Albaicín (World Heritage Site) and Sacromonte are two of Granada’s most vibrant, charming and historic districts.
Walking through the Albaicín district is taking a journey to its Moorish roots as well as being a real treat for the senses. Discover the labyrinth of narrow streets filled with the scent of jasmine, gaze at the gardens of the cármenes (typical villas) or combine an aromatic tea with a delicious Arab pastry: these are all experiences not to be missed. Ivy and bougainvillea hang down the whitewashed walls. Within those walls, pretty gardens, vegetable gardens and fruit trees turn the cármenes into little farmhouses. There’s a burst of exuberance and colour shared too by their streets. From here you can also take in some outstanding views of the Alhambra, the city, and Granada’s floodplain, as we can see for example at the viewpoints of San Nicolás and San Cristóbal.
The Sacromonte district is famous for its caves where gypsies still sing and dance, staging their flamenco performances every evening. This is where the gypsies settled who accompanied the Catholic Monarchs’ troops when they conquered the city. Craftsmen worked with wicker, forge and copper and artists established the roots of flamenco. It’s also the birthplace of the traditional zambra performance, with native dances and songs like the mosca or the cachucha