Transportation in Granada
For moving around the city centre driving is the least attractive option, its far better to walk around for short journeys. At all hours of the day you can take advantage of the several bus routes that criss-cross the city, and for taxis they normally are in big groups near the tourist hotspots. For visiting the main attractions such as the Alhambra, and Albaicin Quarter walking is by far the best option due to parking constraints. The cities bus routes can be obtained in leaflets at the tourist offices and all bus stops provide adequate information for people whose Spanish is limited. A 21 journey ticket is also available which is ideal if you’re staying just outside the city. Bus routes 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11 also go from the train station to the city centre on a regular basis throughout the day.

Weather in Granada
Throughout the year Granada’s weather is typically hot and dry during the summer, and cold and fairly dry during the winter months. Although it can get quite hot in summertime it tends to cool down quite a bit at night-time. There is very little rain between the months of June and September. It can get as low as 0oC without the wind-chill factor from the Sierra Nevada mountains. On occasion there is snow but it doesn’t usually stay around for longer than a day. If it is snow you want then a trip to the nearby mountains from September through to April will almost guarantee you some snowfall. Rain normally lasts for no more than a couple of days during the summer months if at all.

Nightlife in Granada
There are many enjoyable, traditional and modern bars and nightclubs to enjoy in Granada. It’s quite common in Granada to be served a different tapas with each drink, although this is not the case in all bars. There’s the oldest bar in Granada – Sabanilla that serves a free tapas with every drink, or the impressive Hotel Reina Cristina bar which is a perfect spot for a glass of fino and tapas. Most bars stay open until around midnight, but if you want to carry on late into the night the student areas surrounding the university are good options. Also near the Cathedral is Granada 10 a restored cinema that opens up as a disco once the credits roll on the last movie. For a cultural experience the Dar Ziryab showcases traditional live Arab music, and for other styles like salsa and Latin jazz you visit Salsero Mayor, also at the slopes of the Alhambra there is the Campo del Principe which is always popular.

The Flamenco shows at Los Jardines Neptuno are synonymous with tourists during the summer months, but in the winter its a lot more intimate and there is a log fire to keep you warm during the show. For a more of a Jazz Flamenco atmosphere you have Eshavira with live performances. At Sacromonte Hills there are traditional gypsy ‘zambras’ shows for tourists but be prepared to part with your money to keep the performers happy. During the University term the caves in this area often turn into impromptu discos full of students late into the night.

Short Breaks
A short drive south from Granada is the town of Motril the biggest on the Costa Tropical. There are two main beaches located here one of which, Playa Poniente, is frequented by large numbers of tourists and the other, Playa Granada, which has a more peaceful ambience. The sub tropical climate that lends its name to the coastline means that a lot of exotic fruits and unusual crops can be cultivated in this area, much of which you will see on your journey towards the coast.

This area caters for golfers, rock climbers, white wate rafting, and mountain biking. The comparison of skiing at Sierra Nevada in the morning and sunbathing in the same afternoon is one that has to be seen to be believed. A few minutes west by car is Guadix a village of whitewashed houses and red landscapes this colourful setting is best viewed from the caves that sit above the city. The 17th century town hall, cathedral, and fortress are the most popular attractions here, but you can also venture into the country side to find your own places of interest.