It’s difficult to pick just one favorite place in Spain, but the Andalusian city of Granada is probably the closest I’ll come to a definitive choice. I’ve been twice — another indication as I don’t always visit places multiple times when traveling — and would hands down go again.
With a mix of Arabic, traditional Spanish, Jewish and Christian influences, the city boasts mesmerizing architecture, delicious tapas and winding alleyways. It’s also home to the Alhambra, one of the most beautiful places I’ve been while traveling. Granada promotes Gitano culture — the Spanish group who branched off from the larger Romany population — and this is reflected in the tourism industry through the practice of flamenco. While there, I saw a cheaper version of the more touristic shows and was able to climb to the Sacramonte, a traditionally Gitano neighborhood with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Granada has been my one, true solo trip since coming to Spain. I love traveling this way: with no pressure to see anything or please everyone. If I want to spend seven hours exploring the Alhambra and its gardens, I can do that. If I want to eat couscous and falafel tapas at the same bar two days in a row, no one will judge me. If I want to climb up to the Sacromonte twice in order to find the Museo Etnológico de la Mujer Gitana, (which ended up being closed) no one will be inconvenienced. Basically, I have a whole city to myself.
Of course traveling alone has its disadvantages: things are more expensive when you can’t share the cost. You have to be more cautious wandering alone at night or in wilder areas around town. But overall, I loved meandering around Granada, and it was one of my favorite trips this year.
Top Granada Recommendations
Visit the Alhambra: Since I arrived in Spain, every teacher I’ve met, people in my carpool, random Spainards on the street, have all said one thing: you have to go to Granada, and you have to see the Alhambra. The first time I visited the city, I missed the Arabic Palace and Fortress with its acres of gardens and pools. The second time, when I tried to return with my family, our trip got cancelled due to time constraints. Finally, after I broke down and planned a solo trip, it was the first ticket I reserved. I’m not one who believes in hype, but this time it was true. I spent seven hours exploring the Alhambra and its gardens, and honestly, I could’ve spent more time there. It’s probably my number one recommendation when it comes to Spanish tourism and although I preferred to go by myself, it’s a good group trip as well.
See views of the Sacromonte: You can take the tour to see sacred caves and support the museum dedicated to Gitana women, the only one of its kind in the world. I especially loved the tour to see the Abadía, which is where Gitano Mary, Joseph and Jesus are housed until they’re paraded through the streets every year. The tour guide was knowledgeable, and I got to help her with translation which was cool.
TAPAS: I recommend the ones at Oum Kalsum (try the falafel) and friends have said to check out Bar Vega and Rincón De Rodri.
Watch a Flamenco show: You don’t have to pay an exorbitant price. I paid about 10 euros to see the dance. It’s 12 euros if you want to sit in the front.
Explore the Arabic quarter: Very comparable to the bazaars you’d see in Morocco and other Northern African countries. Many of the shopkeepers are from countries around the world.
Hike around and outside the city: You’re near some of the best mountain ranges in the area including the Sierra Nevada. Also there are tons of trails around the city and near Sacromonte.
Wander until you stumble upon something interesting. I had the best time walking around the narrow streets and hills by myself, finding ancient astrolabes, meeting new friends and hearing weird stories about when a group of nuns militarized and stole Granadian’s homes from them. You never know what you’ll find on the streets of Granada, but it’s probably going to be architecturally stunning and just the right amount of strange.
Granada stands out as my current favorite Spanish city, but I also love Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza and Girona, and of course, my Murcia. Thanks for reading and happy travels!
