A weekend in Granada

It's no secret that you can kitesurf well in Andalusia. Tarifa is the European kite Mecca in southern Spain. There are also a number of kite spots around Almería and Málaga. But those who want to combine a kite trip with a bit of culture are in the right place in southern Spain. Be it the major sights of Seville or Córdoba , Spanish flair and real charm in the old town of Jerez de la Frontera , the old port city of Cádiz or a visit to the famous Alhambra in Granada - Andalusia's cities have a lot to offer. The following is about the latter. Our tips for a weekend in Granada.

First, a brief impression: board shorts below, snow-covered peaks above – Granada is simply beautiful. A mixture of Vienna and Innsbruck, only in Spanish. And you could really leave it at that. But now a little more explanation.

Strolling around town, experiencing culture or action - there is something for everyone in Granda

Stroll through the city in a T-shirt and shorts, visit the Alhambra , one of the most impressive and most visited buildings in Europe, and then head around the corner to the ski lift. Far away from the very well-kept city center, where you just feel at home, and various cultural attractions, the area around Granada is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Hiking, skiing, climbing, highlining or action-packed whitewater rafting - there is something for almost everyone in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and its foothills.

But let’s assume we only have one weekend for Granada and the surrounding area – what do we do?

We start the first day with a leisurely breakfast in the old town. There are a lot of nice cafes here. Whether you want something traditional Spanish or a bit alternative, with a hippie touch - here too, you have the choice. Afterwards, a visit to the Alhambra, one of the most important Moorish buildings , is simply a must if you are already here. Elaborately decorated palaces, impressive fountains and vaults as well as huge gardens with an incredible variety of colors and plants are waiting to be admired. And that happens automatically, because none of the visitors will be able to stop being amazed so quickly.

In order to process all the impressions afterwards, a short siesta is a good idea after a little refreshment. This will give you strength again and you will be ready for an evening stroll through the streets of Granada. In some places you almost feel like you are in Morocco. In the Alcaicería bazaar district there are countless small, Arabic shops and invite you to shop all night long. In between there is also a typical Arabic tea shop on every corner. So if you want to experience the widespread Arabic influence in Andalusian cities first hand, you definitely have to pay a visit to this district of Granada.

After a few tapas in one of the hip bars in the city center, the best place to stay is in a small hostel. Since the city is very student-oriented, international and young, you're likely to find really cool accommodation where you can feel at home. With a bit of luck, you'll even have your own little bar for a last nightcap before going to bed.

Local tip: Ruta de los Cahorros, Monachil

The next day, we set off early and head out into nature. Not far from Granada is the small village of Monachil. A little further on, up a winding road, you finally reach a car park, which is the perfect starting point for a day in nature between rocks, streams and a few hanging bridges. With your climbing equipment packed, you can start the Ruta de los Cahorros .

First you follow a small trail, cross a few wooden bridges, listen to the sound of small streams and suddenly it gets a bit narrow. Then you continue, sometimes bent over, sometimes on all fours, through huge gorges , across the river or even deeper into the forest. The area offers enough for a whole day, lovely places to take a break and relax and if you get bored in between, you can just unpack your rope and harness and go climbing. Sounds crazy? But it's true and it's just fun.

So, if you're ever there: I honestly recommend a weekend trip to Granada with a detour into the incredible nature around it!