Retiring in GRANADA, Spain: 5 PROS and 5 CONS to Consider Before Moving

Thinking about retiring in Granada, Spain? The dream of tapas, warm weather, and historic charm is tempting—but what about the hidden challenges? Discover the pros and cons expats should consider when retiring in Granada, Spain. We’ve boiled it down to five reasons Granada might be your perfect fit—and five reasons to think twice before making the move. Whether you're an expat retiree or digital nomad considering Granada, this video will give you the insider scoop you need to decide if Granada is the right fit for you.

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🔗LINKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:
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► FLAMENCO SHOW
Los Amayos Traditional Cave Flamenco Show Tickets:

► WAYS TO PURCHASE ALHAMBRA TICKETS
Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring, summer, and holidays). Tickets are released up to 3 months before the visit.
1. GUIDED TOUR:
Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets - Priority Access to the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, El Generalife, the Alhambra Gardens, the Medina, and the Alcazaba on a small guided tour.
Important Note: This is a great option if you prefer to learn about the history and architecture from a knowledgeable guide and includes skip-the-line access.
2. OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
3. ALHAMBRA TICKET OFFICE:
You can purchase tickets at the ticket office near the main entrance to the Alhambra.
Important Note: Tickets are limited, and availability is not guaranteed for same-day visits.
Arrive early in the morning to improve your chances of getting tickets.
4. CITY PASS:
The Granada Card (Bono Turístico) includes Alhambra tickets and access to other attractions like the Cathedral and public transport.
Important Note: It’s a good option if you’re planning to explore multiple sites in Granada.
5. HOTELS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES:
Important Note: Some hotels and local travel agencies can reserve tickets for you as part of their concierge services. This may come at a premium cost.

🏨 WHERE WE STAYED:
► Aurea Catedral by Eurstars:

⭐TOP EXPERIENCES IN GRANADA:
► Book skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and must-do activities here:

📑CHAPTER LIST:
00:00 Introduction to Granada
02:31 Where is Granada
03:08 Pro 1
04:28 Pro 2
11:38 Pro 3
13:42 Pro 4
16:11 Pro 5
17:19 The Cons of Living in Granada
17:39 Con 1
19:43 Con 2
21:13 Con 3
22:13 Con 4
23:05 Con 5
24:17 Bonus Pro

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👍USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Expats in Granada
Granada Expats Spain - Living, Working & Moving to Granada

🏠REAL ESTATE WEBSITES:

DISCLOSURE:
*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission. Thank you for the support! 🤗
*Also, sometimes we discuss financial topics. We are not financial professionals, please consult a licensed advisor for financial advice.

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[MariaNI-yfbz]

@11:50 What a beautiful video❤ Thank you. I’d like to gently correct one point about the cuisine of Granada being partly Middle Eastern. I hope this is not seen as an attack since i do understand where this confusion stems from, as it may arise from the fact that the Islamic world during the Al-Andalus period was culturally interconnected, with ideas, ingredients, and practices flowing via the Middle East (Umayyad) to North Africa(Morocco), and up to Iberia. However, it’s not entirely accurate to label the cuisine of Granada as partly 'Middle Eastern' without acknowledging the specific historical and cultural pathways through which these influences arrived. The influence is more directly tied to North Africa (especially Morocco) and the unique cultural synthesis that occurred in Al-Andalus. In fact, many Moroccan dishes and sweets have their origins in Al-Andalus, and you won’t find this exact culinary tradition in the Middle East. Moroccan cuisine is also unique and of local origin with strong ties to Al Andalus.

So while the Islamic influence on Spanish cuisine is indeed undeniable, it’s more accurate to trace much of this influence to North Africa, particularly Morocco, rather than directly to the Middle East. The Berbers (Amazigh) of North Africa played a significant role in the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, and their culinary traditions became further deeply intertwined with those of Al-Andalus. In fact, Moroccan cuisine itself is a blend of Berber, and Andalusian Islamic influences, so the connection between Spanish and Moroccan cuisines is strong and direct.

Over centuries, the culinary traditions introduced during the Al-Andalus period were adapted and transformed by local Iberian cultures. Spanish cuisine today is a unique blend of these influences, combined with later contributions from the Americas (like tomatoes, potatoes, and chocolate) and other Euro traditions. While there are similarities between Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines ( the use of spices, nuts, and certain cooking techniques), these are often indirect and mediated through the North African/Moroccan connection. You are welcome too to come and visit Morocco if you havent visited this country yet. You could visit cities like Tanger, Fes and Marakech and enjoy and discover the similarities between the Jewels of the western Mediterranean. Cheers.

[jenny]

The city looks like my beloved island of Cuba in the past. Great Video!!!Thanks ❤

[richard-xsd]

We moved to Granada about two years ago and love it. The real estate is getting more expensive though. Now it's comparable to Malaga but honestly Granada is better than Malaga.

[tamaramadelin]

We loved Granada...Oh, you MUST get back to visit the Alhambra! The tapas, yum...The viewpoint
with an Alhambra view with impromptu guitar performances incredible!! Lisboa is our home, but boy do we love to visit Spain and especially Andalucia!! Great vlog!!

[fatimateresa]

03:54 😂I can’t belive you filmed her, she is been selling bread from Alfacar since decades ago !

[salozinp]

Siesta? or meal time? In Spain it is closed for eating between 14 and 16 h, but not for sleeping. Foreigners confuse Spanish meal time with when people are sleeping.

[fatimateresa]

Wow many years of my childhood were spend there❤. Mum worker in one of the main buildings in the city center, in front of the Granada Council ( Ayuntamiento)

[explorarehoy]

Great information but please slow down the video of cathedrals and buildings not to make your audience dizzy

[doris]

Many parts of the Alhambra are free to visit

[lakestreet]

Have you ben to Sotogrande, if so ... what do you think? Or can you recommend a town/village close by? I need to move out of the UK nearer some warmer climes ... ☀

[neiss]

Let’s break the myth once and for all, in Spanish the “H” has no sound (yeah, we also have some few language weirdnesses) so instead of almost letting out your breakfast each time you say “AlHHambra”, just say “Alambra”. Even more so if you’re living in Granada 😛