When you think of Granada, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the Alhambra palace, which is only natural considering it is the #1 tourist attraction in all of Spain. Having been to Spain a few times before this trip, but never in Andalucia, I was pretty stoked to finally get the full Alhambra experience.
THE VIEW OF ALHAMBRA FROM RESTAURANT MIRADOR DE MORAYMA
So of course, I enjoyed my visit to the Alhambra (how can you not?? look at that glorious thing) but you know what was just as mind-blowing? The dinner I had the night before that overlooked the Alhambra. The crazy view (pictured above) with the sun setting and the full moon arriving in full force, PLUS the most delicious food, made for an evening in Spain I will never forget.
VIEWS REFLECTED FROM THE DINING ROOM BEHIND THE MORAYMA BALCONY
There's a balcony on the top floor of Restaurant Mirador de Morayma that houses 1 table (large enough to fit 6 people) and THIS is the magical table you want to reserve. Very few people know about this table, which is not private, you just have to know to ask for it. So, learn some Spanish, make the call and ask for the Morayma balcony.
THE VIEW FROM OUR TABLE ON THE MORAYMA BALCONY
OCTOPUS CARPACCIO
GRILLED IBERICO PORK WITH PIMIENTOS DE PADRON AND POTATOES
When you're offered the option of a "special grilled Iberico pork" dish, you say, YES. The most tender meat... dang.
ASSORTMENT OF TIRAMISU, ALMOND MILLE-FEUILLE, CHEESECAKE AND GELATO
THE ALHAMBRA AFTER SUNDOWN
THE FULL MOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER SOLSTICE ADDING TO THE MAGIC
After dinner, we walked down to the charming Carrera del Darro path, which takes you along The River Darro and past several packed bars right by the river (FYI along with Jaen, Granada still offers free tapas in all the bars because #cantstopwontstop eating). Granada's a huge university city so there's no shortage of fun bars to drink at 'til the morning light.
Inside Alhambra + Generalife:
WHERE'S WALDO? VIEW OF THE ALBAICIN DISTRICT FROM ATOP THE ALHAMBRA
Granada was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 and the Alhambra is a breathtaking example of the Moorish design and architecture created prior. BTW the grounds are extensive so it's recommended that you visit the website and plan beforehand what you want to hit (plan for about 3hrs of exploring) and buy your entrance tickets as far in advance as you can (there are limited tickets available each day and when they're sold out - which they do every day - you're shit out of luck). When we were walking out of the exit (around 12pm) the speakers announced that the day was now sold-out and no more visitors would be accepted.
INTRICATE PALACE ARCH GALORE AT ALHAMBRA
ALWAYS LOOK UP
TOO MANY DETAILS TO ADMIRE
REFLECTIONS FROM PATIO DE ARRAYANES
RESIDENT FELINE LOOKING FOR HER LUNCH
PILLARS FROM THE PATIO DE LOS LEONES. SUBTLE.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
OH, JUST A MODEST SUMMER PALACE
GENERALIFE'S PATIO DE LA ACEQUIA
The Alcaiceria used to be a maze of narrow streets that functioned as a market when it manufactured and sold silk. Now, it's lined with shops, mainly for the tourist set.
ENTRANCE TO THE ALCAICERIA
INSIDE THE ALCAICERIA
THE SIDEWALKS OUTSIDE THE ALCAICERIA ARE GORGEOUS CLUSTERS OF STONE
THE GREY-BLUES OF THE SIDEWALK + EXTERIOR WORK TOGETHER JUST PERFECTLY