CULTURE CAPITAL of the WORLD! (Granada Spain 🇪🇸)
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- čas přidán 15. 12. 2023
- We still have a lot more places to explore, but this small city in Southern Spain might be THE ONE! It reminded us a lot of Cuenca, Ecuador only drier and sunnier!
After we visited Seville, Spain ( • Livability for Expats:... ) we took a train to Granada, Spain for a two-week exploratory trip.
Granada Spain was just named the Culture Capital of the World by Travel booking company Titan Travel: www.travelandleisure.com/gran...
Among other wonderful things, it's home to Spain's most visited monument, Alhambra, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In Arabic, Alhambra means Red Fortress or Red Castle. It was built by the Moors from Morocco over 800 years ago during their rule of Southern Spain. It was the last stronghold to fall when Spain defeated the Moors and retook the land for the crown in 1492.
Soon after, Queen Isabella gave Columbus his orders to set sail for the New World in Granada, an event marked by a large statue and fountain in Plaza Isabel La Católica located in the center of the old Centro area.
While Granada's amazing history draws millions of tourists from all over the world, that's not why we wanted to visit.
Our exploratory trip to Granada focused on what it would be like to live there. Surprisingly, it's not one of Spain's most popular expat destinations, which means there are not a lot of permanent foreign residents living there.
We found the city to be remarkably easy to live, with lots of organic fruterias, delicious restaurants, a sprawling shopping district, walkability, hiking, and so much more.
Rents in the less touristic areas of Cervantes and Zaidín were also very affordable and comparable to rental costs in Cuenca, Ecuador. The overall cost of living was only slightly higher in Granada compared to Cuenca.
When the train left the Granada train station, Amelia had a tear in her eye. She felt right at home in Granada and hated to leave.
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Hi guys, I enjoy your videos. I moved to Spain from New Jersey 14 years ago and have never regretted it. Rather than destinations like Seville and Granada, look for places that are off the tourist trail. I live in a city of 65,000, 35 minutes from Alicante, and you could rent a modern 3 bedroom apartment with an elevator for 500€ or less per month. You also pay local prices and not inflated ones like where you have been in Spain so far. I also agree with you about not having a car. I pay 30€ per year for a bus pass that gives me unlimited travel in my city.
That sounds perfect! (I'm orginally from NY/NJ). What city is it?
@@kristiG5259 HI, It's called Alcoy or Alcoi in Valenciano.
We moved about 2 years ago to a small rural town about an hour north of Granada. It’s amazing here! We love that it’s really Spanish here where we can enjoy the incredible Spanish culture and relaxed way of life.
@@pamwolf609, which city? We spent two weeks vacationing in Spain this spring and upon returning home, we began planning our retirement to Spain in 2024. We loved Valencia, Tarragona, Madrid, Cuenca, Segovia and so many more ancient cities. We plan to visit more towns and finally settle on a favorite!
Cheers 🥂
Awesome!
I spent a month in Granada in 2018. It’s a beautiful city, not too big and not too small. Wonderful architecture and fountains everywhere. Unbelievably clean and safe. As a single woman I felt safe walking by myself at night.
I live in Spain as an exoat and have travelled all over the country and Granada is one of my favourite cities here. It lies at the foot if the Sierra Nevada mountain range for hiking, climbing, skiing , etc. I've been in Granada in the summer when it was 44 over 100 degrees, but its a nice dry heat so feels much cooler more like 30+, with no humidity. Its also much cheaper to rent there but hard to find an apartment as its a big university city and many affordable apartments are rented to students for most of the year. The city is famous for its tapas which are served free with each round of drinks, so you can just order a drink and fill up on a great variety of delicious small dishes, rather than buying a full meal. And I too hated to leave, its got a special draw/appeal that gets under your skin in the best way.
Taxation is high like in my home country, I search also for something with more freedom like Paraguay.
Spain is such a beautiful country with so much diversity. I like the train system, too. I just love trains for getting around. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Trains are phenomenal everywhere for getting around. Spain, China, Peru, France/England, Italy... so much to love, see and chill whilst letting someone else do the fast and safe driving.
Their trains are predictable (unlike Italy) and scenic as well !
Even though there's zero chance that I'll be moving to any of these places, I still love watching your videos, because they educational, and so much fun. Great job, guys!
Toured Spain for a month. Granada was my all time favorite. So much to offer. Thanks for reminding me how wonderful it was! ❤️
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I think your next video will be about Valencia, which is always on the top of any list of ex-pat destinations. You forgot to mention that Granada is right below the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhacén, 3,478 m, which is a major skiing resort. Plus, Granada is only 65 km from the nearest beach at Motril. You also have the amazing mountain villages of the Sierra de las Alpujarras. It's a great location and that is why perhaps it is the number one destination for university students who are spending a year abroad in the Erasmus Program.
I visited many cities in Spain this year. I loved Granada!
Iryo is by far the best high speed train service in Spain. OUIGO is the worst.
One of the places that's not well known is Extremadura. It's next to Portugal in the south. It's not very touristy and it's very inexpensive.
If you are not going in that direction, Alicante is very nice as well.
After having lived in Spain for a while, I can only tell you that it is a country that, like Ecuador, has everything in terms of variety of climates and landscapes, plus the fact of being in Europe. I think you would need several months to get to know all the possible options in cities to live. In terms of mild weather all year round, I think Valencia is one of the best options. And if you allow me another tip, visit San Sebastián if you have the opportunity to go north. You won't regret it
Valencia is pretty humid in the summer.. Loved it as I like the energy of midsize cities but if I lived there and was retired I would travel elsewhere in August.
@@FSVR54 I was referring to the possibility of visiting a number of interesting countries (France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Switzerland) easily and in a short time. The possibility of moving by train, with a cheap, fast and efficient service, even between countries. Unless you see that as a con
I prefer the south except on summer
Is San Sebastián also known as Donosita/San Sebastian? Trying to look into this area and there was a second San Sebastián that came up. Thank you.
@@brendacavazos7344 Yes exactly
Pam here….we stayed in Calpe, and loved it…they had a great Irish pub there too where we got triple pour Guieness beer…takes 5 min to do. End up with 3 layers of foam. Alicante, Benidorm, Valencia, all lovely. We even stayed more inland at Alcoi or Alcoy.
Granada is my daughter's favorite city in Spain.
JP and Ameila, I saw the piece Fox News Digital did on you both. We had learned most of it by watching the channel. Good information for those considering a move. For my wife and I, we own the house we're in and are retired so it makes more sense to stay put in Indiana. I did have back surgery for spinal stenosis but unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. Good luck to you both. Jeff
I really loved Granada also. Ronda is also a nice small city with lovely views. One of my favorites is Valencia. It has beautiful architecture and very close to nice sandy beaches about 15 or 20 minute bus ride outside of town. If you go there, don't miss the Sistine Chapel of Valencia which has amazing paintings all over the walls and ceiling. Glad you are enjoying Spain.
Great video and editing. Love Spain. We never ate dinner in Spain because it occurs too late in the evening. But we were ok with huge lunches between 1:30-3:30, with great Rioja and Priorat red wines!
Crossing a street in Ecuador. Forget about it. Crossing a street in Medellin, it’s a 50/50 chance they may slow down for you. In Spain, what a difference. They will stop and patiently wait. I love it
Hey guys, great video. I must say that you both look so healthy! I have been to Granada numerous times and it's a wonderful place. The surrounding Alpujarra region is also amazing. I for one would vote for you guys to consider Spain as your new home, as it has things in common with Latin American countries, but it's in Europe and extremely safe.
Between Portugal and Spain, the people in Spain are a lot friendlier and boisterous - they love to enjoy life. The Portuguese, on the other hand, seem to have a culture that celebrates sadness (the fado dance, for example). Also, you already speak Spanish and Portuguese is notoriously difficult to learn and the Portugal variety sounds a bit like Russian. And if you ever long for Cuenca, it's only a 90 minute drive from Madrid (Cuenca, Spain that is). It's also a great place to check out; the hanging houses are impressive.
Hope y'all enjoy Valencia - it's an impressive city. Check out the Arts & Science Center there and make sure to find good paella and Horchata! Un abrazo grande a vosotros.
Love Granada. It’s a very special place
Not a big Seville fan. Plus ta way too humid and hot!! Granada has so much to offer and it’s a cool city. Love the vibe and love the history!
Wow, what a coincidence, I am travelling from Sevilla to Granada tomorrow. I love Granada, it is amazing, the hills of the Albaicyn are a little exhausting but it is well worth it.
as an occasional visitor to Europe but regular travel to SA (Medellin area specifically) , i think Europe is beautiful and historical and love to visit but there is something magical/mystical about the Andes, a feeling I've never gotten anywhere else. It's a special energy that can't be matched.
Anything you can share about Medellin is appreciated. I loved Peru and Chile. Have not yet been to Columbia. (Will visit when I check out Cuenca.)
COLOMBIA
@@dlwilliamson5644 medellin is a great city. these guys posted a great video on medellin. you should watch it. they spend more time in el poblado but i prefer laureles neighborhood. el poblado is fancier with the best restaurants. laureles is a more casual but still upscale for colombian standards. unless you're looking to party at night, my recommendation would get a place close the parque segundo (2nd park). if you're looking to go out and party at night el poblado would be better.
@@FSVR54 Pues ve y quedate allí
A major historic place! We stood on the very spot where Columbus beseeched Ferdinand and Isabell for funds to discover the New World ! The Chapel of Ferdinand and Isabella is a must-visit, just around the corner from there is a plain door within a tall brick wall...leading to Probably the BEST spice shop in all of Europe ...ahead of Munich, Paris, and Chateau Eze. You Must have dinner at a Carmen overlooking Alhambra...as the evening presents itself you will hear the chants of Sacromonte. Thank you for your review...brings back pleasant memories !
I hate to be a spoilsport, but you need to demonstrate an income of € 26000 per annum to have any chance of residing long term in Spain.
I absolutely loved Granada when visiting in 2019. Dinner at the Restaurante Centro de Granada within the confines of the Plaza Bib-Rambla was nothing short of magical. The food was incredible and the atmosphere unmatched, with a small carousel, fountain, children playing as a man used a large frame to blow giant bubbles. And then there is the home of Washington Irving (for a year) - the other worldly Alhambra. I yearn to return.
I’ve been waiting for this video knowing someday someone would do it. We haven’t moved to Spain but spends months at a time in Spain, mostly in Granada. Knowing where the best tapas bars are, using the Mercado, living in the Albaicin, etc. it’s magical. I’m a little sorry the secrets out.
I was only in Granada for one day, but was impressed. Only concerned about the hot summers. The people were awesome! I loved the trains and mass transit in general, and would not want to own a car there. But Valencia was my fave of the four cities we visited. ❤
If you have time we also loved Bilbao and Girona . So many beautiful places in Spain 🇪🇸
One of my favorite cities in the world. You guys forgot to mention Granada's awesome tapas culture.
Loved the tapas culture in Granada. I paid for things using Spanish Currency, but one of the bartenders saw one of my U.S. five dollar bills, and wanted it badly. I don''t remember what we traded each other so he could have it. Fun times and memories.
I was waiting for Valencia 😊
16 march 2011 the happiest day in my life cause I finally visited Alhambra.This is my memory of a 2 days trip spent in Granada long long time ago.Still can't forget it
Granada is a beautiful city. In our recent visit to Spain we were in Seville, Granada, Barcelona and Valencia... We felt in love with Spain. Thanks for your video
I've been to Granada several times since 2016 as a member of a tour group and as a student studying Spanish as an adult. My last visit was for a weekend in the fall of 2022 when I was studying Spanish for several weeks in Seville.
I love Granada, but then I live just outside of Denver at nearly 6000 feet above sea level on the side of a hill. I'm used to thin air and steep hillsides. I liked the challenge of walking up from my apartment/hotel near the Cortes Inglés department store (which I love - wish we had them in the US) to the Mirador San Nicolás with a view of La Alhambra.
I also enjoy visiting the Albaicin and older, more "Moorish" parts of the city center. I think I could live in Granada as long as I had AC in my residence. Yes, it does get cold there, too, but I'm a native of Michigan and live in Colorado, so cold weather I can easily adapt to.
That being said, after spending 6 weeks in Seville, living in an apartment, I now find Seville very attractive, too, due to the greater variety of things to do and see. The green spaces and paths along the river are lovely. On the other hand, the land is very flat (boring for me) and I understand the summers are brutally hot. Trade-offs....
Seville summers = 🔥🔥🔥😳
I was in Granada in late September and loved it! I especially enjoyed all the plazas and pedestrian streets and the energy brought to the city by the university students. It's also affordable so I could see living there. However, if I lived in Spain, I would strongly prefer to be near the sea.
Seeing what's happening there on the news. Hope you guys are staing safe.
We’re in Europe.
You guys should also check out Alicante, which is closer to Valencia. It's an awesome city that to me is like a more digestible small version of Barcelona.
I love ALL of Spain!
Hey kids, just saw your story on FOX News. Good job! Stay your course, and be safe! We relocated to Morelia, Michoacan three years ago. Best move EVER! Good luck in your further travels...
Granada felt very safe when I visited in around 2000. So safe that I took a seat on a park bench one evening. After awhile a car pulled up to the park, and a man got out, and walked over to me, and propositioned me for a homosexual encounter. When I politely declined, he politely said ok, and went back to his car. Very friendly people in Granada.
Wow I walk everywhere sometimes alone, i used to visit parks durring night time not many lights which helped me . Nobody knew I was there nobody bothered me. If sometimes nobody knows where you are then nobody can do f all.
Lol, yeah I kinda figured it was some sort of "cruising park." The funny thing is I didn't know the Spanish words for homosexual activity so me and this guy went back and forth three or four times with him propositioning me, and me saying what? Finally he just came out and said it in English. And yes, the park was pretty dark, but I guess men knew that was the park to meet others.
Hahahaghhahah was going to say, maybe *that bench* was *the one* in that park 😅. Many years ago when i was about 20, i lived 2 blocks from the beach. It was very safe then, and i often sat on a low wall along the beach, late at night. When a car stopped close by, i knew an invite was coming. It happened so much, i could not believe it.
It' is possible that park be known among the locals as a place for homosexual dates.
Such friendly locals. 😊
Was in Granada in April around Easter ,stayed in the old part town could walk to the castle ,university and lots of restaurants,hopefully you got a tour guide for the history of the castle! It was packed with people so you must have picked a quiet time !
We loved Granada. Spain is wonderful when you find the right place for you. Thanks for sharing. Love you guys so much.
Andalucía es el paraíso en la tierra .
Una pena que ya lo sepa tanta gente !! .nooooo
Love Granada and live in Souther Spain just outside Cartagena, it is extremely hot in the summer. That whole area is amazing just difficult in the summer months. The hiking is fantastic as well as the history! Best of luck.
WOW - THANK YOU BOTH for another wonderful tour, complete with great commentary ! We have never been outside the north & central America zones, so your videos are a real treat for us !
Granada is one of our fav places too, but you must keep in mind the extreme temps in both Summer and Winter. If you are like us, you will want a place with an elevator and a.c. for the months of May-Oct. (the beginning of Oct. at least). . . as the heat can be formidable. There are many other charming places to consider which are also closer to the beach if that is important to you, but Granada is at least a short driving/bus distance from the beach. Saludos & Enjoy!!
Lived in Spain (in Sevilla) in 1986 for school and we weekended in Granada... fun times! It looks really different - I need to get back! Thank you for this video!
Granada is too hot in summer for me but very nice this time of year. I would need A/C in the summer, altitude not high enough for southern Spain.
I was in Grenada in summer 1999 and loved it. At that time, it felt like a small town without many tourists. It was very hot but a dry heat, which didn’t bother me too much. The only negative I remember was dog crap everywhere on the streets. I did find Grenada friendlier than some other areas I visited. San Sebastián in the north was a highlight of that backpacking trip.
Mr. & Mrs. Amelia and JP. :
Tks., much appreciative.
Really loved Granada. Went up into the hills there. Had a few beers. And ate tapas till I was full. Had a hard time getting an Uber back to my hotel but eventually some guy came and got me. Great city. Alhambra is wonderful. Great part of the world.
Glad you finally made it to Spain! I mentioned it to you when you were in Equador, but never heard back. My favorite area is the Costa Blanca, between Denia and Benidorm. I love Altea and Calpe.
I m gonna go live there when I retire, love this city !!
Yes!!! I adore Granada ❤
Seems like a host of palatable options in Spain - with the foremost concerns for me being cost of living and ease of getting a retirement visa. Both Seville and Granada seem very attractive - ideally though I'd like somewhere that combined different aspects of both, while being less touristy and having a more mild climate. Looking forward to the rest of the journey...
We were just there last week, very nice visit, beautiful city. The Alahambra is a must visit.
We are not looking to live overseas, just travel a lot, but no desire to live there long term. Spain is nice with lots of beauty, prices are pretty good, food is good, but lacks variety.
Seville which we also visited, was gorgeous! Amazing architecture.
To live prefer Portugal, but it is more isolated. Spain now has nice fast trains. We always travel through Europe on trains as they are affordable, fast, comfortable, easy and go to the middle of the cities where you want to be. Europe has so many amazing cities and countries!
"food is good, but lacks variety". Are you sure?
The thing I always noticed about cities in Europe is the lack of greenery and flowers. I enjoy the architecture but being from the Pacific Northwest where we have trees and grass and flowers everywhere I've been incredibly spoiled and I don't think I could live somewhere where I didn't see beautiful nature everywhere around me. So I guess in Europe that would mean the countryside. Thank you for your videos. They're very informative and I enjoy them.
Granada is gorgeous but wicked hot in the summer
I love Spain!
You guys are really cool 😎 nice observations. Experts at finding the unfavorable about a location. 🎉may be difficult to find the perfect place.
Seems like a nice place. I really have liked visiting Spanish cities that are a little less touristy than the big names (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Granada, Zaragoza, Bilbao)
Andalucía es hermoso
Looks pretty and clean. Great production values on this video. Eat your heart out Rick Steves.
I was in Granada just a month ago. Loved it. Going to Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona in the next two weeks. I have spent the last month on the south coast. Really quiet, but very lovely.
I would suggest you visit and spend some time in Alicante, beautiful city !
Another Great Video! Thanks you two!
It looks very beautiful. The dry climate and sunny days would be a plus for me. Not as hot in summer as Seville and the low relative humidity should make it manageable although air con might be necessary.
I love Granada. They have the best tapas!!! I'm actually in Spain right now looking for a place to live too.
Yes, depending on total low cost of living, I’d probably consider living in Granada, Spain provided I can get decent wifi or internet connection though. Ty for sharing. Enjoyed it.💕
I love southern Spain. It’s the “real” Spain to me. I lived there in the 90’s. Remember that the H is silent in Spanish, including in the word Alhambra.
For people who have lived in Spanish speaking countries for so long they don’t seem to have learned Spanish much with their heavy American accent when saying Spanish words
@@neptunemike, I’m not judging, just providing feedback on something they mispronounced, which is OK. I’m glad they learned the language and use it. I was amused by George W Bush’s Spanish pronunciation, but I was super happy to hear him confidently speak the language, something that most Americans won’t try, learning a foreign language.
Great content, thank you. And happy trails amigos ... 😎🤪🥰
Excellent info as always. Especially enjoy how you share air time.
Great job , thanks
Another great video. It looks beautiful. Thank you.
Great review. You just put that on my map to visit.
Based on your likes and dislikes (and budget), I suggest you visit Jerez de la Frontera. It’s a medium sized city, has an airport, very affordable, great history, awesome Féria, and it’s the birthplace of Sherry wine (Jerez). It’s an easy drive to El Puerto de Santa Maria and Cadiz.
Looks like a great place!
Would you be open to making a video explaining what you liked about Granada versus Seville or Porto Portugal, I’m interested in what leverage it had specifically thank you! I’m looking at checking out porto
Spain is just amazing 😍 I can't wait until your next destination!
Very nice video! Love your travels! Granada is on my list of cities I can’t wait to visit when I tour Southern Spain!
Nicely done video. Granada is my favorite city.
We were there last year at this time. This video brought back memories and made me think about living there too!
Awesome, stay there
Cordoba is a cool place too...
My initial plan on retiring was to follow your lead and live in Ecuador. Now I might just follow your lead again and bounce around the world looking for the best place
Granada is a wonderful city! I agree with Amalia and JP. It is my favourite city in Spain. Yes! I would like to live there!
I love your reviews. Keep up the good work. I would like it if you spoke more about your housing situation on your trips.
Great video guys. We live part time near Alicante but we will definitely be visiting Granada next year. Looking forward to your next video already!
Thank you for a wonderful video. I may have never looked at Granada as a place to retire had it not been for your visit. It certainly looks like a wonderful place to live. Cheers!
Granada was so nice when I was there 2018
Such a beautiful place
Looked very clean ✅✅✅
This is a really interesting video! I have been to Granada a lot with my family, and I will say apart from the tourists that visit the Alhambra,, and yes there are huge numbers, Granada definitely has a much less international feel compared to places like the coasta del sol or the costa blanca for example where there are huge populations from Northern Europe such as the UK and Ireland. I agree it can get quite chilly there, especially in winter. . I especially enjoy the nice cafes and tea rooms they have there too.
Hi Amelia and JP! I just saw the piece on you on my FOX NEWS app on my iPhone! As a long time subscriber is what awesome to see you called upon by the news media. Take care and continued success!!!
Hi guys, really enjoyed the video! We were Granada in 2019 for just a couple days but liked it quite a bit. We will go back to Spain next year for a few months. We’re interested in Costa Blanca, Alicante and Valencia. Hope you get over there for a look.
we're currently living in Cuenca, Ecuador. going to visit Portugal and Spain in May. Granada looks like a great place for a visit. thanks for the video!
Fun Fact: Las Vegas has an elevation of 630 meters, great place to visit or live. Good to see you guys branching out. Ecuador has been covered like a blanket. Any merch in the pipeline?
Wow, that looks fantastic. Excellent video. Seems like a Goldilocks elevation, not too high and not too low😅
I would like to go to Valencia, do you think you will go there?
Great video -- please do MÁLAGA!
Nice. I think you just inspired me to spend some time in Granada (in the spring or fall).
It looks like you went right by my favorite place in the region, Gibraltar! It may be tiny, but you really CAN walk everywhere. The culture is diverse, the views are amazing, and all the signs are in English
And they are so proper. Loved the Keeper of the Keys march. Expensive though, so probably out for that reason.
Yes, Gibraltar belongs to the UK
I was aware of that. It's kinda hard to miss
Granada looks really pretty and of course the food looked fantastic. The colder weather in winter is something I'm trying to avoid, lol.
Hopefully you find Andalucia fits your needs, would love to have you guys as neighbours.
Beautiful places. I've always had an itch to visit Granada and Ronda as well. I hope to see you both review some seaside locations there. I'm rather impressed with the housing around the Calpe area.