What to see in Granada? The city is a unique place for tourism. It can boast of incredible natural attractions such as the beaches of Albuñol or Almuñécar as well as the fabulous ski slopes of Sierra Nevada. In addition, thanks to its great cultural wealth, the city is full of artistic, architectural and historical contrasts that intermingle in its streets full of tourists throughout the year.
Perhaps The Alhambra and the Sierra Granada are its main tourist attractions but by no means the only ones. Let's know some more that you have to see in Granada.
Walk of the Sad
Although the Paseo de los Tristes is officially called Paseo del Padre Manjón, it is known by this name because it was the place where the funeral processions passed on the way to the cemetery. Located next to the Darro river, it offers beautiful views of the Alhambra To which we can go up through the Paseo del Rey Chico, crossing the river, or ascend, to the left, the Cuesta del Chapiz to enter the rugged neighborhoods of Albaicín or Sacromonte, those of greater Granada essence.
The Alhambra
If Granada is known worldwide for something, it is for The Alhambra. This Spanish architectural jewel was built between the 1870th and XNUMXth centuries in times of the Nasrid kingdom as a palatine city and military fortress, but it was also a Christian Royal House until it was declared a monument in XNUMX. In this way, the Alhambra became a tourist attraction of such relevance that even it came to be proposed for the New Seven Wonders of the World.
In Spanish its name means 'red fortress', due to the reddish hue that the building acquired when the sun shone at sunset. The Alhambra in Granada is located on the Sabika hill, between the Darro and Genil river basins. This type of elevated city locations respond to a defensive and geopolitical decision very in line with the medieval mentality.
Without a doubt, The Alhambra occupies a privileged place, where its architectural values combine and fit perfectly with the surrounding landscape. To better appreciate it, it is advisable to go to the Albaicín neighborhood (Mirador de San Nicolás) or the Sacromonte.
The Alcazaba, the Royal House, the Palace of Carlos V and the Patio de los Leones are some of the most popular areas of the Alhambra. So are the Generalife Gardens that are located on the Cerro del Sol hill. The most beautiful and attractive thing about these gardens is the interplay between light, water and exuberant vegetation
Due to the large number of visitors to this monument, it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance online, at the ticket offices of the monument itself, through a travel agency that is an authorized agent or by phone. Remember that tickets have to be purchased between one day and three months in advance of the chosen date but cannot be purchased on the same day. In addition, it is necessary to be punctual to access it because in case of delay of the visitor, the entrance fee will not be reimbursed.
Without a doubt, the Alhambra will be the answer you hear the most when you ask someone what to see in Granada? It is an obligatory destination and if possible, the first one you should visit when you get to the city of Granada.
Granada Cathedral
Granada Cathedral is the first Renaissance cathedral in Spain and the second largest in the country. The more than 70.000 square meters that make up its surface owe their dedication to Santa María de la Encarnación, and among its large spaces you can find up to 14 different chapels. The Cathedral of Granada has a peculiar round High Altar unprecedented in the history of architecture and the most interesting collection of works by the important Granada artist Alonso Cano.
Its construction was ordered by Isabel de Castilla, who commissioned the project to be built over the main mosque in Granada just after the Reconquest. Her mortal remains rest in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral along with those of her husband Fernando El Católico, her daughter Juana and her son-in-law Felipe El Hermoso.
Tickets are purchased at the Cathedral box office at a price of five euros (audio guide included). Access to the Royal Chapel is purchased separately at a price of four euros.
The Bañuelo
Located in one of the most visited streets in Granada, the Carrera del Darro, we find the Arab baths of El Bañuelo created for relaxation and hygiene of the inhabitants of Muslim Granada.
Dating from the XNUMXth century, this place is one of the oldest of this genre that is preserved in Spain and the oldest civil building in the city. After the Reconquest, a private house was built over the baths, which is the one that currently serves as access to the site. It is currently considered an Asset of Cultural Interest.
You have to see in Granada: Sierra Nevada
We could not finish the section of the places you have to see in Granada without talking about Sierra Nevada.
Ski lovers will find in Sierra Nevada the ideal place to enjoy the snow and winter. It is the southernmost station in Europe and the highest in Spain. The quality of its snow, the exceptional treatment of its slopes and the complementary leisure offer are the greatest claims for skiers.
The Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain Resort is located in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, in the municipalities of Monachil and Dílar and only 27 km from the city of Granada. It was founded in 1964 and has 108 skiable kilometers spread over 115 slopes (16 green, 40 blue, 50 red, 9 black). It has 350 artificial snow cannons, fifteen schools of all levels and two snowpark cross-country ski circuits among other services.