Days 3 and 4: Granada

Granada Itinerary: Days 3 &4

Day 3: Cordoba / Granada

Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada was a cultural center of Moorish Spain from the 8th- to 15th-centuries...

• Take the train from Cordoba to Granada (1h 45m) – there are many throughout the day

• As there is much to experience in Granada spend two nights to not be rushed

• Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada was a cultural center of Moorish Spain from the 8^th- to 15^th-centuries. Two architectural marvels, the Alhambra and Generalife Palace, are here, and the town itself is alluring, with cobbled alleys, ancient baths and cozy tea houses that make one feel as if they’re in North Africa, not Europe.

To Do In Granada

• Alhambra – This glorious fortress-turned-palace was started in 1232 AD and nearly every surface is decorated: gilded sinuous patterns cover interior walls, stone archways are perforated with symmetrical designs and ceilings are carved and sometimes painted. This visually stunning tour de force merits hours of wandering and exploring.

• Generalife Palace – Walk north from the Alhambra to this royal country estate, with most exquisite 13^th-century gardens.

• Cathedral – In the old city center, this Renaissance cathedral started in 1521 and took another 200 years to complete. The famed 16^th-century glass windows depict Juan del Campo’s The Passion

• Capilla Real(Royal Chapel) – The ostentatious chapel, featuring an ornately wrought grill enclosing the altar, accommodates the remains of Ferdinand and Isabella as well as their daughter and son-in-law.

• Albaicin – Meander through the maze of streets in this old Arab quarter. Stop and enjoy tea at one of the cafes – sitting on cushions surrounded by colorful carpets and fabrics you’ll feel transported to Morocco.

• El Banuelo – These 11^th-century baths have traditional star-shaped perforations in the ceiling to let in light.

Day 4: Granada

(See next blog entry for Seville Itinerary)