Location

Tucked away in the bewitching Andalusian landscape, Granada is waiting to awake the secrets of its ancient Muslim past and the wonders of its lively present for you. Hotel Plaza Nueva is just a few minutes from the Alhambra, the most visited monument in all of Spain; from its windows, there are views of the royal neighborhood of Alcazaba and the Torre de la Vela.

Alhambra is the symbol of Granada. The arabesque lines of the fortress date back to the XIII century and hide magnificent gardens, courtyards and splendid fountains; divided into two areas, the military area of Alcazaba and the Medina, which stands out for the stucco decorations of the Palacio Nazar, the complex is the epitome of Moorish architecture.

Inside the Alhambra, you can also admire the extraordinary imperial palace of Carlo V and the bewitching gardens of Generalife, a summer hermitage whose grounds extend to the mountains. From one of the few embattled towers standing, Torre de la Vela, offers amazing views of the city that extend to the Sierra Nevada. Last but not least, don’t forget to pick up Washington Irving’s work, “Tales of the Alhambra”, a literary classic that will whisk you away into the legends of this unique place.

The Albayzín neighborhood.

This is the ancient Muslim neighborhood of Granada. From Plaza de Santa Ana, follow the Darro river to Paseo de los Tristes. Leave the city and the fascinating Archeological Museum behind and climb up the Albayzín hill. Enter in a labyrinth of tiny streets, among stone homes and cármenes, elegant villas surrounded by gardens with views of Alhambra. Reach the Mirador de San Nicolás, admiring the splendid landscape, and then descend towards the “tea rooms”: here you’ll find a delicious mix of Arab tea along with excellent fragrant tobacco.

Granada’s history is strongly linked to the Reconquista period; an excellent example is its renaissance cathedral, in the plaza Isabel la Católica. Strongly desired by the Catholic king, this building is flanked by the extraordinary Royal Chapel, a real gem created to house the spoils of the Spanish rulers.
Most of the commercial activity is focused
in the historic center in Granada.  Gran Vía de Colón is the main artery of the city; old antiques shops, art galleries and haute couture boutique are in Calle Puentezuelas and Calle Reyes Catolicós; between these roads and the cathedral, the shopping area continues up to the old Arab silk market, the Alcaceira, with its souvenirs and artisan products.