​Get an icecream at Los Italianos
​A Granadino knows it's Spring when they see the doors of Los Italianos open on Gran Vía. Packed with locals as soon as they open in early- to mid-March, Los Italianos do a roaring business throughout the warm (and hot!) months to come. Ask for a menu (la carta) to see all they have on offer. We suggest La Tarta con Chocolate o Café in a cone.
Location: Calle Gran Vía de Colón, 4

The tarta icecream in Los Italianos

​Spend a day relaxing in the sunshine with family & friends
As soon as you start to wander around Granada's cobblestone streets, you'll notice a great sense of camaraderie amongst the Granadinos. Daughters walking arm in arm with their mamas, granddads pushing prams and groups of families and friends relaxing in the sunshine together with a cerveza and tapa while the kids play. Join the fun by taking a sunny afternoon to do just that - we suggest heading to Plaza Romanilla or Plaza Campo del Principe where you'll find cafés and restaurants heaving with such groups. We guarantee you'll soak up so much more of Spanish, Andaluz and Granadina culture by participating in this daily local activity.

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​Go out for tapas...late
Granada is one of the last remaining cities to give a free tapa with any drink (beer, wine, soda). And we're not just talking some olives; we're talking sandwiches, bowls of soup, plates of fried fish and more - at no extra charge. It makes for a great night out from 20:30 onwards when you're fed for the same price as your drink! Check out our 'Top 5 Tapas Bars in Granada' for the best options for the most delicious and generous tapas, nicest wine and best atmosphere.

A free tapa with wine

One of many incredible altars in the churches of Granada

​Get thee to church
Don't worry, we're not trying to indoctrinate you. But since religion is such an important part of daily life for the Spaniards, it'll be worth your while to visit a few churches & monasteries. On Sundays around the time of worship, churches are free to enter so you can avoid the usual fee. Also, since families all go to church together on Sunday (multiple generations), it's nice to witness this part of life for a typical Spanish family. Check out our 'Top 5 Churches in Granada' for the best ones to visit.

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Wander the Albaicín and check out the view
Start in C/ Elvira and make your way up C/ Calderería Nueva past Plaza San Gregorio. Head left at the fork and continue up, up until you think you're lost and can't climb any more. Aim loosely for the famous Mirador San Nicolás where you'll find dreadlocked hippies, flamenco guitarists and one of the best views in Granada of the Alhambra Palace and city beyond. From here, head towards Sacromonte to see the caves and maybe more spontaneous flamenco (the best kind). Head back down by Paseo de los Tristes to Plaza Nueva to complete your tour of the Albaicín! Here's one of our Top 5 Guides with tips on finding the best vantage points for photographs of Granada and the Alhambra.

Sneak peek of the Alhambra palace from the Albaicín

Since five things to do are never quite enough, here are some more things we've discovered in this cool city!

Relaxation: 
A must- must-do if you can spare a couple hours: Visit the Arabic Baths. €28 for a 90-minute session or €40 to add in a back or legs massage (I would, it's so relaxing) and you can book in from 10am to midnight, the weekday day sessions being much quieter than the evenings and weekends. It's the cleanest and cosiest spa I've even been in with candlelit, steamy rooms, hot stone seats and dreamlike music to lull you into a serene state, while you drift gazing up at Alhambra-like ceilings and walls. You'll leave practically being poured out into the cobblestone alleyway where you sleepily stumble back to your hotel to continue the soporific feeling.  

Exploring: 
If you have a car and an extra day in the area, it's really worth the drive up into the Sierra Nevada mountains during any season simply to see the views. The steep road switchbacks up the mountain while the city and valley falls away behind you. Check out the villages nestled into the mountainside and stop in one for a late lunch (places are usually open from 13:30 to 16:30). If you make it all the way up to the Sierra Nevada ski resort town, there are cable cars and hikes you can take during the summer when the snow has all melted - the incredible views and the sight of the sun setting over Granada from the top of the mountain will stay with you for a long time to come. 

​Fitness:
Need a gym session or class to justify all the indulgences on holiday? Gimnasio Imagen (Calle Santa Paula, 29) is equipped with all the usual and best machines, various classes throughout the day to fit any schedule, and their on-site personal trainers. Take advantage of their premises during your visit at just €8 for a day pass, €30 for 5 days & €50 for 10 days. Personal Training sessions available with no commitment, starting at €28/session. 

(Prices and information correct as of October 2017)

Granada Quick Links

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