Things to do in Granada
The city of Granada is full of interesting things to do and history fans will easily find plenty of structures and monuments to explore – no matter how long they stay! But with the coast fairly close by, the range of activities for visitors is wide and those who want to spend some time soaking up the summer sun on a beach will certainly have plenty of opportunity to do so.
A visit to Granada almost always includes a visit to the magical and mystical Alhambra. Sitting high on the hill above the city, views from the palace contained within its walls must have been enough to make any royal brim with pride. Considered to be one of the ten Wonders of the World, the structure was built over many centuries and as such encompasses a wide variety of architectural styles.
The name Alhambra derives from an Arabic meaning for red or crimson castle and visitors will soon see why it has been given this moniker, particularly as the sun sets, leaving the castle to stand out from its dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain range backdrop. The heart of the huge structure is the Charles V Palace, a beautifully opulent home for Emperor Charles V in the 16th century. There are a wide variety of smaller palaces inside, many of which were upgraded during the 19th and 20th centuries after falling into disrepair.
On a nice summer's day, however, visitors to the Alhambra may not want to spend large amounts of time inside, looking at the interiors of the buildings. Therefore, a visit to the Generalife, or "garden of paradise", may be desired. This is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather and relax with a stroll through these beautiful gardens. With the porticos offering some shade as they extend from the palace, as well as a number of ponds in the grounds, the gardens offer the perfect opportunity to unwind.
Away from the Alhambra, there are still many other sights in this historical city. Granada's cathedral is perhaps surprisingly based at the heart of the city's old Muslim area. Built in the 16th century, it seems the Christian conquerors were keen to convert their Muslim citizens! And they certainly attempted to do so in style: this huge structure features ornate architecture and beautiful sculptures. Despite the fact that the only tower of the two that had been planned was left no more than half finished, the structure remains an impressive building and well worth a visit.
With the beach not far from the city, Granada offers something for everyone. So take a break from the sightseeing and wandering around the shops to enjoy a peaceful day at the seaside. Relaxing on golden sands or playing in the warm Mediterranean Sea, a visit to the beach is less than two hours from Granada and offers the ideal break, particularly in the heat of summer.
Alternatively, for those who want a little more action in their holiday, a trip into the mountains is also a possibility. The impressive mountain range of the Sierra Nevada, which provides such a beautiful backdrop to Granada, is only a short distance away. Skiing is a favourite pastime on these slopes so travellers are urged to try out the twists and turns of the mountains and return to the nightlife of Granada for some apres ski.
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Things to do
