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TOURISM

Six great reasons to visit Granada (besides the Alhambra)

Most visitors are initially drawn to this wonderful city with the promise of a tour around the Alhambra, the hilltop complex of gardens, palaces and fortifications. But there's so much more to see and do in Granada.

Granada's La Alhambra palace and fortress complex is spectacular, but there's lots more to enjoy in this historic Andalusian city. Photo:  Dimitry B/Unsplash
Granada's La Alhambra palace and fortress complex is spectacular, but there's lots more to enjoy in this historic Andalusian city. Photo: Dimitry B/Unsplash

But don’t let that be your only stop in a city that offers so many more delights.

With its backdrop of the snow topped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, its worth spending a few days discovering the Andalusian city that was the last bastion of the Islamic caliphate in Spain, finally being conquered in 1492.

Here Devour Tours gives The Local its top tips for a visit to the Granada.

Enjoy a sunset at the Mirador de San Nicolás

The view from the Mirador de San Nicolas is one of the most beautiful and memorable in all of Andalusia. Photo: Devour Tours

Visiting the Mirador de San Nicolás is a must on any list of things to do in Granada. Popular with students from the University of Granada and tourists alike, this lookout is often crowded, but well worth the visit. If you’re lucky you may stumble an impromptu flamenco performance in the square from local gypsies – the perfect soundtrack as you take in the exceptional views of Granada’s most treasured monument. If you don’t mind the crowds, this spot also provides one of the best sunsets in all of Spain. 

Shop till you drop on the Alcaiceria

Don’t be intimidated by the hustle and bustle of the Alcaicería, there are beautiful gems to be discovered there! Photo: Devour Tours

The Alcaicería is Granada’s Grand Bazaar and with such vibrant colors lining the street, it’s like being transported to northern Africa! In the 15th century, a series of streets full of shops made up the original Alcaicería.

It burned down in the 19th century and, since being rebuilt, only one section of the original remains. Many of the shops sell souvenirs. If you’re interested in Granada’s regional fajalauza ceramics, this is one place to look.

While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the nearby Plaza Bib-Rambla. It’s a great place to sit down and have a drink or a bite to eat as you watch the world go by.

Explore the Albayzín neighbourhood

The narrow streets of the iconic Albayzín neighborhood in Granada always lead to special corners of beauty. Photo: Devour Tours

Narrow, maze-like streets from the days before cars make up this neighborhood, one of the must-see parts of Granada. 

Plan in some time to explore the area before or after your visit to the famous lookout. Ditch your map and soak up the ambiance as you wander the streets.

The Albayzín is home to the Mirador de San Nicolás., built on a hill in front of the Alhambra, so you will be treated to peeks of the monument around every corner. Sit down in one of the charming plazas to enjoy a drink, or just roam and see where you end up!

See flamenco in a cave in Sacromonte


Seeing the passion and power of an authentic flamenco show in a cave in Sacromonte is not something you’ll soon forget. Photo: Devour Tours

Sacromonte is one of the most fascinating areas in Granada, with a rich folklore and powerful gypsy connection.

This special quarter features “cave houses” built directly into the hills, and it’s here where you can see some of the most spectacular flamenco in Granada.

READ ALSO: Malafollá – Why are people from the Spanish city of Granada so moody?

Head up earlier in the evening to catch amazing views of the Alhambra at sunset before heading to the show.

However, what was once a hidden gem is now one of the most popular places to see flamenco in Granada, so unfortunately, some of the caves have gotten a reputation as being quite touristy. Head to Zambra María la Canastera (Camino del Sacromonte, 89) to experience the real thing.

Visit the often forgotten about Cathedral

Whether you are an architecture buff or not, Granada’s Cathedral is not to be missed – simply stunning. Photo: Devour Tours

When it comes to architectural marvels in Granada, people of course immediately think of the Alhambra Palace. However, did you know that the city is also home to a Renaissance masterpiece?

Many cathedrals throughout Spain were built in Gothic style, but given the prolonged presence of the Moors in Granada, until 1492, by the time the Cathedral in Granada was being built, the country had progressed to a more Renaissance style of architecture.

This unique building’s Royal Chapel is also home to the remains of Spain’s iconic Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Conquerors of the Moors in 1492, unifiers of the kingdoms of Spain and financial investors in the voyages of Christopher Columbus, with such an impressive legacy are you going to miss the chance to see their resting place?

Experience the famous, authentic tapas scene in the city


There are a number of touristy establishments in Granada, breeze past them and into authentic gems on one of our food tours. Photo: Devour Tours

Tapas are an integral part of Granada’s culture, and no visit to the city would be complete without an authentic tapeo through the city’s windy streets.

However, with so many tapas bars to choose from in, it can be a little overwhelming trying to choose which ones to eat in. And as visitors, sometimes it’s especially hard to know which places are the real deal.

Avoid the tourist traps and step into Granada’s most authentic bars and restaurants when you join us on a foodie adventure with Devour Granada Food Tours. You’ll eat your way around Granada like a local and create unforgettable (and delicious!) memories of Spain’s most famous tapas scene!

READ MORE: Top ten ultimate pintxos to devour in San Sebastián

Devour Tours was founded by Spanish food lovers as a way to connect hungry travellers with the local, family run businesses that make amazing food. Offering award-winning fun and delicious food tours and tapas tours in Malaga, Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. Follow them on InstagramPinterestFacebook and Twitter for Spanish food news, tips and recipes.

 
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TRAVEL NEWS

Which flights will be affected by Spain’s airport strikes over Easter?

If you've got a flight booked to or from Valencia or Madrid-Barajas airport over Easter, industrial action by staff could delay your journey or even lead to it being cancelled.

Which flights will be affected by Spain's airport strikes over Easter?

Airport staff in Valencia and Madrid are going on strike over key Easter dates, meaning that as many as a thousand flights could be delayed or cancelled during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Semana Santa celebrations have already been disrupted by rain this year, causing the cancellation of processions across the country, but travel during the busy Easter period is also set to be affected by strike action at two of Spain’s major airports.

At Valencia Manises airport, one of the busiest airports in Spain which welcomed almost 10 million passengers in 2023, flights could be affected over the entire Easter weekend (Thursday March 28th-Monday April 1st inclusive) because workers will walk out between 11am-13am on each day.

At Madrid-Barajas airport, the UGT union has called a strike for Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th March between 7am-12pm.

READ ALSO: Spain’s Valencia set for airport strike over Easter holidays

The walkout at Valencia begins today, March 28th. According to the live departures board provided by Aena, Spain’s national airport operator, which you can follow here, as of 9.30am flights are leaving the airport with minor delays of up to 40 minutes, though this is before the strike officially begins at 11am.

Aena live departures for Madrid-Barajas show that some flights have left with delays of up to 45 minutes this morning, though it is worth noting that staff are not officially on strike there today (walkouts in Madrid are Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th March between 7am-12pm) which could suggest a knock-on effect from yesterday’s strike action.

The industrial action comes during not only during Easter celebrations but operación salida, an intensely busy travel period during which millions of Spaniards travel home or go on holiday for Semana Santa.

READ ALSO: Strike action at Spanish airports set to disrupt Easter travel

Staff at Madrid-Barajas are striking for better pay and a new collective bargaining agreement, arguing their salaries have declined in real terms due to inflation, and employees at Valencia Manises are protesting against long working hours and a lack of staff, plus a dispute with regards to overtime pay.

Spanish media reports suggest that up to 1000 flights could be cancelled as a result of the walkouts. On Wednesday 27th, there was also ‘chaos’ at Palma de Mallorca airport, according to Spanish media, with long queues at security controls meaning it took many passengers an hour to get to their departure gate.

Which flights will be affected by Spain’s airport strikes over Easter?

Knowing exactly which flights could be affected, however, isn’t entirely clear. There seems to be certain airlines and routes more likely to be affected than others.

Madrid-Barajas

It is still unclear exactly which flights could be affected at Madrid-Barajas, so it is advisable to check with your airline. You can check the airport schedule on the Aena website here.

On Wednesday 27th March, the day the strike began in Madrid, both short and long-haul flights were delayed or cancelled.

Departure records from Flight Stats show that long-haul flights to the United States were cancelled throughout the day, and short-haul flights around Europe and to other Spanish cities were running with delays of up to 2 hours. Many also arrived on schedule, however.

Valencia Manises

As the strike action begins in Valencia on Thursday morning, reports suggest that several dozen flights could be cancelled, delayed or rescheduled. If you are uncertain about your flight, check with your airline.

On Thursday 28th, flights that could be affected by the stoppage include:

  • Ryanair flights connecting Valencia with Rome, Milan Bologna, Breslavia and Sofia 
  • United and Lufthansa flights connecting Valencia with Frankfurt and Munich
  • Easyjet and British Airways flights between Valencia and London
  • Turkish Airlines flights between Valencia and Istanbul
  • Air Europa flights between Valencia and Palma de Mallorca
  • Swiss flights connecting Valencia to Zurich
  • Volotea flights between Valencia and A Coruña
  • Eurowings’ Valencia-Stuttgart flights

On Friday 29th, flights that could be cancelled are:

  • Ryanair to Milan, Treviso, Trieste, Dublin, Marrakech and Palma de Mallorca
  • SAP and Tap Portugal flights between Valencia and Lisbon
  • United to Frankfurt
  • Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Munich
  • Austrian to Vienna
  • Air Nostrum to Ibiza
  • Delta to París Charles de Gaulle
  • Air France to París Charles de Gaulle
  • Air Europa to Palma de Mallorca
  • Easyjet to London
  • British Airways to London
  • Brussels Airlines to Brussels
  • Iberia to Tenerife North
  • Tap Portugal to Lisbon
  • Turkish Airlines to Istanbul
  • Swiss to Zúrich
  • Volotea to A Coruña, San Sebastián
  • Vueling to Tenerife North
  • Eurowings to Stuttgart

There is no further information yet about which flights could be affected on Saturday 30th, Sunday 31st and Monday April 1st.

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