{travel} explore granada, spain

Hi friends! I have a lovely blog friend blogging today who has lived in one of the southern cities in Spain that I am headed to this week during my Semana Santa break! I hope you enjoy her travel tips for the beautiful city of Granada - I know I did. :) Thank you Kimmie! xx

Hi guys! My name is Kimmie, I blog over at Mornings at Pannikin, and I recently started my own company, Harriet Ann Creative! I have been following Jen's amazing European/Spanish adventure and was so excited when she asked me to guest post about Granada!

I lived in Granada for six months during my "gap year." Gap year's the time between high school and college, most Americans don't take any time off, but 1 to 3 year gap years are very common for Europeans and well, almost everyone else!

Granada is a place that is near and dear to my heart, and even though it has been quite a few years since I have been back, but there are a couple of places that are not to be missed!

1. The first and most obvious is the Alhambra. It use to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, and it lives up to all the wonder and hype! The Alhambra started as a fortress in the war, and turned into a royal palace, and looks as such. The best comparison I can make is that the Alhambra is to Spain, what Versailles is to France! I never took a formal tour, but if you have the time I would recommend it. I opted for the audio tour the first time, and then stuck with tour books and exploring on my own. If you are limited on time, go with the tour guide! There is so much history, and so many stories that it makes the experiences far better!  

2. Granada is an amazing walking town. You can easily see all you need to by foot. And part of the charm of the city is the things you will encounter while walking here to there. With that being said Calle Acera del Darro, is one the best streets to explore. In the fuerte de las Batallas is my favorite square. It is surrounded with cafes, restaurants, street performers, and an amazing fountain. They have about 10 gyro shops on every street, and this street is no different! I use to love stopping to pick one up on my way home from school and people watch!  Plaza Nueva is another great square. Full of restaurants  cafes, and live music.

3.  If you follow Calle Reyes along the river you will end up walking along the bottom of the Alhambra. If you keep following it up the mountain will come to the San Nicolas Plaza, the best view of the city and the Alhambra. Again, filled with cafes, music, and breathtaking views! When you are walking up and down, you are walking through the Albaicin district, be sure to stop in one of the many tea shops! They are a cant miss when visiting Granada. 

4. Last but not least, check out the markets! There are quite a few scattered through out the city and the locations/ times change. There are flowers, food, clothes, everything you could want!</ div>

And last but not least, I know Jen will be there during Semana Santa and the festivities during the week are not to be missed! It is similar to Mardi Gras, or Carnaval! My favorite was the weekend parades!  

I want to thank Jen for having me, and letting me relive my time in Granada! I cant wait to see your photos and hear about your time in this amazing city! 

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