Mercado or Market

The market is probably the busiest part of the city and is definitely worth a visit. You can buy almost anything except thick rubberbands which I spent at least 3 hours looking for. The market has lots of clothing and lots of food although I wouldn't even think of buying the meat or fish. You can buy almost every basic good here but anything but don't expect cheap electronics like you find in Chinese markets. Having spent the last year in China I was surprised to happen upon several shops and booths in the market owned and run by people of Chinese decent. Worth a visit even if you don't buy a thing! The experience is more the fun than the actual purchase. If you do decide on something make sure you bargain and bargain hard.

The Central Square

The center of the city of Granada is the Central Square. The area is very lively and there are many things to see. The main catheral is located on the East side of the Central Square and dominates views of the area. It is very beautiful and still hold services. The suare plays host to festivals and almost weekly events that are ussually fun to see and be a part of. I walk home through the suare nightly and watch the local people mixing with tourists with their cameras. On the suare are several of the nicest hotels in the city. Colonial Hotel and La Gran Francia are considered the best hotels in the city. THere are also several other hotel under construction which should be availible to guests in the coming years. In the suar on the weekends bands play from time to and venders setup their wares. Anytimne of day till well after dusk people mingle amoung the artists and jewelry makers selling everything from 5$ pairs of shorts to beautiful handmade pottery.

Granada Colonials

The city of Granada is made up of Colonial homes that were built hundreds of years ago. As Nicaragua is growing Granada has seen a large influx of tourists and visitors. The number of tourists has doubled and redoubled over recent years. It is currently the slow season in Granada but the tourists keep coming. This fall there has not been a major drop in the number of visitors that is ussually seen during this time of year. Because of regulations it is almost impossible to change the exteriors of the Colonials, the city will retain its amazing beauty and alure. While the exterior of these buildings cannot be modified the interiors of many buildings have seen major renovations. The most beautiful views of and around the city can been seen from second and third floor windows and terraces. Because of regulations there are not many buildings that can boast these fetures. Many of the two floor buildings are private homes and are it is extremely hard to be allowed a look. I have had the chance to view the city from many of the terraces in Granada and it is one of the most beautiful sites. There is a new hotel just of the central suare with two floors that should have views of Lake Nicragua and the city. There are still some unrenovated homes that have existing second floors or the potential for one.

Views of Granada from afar

Although the views in Granada are incumbered by the elegant Colonial homes, there are many places to escape to just outside of the city. To the west and south of Granada the elevation increases and creates many natural vantage points to see Granada, Mombacho, Lake Nicaragua, and the isletas. Many off these area are being purchased to create residental developments. From Mombacho vantage points you can see Granada, Laguna de Apoyo, Lake Nicragua, and the isletas. From Laguna de Apoyo you can see almost everything making the miradors "viewpoints" very desirable torusit destinations. There are also many small hills around Granada that have many of the same views. I highly suggest the miradors on Laguna de Apoyo.

Mombacho Views

From Granada you can see the volcano Mombacho. Mombacho is an extinct volcano that seems to smoke as clouds pass ove its peak. It can been from almost every within the city of Granada. If Mombacho is completely masked in clouds it will probably rain in Granada. Mombacho is south of Granada and is spectacular at sunset. The volcano is mostly covered in vegitation while parts of the mountain side are used to cultivate coffee. In Granada, Mombacho coffe can be purchased at very low prices. The mountain side also contains a nature reserve that makes for excelent hiking. There is also a canopy tour that is very relaxing and thrilling. The wildlife is very diverse and includes many rare plants and butterflies. I highly recomend day trips to see the volcano.