Granada was not really on my radar. But when an opportunity came up to live there for a month, I took the bait. And I’m so glad I did! My 18-month-old daughter and I had such a fun time here, and I’m shocked at myself for never having visited before. I hope to make it back sometime soon, maybe in spring or summer to see it in full bloom. In the meantime, here are some fun facts and helpful info to know before your visit to Granada, Spain!
Isabella and Ferdinand United Spain Here
World famous “Catholic Monarchs” Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon are interred here at the Royal Chapel of Granada. Even better? You can go visit! Their marriage in 1469 united their kingdoms and laid the foundation for the modern country of Spain. Oh yeah, and Columbus came to Isabella and Ferdinand here in Granada to finally get funding for the expedition wherein he “discovered” what we now know as America in 1492. It turned out to be kind of a big deal.
Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit Spain
Granada was the Last Islamic Stronghold in Spain
Also in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs were in charge of the final “Reconquista,” or “Reconquest” of Spain, effectively reclaiming it from Islamic rule after almost 800 years. Granada was the last Islamic stronghold. Can you believe it was under Islamic rule 200 years longer than other parts of Spain? When Granada was taken, all of Spain was united under the Catholic Monarchs.
More here: The Best Rainy Day Activities in Granada
The Unique Architectural style here is “Moorish”
I’m not really an art lover. The exception? Beautiful architecture. Granada is known for its pristine examples of “Moorish” architecture, which happens to be a favorite of mine. It’s a western-Islamic style of architecture, characterized by its horseshoe arches, 3-D “stalactite” ceilings called muqarnas, arabesque designs, and tile work, among other features. You’ll mostly find it in Spain and North Africa, as opposed to the Middle East, whose Islamic architecture is distinctly different. You’ll see here it all over the Alhambra, which you will definitely want to see for yourself!
Also helpful: The Best Things to Do in Granada with a Toddler
The Most Visited Site in Spain is Located Here: The Alhambra
And you will want to get tickets months in advance! Literally, get your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance, or as soon as you book your trip. The Alhambra is, more often than not, the most-visited site in all of Spain, due to its historic national significance. It sometimes trades the coveted title with the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. The Alhambra is a fortress, palace, summer home, garden, and museum. Plus, this is the place to find all that Moorish architecture and then some.
Essential info: The Best Tips for Your Trip to the Alhambra
Granada Means Pomegranate (and grenade)
I love a fun fact! This is the reason why you’ll find pomegranate designs on everything from beautiful ceramics and jewelry to steel pollards, all around the city. Granada means pomegranate in Spanish, but it’s also well-known as a symbol of fertility and abundance. Sure enough, pomegranates do grow here. However, there is reason to believe the name actually comes from Garnata, which is the Arabic word for “Hill of Strangers.” The Alhambra does, in fact, sit upon a steep hill. Another fun fact? The word Granada also means “grenade.” Do with that information what you will!
Keep reading: The Best FREE Things to Do in Granada
You’ll Want to Wear Real Shoes
Cobblestones, steep hills, uneven sidewalks, irregular steps… You will absolutely want to wear real shoes, not heels or something equally fashionable, but ridiculous. I, personally, am a huge advocate for real shoes, even if you look more like a tourist than a local. Two foot surgeries in your 20s will do that to you! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you might as well let yourself be comfortable, both while you’re walking around and afterward.
More here: The Ultimate Guide to Travel and Your Feet
The Old City is Very Walkable
Did I mention you’ll do a lot of walking in Granada? I love old cities. They’re always so walkable, because that was the most reasonable means of transportation throughout their histories. My daughter and I were dog sitting during our time here, and the three of us loved roaming the streets, finding little cafes and sweet shops, walking through massive arched entrances to the old city and following along the historic city walls. I found something new every day, it seemed, and it’s all because we were willing to take a walk!
Pro Tips: How to Spend a Month Abroad with a Toddler (even as a single parent!)
Flamenco Started in the Sacromonte Caves
Did you know Flamenco dancing and music were created and cultivated here in Granada? It’s true! The Sacromonte Caves, many of which are still inhabited, have been the traditional homes of Gypsies, Sephardic Jews, and other “outcasts” through the centuries. These are the people who expressed their sorrows and misfortune in this beautiful, lively, fast music and dancing. You can visit the Sacromonte Caves Museum, but best of all, you can attend an authentic Flamenco show every night of the week!
Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Flamenco in Granada
No Uber, Sorry!
Granada is charming, largely because it’s a smaller city, not the same as Barcelona or Madrid. Unfortunately, that means Uber has not made its way here as it has in major cities around the world. You’ll be depending on taxis to go farther distances (such as to and from the airport or bus or train stations), which you’ll have to pick up at a nearby taxi stand, since taxis can’t come into certain parts of the Old City. They’re easy to find any time of day or night, though (even early in the morning, for those early morning flights), but you might need to use Google Translate to explain where you need to go. Or, simply brush up on your Spanish before you visit!
Read on: The Best Coffee Shops in Granada
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