For as long as I can remember I’ve had a love for Moorish architecture – tiles, arches, domes and lavish doorways. Andddd courtyards. My kingdom for a courtyard! A far cry from the Scandinavian minimalism that is currently de rigueur.
Morocco is at the top of my list, but this love of colour and vibrancy also fuels my interest in other areas of the world where the Moors had influence – like Spain, Portugal and Turkey. You can imagine therefore that I was pretty excited to visit Granada a few months ago, a city people likened in parts to Marrakech for its Moorish allure. The jewel in the crown for this city is of course the Alhambra – a gorgeous palace which overlooks the whole city. Yes I absolutely loved visiting the palace itself but as usual what I appreciated most about the city wasn’t the major tourist sites, but the tiny cobbled streets, quiet corners and people going about their everyday lives in such a historic and beautiful place. Put it on (or in?) your bucket list guys!
Wearing: Paddo to Palmy top, vintage denim Levis, The Simple Sandal in Nude, local spanish bag.
Granada Travel Guide
Stay
If you want to really soak in the charm of the town I suggest you stay in the El Albaicin district, which makes it easy to get to most of the sights and eateries you’ll want to check out. We stayed at Hotel Casa 1800, which was really really nice.
See/Do
Obviously you’ll be visiting the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens, they are a must! Remember to buy your tickets in advance.
Wander the old Moorish neighbourhood of El Albaicin – starting at Carrera del Darro simply keep walking uphill.
Shop on the (somewhat touristy) street of Caladeria Nueva.
Walk alongside the stream on Carrera Del Darro.
Visit Sacramote, the gypsy area complete with case houses! You can watch some flamenco dance inside the caves. Once again a little touristy but totally worth it.
Watch sunset from Mirador San Miguel.
Have coffee and stroll around
Visit the mountains of the Sierra Navada, I’ll be sharing a full guide to that region here soon.
Soak in a Hammam.
Visit Patios De Los Perfumes for local scents, candles and the most gorgeous courtyard you’ve ever seen (they serve juice and tea too).
Eat/Drink
Tapas is where it’s at in Granada, so get ready for lots of drinks and small plates! Try out Taverna Salinas or (standing room only) Bar Los Diamantes.
We had a lovely dinner at Carmela’s.
Have coffee and a simple breakfast at La Finca.
Watch the sun set over the Alhambra from the hills of Albaicin – a good (although busy at sunset) place to go is Restaurante Aben Humeya or any of the bars along that street.
Have tea and sweets at Teteria del Banuelo.
Have dinner overlooking the Alhambra at Carmen Verde Luna. Another Carmen restaurant that
Settle in for a Spanish lunch at the atmospheric Bodega Castaneda.
Good to know
You’re sure to eat your fill of the complimentary tapas that come with every drink you order! Although note that if you’re looking for slightly more fancy tapas you’ll have to order off the menu and pay for it. Just saying!
Book in to the Alhambra as early as possible – tour groups start arriving around 11 and it’s hard to enjoy yourself when 90848935 people are taking photos on their iPads in front of you. 🙂
View of the Albaicin district from the Alhambra. Love all those courtyard houses!
The tile times.
Discovering the hills of the Albaicin district.
Beautiful vine covered houses on the hilly streets of the Albaicin.
Quiet moments in the Alhambra.
Shopping on Carreria Nuevo street.
Courtyards of this city were to die for.Wearing Zara dress (I cut it off!), The Simple Sandal in nude and market bag.
Imagining this being my home.
Ben: don’t you have enough photos in doorways? Geneva: never enough!
Didn’t want to miss even on tiny detail of this place.
Quiet corners
Pitstops at La Teteria del Banuelo overlooking the Alhambra. Apparently this place has a gorgeous view at night time!
Don’t forget to look up!
Afternoons at the hammam.
The Generalife Gardens.
Early evening light in this gorgeous town.
Local plateware and The Simple Sandals in nude.
Let me know if I missed any great spots! Because I’ll definitely be going back one day. 🙂
Amazing pictures! 🙂
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Thank you so much!
Granada looks lovely! X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
It really was 🙂
Being a scandinavian I find it funny how I actually prefer moroccan patterns, details and colours to scandinavian minimalistic design and find myself always dreaming of the most beautiful colourful items to decorate my house.. or just dream about them 😀
Wow that’s so interesting, I’m the same as you I love a bit of detail!
Love Granada! It’s such a wonderful city!
LIVING IN PLAID – Personal Style Blog from Brussels
Isn’t it just?
I would love to visit Granada, the patterns, the colours, the weather! Your photos are gorgeous as well
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Thank you thank you! x
This guide is perfect! I went to Granada when I studied abroad in Spain and loved it so much I went back again a couple of weeks later. Your pictures bring me back to the beauty and make me wish I could be there again!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
Great to hear 🙂
Your outfits are gorgeous here! SO jealous that you got a bit of sun, it’s so freezing here in England.
Abigail Alice x
Oh so sad to hear that! Maybe it’s time for a mini break to spain 🙂
Beautiful city lived there in 1972. The ouctures brought back happy memories.
I adore Spanish culture! One of the best countries! x
http://www.flareaforte.com
I know, I felt so at home there even though I only speak like 10 Spanish words. hahaha.
You always take the most beautiful pictures, they make me wanna hop on a plane and just go anywhere!
http://www.boringclothes.com
Awwww thanks Cindy!
What a beautiful beautiful place, I have to see it someday!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
You must!
I’m from Spain and Granada is one of my favourite cities! It’s so beautiful xxx
http://fallingforablog.blogspot.com.es/2016/11/a-touch-of-pink.html
I know, beauty around every corner.
I think you visited the most important spots of this amazing city, but next time you have to “dive” a little deeper. Maybe have some good tapas and drinks at Ganivet street (I’d be so happy and honored if you visited my restaurant, Löwe Gastro & Drinks -sorry for the spam :D), since it’s the fanciest street in the city, walk around Bibrambla square, visit the Cathedral, go for a swimming at the beach (Salobreña is a very beautiful small town in the coast).
I’m glad you had such an amazing time here, and thanks for sharing it with all your readers!
Oh I definitely need to see the beach next time 🙂
This guide is a starting point for someone who has never been . You’ve really inspired me to go and I definitely want to check out the Flamenco Dancers!! Thanks for the tips 🙂
-Megan xx
Yay!
Lovely post. I adore all the pictures 🙂
http://www.makesitsimple.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks so much Monika!
Arabic-style architecture might be just about the prettiest design style in the history of the world.
I completely agree. x
I live in Granada, It amaze me everyday…
We went in October! x
My boyfriend and I are going to Granada in a couple of days time and I’m basically using this post as my guide – I already booked Alhambra, a soak in the Hammam, and a tour around Patio de los Perfumes. I can’t wait!