The Romance of Granada City
Watch the Sun Set From the Mirador de San Nicolas on Valentine's Day
Feb 5, 2008
Granada is a city for romancing. There is nothing quite as magical as sitting holding hands on a bench at the Mirador de San Nicolas. Go just before sunset and watch the natural light fade slowly as the lights come on and illuminate the Alhambra.
It has been said that the Moorish architect built the Alhambra for this time of day, as hundreds of candles would have been lit by hand to give life to the incredible work of art, and a wonderous welcome home to the Moorish kings from their hunting parties.
El Romance de Granada is the title of an opera written by the famous Manuel de Falla who lived in Granada between1921 and 1939. Granada is a romance in itself, a magical city with it’s wonderous palace, incredible albaicin area and duende.
Duende is a particularly Spanish word, but it’s more than a word it’s a feeling a mood, that’s captivating, that’s rich and all-enveloping but so difficult to confine to a dictionary meaning.
The Collins dictionary gives the definition - elf or magic, but it’s so much more. Duende can be used about a person, place or atmosphere, Granada has it. The Alhambra has it, the Generalife gardens have it and you’ll know exactly what it is when you’ve been.
There’s a pull a longing to go back for more. That’s romance. Granada will romance you so could there be any better place to go for a romantic weekend?
Where to stay in Granada
It has to be the 4* Parador de San Fancisco which is in the Alhambra gardens, the most enchanted garden in Granada. The parador was a convent built in the 15th century. Over the years it’s become a wonderful amalgamation of Moorish and Christian architecture. Fountains, trees, large arched windows and perfect interior patio are just delightful.
For an extra treat ask for the rooms with a view of the Generalife, Gardens of Secano and the Albaicin. You’ll never forget the night you slept in the grounds of the Alhambra Palace.
The next day is a day to drift and dream around the huge Alhambra complex which will stun and delight you beyond you’re imaging’s and who better to share it all with than your valentine partner.
Where to Dine
If you’re staying at the Parador that’s definitely the place for dinner. This is Andalusian Cuisine at it’s best with dishes like gazpacho (cold tomato soup), habas con jamon, broad beans with ham and Piononos de Sante Fe (a local cake).
Who said romance is dead?
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