aspects of Granada is the free tapas. No other city in Spain offers free tapas with the purchase of a drink, and the tapas in Granada are both generous and delicious. With the purchase of 2 or 3 drinks, you can eat dinner for very little money, and your night will begin in a fun, relaxed way. To start the night, most people choose a tapas bar and go have a few drinks and snacks before heading out for the night. Most bars don’t open until 20:30 or so, and therefore close their doors around midnight.
After satisfying your dinner needs, you have many options for what to do next. Close to Plaza Nueva is a street lined with Arabic teahouses, shops, and vendors. Stepping onto Calle Calderería Nueva is like stepping into a different country, with the incense, teapots, hookah bars, and brightly colored fabrics for sale. For a relaxing evening, choose any of the teterías (tea shops) along the road, order a pot of tea, some Arabic desserts, and smoke some hookah until the early hours of the morning. These little cafés are a great place to chat with friends and relax, instead of a crazy night on the town.
For a different type of relaxation, head to the Arab Hammam Baths in Calle Santa Ana, or any of the other bath houses scattered throughout the city. With 90 minutes soaking in baths of cold, warm, and hot waters, plus the use of a steam room, free calming tea, and a short relaxing message, your tension will fade away. Dating back to the times of the Romans and Moors, these baths have long been a pastime of people throughout Andalucia, and the decor alone is worth the money.
Another option is to start the evening with a typical Andalucian pastime and attend a flamenco show. A wide variety of shows are offered throughout the city, and the most popular destination is the hill of El Sacromonte on the northern edge of the city. Located in the former gypsy caves, El Sacromonte is now one of the most ‘touristy’ places to see flamenco, but the music and dancing is still as authentic as it was centuries ago.
While these options are both relaxing and cultural, the true Granada nightlife lies in the plentitude of bars and clubs all through the city. Mae West, a 5 floor nightclub which charges a £10 entry fee, gives you two ‘copas’ (mixed drinks) with the entry. Each room in the club has a different theme and different music playing, giving you plenty of options to dance the night away. Granada 10 is another dance club, frequented by a younger crowd, and the line outside forms early in the evening. For a cheap drink, head to the Chupitería on Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcón and select a shot from one of more than 100 options. No matter where you go, or what you do, in Granada a good time is to be had by all!
