Granada Blog from Padul

San Sebastian in Padul - A day to remember

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:26:15 GMT

Here comes our patron saint again. San Sebastian of Padul walks again and he is kept warm by lighting bonfires along the way

The Lecrin Valley News Special brings the best to you

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:09:01 GMT

The Lecrin Valley News Special Edition - it is definitely not to be missed

Come to Granada for Christmas 2011 and enjoy yourself

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:49:18 GMT

Granada at Christmas, it's like going back 40 years for some unmissable olde worlde charm

The Granada Jazz Festival is the place to be in 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:41:32 GMT

Guide to the Granada Jazz Festival. Who plays, Where to buy tickets. Every venue is excellent

Visit the Alhambra lions as soon as possible. You won't see them like this again

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:28:31 GMT

The Alhambra lions will return to their lair after an absence of four years. The Patio de Leones will soon be complete again and be as fresh and "new" as it was 700 years ago.

Hocus Pocus in Granada 2011. Come feel the magic

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:49:27 GMT

The Hocus Pocus in Granada is an annual event that casts a magical spell over the whole city. Here is why you should visit the 2011 programme

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada 2011. Four extra reasons to be there

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:48:35 GMT

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada on 12th October lasts for the whole weekend. These four extra reasons explain why this celebration is one of the most important in Spain

The Help for Heroes with Photos of each night's Curry Feasts

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:24:56 GMT

Starting as an idea the help for heroes photos shows how the Feasts culminated in two Curry Feast evenings and a bonanza amount of money raised

Harvesting almonds from a local's point of view - two top reasons

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:48:13 GMT

Harvesting almonds in September brings a whole new viewpoint on these delicious nuts

Preparing prickly pears in Granada is an art form - and it works

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:59:02 GMT

The best way of preparing prickly pears from Granada as taught to me by my Granadino friends Juan and Isabel

Ever had prickly pears from Granada? Now is the best time to get them

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:46:14 GMT

How to get prickly pears from Granada. They are growing on the pads of the cactus plant. But here is a safer way of going about it.

The Water Park Granada offers fun, excitement and even relaxation - for all ages

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:04:31 GMT

Visit the water park in Granada just a few minutes from the city for fun, excitement and even relaxation for all ages. Go on the "Death Slide", the Venus Jacuzzi or just enjoy the sun and food

Granada's Ballet Flamenco at the Alhambra meets up with Garcia Lorca in 2011

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:44:24 GMT

2011 sees the eleventh ballet flamenco at the Alhambra. It comes with a difference this year as Lorca's writings give inspiration to the famous flamenco singer-dancer Eva Yerbabuena who is director

Shopping in Granada - the top four shop spots to bag bargains

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:35:54 GMT

Go shopping in Granada but look in the right places to find these great deals and designs

Celebrations for Corpus Christi in Granada 2011 are amongst the best in Spain

Mon, 23 May 2011 13:51:20 GMT

Corpus Christi in Granada - a wonderful combination of the catholic faith and Spanish fun and fiesta

Top ten things to do in Andalucia to make your holiday perfect....

Sun, 15 May 2011 18:27:50 GMT

Favourite things to do in Andalucia on holiday.... guided walks, spanish guitar, quad riding, birdwatching, horse riding, flamenco, golf, skiing...

Enjoy cruz de mayo in Granada 2011. It's one of the top fiestas of the year

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:01:43 GMT

One of the best fiestas in Granada - Cruz de Mayo 2011!

Puerta Real in Granada - Ten places not to miss while you are there

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:00:51 GMT

Enjoy a stroll around Puerta Real in Granada and see part of the real Granada

Granada semana santa 2011 - Easter Week - one of the spectaculars of the year

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:08:13 GMT

The Granada semana santa 2011 brings people flooding into the city to experience the magic of easter week. Will you be one of them?

The Retroback Film Festival Granada 2011 really brings the stars of yesteryear

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:06:32 GMT

Marylin Monroe comes to the Retroback Film Festival Granada this year. There are 8 days of special films, exhibitions and spectaculars, all designed to help you re-live the days of the iconic age

The Alhambra in Granada - top seven things you need to know

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:33:32 GMT

Get the most from the Alhambra in Granada by checking out these top seven things you need to know first! When to go, how to get the best tickets, what to look out for. It is all here.

How to get the Granada and Lecrin Valley News

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:39:46 GMT

Find out about the Real Spain and get your own copy of The Granada and Lecrin Valley News hot off the press.

Now you can:-

Get the facts about Granada.
Read the snippets of day to day life from the Valley of Lecrin.
Make a good holiday even better.
Enjoy life more, and even
Have a laugh along the way

Yes. It's all in the monthly Granada and Lecrin Valley News. And it's FREE!

Women at the window in the Valley of Lecrin

For more information about real Spain and how you can get your own copy ,
click on The Granada and Lecrin Valley News

Enjoy new year in Granada but don't forget the red underwear

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 22:45:04 GMT

Two traditions for new year in Granada - or wherever you are - that can bring you good luck in the following year

Be a VIP in Granada next week

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 09:12:24 GMT

Be a VIP of Granada in less than a week and you can enjoy the rights of the city. Find out how

Hocus Pocus in Granada - Come feel the magic

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:28:15 GMT

Whenever I say "Hocus Pocus Granada" I feel that something magic could actually come true. And believe me, it did, because the Festival of Magic is really happening this November.

Hocus Pocus Magic Festival

For more information and to check out the Magic Festival,
click on Hocus Pocus in Granada

Visit the Carmen los Martires in Granada - the unpolished diamond of the city

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 07:46:09 GMT

The Carmen los Martires Granada has a checkered history and is a goldmine of wonderful experiences. It is FREE but there truly are more important reasons than that for visiting

Top 5 Reasons To Come To The Gastronomy Exhibition in Granada

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:51:30 GMT

The first Gastronomy Exhibition in Granada starts Wednesday 17th November 2010!

There will be plenty to see (and to taste!) as well as lectures to hear, demonstrations to watch, seminars to talk about and competitions to take part in - and hopefully win!

Poster for the
2010 Gastronomy Exhibition in Granada

For more information and to check out the Gastrotur Gastronomy Exhibition, click on Gastronomy Exhibition Granada

Another winner - the Vintage Cars in Granada. And it's free to see.

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:36:29 GMT

Last Saturday we went to see the vintage cars in Granada before they were driven along the "Route of the Old Automobiles" to Moclin. Another attraction of the event was that the drivers and accompanying passengers would be dressed in clothing typical of the years when their cars were in circulation. What fun!

I love a red Mercedes - it's got class

For more information and to check out the weekend of vintage cars,
click on Vintage cars in Granada

The Theatre Isabel Catolica of Granada and a Free night out with friends

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:09:43 GMT

Free entertainment at the Theatre Isabel Catolica in Granada gives the five of us a night to remember

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada - Here are four extra reasons why you simply have to be there

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:36:40 GMT

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada is one of the most special long weekends of the year. It all centres around the ancient Plaza of Bib Rambla and this year there are four extra reasons to get yourself there.

For more information and to check out the attractions,
click on Fiesta del Pilar in Granada

The Virgin of Anguish of Granada gives us a day not to be missed

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:18:14 GMT
The fiesta of The Virgin of Anguish of Granada is on 27th September. She is the patron saint of Granada and has one of the most important celebrations in our favourite city.

The faithful bring flowers for the Saint Virgin
(photo credit Ideal Newspapers)

For more information and to check out one of the most colourful celebrations in Andalucia,
click on Fiesta of the Virgin of Anguish in Granada

This Granada Roman Catholic beatification causes so much excitement. And this is why..

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:04:58 GMT
The beatification of Friar Leopoldo, known as the favourite son of Granada, is a rare thing. And it is happening in just four days.

Friar Leopoldo, subject of the
Granada Roman Catholic Beatification

For more information and to find out why this unmissable event will be as special as any that attracts the Royal Family,
click on Granada Roman Catholic beatification

Now is the time to get your early prickly pears in Granada

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:49:17 GMT
Just this morning I saw a couple (the man wearing thick gloves and wielding fire-tongs and the woman carrying a bucket) busily harvesting some "early" chumbos.

And why shouldn't they be getting their early harvest? Chumbos are absolutely delicous to eat.... ..... and profitable to sell.

Prickly Pears in Granada

For more information and to check out the chumbo prickly pears in Granada,
click on Prickly pears in Granada

Five cheap hotels in Granada to give you security and savings

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:25:29 GMT
When you select one of the cheap hotels in Granada you can get excellent value AND the amenites you need to have a great holiday

Alhambra flamenco combines the genius of Lorca with the dance of the gypsies in 2010

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:54:51 GMT
I went to the Alhambra Flamenco Ballet performance last night with my wife, Babs, and four friends. And it was an experience to be savoured.
Alhambra flamenco poster

We were sitting in the open air theatre in the Generalife gardens of the Alhambra just before 10 o'clock at night and the atmosphere was electric.

People of all ages, wearing varied styles of dress from casual to dressy, came - as we did - to pay homage to the triple essence of Granada; the dance of Flamenco. My poet hero, Frederico Garcia Lorca. And Flamenco dancer extraordinaire Cristina Hoyos.

It was a night to remember as well as a night never to forget..

Chronic tension headaches ARE relieved by Massage

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:47:37 GMT
Yes, at last! It’s finally been proved by the highly respected University of Granada research department.

Chronic tension headaches are relieved by massage. And it all happened at the San Cecilio Hospital in Granada!

If only we all knew how to “cure” our headaches we wouldn’t need to take any more painkillers for our headache pain. But this type of massage needs to be focussed upon certain areas of the body in order to bring the relief being sought.

I have been to San Cecilio's Accident and Emergency section several times since moving to Spain and I .....

The Peaks Tower at the Alhambra points to a very enjoyable experience

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:16:49 GMT
The Peaks Tower at the Alhambra is but one of the twenty-two towers that are there. And it is so special it has been made the monument of July 2010!

For this month only, Alhambra visitors will be able to enter the Tower, but in August it will be closed to the public again. What an excellent opportunity to see what is there...

The Peaks Tower at the Alhambra
(photo credit Sigelio1)

For more information, and to check out why the Peaks Tower is so special,
click on The Peaks Tower at the Alhambra

The Alsa bus in Granada takes you places you want to go

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:28:11 GMT
Last week the Alsa bus company helped us to have a wonderful day out - in Seville.

We had a sight-seeing boat trip, a delicous Italian meal and an interesting look at the Sevici bicycle hire service.

The Alsa bus can get you to the
places you want to go to

For more information and to check out the Alsa Supra and the interesting things we got up to in Seville,
click on The Alsa Supra special services

San Juan in Granada:- One of the Special Fiestas with a wonderfully Magic Night

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:57:39 GMT
Even though it takes place in June, in some ways this special fiesta allows us to have a "New Start To The Year" part way through the old.
Jumping the Bonfire to get "Cleansed"

For more information and to check out this Fiesta with a difference,
click on San Juan in Granada

Take tip-top Granada pictures with These Seven Top Tips

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:09:09 GMT
One of the most common photographic problems holiday makers have is this. They return home after travelling and are disappointed with their photographs.

These seven tips can help change all of that and help you take awesome photographs that keep your holiday alive even when you've gone back home again.

View over Granada at dusk

For more information and to check out my "Seven Top Tips" for
taking better photographs in Granada
click on Granada pictures

Great entertainment in Granada for you.
And you could really be spoiled for choice

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:51:35 GMT
You will find entertainment in Granada wherever you go. And a lot of it is totally free.

Free entertainment in Granada
(photo credit Granada Hoy)

For more information and to check out the new "Flash Mob" video,
click on free entertainment in Granada

The Guinness world record in Granada creates a record-breaking castle using glue and recycled cartons. But can it actually work?

Sun, 30 May 2010 22:18:09 GMT
A new challenge for the Guinness world record in Granada! Children from my home town were amongst the winners in this recycling world record contest.
Part of the recycled castle in the Guinness Challenge

For more information and to check out the Granada Guinness challenge ,
click on Guinness World Record in Granada

Why the legacy of Mariana Pineda from Granada still lives on

Sat, 22 May 2010 20:56:43 GMT
Mariana Pineda of Granada is a little known but very influential heroine who has inspired countless women the whole world over.

Statue of Mariana Pineda in Granada
where the festivities will take place

A special festival is being held this year on Wednesday 26th May, the anniversary of the day of her death.

For more information on what is happening, where and why,
click on Mariana Pineda in Granada

During Corpus Christi in Granada 2010 You Can Enjoy the Best Of Everything Spanish

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:03:00 GMT
The fiesta of Corpus Christi in Granada is one of the best celebrated fiestas all over Spain.

All the fun of the fair ands processions too at the
Corpus Christi in Granada 2010

Where else can you get Fair ground activities, Bull fights, Processions, Performances by Choirs, Music from Orchestras and Pop bands, all made the better under blue skies and bright Spanish sun?

For more information on the week of fun and religion from 31st May to Sunday 6th June,
click on Corpus Christi in Granada 2010

The Flamenco in Granada on Wheels competition results can't be what you might expect

Fri, 14 May 2010 22:41:57 GMT
This flamenco in Granada started out as a competition but then it all changed. For the better?

One of the participants by the River Darro in Granada

The Red bull flamenco in Granada on wheels event was so popular that it will be repeated throughout Spain. But why did no-one win?

To check out the what really happened, and to get to see my all time favourite biking video,
click on Flamenco in Granada on Wheels

We love flamenco in Granada and these cyclists are free to challenge us

Wed, 12 May 2010 22:35:21 GMT
Flamenco in Granada is up to new heights with the Red Bull Flatland Flamenco Challenge pitting dancers against bicycles. But no matter who wins, the rhythm is always king!

Bike flamenco in Granada - a rare competition

The challenge will be to dance to the different flamenco styles:- Man Dancer against Bike Dancer! This is a world's first...

For more information and to check out the "Dancing on a Cycle" video,
click on The challenge to flamenco in Granada

Visit the revolving restaurant in Granada for a whole lot more than just food

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:01:32 GMT
Last week we went to the only revolving restaurant in the whole of Spain. And it just so happens to be in Granada.

We sat at our table on the seventh floor and the panoramic view of Granada passed us by in a full 360 degree circle. The Granada Vegas, Sierra Nevada mountains, and Granada City itself - all passed us by without us having to move even a muscle.

View of the red garden with Granada beyond
looking from the restaurant

And because the restaurant walls are made of glass, we didn't miss a single thing! The whole experience was wonderful, with just a couple of slight reservations....

For more information and to check out the "Rotating Speed" video,
click on revolving restaurant in Granada

Enjoy Cruz de Mayo 2010 in Granada. It's One Of The Best Fiestas of the Year

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:09:02 GMT
The first May of our life in Spain, Babs was whisked away to enjoy Cruz de Mayo (the crosses of May) by our Spanish friend Isabel.

She was not prepared for the wonders that waited them.

Ganada seemed to be a sea of flowers, crosses (crucifixes), ceramic tiles, copper kitchen utensils, and pictures, all intermingling with flamenco music to make an eclectic mix of colour and cheer.

Preparing for the Cruz de Mayo Fiesta in Granada

The fiesta itself has no history in religion, although each of the displays contain a cross (crucifix). No, the fiesta is basically a big celebration of Spring and the months to come. As always, the Spanish excel at changing a spring day into a big, big celebration.

And, like many of these fiestas - it is absolutely free!

For more information click on Fiesta of the Cruz de Mayo

Check our hire a car in Granada to confirm the two best options available

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:51:06 GMT
If you hire a car in Granada, here are the best two options and the best places to visit to make sure you get the most value out of the deal

Graffiti art in Granada. Should we it reward or punish it?

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:54:34 GMT
Graffiti art in Granada is something we don't want. But is the best way to deal with it by punishing the artists or by rewarding them by giving them exhibition space in important venues?

Granada Blog from Padul

San Sebastian in Padul - A day to remember

The Lecrin Valley News Special brings the best to you

Come to Granada for Christmas 2011 and enjoy yourself

The Granada Jazz Festival is the place to be in 2011

Visit the Alhambra lions as soon as possible. You won't see them like this again

Hocus Pocus in Granada 2011. Come feel the magic

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada 2011. Four extra reasons to be there

The Help for Heroes with Photos of each night's Curry Feasts

Harvesting almonds from a local's point of view - two top reasons

Preparing prickly pears in Granada is an art form - and it works

Ever had prickly pears from Granada? Now is the best time to get them

The Water Park Granada offers fun, excitement and even relaxation - for all ages

Granada's Ballet Flamenco at the Alhambra meets up with Garcia Lorca in 2011

Shopping in Granada - the top four shop spots to bag bargains

Celebrations for Corpus Christi in Granada 2011 are amongst the best in Spain

Top ten things to do in Andalucia to make your holiday perfect....

Enjoy cruz de mayo in Granada 2011. It's one of the top fiestas of the year

Puerta Real in Granada - Ten places not to miss while you are there

Granada semana santa 2011 - Easter Week - one of the spectaculars of the year

The Retroback Film Festival Granada 2011 really brings the stars of yesteryear

The Alhambra in Granada - top seven things you need to know

How to get the Granada and Lecrin Valley News

Enjoy new year in Granada but don't forget the red underwear

Be a VIP in Granada next week

Hocus Pocus in Granada - Come feel the magic

Visit the Carmen los Martires in Granada - the unpolished diamond of the city

Top 5 Reasons To Come To The Gastronomy Exhibition in Granada

Another winner - the Vintage Cars in Granada. And it's free to see.

The Theatre Isabel Catolica of Granada and a Free night out with friends

The fiesta of Pilar in Granada - Here are four extra reasons why you simply have to be there

The Virgin of Anguish of Granada gives us a day not to be missed

This Granada Roman Catholic beatification causes so much excitement. And this is why..

Now is the time to get your early prickly pears in Granada

Five cheap hotels in Granada to give you security and savings

Alhambra flamenco combines the genius of Lorca with the dance of the gypsies in 2010

Chronic tension headaches ARE relieved by Massage

The Peaks Tower at the Alhambra points to a very enjoyable experience

The Alsa bus in Granada takes you places you want to go

San Juan in Granada:- One of the Special Fiestas with a wonderfully Magic Night

Take tip-top Granada pictures with These Seven Top Tips

Great entertainment in Granada for you. And you could really be spoiled for choice

The Guinness world record in Granada creates a record-breaking castle using glue and recycled cartons. But can it actually work?

Why the legacy of Mariana Pineda from Granada still lives on

During Corpus Christi in Granada 2010 You Can Enjoy the Best Of Everything Spanish

The Flamenco in Granada on Wheels competition results can't be what you might expect

We love flamenco in Granada and these cyclists are free to challenge us

Visit the revolving restaurant in Granada for a whole lot more than just food

Enjoy Cruz de Mayo 2010 in Granada. It's One Of The Best Fiestas of the Year

Check our hire a car in Granada to confirm the two best options available

Graffiti art in Granada. Should we it reward or punish it?

Great entertainment in Granada for you.
And you could really be spoiled for choice