Exploring the Historical Wonders of Granada with Friends

Granada from Above and Within

Today, the ninth day of our Andalusian adventure, I wanted to take a moment to share our experiences exploring the natural beauty surrounding Granada and the exquisite craftsmanship found within its heart. It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the blend of breathtaking vistas and the discovery of local artistry is simply invigorating.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Vino y Rosas Home Food. Forbes recently highlighted this restaurant as one of the trendy spots in Granada, and I could certainly understand why. The atmosphere was cozy, and the food was both traditional and innovative. I opted for a classic Spanish breakfast of pan con tomate and café con leche, while Hans-Peter, ever the adventurous one, tried their award-winning croquettes. Fuelled for the day, we set off to explore the natural wonders just outside the city.

Our first destination was the Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho. While technically, this Nicaraguan attraction shares a name with our planned destination, it sparked a fond memory of a geography lesson I taught many years ago, detailing the Ring of Fire and the world's volcanic landscapes. I must admit, the thought of exploring a volcano in Nicaragua does sound appealing for a future trip! Instead, we refocused our energies on Granada itself.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho, a must-visit nature preserve near Granada, Nicaragua.

To see the beauty of Granada, one must climb its hills and wander its streets, embracing both the panoramic views and the intricate details.

Next on the itinerary was the Mirador de San Cristóbal. Nestled high in the Albaicín, reaching it involved a charming, albeit somewhat strenuous, uphill walk through the labyrinthine streets. The air was filled with the scent of orange blossoms, and the sounds of the city faded into a gentle hum. As we climbed higher, the views began to unfold, revealing the sprawling cityscape below. When we finally reached the Mirador, the vista was simply breathtaking. The Alhambra stood majestically against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, bathed in the warm afternoon light. It was a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and capture the beauty of Granada from above. I made sure to take several photographs, knowing that these images would serve as lasting reminders of our journey.


Experience the breathtaking views of Granada from the Mirador de San Cristóbal, where the Alhambra meets the Sierra Nevada in stunning harmony.

The Mirador de San Cristóbal, situated on one of the highest points in the Albaicín, offered a panoramic view of what was once the ancient citadel. The walls, constructed by the Muslims in the eleventh century to safeguard their fortress, stretched along the western slope, providing a tangible link to Granada's rich history. From this vantage point, one could truly appreciate the strategic importance of the city and the layers of culture that have shaped its identity over the centuries.

After soaking in the views, we descended back into the city center, our appetites whetted for lunch. Restaurante Pilar del Toro was our chosen spot, a restaurant housed in a 17th-century palace. The ambiance was enchanting, with a beautiful patio and garden providing a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. We savored traditional Granadian cuisine, including the local specialty, remojón, a refreshing salad of oranges, olives, and cod. The meal was a delightful culinary journey, and the setting added an extra layer of charm to the experience.


Experience authentic Andalusian flavors at Restaurante Pilar del Toro in Granada - where every dish tells a story.

In the late afternoon, we ventured into the world of local craftsmanship with a visit to Artesanías Medina. This family-run business designs and manufactures exclusive products, focusing primarily on tourism. As someone who appreciates unique, handmade items, I was immediately drawn to their collection of ceramics, fans, and t-shirts. I purchased a hand-painted ceramic bowl adorned with an arabesque design reminiscent of the Alhambra. It will serve as a beautiful reminder of our time in Granada, and I plan to use it to display Latvian herbs from my garden back in Berlin.


Explore the vibrant craftsmanship of Granada at Artesanías Medina, your go-to destination for unique handmade souvenirs that reflect local culture.

Artesanías Medina has several shops throughout Granada, and they are known for designing and producing the city's popular handicrafts and gifts. Specializing in fans, t-shirts, and ceramics, their products offer a tangible connection to the city's artistic soul. I found myself particularly drawn to the arabesque designs, which echo the intricate patterns found within the Alhambra itself.

As evening approached, we made our way to El Cambalache Restaurant for dinner. This gourmet establishment is known for its tapas and meat dishes. We indulged in a selection of tapas, sampling local flavors and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The restaurant was filled with locals and tourists alike, creating a vibrant and convivial ambiance. I opted for the grilled Iberian pork, while Hans-Peter chose the oxtail stew, another regional specialty. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and we savored every bite.


Savor authentic tapas in Granada at El Cambalache Restaurant, where traditional flavors meet vibrant ambiance.

El Cambalache, celebrated for its tapas and meat dishes, provided a perfect ending to our day of exploration. The restaurant's dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes was evident in every dish. The tapas allowed us to sample a variety of local flavors, while the main courses showcased the richness and depth of Andalusian cuisine.

Throughout the day, I couldn't help but reflect on the parallels between Granada and my hometown of Cēsis, Latvia. Both cities are steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Both have a strong sense of local identity and a vibrant cultural scene. And both offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day energy.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is the change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

As the sun set over Granada, casting a golden glow on the Alhambra, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences of the day. We had explored the city from above and within, discovering its natural beauty and its artistic soul. And as I prepared for our final day in Granada, I knew that these memories would stay with me long after we had returned to Berlin.

Tomorrow, on our final day, we plan to visit the Parque Central de Granada and the Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío. I am particularly looking forward to experiencing the cultural heart of the city and immersing ourselves in its artistic heritage. And, of course, we will end our trip with a visit to The Real McCoy Cocktail Bar, a fitting finale to our Andalusian adventure. Until then, goodnight from Granada!

On a more personal note, I’ve been thinking a lot about Hans-Peter’s work lately. As a restorer of antique furniture, he has such a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history. I often wonder if my own work as an archivist at the Deutsches Historisches Museum has influenced his passion, or if it’s the other way around. Perhaps it’s simply that we both share a love for preserving the past, in our own unique ways.

And so ends another day in Granada, a city that continues to surprise and delight at every turn. As I write this, I can hear the faint sounds of flamenco music drifting through the air, a fitting soundtrack to our Andalusian adventure. I am grateful for these experiences, for the opportunity to explore new places and cultures, and for the chance to share them with you, my dear readers. Until tomorrow, farewell from Granada. I hope I have inspired you to add this beautiful city to your travel list. You won't regret it!

Thinking back to our day, I realized I forgot to pack a portable phone charger! A minor oversight, but definitely something I'll remember for future trips.