Moving/Relocating To Granada: 13 Most DEPENDABLE Tips That Will Make You Want To Pack Your Bags ASAP

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Granada City is the capital of the Granada province. The city lies on the foothills of a mountain range in the Andalusian region of Spain. Living in Granada brings you to the remnants of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain.

Granada offers unique geography, a vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture at the foot of a mountain range. It is also a smaller town compared to other major Spanish cities.

If you are considering moving to Granada, this article is for you. Here are 13 dependable tips that are sure to help with your relocation. We’ll discuss the cost of living in Granada, lifestyle highlights, the must-see sceneries, and the best places to settle down. We’re sure these will get you fired up to start planning your relocation.

1. These Tidbits About Living In Granada Will Get You Excited To Relocate

The Weather Is Great Year-Round

Granada gets an annual average of only 55 days of rain each year. With the high elevation and closeness to the Mediterranean sea, the weather and air quality are agreeable all year round.

Hot summers last only a few months and never go to extremes, especially with little humidity. The winters are cold, but snow is rare and only falls once every few years.

The Location Is Almost Perfect

Granada’s location is one of its biggest draws. Driving down to the beach takes less than an hour. Similarly, you aren’t that far away if you want to go to the Sierra Nevada mountains and ski.

There are many locations for outdoor activities on both land and water that you won’t easily run out of fun things to do during the weekends.

Granada City Is Very Pedestrian Friendly And Mostly Walkable

Granada is best explored and appreciated through long walks. Sure, public transportation is available for your daily work commute or weekly shopping, but the city is very pedestrian friendly. You can stroll along the many winding streets and discover cafes and restaurants that dot the city.

The City’s Architecture Is Gorgeous

Due to the city’s history, Granada features beautiful buildings with distinct architectural designs. In Alhambra, the signs of Islamic Architecture are evident. The Cathedral, however, shows its gothic and renaissance influences. The more you go around the city, you will see several other buildings showcasing their historical influences, such as the Mosque of Granada, in Albayzín, and the royal chapel.

aerial view of city during daytime

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2. Pick A Neighbourhood That Suits Your Lifestyle

Albaicin is a neighbourhood known for its many historical monuments and preserved medieval street plans dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries. Declared as a World Heritage Site, the town lies on a slope facing the famed Alhambra. It is an excellent choice for people who want to live in a neighbourhood with a great view and a deep and rich history.

El Realejo is a neighbour to Albaicin but offers something uniquely its own. A former Jewish quarter, it provides an authentic local life, but with the added benefits of modern bars and restaurants, El Realejo is a favourite for young people to settle in.

Bola de Oro is a quiet and green neighbourhood that runs along the Genil river. It is only a few minutes of walking from the city centre so you won’t be too far off from any essential amenities you might need.

Zaidín is the most populated Barrio of Granada and is a bustling and modern neighbourhood that is even home to significant scientific institutions. If you are a football fan, Zaidin is the choice since it is where you can find the New Los Carmenes Stadium, where Granada’s football club plays their games.

3. Explore The City Via The Public Transport System

To best be a local, you must familiarise yourself with the local transportation system. If you are going to travel long distances to other cities or neighbouring towns, the railway system is the way to go. Connecting Granada to different cities, you can choose a short, medium, long, or high-speed, long-distance train.

For daily commutes, buses are your choice of travel. They are affordable and always available, and the fare becomes even cheaper if you buy a Credibus card. Usually, the bus fare is around 1.4 EUR, but with the Credibus, it can go as low as 0.85 EUR. Be sure that you are going to double-check maps and routes due to geographical limits.

As with most cities, taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to wait for a bus. But as always, when there’s time, always go for a good old walk.

4. Save Money And Stay On A Monthly Budget By Researching The Cost Of Living In Granada

The cost of living in Granada is particularly low compared to the other major cities in Spain. In Granada, your money can go a long way and live comfortably. If you follow your monthly budget properly, there’s certainly room for a few vacations and indulgences you can look forward to.

A single person’s cost of living before rental costs will average at 600 EUR, which is roughly 25 to 50% lower than the capital city of Madrid. A family of four will net about 2,150 EUR for their monthly costs.

Apartment rentals are considerably low in Granada, where prices only vary between 350 to 600 EUR for a single bedroom apartment where the price is affected by the proximity to the city centre. However, you may notice that there isn’t a huge difference between the minimum and maximum prices. A family of four looking into a three-bedroom apartment will only need anywhere from 350 to 850 EUR.

brown concrete water fountain during daytime

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 5. Find New Job Opportunities From Major Industries

Suppose you have a background in agriculture and are looking to break into the Granada economy and job market. In that case, agriculture will be your best bet. Granada’s economy is mainly based on agriculture.

In 2021, Granada exported a total of 1.42 Billion EUR, the majority of which were Olive Oil, Tomatoes, and other food-related products. Positions such as crop consultants, sales, and agronomy operations have great opportunities for you.

If you are not into agriculture, jobs in both public and private schools where teaching English also offer lots of opportunities. The service and hospitality industries are also avenues where you can find employment when living in Granada.

6. Take A Break And Spend A Sunny Afternoon In One Of Granada’s Many Parks

Granada’s excellent location and natural geography have truly been maximised by city planners. Granada is home to several parks, and its appreciation of nature is truly one of the best reasons why people fall in love with the city.

If you’d like some places to go and relax for a quiet afternoon, here are some parks that you can consider:

Triunfo Gardens is a park near Albaicin. It has a rich history as it was once a cemetery and a place of execution. But not to worry, that was hundreds of years ago. Today it is a place of relaxation.

Federico García Lorca Park is named after famed Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. Lined with palm trees, greeneries, and walkways, Frederico park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

The gardens of Paseo del Salón are indicated to be of good cultural interest or, as the Spanish call it, Bien de Interés Cultural. The park is along the river Darro and is a nice play to relax and cool off.

Jardines Botánicos de la Universidad de Granada is a little pocket of nature right in the middle of the city that dates back to the 1840s. The garden is best visited in the summer when the flowers are in bloom where you can rest for a bit.

people walking on market with assorted balloons

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7. Enjoy The Sights Of Granada’s Major Tourist Spots

Parque de las Ciencias is a science centre that is under the European Network of Science Centres and Museums. It is a great family getaway destination that’s full of fun and learning with exhibits such as the planetarium, and Plastination Lab, along with several cafes and restaurants.

Alhambra is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most prominent examples of Islamic architecture. The palace complex is a favourite tourist spot that will surely take you back to the heyday of the Moorish Kingdom in Spain.

Generalife is only a few uphill steps if you’re visiting Alhambra. A summer palace of ancient rulers in the 13th century, it features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and breathtaking architecture.

La Alcaicería is an Arabic style bazaar and spice market in Calle de la Alcaicería. Meant to recreate the feel of the olden markets that once stood in this area, the market keeps the theme of Granada, giving you a window into an ancient world.

8. Get To Know The Locals And Their Culture Through Joining Festivals And Celebrations

For a community that has years of history, the culture and traditions of Granada are some of the most vibrant in Spain. Spain generally has a family-oriented society, which becomes even more evident when you participate in their traditions.

If you’re relocating to the city and want to get to know the locals, taking part in the celebrations is one sure-fire way of achieving new connections and maybe even winning a few friends. Mark your calendars for these events!

Fiesta de la Toma is celebrated on January 2 to commemorate the liberation of Granada from Catholic monarchs way back in the 1400s. The festival includes colourful processions of period costumes and the ceremonial ringing of the bell of Torre de la Vela.

Festival de San Cecilio is on February 2, in honour of Granada’s patron saint, San Cecilio. It starts with a mass at his internment location, the Abadía del Sacromonte, followed by a visit down the catacombs.

Semana Santa changes yearly, but it usually falls between March and April. Granada has a very strong tie to religion, and the celebration of Semana Santa is full of songs, plays, and processions.

Festival del Albaicín is celebrated in the last days of June and is observed with prayers and a pilgrimage. Once, it was a solemn affair, now, it is growing in popularity, and the celebration includes music, performances, and parties.

person holding stainless steel fork and knife

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9. Take The Time To Discover The Flavours Of Granada

The history of Granada is long and varied. Much like its architecture and traditions, the food of Granada has had many influences over the years. Today the food of Granada is a wonderful mix of flavours and textures that you will surely love to explore. Here are some top picks you should try out!

Plato Alpujarreño is a staple in the region, though one may argue it is more of a meal rather than just one dish. It is traditionally composed of fried eggs, blood sausages, chorizos, ham, potatoes, plus that restaurant’s in-house special. Served hot, the Plato is a favourite by everyone.

Tortilla del Sacromonte is a variety of Spanish tortillas that might have some ingredients, not for the faint of stomach. It’s made from whisked eggs, peas, bread crumbs, and potatoes. However, special ingredients such as mutton brains, testicles, and bone marrow are also added.

Olla de San Antón sounds more like a greeting than a dish, but this stew made from beans, rice, and pork is a local favourite.

Pan de Alfacar are bread made from horns morunos or traditional Moorish ovens. The ovens provide a distinct smokey flavour that locals just can’t get enough of.

10. Explore The Andalusian Mountains That Surround Granada

Granada can be found at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a mountain range in southern Spain. Rising more than 11,000 ft above sea level, the range has the highest peak in Spain.

Skiing has made the area a popular tourist destination. Considering how south the region is and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the skiing addicionados still keep the sport alive in the area.

Established in the 90s as the Sierra Nevada National Park, skiing facilities such as cabins and cottages have been made available to tourists.

11. Get Better Job Opportunities By Pursuing An Advanced Degree At University

Everybody wants to progress in their career, but sometimes you will need to go through a process of levelling up your skills to qualify for promotions. Granada has great schools where you can go to pursue higher education.

Universidad de Granada is an excellent school that stands as the 4th largest in Spain, dating back to the 1500s. The high student population is in excess of 60,000 and also receives over 10,000 international students each year. It even ranks as the best in Translation and Interpreting studies. So, if you are looking to improve your skills in speaking Spanish or pursue a career in languages, this is an excellent choice.

International School of Management is another institution in Granada that you should consider if you want to study business and management.

INESEM Business School is a multidisciplinary school that offers great training and innovative learning methodologies.

12. Prepare A Moving Checklist To Stay On Top Of Important Papers, Travel Timeline, and Numbers

A Moving Checklist is a simple yet efficient way to ensure that your relocation will be problem free. The whole relocation process may take a few months, so you will need a system to keep track of things. You will need to think of everything the move will involve, from buying boxes and packaging tape to plane tickets and visas.

Categorise these items such as:

  • Paperwork and Documents
  • Things to buy
  • Belongings to pack
  • Belongings to sell or giveaway
  • Cash
  • Emergency numbers

You can add as many categories as you want for as long as they apply to your situation. Make it into a checklist, put in important details such as dates and comments, and you are set.

As long as you remember to track your progress regularly and label it accordingly. You’ll find that the move not only becomes less stressful, it actually becomes fun.

13. Engage With Professional Movers To Ease The Relocation Process

And finally, enjoy the whole relocating experience by engaging with a professional and trusted moving company like Sanelo. With years of experience handling  local  and  international  relocation, you can rest assured.

By engaging with Sanelo, you won’t have to worry about lugging around heavy luggage on your trip to Granada! Just sit back, relax, and stay stress-free, knowing that your belongings are also protected by our shipment protection.

Conclusion On Moving To Granada

Granada has so much to offer those looking for a Spanish lifestyle. It’s well located for both the sea and the mountains, isn’t as tourist-heavy as some other cities, and has a rich history that makes you feel like you are walking through time.

Living in Granada, Spain, is going to change your idea of what expat life can be. It will open you up to a low-cost way of living, delicious food, and new experiences you might never have expected. Plan that trip today!

If you wish to know more about Spanish cities, check out these guides on Marbella, Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving/Relocating To Granada

Is Granada A Safe Place For Expats?

Yes. Living in Granada, Spain, is safe. There is high visibility of police powers along with state authority. Granada is also managed by the Citizen Security Board. The CSB combines social security and crime management, which has proven to be quite effective over the years. As long as you keep your wits about, your expat life in Granada, Spain, will be worry free.

How Far Is Granada From The Mediterranean Sea?

The closest city to Granada that opens to the Mediterranean coast is Almuñécar, which is roughly 80 kilometres away. You can catch a bus ride and enjoy the beach in a little over an hour and even continue your trip all the way to Costa Tropical within a few hours.

Is Granada Cheap To Live In?

Yes. The cost of living in Granada is lower than in other major cities in Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona. In fact, Granada often comes up among the cheapest places to live in Spain, with rental properties and living expenses averaging 800 EUR a month.

Can I Contact Sanelo To Help With My Relocation?

Certainly! Sanelo’s representatives will walk you through the whole process and provide advice specific to your situation. You may call or email us today for a consultation to get you started.

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