Granada is Nicaragua’s 6th largest city and 9th most populous, with a rich cultural heritage. As of 2021, it is home to 104,980 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Department of the same name. Established and renamed in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Córdoba to the name it holds today. Named after Granada, Spain, the city derived its inspiration from its Spanish ancestor.
Granada is one of mainland America’s first cities. Unlike the other cities of similar claim, Granada is a settlement of conquest. The conquistadors registered the city. Found in the official records of the Crown of Aragon, in the Kingdom of Castile, Spain. It is ostensibly the first European city. Rivaled only by Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Panama. The Panamanian cities were later moved, leaving Granada to stake its claim.
The city is the largest in western Nicaragua. It’s established along the banks of the 20th largest lake in the world, Lago Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua). The region was home to a large indigenous population before the arrival of the Spanish. Granada has a rich colonial heritage. It is one of the most important economic political centers of the country.
Granada became the envy of the New World. The English, Dutch, and French all competed to try and take the city from the Spanish. Each conducting state sponsored raids to sack the city. Pirates frequented the waters by moving up the San Juan River and into Lake Cocibolca. Legends say the infamous Captain Morgan attempted to sack Granada. Each of these ended in defeat during much of the 17th century.
The city stood strong until the arrival of the American “Filibuster” William Walker. During the 1850’s, Walker worked to establish the region as a slave trade industry. He established Granada as the capital. The attack culminated in the sack of Granada in 1857. After burning down the city, Walker inscribed “Here was Granada” on the ruins.
It recovered and became a dominating political force. Granada continues to grow and thrive thanks to the tourism industry. It’s the home of conservative values and beliefs. In stark contrast to its rival of the north, León. The rivals would feud for years, culminating in bloodshed during the 18th century. In the 19th century, Nicaragua established Managua as the capital. The political compromise would prevent further deaths.
Industrial Hub & Food Capital
Granada is an industrial hub and a city of commerce. They specialize in producing timber, silver, and gold. Yet, they also manufacture clothing, cotton seed oil, furniture, rum, and soap. The economy continues to grow today. It’s a major producer of bananas, organic coffee, cacao, cattle, and plantains.
The production of agriculture has helped propel Nicaragua’s economy forward. The city has become known as a food capital, or destination. The people of Granada mix local and international flavors. They prop up the local markets. They chose to support the farm to table industry of the local farmer.
Colonial Colors Amidst a Sea of Red
Granada has some of the finest preserved colonial-era architecture in Nicaragua. The architecture is Spanish in appearance with Moorish elements. This city has many beautiful mansions and city churches. Some of the cathedrals are massive and some ornate. Palms rise around the city amidst a sea of red tile roofs. Building exteriors are dressed in colorful facades and iron wrought balconies. This picturesque destination will keep any traveler busy with something to do. Especially with the backdrop of lakes and volcanoes.
Things To Do
Take a walk around the city and get lost in the colorful hues. Travel back in time, passing by cobblestone streets. Streets littered with colorful facades rife with various flowers and tropical plant life. Take a free-walking tour and learn about this city’s vibrant history. Stop into historical museums and learn about the region. Climb the tower of Iglesia de la Merced. It only costs 36 Cordoba ($1 USD) and provides a sweeping view of the city, the lake, and surrounding volcanoes.
Volcano Tours
The more adventurous can take a tour up to Masaya volcano. Where they can peer deep into the Masaya crater, one of the world’s five active lava lakes. Visit one of the three lagoons tucked away inside a dormant volcano crater. There’s Manares, Genirzaro, and the famous Apoyo. Apoyo is in two departments, shared by the Department of Granada and Masaya.
Hostel Oasis offers day trip tours with the option for an overnight stay. I recommend making the overnight commitment. It sucks when you meet a new group of friends that are staying and saying you should too.
Unfortunately, I forgot to record notes on these tours and do not want to provide incorrect information about them. Any hostel in town should offer tours. Each are generally affordable and recommended. Make a reservation for budget accommodations with Hostelworld. Find more lavish options through Booking.
Getting Here
Getting to Granada is simple. There are several ways to get to the city. The most convenient will be with a rental car and Google Maps, it’s the most expensive too. I recommend choosing the local route of transportation. Be adventurous and jump in the microbuses or chicken buses. These more rugged forms of travel will save money. They can take several hours over booking a private shuttle. Private shuttles add up fast. I chose to avoid them and cannot recommend the best ones to choose. Therefore, I recommend traveling by local buses.
When coming from León, take a micro bus to Managua for 78C ($2.17). Transfer in station upon arrival to Granada, via another microbus for 37C ($1.03). There are buses all over the city from the main terminal. Inquire upon arrival or jump in a taxi to get to your accommodations. A taxi from Granada Central, destined for the Terminal, should not cost more than 40C ($1.11). If the driver quotes higher, thank them, and move on. Walking a little down the street from the bus station can help with overcharges as well.
Final Thoughts
I loved my time in Granada. The city is easy to navigate thanks to the rectangular grid system. I found the people friendly, and the food fantastic. Nicaragua is one of the most affordable countries in Central America. The city is an expat haven and may have played a part in welcoming foreigners. It’s the main reason I would recommend that anyone who has considered a trip to Granada, make the journey. Plus, it’s an excellent historical destination.
Quick Notes:
- Climb the tower of Iglesia de la Merced 36 Cordoba’s ($1 USD)
- Microbus to Managua: 78C ($2.17)
- Transfer to microbus to Granada 37C ($1.03)
- Taxi from Central to Terminal 40C ($1.11)
