Unfortunately, my visit here has been a very short one. Walking around, I quickly discovered many things that I would like to pass on to future travellers to see. This city has captured my heart with its beauty, history and depth. Here are 7 free things to do in Granada Spain that I hope you will enjoy as much as I have.
Paseo de los Tristes
Or Promenade of the Sad Ones. Possibly the most famous street in Granada. Build in 1609, and down in a valley, it parallel’s the Darro River. High on one side is the exquisite Alhambra and on the other the oldest neighbourhood in the city, Albaicin.
This narrow stone street is lined with churches, palaces, convents, museums and medieval buildings. At regular intervals find the old arched bridges being swallowed up by vegetation from the river below.
The reason it has this unique name? It was the road that connected the city with the cemetery up behind Alhambra. Funeral processions would pass here and loved ones would say their goodbyes before the steep climb up the hill.
Alhambra Museum
In fact, not just the museum, but also the Palace of Charles V, the gardens, convent, medina and so much more of the Alhambra complex is completely free! Only the Nasrid Palaces and Alcazaba (the red fortress) require an entry ticket.
The museum is excellent and houses the worlds largest and best collection of Nasrid art. The gardens are spectacular and the views from just about anywhere up here are out of this world! Definitely worth the 15-minute climb up from town.
Sacromonte
A traditional gypsy neighbourhood located on a hillside across from Alhambra. The Granadian Romani settled here after the Christian conquest in 1492. They dug their cave homes right into the hillside. Each cave dwelling is unique and most are still used today. The entire area is whitewashed and many houses are covered with decorative ceramic plates, vases of flowers and other pretty objects.
The Romani of Sacromonte have their own language called Calo. It is derived from India as are the people. It’s a mix of all sorts of languages and is rare to hear today. Walk through this unique area, climbing narrow staircases and winding alleys, and take in the spectacular views too.
La Alcaiceria
This central hub consisting of a few small alleys are the last remnants of the silk market. Located in the old Islamic quarter, visitors can find ornate glass lanterns, beautifully tooled leather handbags, luxurious textiles, spices and sweets.
Wander through this bazaar, ducking under the 15th century arches and be transported back in time. The air is heady with incense, and your mind will fill with the rich tapestry of colours and sounds.
Albaicin
Formerly the Muslim quarter, this neighbourhood is built on a hillside and filled with whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Walk through this medieval sector, dating from the 13th century, and see streets full of artisans’ shops, quaint cafes, small plazas and fountains.
There are viewpoints from the highest areas as well as mosques, parks and historical statues to see. It’s a leg work out for sure, but the feeling in this old neighbourhood is enchanting.
Calle Caldereria Nueva
Here find a narrow pedestrian only street that extends down the hillside across from Alhambra. Spending time here is to travel back to another era. One filled with Moorish craft shops, tea houses and artisans peddling their wares.
The scent of incense and spices is aloft in the still air. Sounds of tinkering and bartering in hushed tones abound. This street is magical, claustrophobic, dimly lit and your every sense will be singing for more.
The Cathedral
One of the first things I encountered when I walked from the train station to the centre of town was the cathedral. Now there is a cost to go inside, but the exterior holds just as much fascination, for me anyways.
Have a look at these intricate spires and the centuries old red paint graffiti. How beautiful! Walk around and take in the adjoining plazas, and the patterns on the cobblestone streets all around here. It’s a marvellous area to see.
There is so much to experience in Granada. I feel I have barely scratched the surface. It is a city that I will definitely return to one day to give it a real shot. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed my time here. Being the winter months, the streets are easily navigable with not so many tourists around. Enjoy!
