Interesting facts about Granada
Posted on 15 February 2023
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Granada is a city located in a province of the same name in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It is renowned for its medieval architecture, Moorish heritage, epic history, and top attractions. It’s a beautiful place to visit during your time in Andalusia and easy to get to if you book a car rental near Malaga airport. To help introduce you to the splendour of Granada and inspire a future visit, this guide reveals some interesting facts about the city.
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Granada was once a Muslim kingdom
Granada has a fascinating history, with links to Iberians, Romans, and Visigoths. It was also, however, a former Muslim kingdom, first in the 11th century as part of the Zirid Taifa of Granada and in the 13th century as the capital of the Emirate of Granada.
There are lots of links in present-day Granada to the city’s Muslim past, most notably in the form of its Moorish architecture and historical monuments. Attractions include the beautiful Bañuelo Arab Baths and, most famously of all, the spectacular Alhambra.
The Alhambra is a medieval Nasrid citadel and palace, one of the world’s most famous monuments of Muslim architecture and one of Spain’s most popular visitor attractions. Paulina, from the travel blog, Visit Southern Spain, has been to Granada’s Alhambra herself and shared her thoughts with us, as well as tips for future visitors: “Visiting the Alhambra in Granada was a breathtaking experience. The historic palace complex is rich in history and architecture, and its intricate details and stunning gardens make it a must-see attraction.
“My tip for those interested in visiting the Alhambra is to make sure to plan ahead and book tickets in advance, as it can get quite crowded, and they limit the number of visitors per day to ensure the preservation of the site. Also, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the palace complex.”
Krista, from the travel blog Krista the Explorer, has enjoyed the Alhambra and offered some further tips regarding tickets: “Visiting the Alhambra is a must if you’re planning a trip to Granada. It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Spain and has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. I’ve visited it twice, and both times have been an incredible experience.
“Tickets sell out fast, especially in the high season, so it’s best to either book a tour or purchase your tickets online months in advance. However, there is the option of grabbing some last-minute tickets on the official website at midnight on the day you want to visit. These are tickets that haven’t been sold by tour groups, and there are usually over 200 available – but they sell out within minutes, so be quick! I would also recommend planning a full day to explore the complex in its entirety because there is a lot to see.”
READ ALSO: Top historical locations to visit in Granada
Granada has 250 days of sunlight
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One of Granada’s greatest charms is its gorgeous weather, a hallmark of Andalusian cities. Granada features 250 days of sunlight a year and a lovely Mediterranean climate, boasting hot and dry summers with an average temperature of 34°C.
With daytime temperatures in winter only averaging 13°C and very little rain, Granada is a pleasant location to visit all year round and the perfect spot to enjoy some fun in the sun. There are plenty of places to enjoy the sun in the wider Granada province, including beaches.
A famous king and queen are buried here
You don’t have to go to Spain’s capital of Madrid to find its most historic sites. Along with the immense Alhambra palace, the city is also the burial place of two of Spain’s most famous monarchs.
Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose marriage unified Spain and who fought a war in Granada to end Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula, are buried in Granada’s Royal Chapel.
Constructed in the early 1500s, the Royal Chapel is also home to the Sacristy Museum, where visitors can enjoy a gallery of exquisite paintings, including a rare piece by the legendary Sandro Botticelli.
Granada is near both snowy mountains and sandy beaches
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One of the most attractive and unique features of Granada is that it is near both snowy mountains and sandy beaches.
Both the Sierra Nevada mountain range – featuring hiking trails and ski slopes – and Mediterranean beaches – like Motril and Play Granada – are found in the province of Granada. With just an hour’s drive from the city itself, you can be high up in the mountainous peaks or dipping your toes in the ocean.
This combination provides excellent variety on any visit to Granada. Molly, from the Spanish travel blog Piccavey, has spoken to us about the Sierra Nevada, highlighting the great variety of activities it offers:
“Although the Sierra Nevada is a good destination for skiers and snowboarders, many visitors don’t realise that it is a Spanish National Park and Natural Park, stretching across both the Granada and Almeria provinces. It’s not only the ski station at Pradollano that is worth visiting. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching and mountain biking, covering 85,777 hectares. There are many different landscapes to explore.
“There are activities all year round in different areas of Sierra Nevada. Explore the Villages of the Alpujarra at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada – worth visiting for their rural charms and delicious food. In the summer months, head up the mountain to escape the heat and enjoy wonderful views across to Africa if it’s a clear day. The ski station offers stargazing evenings and other activities over the summer holidays.”
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Spain-based travel writer and blogger for KaliTravel, Kali Marco, has been visiting Granada since she was a child. Not surprisingly, it’s her favourite place in the world:
“A drive into the Sierra Nevada mountains makes a great day trip from Granada city. The contrasting landscapes change with the seasons, from winter’s first snows on the high peaks to the flowing streams and flowering meadows of springtime, hot summery days with cool starlit evenings, and colourful autumn foliage. There are lots of things to do in Sierra Nevada, depending on the time of year.
“Winter into early spring is the best time to visit the Sierra Nevada for skiing. Just 31 km from Granada city on the A-395 road, Europe’s most southerly ski resort is easy to reach. There are 110 km of skiable slopes ranging from beginner to off-piste difficulty.
“Check with the resort for snow reports and to pre-book activities or lessons. Don’t worry if you’ve never skied or been snowboarding before; you can hire equipment there and try snow-shoe hiking or sledding too. My tip: come up on a Friday for a couple of nights, and you can enjoy a sunset trek, as well as the Saturday evening skiing.
“Spring and autumn are wonderful for hiking in Sierra Nevada National Park. The warm sunny weather is perfect for a drive up to the Alpujarras ‘white villages’ on the southern side of the range. Summers are lovely for an overnight stay in the mountains. Pack your sunscreen and sunglasses, your swimsuit and some light clothes. Watch the sunrise at dawn, picnic at a riverside setting, take a dip in the natural pools, and observe the dark skies after nightfall.”
The pomegranate is the city’s symbol
Most cities have an official symbol, but did you know Granada’s is the pomegranate? The name ‘Granada’ literally means ‘pomegranate’ in Spanish, and while the fruit was first brought over from the Middle East, it has now become the city’s symbol.
Images of pomegranates can be seen everywhere in Granada, from local pottery to street signs. But, of course, you can sample some local pomegranates too, especially in the unique dishes served in its many tapas bars.
The tapas is free
Tapas is one of Spain’s most famous exports, and Granada is the perfect place to enjoy some for yourself. Better still, the tapas is free in Granada; you only have to order a drink at a local bar, and you will be served a free tapas dish.
It makes for the perfect pre-dinner snack or light bite. It certainly makes eating out in Granada very affordable, leaving you with more money for shopping and visiting the city’s top attractions.
There are plenty of locations to choose from, but the Realejo quarter and San Matías area are known as the best spots to enjoy some traditional tapas.
READ ALSO: Free things to do in Granada
Facts about Granada in Spain
– Granada was once a Muslim kingdom
– Granada has 250 days of sunlight
– A famous king and queen are buried here
– Granada is near to both snowy mountains and sandy beaches
– The pomegranate is the city’s symbol
– The tapas is free
Granada is a fascinating part of Spain, steeped in history and adorned with beautiful architecture. As a result, the city is the perfect location to pair with a break in Malaga and the Costa del Sol. We hope these facts about Granada inspire you to visit for yourself.
For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.