It is time for an adventure! An adventure that will take you to a wonderful weekend in Granada Spain! Picture this: sipping a glass of Spanish wine under the sun-drenched arches of Alhambra, getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Albaicin, munching on free tapas like a boss, and fiesta-ing amidst the vivacious Spanish beats! 🍷💃🍤

Sounds like a slice of paradise, right? Brace yourselves, because we’re about to take a thrilling, virtual ride through a weekend that oozes ancient history, sizzles with culinary surprises, and wows with jaw-dropping vistas. Welcome, my wandering compadres, to the sultry Spanish charm of Granada! 🇪🇸🔔🏞️ So let’s grab our imaginary passports and jet off to our dream weekend! Vamonos, folks!

Little History of Granada

Granada has a very, interesting history. Granada’s history reads like an excellent thriller, with complicated plots, conspiracies, hedonism, and tricky love-affairs. Muslim forces took over from the Visigoths in 711, with the aid of the Jewish community around the foot of the Alhambra hill in what was called Garnata al Jahud, from which the name Granada derives; Granada also happens to be Spanish for pomegranate, the fruit on the city’s coat of arms – funny enough. The Moors held Granada as a stronghold until it finally fell to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella I in January 1492, who also chose this beautiful city as their final resting place.

What I loved most about this city is how much of history has been preserved in the city. Not just buildings and monuments (though those didn’t hurt either). Like we were staying in “Albaycin” which is the old Arab Quarter that sits in the shadow of the Alhambra. The best way to explain this neighborhood is – stairs, lots and lots of stairs.

The whole neighborhood is built on the adjacent hill right across from the river and the Alhambra. They could have flattened this area out in sections to make it more “tourist” friendly with roads wide enough to drive or bring a bus. Instead, history and the integrity of the city have been saved because of the pride of the people and their love for their city and their history.

Our hotel, Casa Del Aljarife, was in the perfect location. I was removed from the main hustle and bustle of the main roads closer to the cathedrals and the bars but just a short (trust me I had to time it) 6 minutes uphill/stairs from all the hustle and bustle you could want!

When we arrived it was mid-afternoon so that meant that everything was about to get shut down for siesta time. This gave us plenty of time to settle into the hotel, changed our shoes, and off we went! Honestly, I could have spent a week just wandering around the streets. This city is so interesting and has so many little nooks and crannies of history that I would never get bored.

Tips for Visiting Granada:

Touring the Alhambra

BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY! I was warned about this long before we arrived, so I knew I needed to pre purchase my tickets, especially traveling in the summer. The general ticket is 90% of the grounds but if you want to go into the palace, there is another ticket that you have to purchase and a specific time for the entry and tour. DON’T MISS YOUR TIME SLOT. Be in that line 10 mins early to make sure that you don’t miss it because if you do, they will not give you another ticket for a different time.

Water fountains

If this is your first time to Europe, you should know that the random OLD water fountains are there to help you cool off or just getting a drink. I wouldn’t drink out of the basin, personally, but the water is cold and refreshing! And able to drink! If it isn’t able to be drank there will be signs on the fountain if the water isn’t potable.

Engaging with the Local Culture

• Culture Club 🎶
  Dive into Granada’s vibrant local scene! Bring your toddler along to embrace art, food, and music, giving them a culturally-immersive holiday they’ll fondly remember! 🎆🔮
• New Experiences & Diversity 🌈
  Introducing your little one to diverse experiences in Granada is the cherry on top of their developmental journey. Pave the way for empathy and understanding! 🌎💕

Stop at an Arab Bath House

There is only one REAL one left in the city, Hammam Al Andalus, but there are lots of other newer bathhouses that I encourage you to check out. The treatment is totally different from any other spa service you’ve tried and if you go to the Hammam Al Andalus you know that you are in the same building that was used in the 13th century!

Walk everywhere:

I know that you can park if you’re driving or take a taxi but trust me you need to walk. Mostly because parking is a nightmare and can be expensive in any larger city during peak hours. But also, because so much of this city’s charm is found on little alleyways and narrow roads that a car won’t fit down.

Trust me. If I can hike this city with 50lbs extra on my back between a camera, water and a toddler and am still telling you it is worth it….it is.

Essential Tips for Traveling with Children

So, plan to bring water (big mistake on our end) and snacks if you are traveling with children. Also, don’t feel pressure to do everything at once. We left to have lunch and then went back to finish the rest – the tickets you buy for the general admission are good all day.

There is so much more to see and do in Granada and I can’t wait to share that with you the next time we go back but these are some highlights, tips and advice on how to really enjoy this “Moorish Gem”.

Preparing for the Trip

• Cozy Crib Hunting 🏠
  Researching for family-friendly stays in Granada comes with the perk of numerous options to lay your weekend hat. From charming to quirky, decide which style tickles your family’s fancy!
• Packing Essentials 👜
  The mantra for a weekend trip: pack light but smart! Don’t forget those on-the-go snacks, water, and, of course, GOOD walking shoes.
• Itinerary Making 🗺️
  Granada is brimming with activities for all ages! Tailor-make an itinerary that keeps both big smiles and tiny giggles entertained. 💃👶

Dining Options

• Family-Friendly Feast Finds 🍽️
  From classic tapas bars to cozy cafés, Granada serves a platter of dining options with kid-friendly menus and facilities. Muy delicioso! 😋🍴
• Dietary Preferences & Restrictions 🌽
  Embrace Granada’s culinary scene without the hiccup of your toddler’s dietary needs. Customize and relish your meals at flexible eateries! 😊🥦

All you fantastic families, consider Granada your ultimate destination for a toddler-friendly weekend escape! 🎊 With its magnetic charm and family-focused attitude, Granada ticks all the boxes for a memorable holiday!

Pack those bags, invite big grins along, and let your family revel in Granada’s irresistible embrace!

For more fun blogs about traveling around Spain, click here!