Granada: The Jewel of Andalusia

• HelloHola
  [o-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [a-di-ós]
• YesSí
  [sí]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-vor/de na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-cias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [per-dón/lo cien-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [¿có-mo es-tás?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bien. ¿i tú?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [¿a-blas in-glés?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría ver la car-ta, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [¡sa-lud!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [¡a-yu-da!]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [¡ve-te!]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [¡ya-ma a la po-li-cía!]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [¡ya-ma a un mé-di-co!]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy per-di-do]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fer-mo]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [me gus-ta-ría com-prar...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [¿cuan-to cues-ta?]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [es-to es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [¿pue-de ba-jar el pre-cio?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [¿qué ho-ra es?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [las diez i me-dia]
• MorningMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [no-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [a-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [hoi]
• TomorrowMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• 1Uno
  [u-no]
• 2Dos
  [dos]
• 3Tres
  [tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [cua-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [cin-co]
• 6Seis
  [seis]
• 7Siete
  [sien-te]
• 8Ocho
  [o-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nue-ve]
• 10Diez
  [diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [¿dón-de es-tá...?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [¿cual es la di-rec-ción?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [¿pue-des mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [¿cuan-do es el pró-xi-mo (au-to-bús)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [un bi-lle-te (a ....)]

Founded in the 13th century, the Nasrid Dynasty ruled the Emirate of Granada, which became the last Muslim stronghold in Spain. The Alhambra, an architectural masterpiece, was constructed during this period. This palace and fortress complex represents the pinnacle of Moorish art in Spain, featuring intricate stucco work, serene courtyards, and stunning tile mosaics.

The Reconquista, the Christian campaign to reclaim Iberian territories from Muslim rule, culminated in the fall of Granada in 1492. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, accepted the surrender of the last Nasrid ruler, Boabdil. This event marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain and the beginning of a new era under Christian domination.

In the year 1492, the same year Granada fell, Christopher Columbus received support from the Catholic Monarchs for his voyage to the New World. The Alhambra played a significant role, as it was in its halls that Columbus negotiated terms for his expedition. This pivotal moment led to the Age of Exploration and Spain's emergence as a global maritime power.

In 1492, following the Reconquista, the Catholic Monarchs issued the Alhambra Decree, which ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain. As a result, many Jewish families were forced to convert to Christianity or leave the country. This decree had a profound impact on the social and cultural fabric of Granada and the broader Spanish realm.

In the 16th century, the Moriscos—Muslims who had converted to Christianity—faced increasing persecution and harsh assimilation policies. This led to the Morisco Rebellion of 1568-1571, centered in the Alpujarras region near Granada. The revolt was brutally suppressed, and many Moriscos were subsequently expelled from Spain, further altering the demographic landscape of Granada.

During the early 19th century, Granada played a significant role in the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleonic France. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for military campaigns and local resistance efforts. The conflict left lasting scars on Granada's urban landscape, but also instilled a strong sense of national identity and resilience among its inhabitants.

In the 19th century, Granada experienced a cultural renaissance driven by Romanticism. European writers, artists, and travelers, enchanted by the city's Moorish legacy, flocked to Granada. Figures like Washington Irving, who wrote 'Tales of the Alhambra,' helped revive international interest in Granada's historical and architectural treasures, cementing its place as a key destination on the cultural map of Europe.

Granada is accessible via Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, which is around 15 kilometers west of the city. The airport receives domestic flights and a few international routes. Alternatively, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, approximately 125 kilometers away, offers a broader range of international flights. From Málaga, you can take a direct bus or train to Granada. High-speed AVE trains connect Granada to major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Buses operated by ALSA also run frequent routes connecting Granada to other parts of Spain.

Granada offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. The local bus network is extensive and covers most areas of the city. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable. For shorter distances, walking is a great way to explore the historic city center. If you plan to visit the surrounding areas, renting a car can be convenient. Granada also has a light rail system, the Metro de Granada, which connects various parts of the city and suburbs.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and taxis. ATMs are plentiful throughout Granada, and most accept international cards. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank when using ATMs or making purchases with your credit card.

Granada is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport. The Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods are charming but have narrow, winding streets where it is best to stay vigilant. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire, and medical services. Granada has several hospitals and medical centers, such as Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves. Pharmacies are plentiful and usually open late. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacists can provide advice and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but be respectful when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious areas like the Alhambra and local churches. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don’t be loud or disruptive on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'hola' or 'buenos días' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local tapas and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t tip excessively; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is sufficient.

To experience Granada like a local, visit the Alcaicería market for unique souvenirs and traditional crafts. Enjoy a traditional flamenco show in the Sacromonte caves. Take a stroll down Carrera del Darro for picturesque views of the Alhambra. Don’t miss the local tapas culture—order a drink and receive a free tapa in most bars. For a quieter experience, explore the Generalife gardens early in the morning or late in the afternoon.