Similar to my last post....I booked an apt for our family of five at Palacio Cabrera-Lillo. Looking a map, it is slightly out of the area RS recommends, but seems doable in terms of still being able to walk to most places.
Any thoughts on where this is located? Good or bad?
C/Puente de Castañeda, 4, 18005 Granada.
That's about a 10 minute walk from the cathedral, also 10 minutes from Plaza Nueva (bus to Alhambra), 20 minutes from the mirador San Nicolas in the Albayzin, and 20 minute walk (steep) from the Alhambra. I prefer to be closer, but these times are by no means bad. Granada is pretty compact. I've been in this area, it is fine. Part of the newer part of the city, lots of people heading to the park by the river or to shop at El Corte Ingles. There are busses running up and down Calle Acera del Darro if you don't want to walk but I am not sure of frequency.
It's not a terribly charming area but it is pretty pleasant. Closer to the Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, or Bib Rambla, or in the Albayzin, is better to me but you could certainly do much worse than this. If it's the best option in your price range then I wouldn't hesitate to go for it.
Thank you, Mira. I do have another place booked that is closer to all the sights you mentioned: Siloe Plaza at Carcel Baja, 4, 18001 Granada. It's a little more, but not terribly so. I have free cancellation at either place until June 4th so I have some time to mull it over.
The second one is a much closer location. That's right next to the cathedral - you will have an easy walk most anywhere. If location were the only criteria I'd pick #2 but obviously I can't tell you anything about apartment quality. The first choice isn't badly located, but the second would be easier access. Go to google maps and "walk" around the areas and see the locations of things you want to visit.
I agree. The one that is less centrally located is cheaper, but seems just as nice inside. Additionally, I suppose either would be a good distance from the airport (arrival) and bus station (departure), so really kind of a toss up.
With the June 4 deadline to cancel, sounds like you're planning a summer trip, right? If so, one thing to keep in mind is that southern Spain can be brutally hot in the summer. Not to say that walking further isn't doable, but just one more thing to factor in--we had a lovely hotel in Cordoba last summer in a beautiful area but it felt a little sad at the time to walk in 100 degree heat past one of the closer hotels we decided against booking!
(edited to add: We found Taxis in Granada (and all of Spain, really) to be easy to find (lots of taxi stands), inexpensive, and well regulated, so in addition to walking and buses, that's another option that might make a bit more distance less of a problem, especially in the heat of the day or when you're worn out from adventures)
That's a good point. We will be in Granada June 7-9. I was thinking it would be under 90 degrees, but maybe I am wrong? I was in Madrid in July a few years ago and it was unbearable (99+). I had wanted to see Andalucía on that trip but decided not to - I couldn't imagine any hotter...dry heat or not!
We were there mid-July so possibly June is better? Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in with a better idea about June!
Historical weather data for Seville from Wunderground (which is how I decide when to travel) was between 71 - 95F for early June the past 2 years.
Granada is generally a bit cooler than Sevilla and other parts of the south. Elevation, or the mountains maybe?
Seville shows an average high of 90 in June, Granada of 81 in June. I was in Granada in late May/early June last year and it was perfect (high 70s/low 80s) but of course every year is different.
Taxis are indeed easy to find and not too expensive, so that is another option. Also, take advantage of the siesta!
Yes, bus station and train station are a fair ways in both cases so I don't think that is too much of a factor. For the bus station you will need a local bus or taxi to get there (I've only used the taxi) from most anywhere you are likely to be.
Yes, I am not going to worry about it. With three kids in school, this is when we can go. We are prepared for warm weather, and if the temperature spikes, then so be it. Sounds like either of the options I have booked should be ok, with the caveats above. Thanks all - this board has been helpful!
Yes, absolutely, you can't plan around everything and sometimes you just have to do what you need to.
My daughter and I were in a similar position last summer due to school and work schedules which is how we ended up in Andalucia in mid-July. It was blazing hot but we bought pretty fans and cute straw hats, learned to pace ourselves, stick to the shade, and tried all the different options to find our favorite refreshing drinks. It was a wonderful vacation, heat or no heat--I'm sure you and your family will cope with whatever you need to and have just as much fun as we did!
