General Information

At the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, lies one of the most interesting cities in eastern Andalusia. An impressive Andalusian legacy meets architectural gems from the Renaissance and the most modern facilities, typical of the 21st century.

Because it was the last city reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, Granada has an unmistakable Arab flavour. Its cuisine, crafts and urban layout are a consequence of the city's glorious history. Fountains, viewpoints and Cármenes, the villas surrounded by gardens typical of the city, add to Granada's unforgettable charm. Not in vain was one of its oldest districts, the Albaicín, declared a World Heritage Site, together with the Alhambra and the Generalife. An important cultural centre for centuries, both during Muslim and Christian rule, nowadays the city boasts an enviable calendar of cultural and leisure events. Music, cinema and theatre seasons and festivals are listed, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging over all fields of knowledge. Old Renaissance palaces are home to seminars, conferences and debates, while the most innovative infrastructures are ready for the bigger events.

Granada has a vast network of accommodation, including historic buildings, such as the old convent of Santa Paula (AC Hotel) and the convent of San Francisco (Parador de Turismo located inside the Alhambra), "cármenes" (traditional villas with gardens) in the Albaicín, and cave houses in Sacromonte

Because of its great communications, its marvellous climate, its beaches, and its snowy mountains, Granada is a unique destination for cultural, adventure and business travel.

Gastronomy

The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, and Costa del Sol (where it is even possible to grow tropical fruits) are nearby. This sharp contrast lends an exotic note to Granada's traditional cuisine, with deep Arab roots. Granada's cuisine, shaped by the fresh fish caught on its shores, peasant dishes from the Alpujarra, and delicacies from its orchards, is little known, but rewarding.

Shopping

From the silver, crafted figures of the Alcaicería, to the fashion, shoes and perfumes of the shops in the centre of the city and the large shopping centres on the outskirts, including the second-hand objects in the street markets, Granada offers products to tempt all kinds of shoppers.

The streets of the Alcaicería and Zacatín, and the adjacent alleyways, make up the old Arabic and Jewish quarters of Granada. This is a perfect place to go if you want to buy typical gifts and souvenirs. In this part of the city, near the Cathedral, you can buy traditional and modern ceramics, silver and alpaca objects, rugs from the Alpujarra region and woollen carpets and the famous marquetry objects inlaid with ivory and bone geometrical patterns.

The streets Mesones, Alhóndiga, Puentezuelas or Recogidas in the centre of the city have the largest offer of shops of all kinds. Prestigious fashion boutiques, franchises, art galleries, antique shops, shoe shops, perfume shops and food stores can be found in the historic centre of the city offering, within just a few metres, a large variety of products.

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