Granada Travel Guide

 
by mircaskirca
 
  •   Granada
    by mircaskirca
  •   Granada
    by mircaskirca
  • Beautiful view from our boat.
      Beautiful view from our boat.
    by rosequartzlover1
  • The streets of Granada during sunset
      The streets of Granada during sunset
    by Pieter11
  •   Granada
    by barryg23
 

Flights to Granada

All fares Ashburn (IAD) to Granada (MGA) found by travelers in past 48 hours*
Today's lowest fares
JunJulAug
$641 $641 $627
Search Flights

Pro

Sininen profile photo

 Colonial houses, Lago Cocibolca, people 


Con

Marie-France profile photo

 hot 


In a nutshell

Kindra profile photo

 History, art, food, music, volcanos, lakes. 

 

Explore Granada

Things to Do  

Village Walking Tour with a local NGO

Village Walking Tour with a local NGO, Granada

 MarjorieL Says:  La Esperanza Granada is a volunteer organization that works with communities in and around Granada to improve the education of their children. They would like to show you one of these communities, San Ignacio, and a school where they work. In the midst of poverty, it is... 

La Plazuela de Los Leones

La Plazuela de Los Leones, Granada

 atufft Says:  Also known as Plaza del Independencia, La Plazuela de los Leones was where much of Nicaragua's most notorious history transpired. When Leon was burned by a volcano in 1610, all power transferred to Granada, making it the "jewel" of the Spanish crown.So, it was during this... 

Iglesia Guadalupe

Iglesia Guadalupe, Granada

 atufft Says:  Rough in appearance inside and out, Iglesia Guadalupe is located at the confluence of Calle La Calzada and Calle La Libertad, flowing in the direction of the waterfront. This location caused it to become used as a fortress and become the first sacked by marauding pirates.... 

More Images of Las Isletas near Granada

More Images of Las Isletas near Granada, Granada

 atufft Says:  There is a surprising number of establshed homes on islands here, and yet there is also a wealth of wildlife. There's a good view of Mombacho, and a cove where a couple of old freighters are parked. Check out my video clips of monkey island and the tourist boat launch at... 

Walk Along Calle La Calzada

Walk Along Calle La Calzada, Granada

 atufft Says:  The central pedestrian avenue known as Calle La Calzada starts at the Parque Colon, where the Cathedral is located, and proceeds straight past Iglesia Guadalupe, where it widens into a divided parkway and continues to the waterfront where the Ferry to Ometepe and San Carlos... 

Antiguo Convento San Francisco

Antiguo Convento San Francisco, Granada

 atufft Says:  Ancient in appearance and setting, this Iglesia and convent was originally built by Franciscan monks in 1529. It was burned to the ground by Henry Morgan a century and a half later, and another 200 years or so after that William Walker used the current structure to house his... 

Casa de Los Leones

Casa de Los Leones, Granada

 atufft Says:  The Granada Museum is surprisingly sparse in terms of exhibits, but there are a couple of important mural paintings depicting some of Granada's historical events. Also, there is a collection of children's art. The most important aspect of the building is the remains of the... 

Las Isletas by Private Motorboat

Las Isletas by Private Motorboat, Granada

 atufft Says:  There are a large number of small islands in Lake Nicaragua, right near Granada, created by the explosive eruption of Mombacho thousands of years ago. The rocky waters must have been hazardous for Spanish galleons, as they probably also served to hide pirates during the 17th... 

Hotels  

Jicaro Island Ecolodge

 106 Opinions

Restaurants  

Margarita Bar & Grill: Take Time to Relax and People Watch

Margarita Bar & Grill: Take Time to Relax and People Watch, Granada

 atufft Says:  Margarita is right in the center of the nightlife on the Calle La Calzada, and so don't expect really quick service. We waited an hour for food that was listed as "specials" on the white board just outside the bar entrance. But, the waiters were relatively attentive in any... 

Mely's: Good Place for Nica Ceviche and Mojito

Mely's: Good Place for Nica Ceviche and Mojito, Granada

 atufft Says:  Located on Calle La Calzada, Mely's is one of the mostly outdoor restaurants with very good service for lunch. I had a Nicaraguan style ceviche, while my wife had a filet of fish. The Mojito was nicely made, plenty of ice and fresh mint. Prices are very reasonable and... 

Nightlife  

Calle La Calzada: Safe and Fun Pedestrian Walk

Calle La Calzada: Safe and Fun Pedestrian Walk, Granada

 atufft Says:  At first we were concerned about walking around Calle La Calzada at night, especially on X-mas Eve. The street was almost deserted of tourists, and firecrackers were being thrown at our feet. Motorcycles rushed through this pedestrian walkway. Fireworks lit up the sky like... 

Transportation  

Late night transfer from Managua Airport

Late night transfer from Managua Airport, Granada

 atufft Says:  Budget travelers from North America will find that six hours of flying time can easily turn into an all-day affair since transfer to a Managua bound jet will occur in either Miami or Houston. So, arrival in Managua after 10pm is not uncommon. Rather than stay at the Best... 

La UCA Buses to Managua and Leon

La UCA Buses to Managua and Leon, Granada

 atufft Says:  Our hotel clerk recommended paying $90- for a special shuttle direct to Managua, because Managua was "dangerous". We also knew that the yellow school bus or "chicken bus" also went to Managua for a fare not much more than $1-, but with a multitude of stops. But we quickly... 

Local bus to Masaya

Local bus to Masaya, Granada

 atufft Says:  Masaya is a nearby city, so there's no need to be too formal or up class about how to get there. We took the old fashioned yellow school bus at very low price. Tourists are common but make up less than 10% of ridership, I would estimate. The buses leave regularly from a... 

Shopping  

Old Market Hall: Rummage Among the Locals

Old Market Hall: Rummage Among the Locals, Granada

 atufft Says:  The Old Market Hall caters mostly to the locals but is worth a visit. Its collection of locally manufactured and imported stuff spills into the street near the Managua Bus Station. For more adventure, just enter the faded green facade entrance. This is a good place to buy a... 

ChocoMuseo Shop: Cacao and Chocolate

ChocoMuseo Shop: Cacao and Chocolate, Granada

 mircaskirca Says:  ChocoMuseo Shop is a little shop inside the ChocoMuseo. When you enter the museum you find it on the left side, just in front of the Choco Café. As the name suggests, the shop specializes in cacao and chocolate. They also sell some other products but all with the same theme... 

Local Customs  

Doors of Granada

Doors of Granada, Granada

 atufft Says:  This city has a special reputation for having wonderful front doors. These residential entrances are often the only thing attractive on the streetside, but homes inside can be very nice, with inner courtyards and tropical hardwoods. 

Warnings and Dangers  

Waterfront at Night

Waterfront at Night, Granada

 atufft Says:  The enticing excitement of the live music Salsa clubs at the waterfront apparently can induce cause for petty robbery of tourists. Dress down and don't flash the iPhone. We were advised that even in daylight, we should exercise caution at the waterfront. Drunk, unemployed... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Laguna de Apoyo

Laguna de Apoyo, Granada

 mircaskirca Says:  Located between Masaya and Granada is a 200m deep volcanic crater lake named Laguna de Apoyo. With its blue water and an amazing view, it is one of Nicaragua's most beautiful natural wonders and should not be missed. Laguna de Apoyo was formed by a volcanic eruption more... 

Catarina

Catarina, Granada

 mircaskirca Says:  At the crossroads of Los Pueblos Blancos, just a short walk from the neighbouring San Juan de Oriente, is the town of Catarina. The town is mainly known for its mirador (viewpoint) which is a favourite weekend hangout for both national and foreign tourists. The panoramic... 

Comments

 
* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of Granada