Over the weekend, we went for a visit to Granada again. Each time, it feels like going back home, to a second home. Living in Madrid has made me miss home on some days, but Granada always manages to give me that sense of familiarity I yearn. As we drove away, from the snow mountains behind us, I saw the white quaint old houses fade away into the distance. Listening to Andalusian music, a whirlwind of emotions gushed thru’ me. I felt that feeling of warmth and affection for this charming ancient city – so full of character, unspoiled originality, and retaining its true colours up to this day. Granada always has a special place in my heart.
Through the white-washed houses of Sacromonte, we would always get lost amidst the narrow cobble-stoned paths, leading up to the top of the Albayzcin. I might have threaded these paths over and over again, but I would never get bored of it. Each time is like a new experience.
Along the steps of these Andalusian architecture, we would always come across gypsies strutting their Spanish guitar, or perhaps hippies in dreadlocks smoking a joint or two.
This old part of the city is unpretentious and original, giving a real flavour of the Spanish bohemia.
You can also find several Carmen along the way. Carmen are humble vintage houses, built with a beautiful huge garden, several centuries ago. They are privately owned now, but with gardens still immaculately maintained till this day.
The slopes are also dotted with caves, which were built along the Sacromonte since decades ago. Many have been converted to Flamenco halls or bars with a view. I especially love one of these cave bars where I brought some old friends who came for a visit, and we had tapas and enjoyed flamenco before the bar was transformed into a modern club with flamenco-electronics fusion.
Climbing up to the Mirador de San Nicolas is a spectacle on its own. With a view of the Alhambra, the steep walk up to the viewpoint is always worth the effort. Whenever we’re in Granada, we would make it a point to visit our favourite bar right by the Mirador. With a view like this (see picture below), enjoying a glass of wine or beer as the sunsets, is probably my favourite thing to do in Granada.
Another cafe we always patronise is the alfresco cafe/bar at the Alhambra Palace Hotel. My first time in Granada was perhaps 5 years ago, when Alberto and I hadn’t seen each other in a year, and he brought me here. It was pure romantic. It overlooked the entire city of Granada, and the sunset view was breathetaking.
Any trip to Granada is not complete without a visit to the Arabic teterias (teahouse) perched along the slopes of the Albayzcin.
Due to ancient Moorish influence, Granada offers a lot of Moroccan flavours reflected in the numerous Arabic teahouses and local markets in the old city center.
Hanging out with our friends in these exotic and dimly lit teashops, I love how the aroma and arabic light bring a mysterious feel to Granada.
On sunny winter mornings, we would drive out to the countryside of the Sierra Nevada. Blessed with one of the highest mountains in Spain, Granada has tons of tranquil country landscape that always gives me a peace of mind.
Having a cuppa hot chocolate (extremely thick and the Spanish eat it with churros) by the cafe overlooking the ski pistas is perfect on a Sunday morning.
Weekends in Granada are always the filled with surprises – it’s like rediscovering the city over and over again, each time different from the other. I adore the Spanish bohemic feeling it gives me, and the traditions that the Granadinos preserve. I think my love affair with this andalusian city, might just last… for a lifetime.
Love Granada too. All of Spain for that matter. They really know how to enjoy life there. Food, fun, and lots of history. Especially the Moorish architecture of Grenada
Gennaro, nice to see you share my love for Spain. Yeh it's that relaxing 'siesta & fiesta' atmosphere isn't it?
I'm still saying that Spain is not "siesta&fiesta", we have lots of other things to give to the world!
In a couple of weeks I'll be in Granada again and I'm anxious. The first time I went was so cool and fun that I cannot wait more.
hey thanks for dropping by! Spain is definitely not just ‘siesta and fiesta’ – I wrote this post awhile back – but still, I love that about Spain and I believe many foreigners as well. There’s so much more too: culture, history and gastronomy… I live in Granada now, drop me a line when you’re here!