MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLAS, Granada

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The Plaza de San Nicolas is situated in Granada Old Town, known as the Albaicin.
It is possible to walk to it form the centre of the town, if you're the energetic type.
Alternatively, you can catch one of the little transit-style buses that rattle through the old town's narrow cobbled streets.
The plaza has a wonderful view back to the Alhambra Palace, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.
There are also a number of bars and restaurants in the vicinity if you feel in need of refreshment.
When we were there there were musicians playing Spanish guitar which added to the atmosphere.
There'll be plenty of other tourists there with you, but it is well worth the effort as you don't get that view from anywhere else.

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One of the best views of the Alhambra is from the well known lookout point called Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicin district of Granada.

The views from this mirador are good all throughout the day, but especially at sunset. The mirador stands opposite the Alhambra on a hill in Albaicin, and also offers good view over the rest of the city and of the Sierra Nevada mountains (when they're not covered by cloud).

There are numerous routes to the mirador from Albaicin though it can be difficult to find without a map as the streets in the Albaicin are narrow and winding.

The mirador is always busy, as it's a well known spot, and there is often music from local groups to accompany the fine views.

Another good lookout point over Granada and the Albayzin district is the Mirador de San Nicolas which means ‘viewpoint of the Great St Nicolas”. From here you will be able to see the Alhambra and the Church of Santa Maria, the Tower of Coseas just amongst a few notable sights. You can visit Mon-Fri 9.30am-7.00pm and Sat 10.00-2.00pm.

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One of the best views of Alhambra and la Sierra Nevada can be found at Mirador de San Nicolás. It is located at Plaza de San Nicolás, one of the highest points in Albaicín. A visit to this plaza is worthwhile, not only for the breathtaking views, but also for the lively local scene. When I visited in February 2005, a group of gypsies were singing and playing la guitarra, and a Maghrebine calligraphist sold framed Arab proverbs inscribed in amazing artistic Arabic calligraphy. For a small fee, he would inscribe people's names in the most beautiful Arabic script (see photo of calligraphist). I found Mirador de San Nicolás to be one of the most fascinating places in Granada. I filmed a short video during my visit - click on Mirador de San Nicolás to view it.

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Situated on top of the albaicin el mirador de san nicolas is a balcony where you can enjoy the best sight of la Alhambra, Granada and the best dusk.

Situado en la parte de arriba del albaicín, desde el mirador de san nicolás se pueden conseguir las mejores vistas de la Alhambra, Granada y el mejor atardecer.

This is the recommended spot to see the sunset over the Alhambra, It's also recommended to keep your valuables hidden, as it's allegedly a prime pick- pocketing site.

Well, I arrived here early afternoon, and there was no-one else here- So I was half expecting to be jumped on by hidden nee'r do wells!
Luckily I had an undisturbed time viewing The Alhambra from this vantage point.

I took a few pics, had a wander around the streets and squares of Albaicin, then returned here about an hour later. I found an assembled gathering of tourists taking pics of the Alhambra, plus a small group of 'the great unwashed' gathered around a loppy looking guitarist, who proceeded to wail something which I guess was supposed to be a variation on a flamenco lament, with an accompaniment of a few half hearted strums of his guitar- his glassy eyed mates were far more impressed than I was!

The 16th century Church of San Nicholas stands at the back of the mirador. This church, like many others, was set on fire during the Spanish Civil war, as the impoverished inhabitants of Albaicin supported the Republicans, who rose against Franco.

The Granada tour (mini bus) stops near here, as do the 'donkey buses'

This viewpoint in the Albaicin is a perfect place for a picture of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada, with its open view east. The only problem is that there is a lot of people trying to sell the same bad souvenirs. With so many tourists and vendors, it’s hard to appreciate the great view you get.

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I couldn't tell you how to get here as a friend led me to it, but please make the trek up to Mirador San Nicolas. The view of the Alhambra and the city is amazing, especially at night. However, the best part of my experience here was the group of gypsys singing traditional songs and playing guitar. Really, I haven't heard anything as good and heartfelt in such a long time and they were really just doing it for the enjoyment of it and for the tradition. Beats Fado in a restaurant or Flamenco on a stage any day!