What to see in Granada for a low cost weekend, from the Alhambra to where to sleep so as not to spend a fortune and take a cheap holiday in Spain.
They all told me, Granada it will enchant you, and it did. And in front of the beauty of the Alhambra even the boiling temperatures take a back seat. In reality, the city is beautiful in all its parts: from the shady streets of the center, to the large squares that appear when you least expect it, to the wonderful still snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and the magic of the AlbaicĂn.
Here are the tips for organizing a perfect weekend.
If you haven't rented a car, and land in Seville you can easily reach the city with a Media Distancia train, costs around 30 euros. There aren't many during the day, so it's always best to book it a day or two in advance.
Where to sleep in Granada
Staying in Granada on a budget is not difficult, there are many hostels, new and clean, with an excellent location that will allow you to stay for 18-20 euros per night. I trusted the excellent and positive reviews of booking and I chose theHotel Pension Recogidas. Very simple and clean, located in the main shopping avenue.
If finding a bed is easy, eat cheaply it is even more so. In fact, in Granada if you order a beer immediately you will have a tapita on offer, and many times even plenty! I personally recommend you La Cueva: Tapas restaurant and bar with excellent beer and wine of own production offering you a wide choice of cold cuts and meats. You will always encounter personal and cheap menus for just over 5 euros each with a beer, croutons and excellent Serrano jamon.
What not to miss
It seems obvious to me to say it but theAlhambra must definitely be in your projects. Book your visit in advance on the site to avoid inconvenient queues or even the possibility that not even a ticket remains for the day. The visit includes admission to the wonderful Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, seat of the Alhambra Museum and the Museo de las Bellas Artes and lasts approximately 3 hours; for the Palacios NazaĂres it is advisable to stick to the time indicated when you buy the ticket.
And if you are an incurable romantic, choose a visit in the evening, from the time of sunset, when the sun goes away and the air becomes fresh: enchantment and wonder will be the companions of a journey on the border between fairy tale and reality.
A walk toAlbaicin and Sacromonte, respectively the old Moorish quarter and the gypsy quarter of Granada. I recommend that you start your walk from the Paseo de los Tristes, the riverside and continue in the direction of Sacromonte.
Here you will find the famous cave houses inhabited by the gypsy community of Granada, many of which have been transformed into clubs, discos and bars where you can dance flamenco. The road is uphill but it is really worth it, especially because on your right there will be a breathtaking view of the Alhambra. You can then choose whether to get to the top up to the Sacromonte Abbey and the museum, or change route and head towards the Saint Nicholas' lookout, a splendid terrace famous and known for giving tourists a splendid view of the Alhambra and the city. Tip: go there at sunset and you'll love it.
The walk continues down towards the city, entering the picturesque Moorish quarter of the AlbaicĂn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
I surroundings of the Cathedral. Here it is worth taking a stroll in the evening. The alleys and the sheltered and flowery squares will give you wonderful dinner opportunities. I confess, I got lost, as usual, but I found a small square, Plaza Romanilla, full of clubs and bars for drinking or dining.
