The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Granada is located in the southeastern part of the country among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. According to archeological evidence, a settlement has existed in the area where the modern city of Granada now stands since 650 BCE. Because of this long history, Granada is home to a great deal of historic architecture, with examples dating back to the ancient Romans, the Islamic Moors, and the Roman Catholic monarchs who ruled Spain during the 15th century.
Flights to Granada, Spain, arrive at Federico Garcia Lorca Granada Jaen International Airport (GRX). The airport is located about 10 miles west of the city and is accessible via public bus and train service as well as by taxi. Federico Garcia Lorca Granada Jaen International Airport serves about 1.1 million passengers each year. Cheap flights to Granada are sometimes available on the Spanish low-cost airlines, Volotea and Veuling, both of which operate regularly scheduled flights to the city.
Tourists who fly to Granada often come to the city to visit the Alhambra, a fortified castle complex overlooking the city that is one of Spain’s most popular attractions. The Alhambra was built by the Islamic Moors in the early 13th century and is one of the most famous and well-preserved examples of medieval Islamic architecture in Spain. The Alhambra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
Another popular historic site in the city is the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation. The church was built in the Gothic style on the foundation of the Muslim Nasrid Great Mosque of Granada in the 16th century.
Visitors who fly to Granada also often visit the Royal Chapel. Spanish Catholic monarchs King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I are buried there along with their daughter, Joanna of Castile, and their son-in-law, Philip I of the Netherlands. The Royal Chapel is also home to a number of fine art paintings by Italian and Spanish masters.
Just east of Alhambra is the Generalife, which is the equivalent of a “country estate” palace built in the late 13th century by Muhammad II and Muhammad III. Though initially influenced by medieval Islamic architecture, in the 16th century, Generalife was altered by Christian builders. This gives the Generalife a fusion of Renaissance-style architecture and gardens with medieval Islamic elements, offering tourists a visual treat and fusion of multiple distinct styles.
For tourists who fly to Granada and want to submerge in its rich cultural influences, a trip to Sacromonte neighborhood is well-recommended. This neighborhood incorporates white-washed caves cut into rock and used as residences by some of its earliest residents — the Romani. It’s a beautiful location that offers a treat for the eyes. Sacromonte is also home to the Abbey of Sacromonte, which was built between the 17th and 18th centuries and features a series of catacombs. Though smaller than many other churches, the abbey has great works of art and a museum.
Business travelers who book tickets to Granada generally work in the agricultural industry. The city and its surrounding area are known for its wines, citrus fruits, almonds, olives, and olive oil. Much of what is grown and produced in the region is exported to other parts of Spain or to other countries in Europe and North and South America. However, visitors who book flights to Granada will be pleased to know that all of this food is available within the city, as well. Tortillas, ham and beans, and raw vegetables are common components of many of Granada’s dishes. For tourists looking for savory or sweet, the local nuns are known for their baked goods and puff pastries.
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