Spanish Spree - April 2009
Day 4: Granada
Despite being a low-cost carrier, we had a good experience on Clickair - we don't ask for more than an on-time flight and a safe flight. On top of that, we were treated to friendly service and comfortable seats. We touched down in Granada just a short while later. Our checked luggage was ready within moments and before we knew it, we were on the bus to the city center and walking to our hotel.
Unlike in Barcelona, our hotel in Granada was very conveniently located. We were right on the Plaza Nueva, within a few blocks of La Capilla Real (the Royal Chapel) and La Catedral de Granada, and within a short walk to El Albayzin, an Arab neighborhood with narrow, winding streets.
Unlike in Barcelona, our hotel in Granada was very conveniently located. We were right on the Plaza Nueva, within a few blocks of La Capilla Real (the Royal Chapel) and La Catedral de Granada, and within a short walk to El Albayzin, an Arab neighborhood with narrow, winding streets.
inside la capilla real
We had just enough time to visit La Capilla Real before it closed. This church is much more recent than the cathedrals we had seen in Barcelona; built over the 16th and 17th centuries, it is very much in Renaissance style. It is very ornate and is decorated richly. The altar is beyond spectacular, with intricately created scenes from the Bible. The chapel also houses the masoleum and tombs of king and queen Ferdinand and Isabela, along with their daughter, Joanna the Mad, and her husband. Lastly, the sacristy houses a small museum of Isabela's art collection, along with several other historical artifacts.
Our next stop in Granada was in El Albaicin at El Mirador de San Nicolas. This town square is known for its great view of the Alhambra, which we would visit the next day, along with spectacular sunsets. We took a mini-bus up the winding roads to the square and found that we were not the only ones enjoying the view. There were locals and tourists alike all enjoy the beautiful spring evening. We enjoyed the view and found ourselves people-watching but found our stomachs growling around 8:30, before the sunset. We decided it wasn't worth waiting and instead headed toward dinner.
arrayanes restaurant
We had a fantastic dinner at Arrayanes, a Moroccan restaurant. The flavors melded perfectly with the Arab feel in the neighborhood. The atmosphere of the restaurant, the food, and the attentive service were a perfect end to our day. We both ate too much, clearing our plates of every last morsel since it was so delicious.
We returned to the hotel, where we were able to check our email, and then slept well after a long day.
We returned to the hotel, where we were able to check our email, and then slept well after a long day.
Continue to Day 5: Granada and Nerja