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Get Map on your phoneDiscover Granada’s Hidden Gems
You’ve heard the typical tips, seen the well-trodden paths, and read the common guides. Now, it’s time to set those aside and dive into the real, undiscovered Granada. Let us show you the best kept secrets of alternative Granada
1. Seafood Paella Dinner
While paella hails from Valencia—traditionally featuring rabbit and vegetables—each region in Spain has created its own twist on this colorful, flavorful dish. Here in Granada, we celebrate it with a unique twist: fresh seafood.
Our seafood paella features prawns, octopus, mussels, and calamari sourced from Costa Tropical and Granada’s largest seafood market. And the crowning ingredient? Real saffron, for an authentic taste often replaced with food coloring in many Andalusian kitchens.
Join us for a lively Paella Party at Oasis Backpackers Granada, where we cook with the largest paella pan in town, serving up to 60 guests. Enjoy the community vibe with a fresh mojito from our bar, swap stories with fellow travelers, and snap photos of the paella-making process. Paella Night at Oasis is more than dinner—it’s an experience!
2. Discover Local Craft Beers
For a taste of Granada’s authentic flavors, dive into the local craft beer scene. Start with Sacromonte Pale Ale, a full-bodied English-style brew, then move on to Puchero Cerveza, a rich, fruity ale inspired by Sierra Nevada’s ancient abbey recipes. End your tasting with Menos Lobos, a unique brew made by and for nomads—a perfect match for adventurous travelers.
Head over to Colagallo in Realejo, the old Jewish quarter, where you’ll find a curated selection of Granada’s best craft beers. Go ahead, pull up a seat, and experience Granada like a local.
3. Indulge in Traditional Sweet Treats
Sweets, sweets, sweets! Granada is filled with pastry shops, but for a truly unique experience, visit the Convento de Santa Isabel la Real. Here, cloistered nuns prepare time-honored confections with love and devotion. Purchase your sweets through a secretive revolving door at the monastery—just knock and wait. Only five minutes from the Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint, it’s the perfect post-lunch treat.
4. Explore the Enchanting Cármenes
Granada’s iconic Cármenes are paradisiacal homes set in lush gardens, reflecting a harmony of nature and architecture unique to the city. Step into one of these idyllic spaces, and you’ll be greeted by fountains, wildlife, and vibrant plant life, a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.
We recommend visiting Carmen de los Mártires, tucked behind the Alhambra. Open year-round, it’s a tranquil haven with tiered gardens featuring tropical, Mediterranean, and Arabic influences. Stroll through, and you might even spot peacocks and other wildlife enjoying the grounds.
5. Dine in a Hidden Cave in Sacromonte
Sacromonte is like no place else. Centuries ago, Gypsies made their homes in the natural caves here, and today, the neighborhood is a lively blend of ancient charm and modern community. For an unforgettable evening, venture up to a secluded cave owned by a mysterious local who’s been hosting private dinners for over 15 years. With breathtaking views of the Alhambra and a hand-renovated interior, this experience is accessible only to those who know someone who knows him. As a guest at Oasis Backpackers Granada, you’re in luck—our connections make this hidden gem available to you!
6. Picnic Like a Local
With Andalucía’s 300 days of sunshine, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than with a scenic outdoor picnic. Eatwithme offers fantastic social dining experiences, but our top recommendation is The Andalusian Picnic with Bea, a native Granadan and lifelong backpacker. She curates every picnic to include delicious homemade organic foods, refreshing beer, wine, and sangría, all set against Granada’s stunning natural backdrops—whether a countryside vista, a hidden park, or a mountaintop. Bea’s stories of Andalusian legends and local history make this a feast for the senses and the soul.
Ready to experience Granada in a whole new way? Step off the beaten path with us and discover the hidden sides of this incredible city!
Where to Stay in Granada
Oasis Backpackers Hostels Granada is where you’re about to discover the new generation of contemporary styled backpackers. The top hostel in Granada is a place designed for the modern day global traveler.
At Oasis Backpackers Hostel Granada you will find us amidst the ancient cobblestone corridors and candle lit teashops of Granada’s enchanting Arabic quarter, the Albaycín. During the day, the Albaicyn is full of life with Moroccan markets, street musicians, and sunny plazas. When the sun sets it becomes the center of Granada’s nightlife bursting with bars, cafes and clubs.
The Best Kept Secrets of Alternative Granada
Granada has a lot of hidden gems ready to be explored. We hope you’ve discovered some great tips on The Best Kept Secrets of Alternative Granada and wish you an incredible adventure. If you need more information to help you plan your time in Granada – or elsewhere – click here for a range of helpful tips, city guides, food guides, and more. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube.
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