Tags
Alcazaba, Alhambra, Andalusia, Generalife, Granada, San Nicolas, Spain
We awoke at 0900 well rested. We obviously needed the rest. A pan of scrambled eggs and chocolate brioche with pineapple grape juice satisfied everyone. Of course coffee was involved.
Morning coffee
We set out, after applying sunscreen at 1030 ready to hit the cathedral. But our plan was stymied by a religious procession celebrating Granada’s most holy day, corpus Christi.
It was a great experience and we stayed for an hour watching the various nearby villages parade past. Everyone around us explained what was occurring and we were trying very hard to understand in our poor Spanish. But, we understood, somehow – plus they loved the kids.
Sherrie and the kids walking to the cathedral through the old Islamic district
Procession of corpus Christi in Granada
Since the city centre was going to be uncomfortably busy we made alternate plans, picked up our Alhambra tickets and headed up the hill to Mirador San Nicolas.
Sherrie, Isabella, and Aurelia picking up Alhambra tickets
Isabella and Lucas running through the streets
Isabella and Lucas inspecting an old city water source
It is a terrace located nearby the gypsy quarter, the Sacromante, which contains a small plaza and a 16th century church. It is also one of the nicest views in the city and hosts musicians and artists all day.
We hiked up to the top of the church steeple and enjoyed the view, music, and atmosphere.
Sherrie and the kids in the San Nicholas bell tower
View from San Nicolas bell tower
View from San Nicolas bell tower
View from San Nicholas bell tower
Plaza San Nicholas
Sherrie and the kids at plaza San Nicolas with the Alhambra in the background
Sergio, Lucas, and Isabella at plaza San Nicholas with the Alhambra in the background
We then ate lunch in a restaurant near the plaza.
Isabella and Lucas with paella tapas
Isabella with eggplant and honey - so good!
Tuna in white wine with onions and almonds
Aurelia feeding the birds
From mirador San Nicholas we took a taxi to the Alhambra. As we had heard that the walk up was rough we decided to take it easy. Seven euros and ten minutes later we were at the Alhambra. Our tickets for the Nazrid palace was not until 1900 which have us four hours to explore. Boy, did we need it.
First we saw the Generalife. A more unofficial palace.
Lucas and Isabella at the Generalife gardens
Sherrie and Aurelia at the Generalife gardens
Lucas and Isabella in the Generalife gardens
A lizard in the Generalife gardens
Sherrie, Lucas, Aurelia, and Isabella in the Generalife palace
Decorative entryway in the Generalife palace
Generalife palace
Generalife palace room
Generalife palace
Lucas and Isabella in the Generalife palace
Lucas taking Isabella's picture in the Generalife palace
The weather was beautiful. Not hot in the sun nor cold in the shade. Perfect. After the Generalife we went to the palace of Carlos V. Not much to see there.
Sergio, Isabella, and Lucas in the palace of Carlos V
We then crossed over to the Alcazaba, the military barracks for the sultan.
Isabella and Lucas at the doorway to the Alcazaba
Alcazaba tower
Sherrie and the kids on the top of the Alcazaba
Sherrie and Lucas walking the old road below the Alcazaba
Lucas attempting to scale the walls. Again we had to intervene to keep Lucas from going to prison 🙂
After the Alcazaba we waited in line for the Nazrid palace, the main attraction. The kids did a great job waiting and making new friends. A particular Korean couple really loved Isabella and loved spending time with her.
Lucas, Aurelia, Isabella, and another kid making friends and waiting in line for the Nazrid palaces
Isabella with the Korean couple and Lucas, who felt left out, on the shoulders of another guy who felt bad for him
We then, finally, got into the Nazrid palace. Having tickets for the end of the day was nice as it was almost empty of people.
It was stunning.
Nazrid palace geometric wall design
Nazrid palace geometric wall design
Nazrid palace interior room
Nazrid palace ceiling
Nazrid palace geometric wall design
Nazrid palace geometric wall design
Nazrid palace windows
Nazrid palace water jug shelf
Nazrid palace courtyard
Nazrid palace seven lions fountain
After the palace we took a taxi to plaza nueva for dinner and finished it off with some ice cream. Not a bad day. Everyone was in a great mood. And best of all, no sunburns!
Sergio and the kids at dinner on the plaza nuevo
Isabella, Lucas, and Aurelia enjoying ice cream after dinner
