About Granada
The city
Granada is the capital city of the province of the same name, located in southeastern Spain between the shores of the Mediterranean and the Andalusian hinterland. The city is located at the foot of Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range of the Iberian peninsula. With more than a thousand years of recorded history, Granada enjoys one of Spain's most important cultural and architectural patrimonies. Besides the Alhambra, the world renowned palaces and fortresses of the Nasrid dynasty, and the historical Moorish Albaicín quarter, both designated as World Heritage by the UNESCO, Granada boasts a Renaissance cathedral dating from the 16th century and many other architectural monuments of the first magnitude.
Culture
Granada is the city of Poet García Lorca, a city "open all year round". No matter when one chooses to visit, there are always activities to enjoy. Among the most well-known events you can find: The Music and Dance International Festival, the Jazz Festival, the Magic Festival Hocus Pocus, the Tango Festival, besides the complete cultural programme of the city. Among its most important fiestas we can find the Holy Week, declared as "Feast of International Tourist Interest", the Corpus Christi or the Día de la Cruz (May Cross Day)
Art and tradition
One of the most important quarters in Granada is Sacromonte, where the artist gypsy community is mainly placed. It is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of the city, full of typical, whitewashed caves, where sound strumming guitars, cantes and "quejíos", so that over time has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Granada. There are several tablaos or cuevas (caves) where excellent flamenco shows are performed every night. Many famous singers, guitarist and dancers were born in this quarter.
Its people
It is not an exaggeration to best define Granada as "University City", the city that never sleeps. The University is one of the economic engines along with tourism in Granada. Furthermore our city is one of the most chosen ones by foreign students to learn Spanish. People from Granada are outgoing and friendly.
Its food
The gastronomy of Granada and Andalusia is rich and diverse. There is no doubt that it is on its own a reason to visit the city. Granada has a large number of restaurants and bars where one can taste succulent dishes, among we can find: migas, remojón, habas con jamón (beans and ham), Sacromonte omelet, gazpacho.
Furthermore, Granada is home of the "arte del tapeo" or "tapas art". With your drink you will receive a free piece of its cuisine. The most famous Tapas areas are: Albaicín, Campo del Príncipe, Realejo, Plaza de Toros y Zona Centro.
Its monuments
Granada is a monumental city whose diversity of styles gives it a real personality. Besides the worldwide known Alhambra, don't forget to visit: the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, the Monastery of la Cartuja, the Monastery of San Jerónimo, the Science Park Museum as well as the different museums and gardens. But, if there is something that makes the visitors fall in love with the city, it is its corners. Take this information into account. It would be a pity if you come back home having missed the beauties of the city.
Its history
The city of Granada was founded by the Romans under the name of Illibris. Later, after the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by the Muslims in the 8th century B. C., the city received its current name: Granada. The Catholic Monarchs conquered the city in 1492 finishing the Reconquista or Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During the siege of the city, Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbs and granted him the means in order to embark on his trip to the West Indies.
Mountain and beach
Granada is close to Sierra Nevada Natural Park and Ski Station (50 Km), where the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1996 were held. There, the tourists can practice many high mountain sports (such as skying, trekking, canyoning or paragliding). In addition, the coast (and beach) is also quite close (70 Km), where a number of sea sports can be played (such as scuba diving, snorkel or water skying), or where the tourist can relax in the beach, and try excellent seafood.
La Alpujarra
Is a region which is extended through a big part of Sierra Nevada (a part is in the province of Almería). It is mainly composed by hundreds of picturesque villages painted in white and placed in a wonderful natural mountainous environment.
This is a gallery showing its wonders.
