Wrap Up : Granada

Dates : 22nd – 26th August 2011

Highlights :

• Alhambra
• Arabic Baths
• Beaches in Granada
• Walking the Jewish and Arabic quarters in Granada
• Natural Hot Thermal Pool in Santa Fe
• Parque de las Cencias

There are actually a few other highlights and things to see in Granada, but since I have decided to skip visits to churches and monasteries, the list have dropped significantly.  The biggest highlight in Granada and of course the whole of Andalucía area is the Alhambra.

Day 46 : Picnic on Granada Beach

Spent the afternoon with Juan and a couple of his friends at another beach today, along with a mega picnic feast!

First we had sangria with sandwiches prepared by Juan, followed by healthy and hearty watermelon… Check out the design Juan made with the watermelon!

Day 45 : Arabic Bath

I gave myself a treat today by booking a session at the Hamman Baths, a traditional bath in the Arabic style, and also because my body could do with a massage! 

Sessions occur on every 2 hour blocks and I booked myself in at 8pm for a bath along with 30 minutes massage (the standard massage is usually 15 minutes, but that seems very short to enjoy the massage!). 

Day 44 : Alhambra

Any visit to Granada is not complete without visiting the Alhambra, and have made it the main attraction of visit when I am here.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1984, it is divided into 4 areas : Alcazaba, Generalife, Partal and Nasrid Palaces.

I have heard from some hostel mates in Malaga that the number of tickets available on sale is limited each day, and split across 2 sessions, a morning session starting from 8.30am – 2pm and an afternoon session from 2 – 8pm. 

In order to get a ticket, you need to be there early, and apparently some people start queuing at 6am (sales office open at 8am)!

Day 43 : La Playa in Granada

I managed to hitch a ride with Juan to Granada, who happened to be in Malaga for a couple of hours, and we decided to take the coastal route which was a little longer, but prettier. 

Did a couple of detours along the way, one of which was a stop at the La Playa (“beach” in Spanish – I am learning! :D) to take a swim to cool down from the hot sun.  My first swim in Spain!