The LVC Insider’s Guide to: Granada Restaurants
In Granada a small plate of food is offered with every drink. After a hard day's sightseeing, this tapa is a very welcome tit-bit served with a refreshing wine, beer or tinto de verano. Not all…
(As of April 2022)
Since the global pandemic reached our countries in early 2020 there has been restrictions in one way or another on the way we live our lives. With the sheer amount of press on Covid-19 it’s difficult to see the wood from the trees. So we wanted to reach out to our guests and give you a clear idea of what it’s really like to be in southern Spain in 2021 and 2022.
As we become used to Covid-19 those who are at high risk may adopt a more stringent approach to their activities but for the rest of us we’re getting out and about responsibly. While we at The Luxury Villa Collection welcomed guests during 2020 and 2021 we realise that clarity on what it’s like in southern Spain is needed. So where are was now in Spring 2022…
What restrictions are there in southern Spain?
There are no restrictions in Spain currently.
Do I have to wear a face covering?
Face coverings are no longer worn in most places. The only restrictions are in pharmacies, hospitals, doctors surgeries and on public transport.
Are restaurants open?
Yes, restaurants and cafes are open without limitations.
Are Beaches open in Andalucia?
Yes. No face coverings need to be worn or distancing on the beach.
The norms that local governments put in place over summer 2020 worked to great effect and people could enjoy safely the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical.
Are tourist sights open?
There are no restrictions on tourist attractions and sights.
Do face coveringS need to be worn while driving?
No face covering need to be worn while driving but in a taxis or transfer transportation face coverings are required.
What’s the general mood in southern Spain?
Now in 2022 it’s really business as usual with very few sensible parameters in place. There’s a feel of excitment and relief – everyone is looking forward to a fun 2022.
A bit of history: Summer 2020 saw fewer parties for sure: the dancing all night in a club and watching the sunrise from a buzzing rooftop bar was not on the cards. But from May 2021 saw the majority of restrictions being lifted: – nightclubs were allowed open until 2am, dancing is allowed externally and events are being held with social distancing being put in place. Long lunches beside the sea, visiting theme parks, historic sights, galleries and museums, beach days and outdoor activities are all there being enjoyed. Some of our guests used our villas with entertainment rooms, cinemas, spas and abundance of space to organise private experiences from chefs to talks to spa treatments and live music. Bringing the wonderful Spanish culture into the safety of their private villa.
Air travel – Is it safe?
So far there has been little evidence of in-flight transmission of coronavirus, but there have been a couple of examples of transmission early on in the pandemic before more stringent controls were in place.
Shaun Fitzgerald, Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professor at the University of Cambridge said, aircraft ventilation systems are unique, the “replacement rate” – the number of times a volume of air equivalent to the volume of the cabin is removed each hour – can be four minutes in a aircraft. Compare this to 20 or 30 minutes in an indoor environment on the ground and it’s very brisk. The air filters themselves on aeroplanes are sophisticated and much more effective than filters found in indoor venues on the ground.
Most airlines say face coverings are mandatory, limit food and drink services and don’t allow queuing for the toilet. See British Airways safety measure here. The airports themselves are being diligent ensuring social distancing is in place as well as temperature controls in some.
In order to enter Spain, all passengers, regardless of the country of origin (except children under the age of 12 and passengers in international transit), must show one of these documents:
- An EU Digital COVID certificate or EU equivalent of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative certificate of an active infection diagnostic test or a recovery certificate after having this disease.
- SpTH QR. If you do not have the EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent, you must complete the SpTH Health Control Form, manually entering the details of your vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test certificate.
- For more information about travelling to Spain: https://www.spth.gob.es/
In Summary
- There are no restrictions on traveling between autonomous regions within Spain
- Shops and businesses are open their usual hours
- Bars and restaurants are open
- Tourist sights and attractions are open
- Nightclubs are open
- Events are allowed
- Cinemas, theatres, and cultural events may be held without restrictions
- No restrictions on beaches or swimming pools
As of February 2022, in Spain 39,100,000 people have been fully vaccinated, that’s 82.6% of the population.
Adapting to the new normal, being responsible while still carrying on with life has become something we’ve all had to do during 2020 and 2021 but 2022 is about getting back to life pre COVID. If you have any questions at all about traveling to Spain, our Covid19 policies or what it’s like in Spain at the moment then don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ben Cooper
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[post_content] => In Granada a small plate of food is offered with every drink. After a hard day's sightseeing, this tapa is a very welcome tit-bit served with a refreshing wine, beer or tinto de verano.
Not all tapas are equal, though: some are generous, others are not. While winding your way from bar to bar tapas in the evening is a great way to explore the city, don’t overlook the restaurants in Granada as there are also some fantastic options for a long leisurely lunch.
Here’s LVC’s guide to the best tapas bars and restaurants in Granada:
El Realejo
The old Jewish quarter of Granada has really become tapas central. Make your way to the end of Calle Varela and along Calle Virgen del Rosario and you'll find restaurant after restaurant with tables spilling out onto the streets. Two great options for tapas or sharing plates are:
1. Casa de Vinos La Brujidera
If we had to choose only one tapas bar in Granada, Casa de Vinos La Brujidera would be it. If you love wine, and yearn for a place where the music, lighting and wine by the glass is absolutely pitch-perfect, then Casa de Vinos is for you.
There aren't too many places that can match it for real integrity and soul anywhere in Spain.
Calle Monjas del Carmen, 2, 18009 Granada
2. Taberna La Tana
Our second favourite wine bar in Granada is Taberna La Tana. This has suffered a little from its success over the years and this once tiny bar with only standing (bar leaning) room now has expanded next door and outside. Tapas tends to be high quality charcuterie.
Placeta del Agua, 3, 18009 Granada
Albayzin
The Albayzin neighbourhood of Granada has looked out onto the Alhambra Palace since Moorish times. The labyrinthine narrow streets, carved doors, intricate metal work and carmenes (houses with gardens) are still present today.
Plaza Larga is the heart of this neighbourhood, but don’t miss Mirador San Nicolas and Placeta de San Miguel Bajo (pictured).
3. Bar Kiki, Vinos y Otras Cosas…
While its location - sitting next to one of the most touristic spots in Granada - doesn’t initially inspire much confidence, Bar Kiki sits alongside our other selections as a stalwart Albayzin institution.
The tapas is great, and if you want a full meal then the menu is inventive and inspiring. On our last visit tuna heart was on the menu!
Plaza Cementerio de San Nicolas, 9, 18010 Granada
4. Café Gabriel
Just on the edge of the heart of the Albayzin, this restaurant is worth the taxi ride (or stroll up the hill). Meat is its speciality with seating indoors and out on a small square.
Indoors there are tables with coolers in the middle for handy chilled beers or wine for dining. On the terrace you can order drinks and tapas.
Calle Pagés, 29, 18010 Granada
5. Amazonia Fine Food
OK, so we’re very suspicious about restaurants that cross cuisines. But every time we visit Amazonia, plate after plate is served with love and care.
So if you fancy something Greek to Hawaiian, from poke, to tacos and pad thai to kofta, then this is it. There are also lots of plant based options, too.
Carrera del Darro, 37, 18010 Granada
Centre
6. Wild Food
Plant-based dishes and desserts are the main reason you visit this central eatery, but the chic decor, friendly service and buzzy vibe don’t hurt either. A great spot for a coffee and cake or a light bite.
Plaza Isabel la Católica, 5, 18009 Granada
7. Casa Mol
Casa Mol can be found on an unassuming side street towards El Corte Ingles and the river. This small bar has great complimentary tapas, with a short selection of four or five to choose from all made to order. It gets very busy, so get there at 0800 sharp or make a reservation.
Calle Duende, 11, 18005 Granada
8. Pescaderia 4
If you’re fed up of crowded tapas bars and want a meal, then you can’t go far wrong with Pescaderia 4. On the corner of a famous street for fish restaurants in Granada, this bistro-esque restaurant is a great option for a romantic meal.
Order off the specials board and you won’t be disappointed. The octopus with pistachio was a big hit.
Plaza Pescadería, 4, 18001 Granada
9. Lemon Rock
A concept bar, music venue, restaurant and hostel, Lemon Rock is buzzing no matter what time of day (or night) you sidle in.
The food is very much gastrobar, but the atmosphere is stellar with live music on every weekend. If you’re in a large party there are several private rooms to hire of varying sizes.
Calle Montalbán, 6, 18002 Granada
10. Humo El Origen
Brunches and cocktails are the order of the day at Humo. This African-inspired cafe/bar sits alongside the botanical gardens of the University's Law Faculty. This area of Granada has a student feel with vintage shops, jazz bars and very reasonable lunch spots.
We’ve diligently worked our way through their signature cocktail list - Recuerdos de Aden being a ‘moment’ in itself!
Calle Escuelas, 2, 18001 Granada
11. La Telefonica
Tucked away on a side street off Plaza Bib-Rambla, Telefonica is a relaxed restaurant that's great for sharing plates or a tapas pit-stop after some retail therapy.
Calle Arco de las Orejas, 1, 18001 Granada
Fine Dining
12. Faralá
Offering international quality food, Faralá wipes the floor with many better known restaurants in Andalucia. High praise indeed, but genuinely fine dining of this calibre is rare in southern Spain… perhaps anywhere.
You enter through a flamenco tablao on the ground floor. It's a slightly uninspiring first impression, but stick with it and you're welcomed by a light, comfortable formal dining room on the first floor. There are three tasting menus to choose from and an excellent sommelier on hand for pairings.
Cuesta de Gomerez 11 (very close to Plaza Nueva), 18009 Granada Spain
13. Restaurante Arriaga
Arriaga is on the top floor of the Museo Memoria de Andalucia, next to the science park (a great outing for the children) on the outskirts of Granada centre.
Is it worth the journey? Absolutely. The initial wow factor is provided by the modernist dining room's floor to ceiling windows, designed to maximise the views from 55 metres up.
The food, though, is even better. Head chef Álvaro Arriaga lays out two tasting menus (one with nine courses the other with six) that are conversation points in themselves. Reservations are essential.
Centro Cultural Avenida Ciencia No. 2, 18006 Granada Spain
Tempted by a visit to Granada? Check out our villas in the area.
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[post_content] => Let’s face it, heading to southern Spain for winter sun and then spending a day or two skiing is a real novelty. Granada province and the east of Malaga province are within easy reach of the slopes in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. So, if you're visiting the area for some winter sun why not take advantage of the opportunity to ski?
Where is Sierra Nevada?
The Sierra Nevada in Granada is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. It sits within Andalucia in southern Spain – an area that is known for its mild climate yet the Sierra Nevada is a mountainous area in Granada and has a ski season from mid-December to mid-April.
This mountain range spans three Spanish provinces, Malaga, Granada and Almeria. Yep, that’s the same Almeria which is famed for its desert! The ski resort and highest peak are in Granada so during the ski season locals head up to the well-kept slopes for a dose of fresh mountain air and snowy adrenaline fun.
The ski village is called Pradollano; it’s divided into bajo, medio y alto. This is where you’ll find all amenities including accommodation. Two gondola lifts from the village take you up to the main ski zone, Borreguiles.
What is there to do in the Sierra Nevada mountains?
During the winter season you can ski, snow walk and cross-country ski across the mountains admiring the view across Granada and onto Jaen as you go.
The ski village, Pradollano, has shops, bars, restaurants, hotels with spas and a great children’s play area. If you’re skiing, there’s plenty of choice to eat on the mountain from poke to pizza as well as a champagne bar and traditional canteen style restaurant.
For Non-Skiers…
If you’re not a skier, take in the sun in the ski village (Pradollano) and don’t miss the spa at Meliá Sol y Nieve with the added bonus of a fantastic kids club. The Meliá Sierra Nevada also has a smaller spa with views over the slopes. If you want to get active and head higher into the mountains, take a guide and do a snow hike. We recommend Al Andalus Activa for all things active in this region, from cross-country skiing to hiking the highest peaks to short mountaineering courses and snow hiking.
It’s worth mentioning in the spring and autumn that if you’re a keen hiker there’s some tough but rewarding hikes over this mountain range, particularly when tackling Veleta (3,396 metres) or El Mulhacén (3,479 metres).
Is Sierra Nevada Spain worth visiting in the winter?
Absolutely. The Sierra Nevada offers hikers, snow walkers and skiers big blue skies and good conditions. The major concern for many is its southerly location and the relative warm weather. However, the highest peak in the Spanish peninsula, Mulhacén, at 3,479 metres above sea level is part of this mountain range and there are 200 snow cannons allowing the resort to open even when there's little snowfall throughout the season.
The skiing in the Sierra Nevada is on the northern side of Pico del Veleta (3,396 metres). Although high, it does not replace your annual trip to St Moritz, Trysil or Chamonix - we have to be clear on that one. But with more than 110 km of pistes, 21 ski lifts, family area, snowpark with half pipe and music pumping from most bars it holds its own for a family day or two out.
What is the skiing like in Sierra Nevada?
There are 110km of pistes with a variety of lifts. For beginner skiing and children it’s great. Some routes are specially for children: Pista del Bosque (woodland slope) and Pista del Mar (Sealife slope) have animals and sea creatures encourage little ones along the way.
For intermediate skiers it ticks many boxes, too, with red runs aplenty to keep you in form during a day or two's skiing.
For those who love off-piste though the options are more limited, although this does depend on snowfall during the season.
Runs
There are 19 green (beginner), 41 blue (intermediate), 50 red (advanced) and 8 black (expert) runs in total in the Sierra Nevada.
The main ski zone, Borreguiles, is the gondola drop off from Pradollano. At Borreguiles you’ll find the ski schools, a couple of bars, restaurant, childcare, toilets and a shop. This area is ideal for beginners and non-skiers can also spend time here – there’s lots of seating.
This is where you’ll meet your ski instructor if you choose to have a lesson. If you're a beginner there are magic carpet lifts, shallow gradients and there’s 19 green runs from here.
From Borreguiles there are two chair lifts that take you to the top of the blue runs at this side which are worth exploring.
Taking the lift higher again is for the next level of skier wanting a little more of a challenge. There are 50 red runs here, a lot are quite narrow and well used like El Rio. Don't miss the t-bar lift that takes you to the top of Veleta – the views are fantastic and there's a very rewarding run from here.
Where to Eat & Drink?
In Granada province you get complementary tapas with a drink and spending any time in the area means you quickly become aware of which places offer less generous crisps or olives to those who go a little extra and offer delicious bite sized portions.
El Bodeguita
With a smart dining room and terrace El Bodeguita is a great option for lunch or dinner. It looks over the main square and onto the mountain. The tapas here are excellent with mini stews and paella accompanying your drink.
Plaza de Pradollano Meliá Sierra Nevada, 18196, Sierra Nevada National Park España
Vivac
This is the fine dining option in the resort with an open fire in a cosy dining room. It does have an outdoor terrace but this isn’t the most attractive corners of Pradollano. The food most definitely makes up for the humdrum approach and lack of views.
Pl. Pradollano, 4, Edif. Genciana, Bajo 1, 18196 Sierra Nevada, Granada
El Lodge
Lunch time at El Lodge should be on the to do list while skiing. This is a five star hotel, restaurant and spa. It's located quite high in the resort so best to ski to it on the Maribel run. Walking up to it from Plaza Andalucia in the village is a bit of a task, especially in ski gear. There’s usually a DJ on the sundeck and reservations are necessary.
C. Maribel, 8, 18196 Sierra Nevada, Granada
Surfin Restaurant
Great option for a hungry family, expect pizza, steak and burgers. There’s an indoor dining room as well as a huge terrace with heaters.
Plaza Andalucia edificio, local 4, 18196 Sierra Nevada
Restaurante Badia Gastro Chill
With a great location next to the gondola, huge terrace and a DJ, Badia is a good option for a drink. The food isn’t great on our visit nor is the service but it has fun atmosphere, is always busy and has a view of the slopes.
Plaza Andalucía Edificio Montebajo n12, 18196 Sierra Nevada, Granada
What is There to Do WITH Children?
There’s a day care area at Borreguiles where the gondolas take you. Dreamland and the Snow Garden are for children ages of 3 - 12 years (out of nappies), opening from 9.30 – 16.30, seven days a week.
In Pradollano, Mirlo Blanco is the children’s excellent play area. It has toboggans, ski-bike, chair-bike, mini-ski, mini-snowboard, donuts and roller-sled. But the most popular ride is the Russian Sleigh (trineo ruso), this is a kind of roller-coaster bobsled and fun for all ages.
There are lots of ski schools that offer private and non-private lessons in all languages. The British Ski School is excellent as well as Rio Sport, Surfin is another option.
Top Tips
Do a lunch and spa package at El Lodge where you get a 50-minute massage, lunch on their sun deck, access to the gym, indoor pool, outdoor pool and a locker. It’s ski in and out so ideal as a spot to meet for skiers and non-skiers.
The second tip is the first lift from Pradollano is at 10.00hrs and last at 16.45hrs.
What’s the Weather like?
Winter in the Sierra Nevada has recorded average temperatures of between -10°C and 5°C. In real terms though your heavy-duty warm ski wear is rarely needed. Hitting the slopes at the start of the season is chiller than March or April. Factor 50 is a must, great eyewear and light to medium weight jacket will serve you well with layers. For non-skiers in Andalucía Plaza, Pradollano you’ll likely have lunch in a t-shirt. That all being said, the weather can of course turn...
How to Buy Ski Passes
The best way to approach buying ski passes is via the resorts main website. You collect the passes from the ticket office with your credit card and QR code on arrival to the resort. During the weekends and holidays the ticket office can be busy so allow 20 minutes but at other times there is no wait at all.
Ski pass cost: A day pass is 45 euros. There’s a half day pass from 13.00hrs and nocturnal skiing from 19.00 a 21.30hrs.
Buy parking for the main car park in the centre of Pradollano just a short stroll to the gondola and ticket office in Plaza Andalucia. It’s just 18.00 euros per day. Sierra Nevada Parking.
Where to Hire Skis
When it comes to hiring ski equipment convenience is key. The ski schools mentioned offer links with ski hire so by all means this is a great place to start. If you just need ski or board hire then two places stand out for ski/snowboarding equipment hire in the Sierra Nevada: the heavily snowboarding leaning Surfin. And Rio Sports offering quality and style, not far away from the gondolas with a fast turn around.
Ski Shopping
There are plenty of shops in Pradollano selling ski wear and equipment. Burton, Goldbergh, Rossignol and all the major brands are available. There’s also a pharmacy, mini markets for any other essentials too.
Where to Stay?
Pradollano is an easy day trip from the whole of Granada province including the Lecrin Valley and La Herradura but it is also an easy drive from the Axarquia too (around 2 - 2.5hrs).
If you would like to do an extra day skiing and stay in the resort we’d recommend El Lodge or Melia Sierra Nevada.
Distances from the coast and Granada city
Pradollano is just under an hour from Granada city centre and 1.15hrs to Salobrena the nearest coast.
Would you like to incorporate skiing in the Sierra Nevada into your winter sun holiday? Take a look at our villas within easy reach of the slopes, Granada city, the beach and only an hour from Malaga airport - Luxury villas in Granada.
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The LVC Insider’s Guide To: Skiing in the Sierra Nevada
Let’s face it, heading to southern Spain for winter sun and then spending a day or two skiing is a real novelty. Granada province and the east of Malaga province are within easy reach of the slopes…