Idolatry
by karenincalifornia
Idolatry is not tolerated in Islam, so all of the carvings and mosaic designs in the Nasrid-constructed Alhambra are geometric and do not depict the human body. In contrast, the Catholic religion does accept icons and statues as part of the religious adornment. Many places in Spain that were under Moorish domination, and then Catholic domination, have structures that are a combination of both Moorish and Spanish architecture. Where the Moorish architecture and design has been preserved, you can tell when you are moving between the Moorish and the Spanish design by the absence or depiction of the human body as part of the design.
Palm to palm- fortune tellers in Granada
by Ekaterinburg
I suppose this tip could just as easily be classified as a warning or tourist trap, but I found it quite a charming local custom. All round the centre of the city, especially in the cathedral area, gypsy women accost you with offerings of a sprig of something delightfully aromatic and offer ( ?) to read your palm. I was actually standing on a wall ouside the Chapel Royal ( posing for a photo under an orange tree - what else ? ) when a young girl reached up and shoved this sprig into my hand. My husband was jumping up and down with rage behind because she'd already asked him and he'd refused, but I quite enjoyed the experience. She told me I had excellent health and I told her she was wrong so she changed that to excellent head health and that I was very intelligent. Clever girl herself obviously !! Next she told me I had 3 children, all big now ( very observant ) . I told her I had 4 and without missing a beat she picked up my other hand and spotted one she'd missed. She was funny and in no way aggressive and I had no problem with giving her a few euro for her quick wit. We all like to romanticise the gypy connection with Granada so I think it's not too surprising that they are going to milk that for what it's worth in economic terms.
Salobrena Beach
by Shibiru
You can easily take a bus that takes around one hour to the coast of the state of Granada. We went to Salobrena (on top the "n" there's that sign...but I can't do it on this keyboard:-)).
well, wen u get out of the bus..u just ask where the beach is, 'cause u have to walk for around 15min. to get there.
The beach was full of locals but we went up the hill and had picnic there....what a wonderful view!!!
Supermarkets
by blint about Mercadona/Supersol/Al Campo/ Carrefour/Spar
It occurred to me today it is important to know where good supermarkets are when you visit/move to a new town; so I thought I would give you the low down on where to find them and the prices and goods you can expect to find in Granada.
For cheapness and quality try Mercadona which is open 9-9 all week except Sundays. The one I go to is on the road just behind Jardines de Triunfo to the left. Here you can buy certain British products you may miss such as HP sauce, Baked Beans and Heinz Spaghetti!
Al Campo is a giant superstore near the bus station. You can get to it from the number one bus on Gran Via. Here you can buy anything you want from clothes, books, plants, toys, car stuff, and electronic goods to food and drink! You can also get said British food here too.
Carrefour is another big superstore like Alcampo though the prices are a little more expensive. You'll need to drive or take the number 5 bus to get to it because it is a little out of town on the other side of the river. You can Also get British products here too! You can get cans of John Smith's too!!!!!
Supersol's vary in size. The one on Constitution near the train station is of a good size. They usually sell British products if they are big enough, but I'm not sure if this one does. The prices are average here. It is linked to the TESCO chain in Britain.
Spar. There is a Spar on Pages in the Albaicin and another couple of doors down from the Mercadona mentioned above. The prices are a little more expensive and they don't sell British products! It is biggest supermarket in the Albaicin though!
Covian. There are several of these little shops in the Albaicin. The best is on Calle Larga where a really friendly old man works. The prices are roughly the same as Spar. The only English products you'll find here is Baked Beans. There is a good fruit an veg section and a good selection of wines too. I wrote to much above so I have to carry on here!
Corte Ingles is more expensive than anywhere. The food section is below the department store on Acera de Darro. I don't recommend shopping here because of the prices although they have a great selection of food and wines! I suppose this is the Marks and Sparks of Spain. It is for the richer Clientele.
By Plane
by keeweechic
Granada’s Federico Garcia Lorca airport is around 15kms from the centre of the city. There are no direct international flights into Granada but Air Europa and Iberia have national flights from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Madrid and Melilla to Granada running daily.
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The Daraxa gardens.
The dancers
Aeroplane on roundabout exiting Castuera
An intriguing hedge along our walking path
