Granada, I'm Falling Under Your Spell

Spain has got to be one of the most interesting and culturally-diverse countries not just in Europe but in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to this country all year round and so I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have traveled from the north to south, east to west, to see how incredibly rich in culture and tradition this nation really is. From ancient history to modern gastronomy, Spain does not seem to run out of things to offer. I can no longer count how many Spanish cities I have visited so far but Granada, a relatively small city located in the southern region of Andalusia, is one of those that truly left a mark on me. It was special for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it was my first very time to travel around Spain completely ALONE. I had just arrived in Spain two weeks prior and decided that after settling in in my residence in Logroño it was finally time to start the adventure. I can still remember how upon boarding the first bus to Madrid (I then took a second bus from there to Granada), the bus conductor immediately asked me, with great concern, where my parents were. With the little Spanish I knew then, I excitedly told him that I had just turned 22 and was on my first ever trip alone to Andalusia so he better believe me and leave me alone. He laughed, apologised, and fortified what always both annoyed and pleased me, depending on the situation: Belle, you look like a kid. Seriously, I think I've been called niña so much more than my real name(s) in Spain, it should probably be my alias.

A natural affinity for the South

The second I got to Granada I knew that I was about to discover a really special place. It was the first city in Andalusia that I ever visited and it was winter when I arrived. If there is one region in Spain I can't ever seem to stop talking about, it's Andalusia. Being there always felt like being home; I don't know if it was the relatively warmer climate or just the fun, vibrant personalities I met, maybe a perfect mix of both. 

Prior to my visit, I learned all sorts of things about the city from those whom I knew have been there. Firstly - most bars give away free tapas when you order a drink. This is probably the most important thing to know, especially for students on a budget! Note that the city is one of the few ones in the country that still continue with this awesome Spanish tradition, so aprovecha! And for anyone on a short trip to Granada that's really all you'll need to know.

Houses in the Albaicin district

Where to stay in Granada

I stayed in the Albaicin area so on the day of my visit to Alhambra (you can read about the castle's history here) I decided to stroll around the neighborhood first. Coming from Northern Spain, I was very pleased to see a completely different style of architecture in this part of town. The district remains reminiscent of the city's Moorish past with its winding roads and I couldn't help but want to live in any of the numerous carmen houses blessed with stunning views of the Alhambra from its narrow streets. The district, along with the Alhambra, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984.

The Majestic Alhambra with views of Albaicin

What to do in Granada

My visit to the Alhambra was nothing short of spectacular. I was only in Granada a few days and so I made sure to book my ticket to the palaces in advance and get there at least a few minutes before the afternoon opening. The view of the city from Alhambra was jaw-dropping wherever you looked. One can also enjoy an amazing view of the Sierra Nevada from the Garden of the Ramparts, where I spent the better part of an hour just contemplating life. I particularly enjoyed going around the Nasrid Palaces - for some reason, I was under the impression that it was how any Game of Thrones character must have felt like going to Dorne for the very first time.

Arya Stark Goes To Dorne a.k.a. the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra #GameOfThrones

Traveling alone opens you up to different experiences. In my case, I always, always end up meeting someone interesting on the road. On this occasion, I was roomed with some American girls my age who were also in Spain for a semester - sharing travel stories with them made me feel like I was back in high school so I felt right at home. I also met a really nice old lady from France who was backpacking around Spain trying to learn Spanish, who also told me about her plans of moving to Peru to volunteer. She must have already been in her late sixties or early seventies but was still very strong and truly is an inspiration.

I will always remember this trip to Granada because it showed me that with some courage and a bit of effort planning, I can be completely capable of taking care of and enjoying myself, even when I am in my lonesome. I have not been back since but it's definitely on my list!

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