CULTURE CAPITAL of the WORLD! (Granada Spain 🇪🇸)

We still have a lot more places to explore, but this small city in Southern Spain might be THE ONE! It reminded us a lot of Cuenca, Ecuador only drier and sunnier!

Among other wonderful things, it's home to Spain's most visited monument, Alhambra, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Arabic, Alhambra means Red Fortress or Red Castle. It was built by the Moors from Morocco over 800 years ago during their rule of Southern Spain. It was the last stronghold to fall when Spain defeated the Moors and retook the land for the crown in 1492.

Soon after, Queen Isabella gave Columbus his orders to set sail for the New World in Granada, an event marked by a large statue and fountain in Plaza Isabel La Católica located in the center of the old Centro area.

While Granada's amazing history draws millions of tourists from all over the world, that's not why we wanted to visit.

Our exploratory trip to Granada focused on what it would be like to live there. Surprisingly, it's not one of Spain's most popular expat destinations, which means there are not a lot of permanent foreign residents living there.

We found the city to be remarkably easy to live, with lots of organic fruterias, delicious restaurants, a sprawling shopping district, walkability, hiking, and so much more.

Rents in the less touristic areas of Cervantes and Zaidín were also very affordable and comparable to rental costs in Cuenca, Ecuador. The overall cost of living was only slightly higher in Granada compared to Cuenca.

When the train left the Granada train station, Amelia had a tear in her eye. She felt right at home in Granada and hated to leave.

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[lindylee]

I spent a month in Granada in 2018. It’s a beautiful city, not too big and not too small. Wonderful architecture and fountains everywhere. Unbelievably clean and safe. As a single woman I felt safe walking by myself at night.

[markfinlay]

Hi guys, I enjoy your videos. I moved to Spain from New Jersey 14 years ago and have never regretted it. Rather than destinations like Seville and Granada, look for places that are off the tourist trail. I live in a city of 65, 000, 35 minutes from Alicante, and you could rent a modern 3 bedroom apartment with an elevator for 500€ or less per month. You also pay local prices and not inflated ones like where you have been in Spain so far. I also agree with you about not having a car. I pay 30€ per year for a bus pass that gives me unlimited travel in my city.

[annaartesana]

I live in Spain as an exoat and have travelled all over the country and Granada is one of my favourite cities here. It lies at the foot if the Sierra Nevada mountain range for hiking, climbing, skiing, etc. I've been in Granada in the summer when it was 44 over 100 degrees, but its a nice dry heat so feels much cooler more like 30+, with no humidity. Its also much cheaper to rent there but hard to find an apartment as its a big university city and many affordable apartments are rented to students for most of the year. The city is famous for its tapas which are served free with each round of drinks, so you can just order a drink and fill up on a great variety of delicious small dishes, rather than buying a full meal. And I too hated to leave, its got a special draw/appeal that gets under your skin in the best way.

[k.k.]

Spain is such a beautiful country with so much diversity. I like the train system, too. I just love trains for getting around. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[rayvogensen]

I think your next video will be about Valencia, which is always on the top of any list of ex-pat destinations. You forgot to mention that Granada is right below the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhacén, 3, 478 m, which is a major skiing resort. Plus, Granada is only 65 km from the nearest beach at Motril. You also have the amazing mountain villages of the Sierra de las Alpujarras. It's a great location and that is why perhaps it is the number one destination for university students who are spending a year abroad in the Erasmus Program.

[mandoman]

Was in Spain last year and Granada was one of my favorite cities. I met locals who never left. Said they always had everything they needed.

[lawrence]

Even though there's zero chance that I'll be moving to any of these places, I still love watching your videos, because they educational, and so much fun. Great job, guys!

[MysterChaser]

Toured Spain for a month. Granada was my all time favorite. So much to offer. Thanks for reminding me how wonderful it was! ❤️

[Simona_midulcevida]

I visited Granada last fall..it deserves another visit. One of the most interesting cities. Very friendly people, diverse people. Cold in the winter and lots of hills...Yes. Good place to live but I need to be on the coast...I need that Mediterranean Sea.

[goldvideo]

Hey guys, great video. I must say that you both look so healthy! I have been to Granada numerous times and it's a wonderful place. The surrounding Alpujarra region is also amazing. I for one would vote for you guys to consider Spain as your new home, as it has things in common with Latin American countries, but it's in Europe and extremely safe.

Between Portugal and Spain, the people in Spain are a lot friendlier and boisterous — they love to enjoy life. The Portuguese, on the other hand, seem to have a culture that celebrates sadness (the fado dance, for example). Also, you already speak Spanish and Portuguese is notoriously difficult to learn and the Portugal variety sounds a bit like Russian. And if you ever long for Cuenca, it's only a 90 minute drive from Madrid (Cuenca, Spain that is). It's also a great place to check out; the hanging houses are impressive.

Hope y'all enjoy Valencia — it's an impressive city. Check out the Arts & Science Center there and make sure to find good paella and Horchata! Un abrazo grande a vosotros.

[jorger]

After having lived in Spain for a while, I can only tell you that it is a country that, like Ecuador, has everything in terms of variety of climates and landscapes, plus the fact of being in Europe. I think you would need several months to get to know all the possible options in cities to live. In terms of mild weather all year round, I think Valencia is one of the best options. And if you allow me another tip, visit San Sebastián if you have the opportunity to go north. You won't regret it

[KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here….we stayed in Calpe, and loved it…they had a great Irish pub there too where we got triple pour Guieness beer…takes 5 min to do. End up with 3 layers of foam. Alicante, Benidorm, Valencia, all lovely. We even stayed more inland at Alcoi or Alcoy.

[christinea]

Granada is my daughter's favorite city in Spain.

[SyD]

Granada is a beautiful city. In our recent visit to Spain we were in Seville, Granada, Barcelona and Valencia... We felt in love with Spain. Thanks for your video

[RUser]

JP and Ameila, I saw the piece Fox News Digital did on you both. We had learned most of it by watching the channel. Good information for those considering a move. For my wife and I, we own the house we're in and are retired so it makes more sense to stay put in Indiana. I did have back surgery for spinal stenosis but unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. Good luck to you both. Jeff

[claudiahansen]

Great video and editing. Love Spain. We never ate dinner in Spain because it occurs too late in the evening. But we were ok with huge lunches between 1:30-3:30, with great Rioja and Priorat red wines!

[carolpool]

I really loved Granada also. Ronda is also a nice small city with lovely views. One of my favorites is Valencia. It has beautiful architecture and very close to nice sandy beaches about 15 or 20 minute bus ride outside of town. If you go there, don't miss the Sistine Chapel of Valencia which has amazing paintings all over the walls and ceiling. Glad you are enjoying Spain.

[mikedanbury]

as an occasional visitor to Europe but regular travel to SA (Medellin area specifically), i think Europe is beautiful and historical and love to visit but there is something magical/mystical about the Andes, a feeling I've never gotten anywhere else. It's a special energy that can't be matched.

[Bartrum]

Wow, what a coincidence, I am travelling from Sevilla to Granada tomorrow. I love Granada, it is amazing, the hills of the Albaicyn are a little exhausting but it is well worth it.

[jonpotthoff]

I absolutely loved Granada when visiting in 2019. Dinner at the Restaurante Centro de Granada within the confines of the Plaza Bib-Rambla was nothing short of magical. The food was incredible and the atmosphere unmatched, with a small carousel, fountain, children playing as a man used a large frame to blow giant bubbles. And then there is the home of Washington Irving (for a year) - the other worldly Alhambra. I yearn to return.