Kelley Watson Tells Us a Little About Herself, Why She Loves Granada, and Shares Her Best Granada Insider Tips
“Hola amigos! I decided to take a break from my career and do some traveling, but I also wanted to make it valuable to my career and personal development, so I decided to spend a couple months doing an immersive language learning course in Spain.
I chose Granada for a few reasons. One, I had traveled to Spain a couple times before, but never to the Andalusian region, and wanted to find a school in that area. Two, of all the schools I researched, Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas appealed to me the most, because they don’t just educate people in the Spanish language, but also Flamenco dancing, and classic Flamenco/Spanish guitar. Finally, I’m a huge history buff, and Granada has history for days! From its beginnings as a Roman outpost, to its Moorish and Catholic history, you can’t throw a rock without finding some serious history, especially where I was living in Albaicin.
What I loved most about Granada is the laid back attitude most residents (and visitors) adopt when here. Life moves at a different pace, and the populace as a whole have a jovial outlook on life. It also doesn’t hurt that the city is just the right size – small enough to navigate easily, yet large enough to offer anything and everything you’re looking for.” – Kelley Watson
Kelley Watson’s Granada Insider Tips
Two months immersed in the culture and language of Granada, Kelley shares some Granada insider tips you just won’t find in the common guide books:
1. Granada insider tips: Carmen de los Martires
It’s an amazing garden very close to the Alhambra, and best of all, it’s free! Awesome views, interesting landscaping and very relaxing to wander through.
2. Granada insider tips: Miradors
In Albaicin, there are several really great “miradors” (viewpoints): Mirador San Nicolas, which gives you beautiful views of the Alhambra, Mirador San Cristobal, which has a gorgeous view of the whole of Granada, and Mirador San Miguel, which is higher up and closer to Sacromonte. Highly recommend visiting all, especially near sunset. Amazing.
3. Granada insider tips: City Center Busses
An easy and affordable way to get around the city center (especially if you’re hot and don’t want to climb those hills!) is to use the city center buses (little red buses). C1 will take you from the center to Albaicin, C2 will take you from the center up Sacromonte, and C3 will take you to Carmen de los Martires and the Alhambra. They all run in a loop, so you can hop on/off right around the same spot. If you’ll be there more than a few days, buy a ‘Credibus’ card from the driver (€2) and top it up with €5, €10 or €20. Individual rides are €1.20, but if you use the card, they average €0.83 per ride, and if you transfer buses within 30 minutes of getting on the previous bus, you don’t pay a second fare.
4. Granada insider tips: Teterias
Visit a Teteria!!! The teas, especially green teas, are amazing. There are teterias everywhere…go! You won’t be disappointed.
5. What to do in Granada: Moroccan Cuisine
You can find amazing North African food very near the city center, specifically Moroccan cuisine. Walk straight up the street next to Plaza Nueva (in front of the supermarket and pizza shop) and discover so many little shops and restaurants run by Moroccan families.
6. Granada insider tips: Souvenir Shopping
When buying souvenirs, don’t buy something at the first place you find it. Lots of things are cheaper away from the city center, and be open to haggling a little bit with some of the smaller shops to get a good deal!
7. What to do in Granada: Hand Fan
Buy yourself a cheap hand fan. You’ll be amazed how often they come in handy (especially in the full heat of an Andalusian summer!)
8. Granada insider tips: Street Performers
Finally, make time to watch the street performers in Granada. There are so many in the afternoons/evenings in just about any plaza you find, plus all along the Paseo de los Tristes (runs along the Rio Darro). You won’t be disappointed with the talent.
9. Granada insider tips: Flamenco
Do NOT miss out on seeing a Flamenco show while you’re there! It is an absolute must! La Chien Andalou is cheap, steps from Plaza Nueva, and there are 3 shows a night. There are several other shows around Plaza Nueva as well, or Jardines de Zoraya in Albaicin for a bit more upscale show (the food is amazing too, but a little pricey for what it is).
About Kelley:
Kelley is a soul that’s been on the go for a couple decades, with no intention of slowing down. She’s traveled throughout Europe and parts of Asia, with plans to add more continents to that list and see as much of the world as possible before she leaves it. In order to fund her wanderlust, she works in software development, and takes periodic breaks/vacations to satisfy her world curiosity. One day, she will give it all up and follow in Josh and Krissy’s footsteps!
One Response to “Looking for Granada Insider Tips? Meet Kelley”
Kevin
I heard the flamenco shows were a rip off and to stay away???