Albaicín
Also known by its Arabic name Albayzín, this ancient hillside barrio atop one of the Granada's two hills stands apart from the city. It is a relic of the Nasrid empire, predating the Renaissance city that sprang up around the cathedral. After the Christian reconquest it became home to marginalized Muslims who were initially allowed to remain, until their eventual expulsion in 1609.
The narrow labyrinth of crooked streets in the Albaicín was too hilly to tear down in the name of progress; ironically, it is now some of the most desirable real estate in Granada. Its alleyways, cisterns, fountains, little plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate have all been preserved. Albaicín was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site 1994 as part of the wider Alhambra and Generalife listing. You can glimpse with envy into the walled gardens of its famous Carmen houses, with their shady fruit trees and fountains.
And then there are the views. The plaza known as Mirador San Nicolás is the most popular spot, especially at sunset. It gets very busy, colonized by buskers and hawkers, but the view is achingly beautiful, especially when the reflected color makes the Alhambra seem to glow on the opposite hill. During the winter and spring, you may even see snow on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you’re willing to keep walking you can find more secluded miradors, with vistas to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. To reach the Albaicín, take bus C31.
Or consider taking an electric bicycle tour. Those offer a good introduction to the historic barrios of Albaicín and Sacromonte, which are otherwise a hilly walk. A two-hour guided tour, suitable for moderately able cyclists, costs 44.10€ at Play Granada, Carrera de Darro, 1 (tel. 67-995-69-69; daily 10am–6pm). Book your slot in advance online. A lazier and cheaper option is to hop on and off the small local buses (C31 and C34) that rotate around the hillside districts all day.
Also known by its Arabic name Albayzín, this ancient hillside barrio atop one of the Granada's two hills stands apart from the city. It is a relic of the Nasrid empire, predating the Renaissance city that sprang up around the cathedral. After the Christian reconquest it became home to marginalized Muslims who were initially allowed to remain, until their eventual expulsion in 1609.
The narrow labyrinth of crooked streets in the Albaicín was too hilly to tear down in the name of progress; ironically, it is now some of the most desirable real estate in Granada. Its alleyways, cisterns, fountains, little plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate have all been preserved. Albaicín was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site 1994 as part of the wider Alhambra and Generalife listing. You can glimpse with envy into the walled gardens of its famous Carmen houses, with their shady fruit trees and fountains.
And then there are the views. The plaza known as Mirador San Nicolás is the most popular spot, especially at sunset. It gets very busy, colonized by buskers and hawkers, but the view is achingly beautiful, especially when the reflected color makes the Alhambra seem to glow on the opposite hill. During the winter and spring, you may even see snow on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you’re willing to keep walking you can find more secluded miradors, with vistas to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. To reach the Albaicín, take bus C31.
Or consider taking an electric bicycle tour. Those offer a good introduction to the historic barrios of Albaicín and Sacromonte, which are otherwise a hilly walk. A two-hour guided tour, suitable for moderately able cyclists, costs 44.10€ at Play Granada, Carrera de Darro, 1 (tel. 67-995-69-69; daily 10am–6pm). Book your slot in advance online. A lazier and cheaper option is to hop on and off the small local buses (C31 and C34) that rotate around the hillside districts all day.
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