Beyond the Palaces: The Rebel Heart of Andalusia

Andalusia is the southernmost region in Spain, known for its delicious wine, brandy, and olive oil, as well as being the birthplace of flamenco dancing and the home to many white villages. Seville is the most visited city in the region, but when it comes to history and culture, Granada is the rebel heart of Andalusia. 

Image by M.studio / Adobestock

Granada is now a University City, but it was once the settlement place for Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors. You can discover Granada with GuruWalk by trusting a local guide to take you on a tour of the neighbourhoods of Albaycin, Sacromonte, and Realejo. You will witness medieval architecture dating back to the Moorish occupation, breathtaking Midarores (viewpoints), Arab bathhouses, and Moroccan-influenced streets. 

The Moorish capital is most well-known for housing the Alhambra, a famous palace and fortress complex that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Today, Alhambra is one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world. However, there is much more in Granada than palaces.

This article will explore five unique things to do in the rebel heart of Andalusia, Granada. 

1. Enjoy A Flamenco Show In Sacromonte

When visiting any Spanish city, many will recommend that you attend a flamenco show for an evening of cultural entertainment. However, Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco dancing, so it is a must-do when visiting Granada. 

In the old Gypsy neighbourhood of Sacromonte, you can enjoy a flamenco show inside a whitewashed cave dug into the side of the hill - which is a museum by day and an entertainment venue for intimate flamenco shows by night.

These caves protected Spanish Gypsies from the Andalusian sun and winter rains, as well as from religious and ethnic prosecution. Many still live in Sacromonte, so please be respectful when walking past the caves.

Image by Manuel / Adobestock

2. Grab A Cup Of Moroccan Tea

There are many teahouses on Calle de las Teterias (Tea Houses Street) in the Albaicin neighbourhood that offer an experience that transports you back to the time of Arab Andalusia. The traditional Moroccan tea is made with green tea and mint and is said to provide numerous health benefits.

Visitors and locals alike will feel as though they are wandering the streets of Marrakech, with the smell of tea, the unique decor of the tea houses, and small shops selling Moroccan clothing and accessories.

3. Visit A Perfume Cellar 

Along the narrow, winding streets of Carrera del Darro in the Realejo neighbourhood, you will find Patio de Los Perfumes. Inside this underground museum, you can learn about the history of perfume and how it was traditionally made during the Nazari era.

Patio de Los Perfumes runs guided tours inside the museum, but you can also visit at your own pace by passing through the shop and going downstairs to the cellar. In addition, you can join a masterclass in which you will be guided whilst making the perfect perfume to suit your taste.

4. Visit The San Augustin Market 

The San Augustin Market, located near the Granada Cathedral, was originally an outdoor food market but has since evolved into an indoor venue with restaurants, bars, and food stalls.

The buzzing market offers a wide selection of food, including fish, olives, kebabs, Manchego cheese, and Jamón Ibérico. You can order your food to be cooked on-site and delivered to your table if you can find one, or you can take the food away and cook it yourself. 

Image courtesy of Mercado District

5. Relax At An Arab Bathhouse

After a busy day in Granada, you can relax at an Arab bathhouse such as Hammam al Andalus. This unique setting was the first to be reopened in Spain, five centuries after the Catholic Monarchs had decided to close the bathhouses.

The bathhouse has a variety of pools, which all have different temperatures, and you can also book treatments such as a Moroccan Kessa massage.

Ready To Explore The Rebel Heart Of Andalusia?

Granada is, unfortunately, not as popular a city break destination as other Spanish cities, such as Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga. However, it's worth the visit, especially if you like learning about history and immersing yourself in local cultures.

From the United Kingdom, you can fly into either Federico García Lorca Granada Airport or Malaga Costa del Sol Airport. Both have great transport services into central Granada.

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock & Mercado District