pmgoosed

On a whim, I have decided to go meet a friend and his girlfriend in Granada (they are on a sabbatical there).

Any suggestions on must eat, see, do, etc. I will be there for a 5 full days, possibly 6. Are there any side day trips? Again, for background, I am a mid-30's solo traveler who is open to just about anything when I travel. I will be staying with my friends who are in spanish language courses during the day...so I am free to do whatver.

I have two specific questions about the Cathedrals and the Ahlambra: Suggestive clothing...is it uber conservative wear, or just conservative. And anyone know how I can get a guaranteed admission to the Ahlambra (I heard it can be one of those wait in line for three hour routines...but I am sure someone has some backdoor insight on this board.)

Additionally, are there any one-day cooking seminars (or two) that anyone knows about in Granada?

And yes, I will read some destination reports (for those who are ready to jump at me)...however I want REAL FODORITES'S insights!!

Thanks gang!

pmgoosed

I forgot about Iberia: What is the story with the seating. I booked on Orbitz, picked my seat and my confirmation says that Iberia will assign seats upon departure (pretty stupid they make you pick seats if you dont get those seats).

Is this a first come first serve job?

CurioiusG1

What to wear to the cathedrals and alhambra is of course your personal choice. As most Cathedrals in Europe, I don't think it is uber conservative, but just slighly conservative. It is a church, so some modesty is probably expected. Depending on the time of year (are you coming in the Summer when it's hot?) you might just want to carry a little light sweater as a coverup, depending what you're wearing.

You can get tickets for the Alhambra online directly. I would strongly urge you to do so as it sells out quickly. There are two kinds of tickets - one is similar to a general admission (without the Palace) where you can wander in at any time and the other gives you access to the Palace only at a specific time. The earlier you get your ticket the easier it is to get the time you want. (My explanation is probably confusing - it will be clearer on the website!)

http://www.alhambra.org/

The Alhambra is definitely worth the trip.

enjoy Spain!

Dukey

The Alhambra which means "red fort" is NOT a religious site or any sort of church/mosque, etc., so you can dress accordingly. You don't have to keep shoulders or arms covered and yes, you can wear shorts.

You can actually book tickets on line but depending on the season even the line to pick up pre-booked tickets can stretch to over an hour (probably more so during the "high" season).

As to Iberia, not surprising about not being able to pick seats; they will assign you a seat upon check-in.

pmgoosed

Thank you, both, so much. Being I have 14 days before I leave, I am basically winging this trip.

Anyone have insight into the RENFE stations (or bus stations) from Madrid airport...as in how to get there (taxi, metro, etc.)

Suelynne

Hi pmgoosed,
There's lots to do in Granada and surrounds. My daughter has spent about ten weeks there in total and would return tomorrow. I've spent a week there and loved it.
Apart from the Alhambra, and the cathedral and surrounds, there are plenty of interesting corners to explore. Go up the hill above the Arab quarter to look at the view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada behind it. Find the Arab baths and the small museum near the stream that runs between those two hills.

Take a bus to the small villages in the Alpujarras. I think the first bus starts off about ten. [Read a classic, "South from Granada", or Chris Stewart's books about the area - the first is "Driving over Lemons"].

Ronda is only about an hour and a half by train. And there are other lovely small towns even closer that I haven't had the pleasure of exploring.

Eating: We self-catered, but there was an Italian gelateria near the cathedral that was memorable.
Also ate pizza and kebabs - regarding the latter, there were good ones to be had in the Arab quarter. Ham was the specialty in the Alpujarras.

Enjoy your stay!

worldinabag

Hola

This is a really good website on Granada - http://www.vivagranada.com. (TIP: Turn your sound on). I really loved the Albaicin area. The Mirador de San Cristóbal is worth visiting at sunset. We also saw the Alhambra at sunset from Mirador de San Nicolás. Make your way down to the "Moroccan style" street market. I'm sorry I can't remember where it is - we stumbled on it at night and it was so atmospheric! I never did this but maybe take in the Arab baths - http://www.hammamspain.com/. Or a flamenco show and dinner - http://www.cuevas-los-tarantos.com/flamenco/

Good luck

nessundorma

Be sure to tour the Alhambra at night. I recommend that you make your first tour a night tour, and then revisit the Alhambra in the morning to see the gardens. You may want to visit the Alhambra more than once, it is so beautiful.

pmgoosed

Thank you all...I am so pumped up because this is a last minute decision to go.

The information has helped immensely.

Are their any futbol fans on this board? Is there a local team (other than SEVILLE) within the area of Granada and plays in La liga? I WOULD LOVE TO WATCH A MATCH!