guiasandalucia.com: Information and reservations for other activities and special excursions in Granada, Spain

Special Excursions - Granada and its Surroundings In this section you will find some special activities and excursions available in and around Granada. If you want to get away from the city, or simply try something different we hope you’ll find it here. It has activities that are based in the city itself as well as excursions to the surrounding villages and countryside. For rest and relaxation we can recommend a tapas tour or photo workshop to unwind. If it’s a bit of cultural gastronomy that you’re looking for, then why not try some of the local delicacies the region has to offer. And to accompany the food there is also the chance to sample the traditional wine in the region. A lot of the picturesque surrounding villages have their own special charm that you can also enjoying a day trip from Granada. We can always do our best to try and make arrangements for any special requests you may have. Food and Drink The Mediterraneans have been famous for many years for having a rich and popular diet throughout the ages. Once the “Garden of Rome”, Spain and Andalucia have had a plentiful history of cultivating cereals, wines, and olives that continues to this day. These typical features of Granada’s gastronomy and much more can be found on the Food & Wine attractions in and around Granada. During the Tapas Tour you will sample not only the diversity of the delicacies, but also the lively and varied social life of the cities inhabitants. Along the way a new found appreciation for the multitude of wines on offer will certainly be complemented by the Wine Stroll accompanied by a charming local expert. Last but by no means least you will have an opportunity to apply some of your own culinary skills with a Spanish Cookery Class. In the nearby Lecrín Valley you will spend an enjoyable morning learning and creating your own dishes from a wide array of local tapas dishes.


Sierra Nevada Biking The mountain range that spreads around three sides of Granada has the highest peaks in mainland Spain, and remained snow-capped for 7 months of the year. The cities most striking natural monument of Granada provides a dramatic backdrop to this challenging but enjoyable bike ride. Marvel at the the mountain tops, some of which are well over 10,000 feet up, as you get to grips with your surroundings and work up a sweat. The circular route covers tracks and lanes through open countryside, small villages, farmland, and orchards. The gradient is easy to moderate through most parts and includes some rest stops along the way to enjoy some refreshments (provided), and/or take some photographs of the spectacular scenery.


Flamenco Classes If you find yourself being inspired by the rich tradition of Flamenco that you can find here in Andalucia, then why not give it a go yourself with some Flamenco Classes. The classes are taught in small relaxed class atmosphere by a local teacher, and all levels and abilities can be catered if for regardless of experience. It’s surprising how quickly the basics can be picked up whether you’re a novice or a complete beginner. You’re teacher has ten years experience of giving classes, has been dancing for the most part of her life and will make sure you have an enjoyable experience. You can sign up for as many or as few as you like, and the classes generally run all the year through. Class sizes are kept to a minimum to ensure the students get all the guidance they need. Many people from all sorts of backgrounds, and abilities, have studied here in historical Granada.


Digital Darkroom Workshop After winding down with a home-made lunch you will partake in a Digital Darkroom session to realise some of the photographic opportunities from the visit to the valley. This is aimed at all levels of ability when it comes to digital photo reproduction. The 3 hour workshop will have you working with your portfolio from the safari or indeed any other excursion you wish to include. You will learn how to digitally manipulate the images and use techniques such as cropping, black & white conversion, colour enhancement, image resizing, and various other preparatory functions for presentation, and printing etc. As a combination with any of the photo safaris this is an ideal introduction to both Andalucia and the world of digital photography.


Yoga Retreat & City classes This popular activity has resulted in an interest in pursuing it in ever more differing locations, in order to be inspired by the surroundings whilst performing yoga. Towards the south of the city, between the mountains and the coast, there are locations that provide a sense of tranquillity along with the beauty of nature, to further enhance the overall effect of practising yoga. The stunning Lecrín Valley and the Alpujarras are the setting for this activity. Your stay will be in small traditional, family run accommodation, with a light mainly vegetarian diet to accompany the twice daily yoga sessions. For the city option the teacher, Beatriz Hoyos, has based her teachings on a combination of the Raja, and Hatha Yogas, and adapted her studies from various centres throughout India.


Spa & Wellness A well kept secret of the surrounding area of Granada is that there are no less than four natural thermal and springs spas available, each with their own individual treatments and atmospheres. There is a wide variety of choices such as, Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, aromatherapy, massages, sea-weed wraps, hydro therapy, plus many more. The traditional hammam Arabic baths in Granada have the effect of transporting you back in time, as they provide you with a sense of both the Roman and Moorish cultural pastimes. The Andalusían decor with typical tiled mosaics, and intricately engraved archways, combined with the gentle sound of water and the soft lighting and music, will more than help you wind down for the day.