Overall Score
Like the Queen of Cities, Granada is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain, but in the world. It stands on three hills at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Legend has it that the name of the city was derived from these hills, which reminded us of the crumbling of the garnet. The beauty of the natural landscapes, coupled with ancient architecture and modern buildings, draws thousands of tourists there.
This country is known from the fifth century before our time as Illyberra. When southern Spain was conquered by the Romans, they founded the wealthy city of Illyeres, which included the territory of present-day Granada. In the eighth century, the Arabs took over the peninsula and began to build two strong centers on both sides of the Darro River.
In 1492, the long struggle of the Spanish people for liberation from Arab rule ended and the city came under the rule of the Christian Church. Since then, the history of Spain has been inextricably linked to its history.
When the Arabians were in power, Austria inherited a masterpiece of Arab art, the Alhambara Gardens and Palace Complex. It includes the Palais Généralifée, the fortress and other administrative buildings. The name of this ensemble «Red Palace» was derived from the color of the two-kilometer-long, crenellated wall. The architectural forms of the palace, which merge Islamic and Christian culture, are striking in their richness and sophistication.
Another historic monument to Granada is the Cathedral of the Chapel, built in 1521-1714 to commemorate the victory over the Arabian conquerors. This structure in Renaissance style was the first church building in Spain. In the Chapel of the Chapel of the Chapel of Capitella-Real, the first Grandmasters of Spain, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, are buried. In summer, you can do alpinism, horseback riding, witness a bullfight, or touch history by wandering through the narrow, flower-dyed streets of the old part of the city. In winter – skiing high up in the mountains.
Throughout the year the Granada hosts religious festivals and events with Arab and Christian roots (international music and theater festivals, theater festivals, jazz festivals, etc.)
Overall Score
- Air quality: 26 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 230,000 people
- GDP: $26,695 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 25 Mbps
- Best wireless: Vodafone
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping in Spain may not be considered customary, but there are certain places when it’s acceptable to leave a few coins. A good rule of thumb is to skip the tip at cheaper restaurants and leave up to 10 percent when service exceeds expectations in upscale dining establishments.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Cocoroco
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best short-haul air carrier: RyanAir
- Best intl air carrier: Iberia
- Monthly costs for expat: $1600
- Monthly costs for family: $3700
- Monthly costs for local: $1050
- Meal: $12
- Small Cola: $2
- Beer 1 Pint: $4.5
- Coffee: $4
View Larger Map