Granada, Spain: You Always Keep Me Coming Back

Last weekend I migrated South for the Winter to score some of the sun they’re hoarding down in Granada. After a cozy 5 hour bus ride from Madrid we arrived in the city at merienda time.

Merienda is the Spanish tradition of never letting your body feel hunger.  Seriously, they have TWO snacks planned into meal times; morning merienda around 11 and afternoon merienda around 6 or 7.

We fought the urge to grab the first swinging leg of ham we laid eyes on (that’s sarcasm, btw) and wandered around a circle of downtown Granada looking for the building we reserved on Wimdu.

We peered into teterias and shops selling Moroccan style lamps, looking for the apartment we reserved for the weekend. Soon we heard “Brandy!?” and our host, Christian was ready to show us our slice of historical Granada.

So pretty.

Always a sucker for a bit of history I chose the Hospital of the Pilgrims for a few reasons.

It’s a historical monument from the 16th century. Unfortunately, only two pillars still exist from the original building and you better believe I wrapped my legs around one.

on top of the world

2) According to the listing this location was a stop for pilgrims who made the route of Santiago de Compostela. “Peregrinos” means pilgrims in Spanish, so this is likely where hearty pilgrims made their way after completing the trip of a life time.

3 ) Located in the heart of the historic Albayzín and only moments away from nearby tea shops , tapas, kebabs, and all varieties of night life that you can handle. (and probably some that you can’t)

Walking to the Alhambra took us only 20 minutes of gorgeous views and early morning sunshine before we ran smack into a croissant shop that forced us to enter and eat their croissants and drink their delicious coffee.

Ahhh, the good life. We finished the climb, and because we were savvy enough to have our tickets ready, spent no time in lines. The visit to the Alhambra will be a post of all it’s own, full of secret paths and things you may or may not be allowed to do. (throwing a penny in a self proclaimed wishing well seemed okay)

Almost makes you feel like you can fly.
You can’t. Don’t try.

After our wonderful day at the Palace we went to the Mirador San Nicholas. It’s only 10 minutes of winding, uphill walking from the apartment. Just think of the buns of steel you’ll get in Granada!

Like I own it

Bring your best J-Lo pants (is she still the benchmark for a nice butt?) for the night time botellons that take place in one of the most scenic spots of the city.

No Money? No Job? No Problem- Let’s Botellon!
Grab your stunna shades and a liter of wine.

All good things must come to an end, even in the country where things don’t begin or end on time. To the bus station: It’s rumored that you can catch bus 3 or 33 directly to the station, but as my backpack was incredibly heavy (Booze, shoes, weekend props ) we took a taxi for the best 6 euro 59 cents spent all weekend!

Do you plan to visit Granada, Spain? Save yourself some cash and lots of sanity- see if this wonderful apartment is available for your stay!

Many thanks to Wimdu for providing the opportunity to review their wonderful service, and to the City of Granada for their assistance in this trip, making this trip to Granada, Spain one of my favorites. For all the info on how I handle comp stays check out my awesome disclaimer.