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Spain is a tried and tested holiday destination, and at this point you’re probably quite familiar with Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca and the like, all hugely popular destinations that attract millions of tourists every year.
However, there is also one outside the national capital and the Mediterranean coast lesser known gem most visitors to Spain have yet to discover it, even though it is just as culturally relevant, not to mention the top-rated city for tourism currently in the country.
Home from one of the largest medieval palaces in Europe and a characterful old town, Grenada is the destination you didn’t know you had to add to your fall bucket list:
It’s time you stop sleeping on Granada
Forget those beach crowds and don’t worry about the rising anti-tourist sentiment seen across Spain lately: Granada, nestled in the Andalusian hills, is a smaller, laid-back town where the locals seem in no hurry to send you on your merry way:
While it’s not exactly the top destination Americans think of when planning a fall vacation to Spain, Granada is where tourists feel most likely to have their high expectations met, whether it’s for cultural immersion, food, architectural beauty or even hospitality.
If reported by the OCU, a Spanish acronym that stands for Organization of Consumers and Users, Granada is where visitors have felt most satisfied on their trip to Spain, beating the usual tourist centers along the turquoise Mediterranean Sea by a mile.
Now Granada does not you’ve got a beach – it’s hidden deep in Andalusia’s hilly hinterland – and it’s not your typical summer getaway either, with resorts and a thriving shopping scene, but that’s not why tourists love it:
This Unique is what makes Granada special
One of the best preserved medieval settlements in Europe, Granada is built atop hills on the edge of the Sierra Nevada, a vast mountain range that crosses the Spanish region of Andalusia, and is widely known for its rich Islamic heritage.
Muslim heritage? Spain?
We explain.
We know that Spanish history wasn’t on everyone’s school curriculum when we were growing up, so let’s put it this way: For just over eight centuries, large parts of the country you know and love remained under the control of caliphates. originating in North Africa.
Spain would eventually be completely reconquered by the Christians, but before the Reconquestthe Arabs left their own little mark on the European continent, whether in recreational pools, grand bazaars or grand mosques that would eventually be converted into cathedrals.
In the case of Granada, the Nasrid dynasty was built a complete one palace covers 35 hectaresbuilt in stages between 1238 and 1358, where they ruled and presided over their own emirate.
One of the most beautiful medieval palaces in Europe
Although not as popular among American visitors as the Sagrada Familia in Spain, or the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Alhambra is a monumental fortress on a hilltop It includes luxurious villas and exotic gardens that have enjoyed UNESCO World Heritage status since 1984.
The Alhambra does a destination in itself.
At one point it was a self-governing citadel, separated from the rest of Granada, the medieval conurbation below where ordinary people lived.
Judging by its size, you’ll need at least half a day to fully explore it.
It has an inner tower, a Friday mosque and an audience hammamresidential houses, craft shops, a tannery and its own water supply system, separate from that of the city: you can visit several times, and still don’t see it all.
Therefore, we recommend that you book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit, and to guarantee access to all six palaces within the Alhambra fortifications, including the emblematic Generalife, Palace of the Lions and Comares Palace.
The Granada: Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Guided Tour with Tickets activity on GetYourGuide costs only $48.72 to book this upcoming season, and it is available in at least four different languages, including English.
What to see in Granada, besides the Alhambra
Beyond the Alhambra, Granada is one charming historic settlement centered around the hilly Albaicín district, which looks directly onto the Alhambra, and it is a maze of narrow cobbled alleys lined by centuries-old whitewashed houses and the odd Nasrid ruin.
It’s where you’ll find it Puerta de Elviraa 13th-century gate dating back to the Muslim period, the surprisingly well-preserved palace of Dar al-Horra, once used by the Nasrid rulers, and El Bañuelothe once stately Arab baths of Granada.
Follow the course of the fast-flowing Darro, one of the rivers that bisects Granada, along the scenic walk along the river known as Paseo de los TristesEventually you reach the modern part of the city (still quite old by American standards).
In contrast to ancient Albaicín and the imposing Alhambra, the New Town from the 16th century and later is a mix of beautiful Renaissance city buildings and Baroque churches, lush green city parks and Belle époque boulevards.
Autumn is the best time to visit GranadaNow that the oppressive Iberian heat has calmed down a bit.
However, it’s still balmy enough to go outside in summer attire: expect an average daily high of 82°F and a moderately cool low of 57°F, especially in the evenings, and very little rain.
Granada is surprisingly affordable
Aside from its obvious cultural richness and great autumn weather, factors that certainly contributed to its near-perfect score on that OCU ranking, Granada is perfectly affordable for American tourists, especially in the off-season when the summer crowds have dissipated.
In September, a non-weekend date in the Barcelo Carmen Granada will cost you $157 per night, or $78.50 per adult if you’re traveling as a couple (including breakfast and an outdoor pool with breathtaking views of central Granada).
It can be quite warm in this part of Spain well into October, so trust us when we say you’ll need one.
For the middle class, in the lively Ronda district, Senator Granada costs an acceptable $81 to book for dates in mid-September, and if so Real By keeping it low-budget, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort in a run-down youth hostel: the overnight rates Urban dream Nevada start from just $40.
Just a disclaimer, if I may: it’s a half-hour walk to the center of town.
Oh, did we mention that tourists in Granada spend an estimated $40 per day on meals, or a total of $936 for a full week? all expenses fewer flights justified?
Spain is not a budget destination, don’t get us wrong, but… Grenada is Certainly on the cheaper side.
The usual drop in consumer prices and lodging rates in the fall should make it an even more attractive destination for the odd, curious traveler.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
