Granada (Nicaragua)

Granada is the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua and the all-time-rival of Leon (Nicaragua) | Leon. It is located on the north west side of the Lago Cocibolca. Its colored colonial buildings, interesting history and relative safety make it an important tourism destination. It is the city in Nicaragua with the highest presence of expats and one of the most touristically "developed", especially compared to other cities in Nicaragua. Both these things will be immediately apparent to the visitor.

Granada (Nicaragua) Halal Travel Guide

Granada, nicknamed La Gran Sultana after her Muslim-influenced namesake in Spain, was founded in 1524 and is the oldest cities of Nicaragua and the oldest European colonial settlement in the Americas mainland that lasted (the only older cities are Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Panama, which moved afterwards). A rich town for most of the colonial period, Granada has always been and continues to be a conservative city. As a (sort of) "Caribbean Port", connected to the ocean by the lake and the Rio San Juan, Granada was attacked by pirates several times in its early history. However the attack that left the biggest mark on the city was carried out by an American in 1856, when the city was burned down.

Filibuster Walker|When in the 1850s Granada's liberal rival León was out of ideas how to win the civil war it had with Granada on and off since the independence of Nicaragua and the liberals of León asked American "Filibuster" (back then a term for a mercenary captain that conquered Latin American countries and territories) William Walker of Tennessee for help. What they didn't know was that Walker wanted power for himself and after defeating the conservatives declared himself president and proceeded to invade other Central American countries to enlarge his newly-won empire, with designs of making it a U.S. slave state. Although he was defeated by an effort of almost all of Central America in the end, this didn't happen until he had burned down Granada and put a sign in the scorched earth claiming "here was Granada". Defeated but still considered a hero by many U.S. Southerners, he went home to write his memoirs (which have since entered the public domain and are an interesting look into the mind of a madman if nothing else) before an even more ill-conceived plot to conquer Honduras ended with him in front of a British firing squad.

The town recovered however and became the dominating force culturally and politically for the next three decades until the liberal general Jose Santos Zelaya took control of the nation. You can still see a lot of the wealth and power Granada once had in its colonial houses and churches. And there is still a monument for some former president or other who was born here at almost every corner downtown.

Granada still is very much a conservative town and the ruling Sandinistas are not as well liked - to say the least - here as they are in León, which contributes to their ongoing rivalry. But nowadays, Granada is also notable for winning awards in American magazines as supposedly one of the best places on earth to live, and many retired Gringos have made Granada their second home. Many colonial houses and even some small islets just out of town in Lake Nicaragua are still for sale, so ask the local residents if you want to move here long term and have the necessary cash on hand.

Although the Gringo influence here is stronger than in most other places in Nicaragua, Granada has lost nothing of its charm and continues to attract tourists, local residents and expats alike.

Travel to Granada (Nicaragua)

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Granada (Nicaragua)

Fly to Managua (the capital of Nicaragua) and from there make your way by bus (every half hour from Mercado Huembes or the UCA station) or taxi (around US$35 from the airport depending on your bargaining skills). As an alternative, you can take an air-conditioned shuttle for US$15 from the airport to Granada. In most cases and the shuttle will deliver you to any point in Granada. There is a tourist information counter as soon as you clear immigration.Ask the representative and s/he'll point you to a reputable shuttle service. The trip by taxi or shuttle is about 40 minutes. Another option may be to fly to the Liberia Airport over the border in Costa Rica, but it would involve about 5 hours of travel and a border crossing. Rental cars are not allowed to cross the border, but agencies will arrange for vehicle swaps and pickups on the other side of the border crossing. Managua is by far your best option.

There is a small airport a few miles from Granada on the highway to Masaya. The airport was served only by Nature Air, which offered Flights from San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica and the flights are now going into Managua International airport (IATA Flight Code: MGA). Flights originate in San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and also from Liberia (IATA Flight Code: LIR) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The airport on Ometepe (from where a boat takes around three hours to Granada) only receives domestic flights (from San Carlos, Managua and San Juan del Norte) as of 2022, but this may change in the future.

Travel by train to Granada (Nicaragua)

The train was shut down during the perioid of Violeta Chamorro (1990-1996). So, no and there's no possibility to take any train to get there. Nevertheless, you can obtain the chance to visit the old train station, which is used as a technical school sponsored by the Spanish Cooperation.

By car

Yes you can get there by rental car, which is often really expensive to hire, since imported cars are expensive too and the risk of theft is high. Most of the principal highways are in excellent condition, however other obstacles (cows, horses, people, people on horses) can surprise you - especially at night, so be alert. Secondary roads range from paved to gravel. The roads from the airport are excellent on the most direct route.

From Costa Rica, take the Panamerican Highway, which leads from [[San José (Costa Rica)|San José]] through Liberia and the border crossing at Peñas Blancas and the first bigger town in Nicaragua is Rivas, after Nandaime take a right onto the Granada-Nandaime road. Look for Granada-related signs.

Travel on a Bus in Granada (Nicaragua)

Buses from Managua to Granada leave from both the UCA Terminal (C$25 (Nicaragua#Currency|córdobas) and Mercado Huembes as of April 2016. If you have oversized baggage you might be asked to pay an extra C$25) and Mercado Huembes on a very frequent basis The trip takes about 2 hours. There is no scheduled public transport that does the León-Granada run directly, so you'll have to switch buses in Managua. If you take the Chicken bus from Leon your last stop in Managua will be the Palestine Lewites Terminal from where you will have to go to either the UCA Terminal or Mercado Huembes. Minibuses from Leon to Managua depart from the same location in Leon but terminate at the UCA Terminal so they might be a more convenient way to reach Granada as they lessen the need to change terminals in Managua. Granada can also be reached by first-class buses from neighboring Costa Rica and Honduras.

From Costa Rica

There are two main options, either take the ordinario buses which cost half the price (US$10) and fuzz your way through, experience a lot of interesting sights and the heat or hop on one of the (often agonizingly) air-conditioned coaches, which are comfortable, take you there in about 8-10 hours (crossing the border might take a while, and you will have to exit the bus twice for passports and customs) and cost US$20. The best options going from Costa Rica to Nicaragua are Central Line, TransNica and Ticabus. Back from Granada to Costa Rica you might as well take the Tica Bus or NICABUS. Just ask any taxi driver in whatever city you are in to take you to the Nica or TICABUS-station.

From Honduras

From Tegucigalpa, you can also get the TICA bus, which leaves daily around 9AM for Managua, for around US$20. Then take another bus (at a different station), or taxi, to Granada.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Granada (Nicaragua)

There's a boat running twice a week from San Carlos (Nicaragua) | San Carlos via Ometepe to Granada and back. It leaves San Carlos (Nicaragua) | San Carlos at Tuesday and Friday at 2PM. The trip to Ometepe takes about three hours. San Carlos-Granada is roughly twelve hours one-way. There is a ferry running between Granada and Ometepe, but as of July 2016 it was canceled until further notice, as the lake levels are too low. In general the ferry may be canceled due to low lake levels as well as storms, so enquire locally if feasible.

How to get around in Granada (Nicaragua)

Granada is a small city; everything can comfortably be reached by foot. For some outlying points (e.g. the Asese peninsula) taxis, coches and bikes come in handy.

Best way to travel in Granada (Nicaragua) by a Taxi

Local taxis work on set prices: C$10 by day, and at night after 9PM C$20 per person, wherever you go within the town's borders.

Travel on a Bus in Granada (Nicaragua)

Buses (old stylish US or Canadian schoolbuses) go just about everywhere at about every time, you see them and if you slightly look like anybody wanting to go anywhere, be sure they'll load you on their bus. Another option are the mini buses which have a bit more set time and they're more comfortable and also faster but cost a bit more. The buses leave either west of the Central Market building (50 m into Calle Yo Yo) or near the petrol station UNO. Just ask around, people are very friendly and tell you where you need to go. Also, many people know at least partially the timetables.

By coche

Horse-drawn carriages, known as coches, are a wonderful way to see the extent of the city limits. From the cemetery in the southwest, to the converted Rail Station in the north, to the water front in the east. US$30 for an hour and a half tour. They can also be hired just like taxis.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Granada (Nicaragua)

Granada's islets are not to be missed, and the way to see them is by boat. Boat tours leave from Puerto Asese, about 5-10 minutes from downtown by taxi. Try to book them as a group as it gets cheaper for each individual. Also a boat that is almost full might make special deals for a single traveler or a small group

By bike

Most hotels and hostels rent bikes and if yours doesn't, some are willing to rent to people staying elsewhere. You should pay roughly US$10 a day. As the city is rather flat and traffic is manageable it is a good way to get around, although the heat might get uncomfortable. Robberies and assaults at machete - point have happened along parts of península de Asese.

What to see in Granada (Nicaragua)

Sicht auf Granadas Kathedrale vom Parque Central aus - A view from the Parque Central towards the Gothic Church

There are 6 main churches : the Gothic Church, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco and María Auxiliadora, which all have interesting historical backgrounds and are in very different states.
Fuerte La Polvora is an 18th-century fort (built in 1748) that's open for tours. A few historical exhibits are available on the main level, you can climb the towers for views of the quiet city streets, or wander through the lovely courtyard.
Lake Cocibolca (commonly called Lake Nicaragua and, locally, as Lago de Granada), is the 10th largest fresh-water lake on earth and is inhabited by Bull Sharks, informally named the Nicaragua Shark, and sawfish. The beach area is not the safest area in town at night and comes with a rather unpleasant smell during the day. However, during the day thit is a nice place to catch a breeze, and there are many Nicaraguan families that come here to pass the time. Vendors pass selling all kinds of food. Tours of the islands are available from Puerto Asese, near the pleasant Asese restaurant (known for its boneless fish).

A bit further along the shore is the Centro Turistico, a park like area complete with restaurants. It's a bit cleaner then the beach right down from the city.

The local market is definitely worth a glimpse, it's chaotic little market stands where you can get almost everything. The market is open everyday except holidays around and in the old Market hall, you can't miss it.
The Central Park with the Gothic Church and the Colonial houses surrounding it. The lively center of town with a lot of handicrafts or Snacks to buy, or just sit down at a bench and watch the city and its people. Next to it is the Parque Independencia with a monument to the independence movement of 1811 and the famous "Puerta de los Leones".
The streets themselves with their charming Colonial colored houses are always worth a wander themselves.
Take a boat tour of the Isletas. Boats leave from the marina at Puerto Asese. Your guide will tell you how all the islands are owned by millionaires. You will even visit an old fort that is on the island. Not to mention you will see adorable monkeys that live in the tree.

Mi Museo - Calle Atravesada 505 In front of Bancentro ☎ +505 2552-7614 Opening Hours: Daily 8AM Monday - 5PM Free Private collection of over 5,000 Nicaraguan Pre-Columbian ceramics.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Granada (Nicaragua)

Puerto Asese, marina area in Granada Nicaragua - Puerto Asese marina in Granada

Hostal La Casita | Calle 14 de septiembre 2½ blocks north of La Merced church ☎ +505 25524797 - Advertise themselves as the cleanest hostel in Granada. Excellent full kitchen available for use. Free computer & Wi-Fi in common area. Laundry service available. Receptionists couldn't be more helpful. Mostly quiet, but still laid back with a good common area for meeting other people. Excellent, safe location.

Bearded Monkey - ☎ +505 2 552-4028 US$5 for the dorm, US$10 for a single room, and $13 for a double A crowded hostel, restaurant, and café. Free internet use, hammocks and a big and well-selected DVD library, great food, try the homemade Lemonade. Staff seem a bit surly. Big business, some long term travellers regard the atmosphere as "rip-off". While thit is a great place to meet other travelers, it is not ideal for those who are looking to catch up on sleep. Bring some earplugs and an eye mask because loud music and bright overhead lights stay on until the wee hours of the morning. Also reports of bed bugs.

Hostal el Momento - Calle el Arsenal,close to Calle Atravesada,1 block north of Parque Central US$12-16 single room and $16-26 double room Colonial House and a brand new hostal with a really nice garden with lots of seating and lounge areas. Very good security as it is close to a bank and they also have security cameras and safe boxes in the rooms and the dorms have lockers also. The privates come with and without bathrooms but all have cable tv and there is free wifi with iPads free to use.They have a and cafe in the garden or you can use their guest kitchen and make use of the Spa for a private massage. Great set up and willing staff looking to help in anyway.

Casa del Agua - Avenue Guzman Southeast corner of Central Park, South 1/2 block on Avenue Guzman US$15 for a single room and $34 for a double Small guesthouse a 1/2 a block from the Gothic Church. Has a great swimmingpool to relax in after a long hot day in Granada. All rooms have a private toilet and bath with hot water. Each room comes with a flat-screen HD television. A/C is available in the double rooms for US$6. There is a large full kitchen with appliances and utensils so you can make use of the fresh food at the market that is a few blocks away. You can book the entire place for a group and there are studio apartments with a private entrance available as well.

Hostel El Rinconcito | Calle de Libertad, del BAC 2 1/2 Al Oeste ☎ +505 25524602 US$5, 10, 15 or 20 for an overnight sleep at a superior Muslim friendly room with shared bathroom. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are US$2 each Check-in: 04-09-2010 / Check-out: 13-01-2011

Hostal El Rinconcito is a new hostel in Granada that is run by a trustworthy and honest family. Hostal owner and staff are friendly and helpful. Hostal offers WiFi and cable television. Door closes at 2AM, but you make an arrangement here with the staff very easily.

El Tiangue, Calle Atravesada (near intersection of Calle Estrada). No frills, but great price and location. US$10 for a private double room (spotless bathroom two doors down). Three blocks from Parque Central, around the junction from the Oasis, gated entrance. Upstairs from the street market, 2-3 blocks from busses and grocery store. Awesome quick, good quality food is across the street (about US$1 for a full meal), in a green building that can be easy to miss during the street's busy hours.
Hospedaje Esfinge, Across from the Mercado on Calle Atravesada this very quiet and quite large place is fairly nice for a budget option. In early 2009 a double with shared bath was US$13, and was festively painted. A safe place, but near the worse part of town. The entrance is watched 24 hours a day by the wife and husband owners and another man. Quite time begins at 10, which basically means you have to turn the TV off and if you want to go out, you just have to knock to get back in.
Hospedaje Central, 1 block west of the parque central in "Calle La Calzada". Don't expect fancy, but it is comfortable enough. It is run by a nice family. It has an unbeatable location, sitting in the main street where all the cafes, and street performers can be found. It has a front bar/restaurant as well but isn't a very lively place to be normally. US$5 per day in dorm. US$12 for a room with private bathroom. Free WiFi in room and free Coffee. The food is not the best, but the Mojito Happy-Hour is unbeaten: Cervezas C$10 per bottle or C$22 for a litro, 2 mojitos for C$25.

La Libertad | Calle La Libertad - Dorms US$6, private w/bath US$20, w/o US$15 A nice, clean, quiet hostel in an airy and spacious colonial building. Well-equipped kitchen. Warm atmosphere with wifi and three computers with internet. Unlimited coffee in the morning included.

The Dolphin GuestHouse - Reparto San Juan Lote Number 5 ☎ +505 885-5443, +505 896-7514 - Apartments in Nicaragua. Beautiful views of Nicaragua lake, mombacho volcano, and cathedral.

The Oasis - Calle Estrada 109 ☎ +505 2 552 8006 Dorm bed: US$9 A bit more expensive than the other hostels, but very nice. Clean and safe, free 15-minutes phone call home on their Internet phone (to US, Canada and Europe), free Internet, a small restaurant that mainly serves breakfast, modern colonial style interior, a courtyard with hammocks and another courtyard with a small pool. Multiple tv's with a large selection of dvds to choose from. Great view from the rooftop pila as you wash your clothes. They also have private, air-conditioned rooms for around US$20/night.

Casa Sacuanjoche GuestHouse - Ave. La Sirena, casa #207 From La Gran Francia Hotel, 1 block east, 1½ blocks south. ☎ +505 2552-0230 - Private bathrooms, ceiling and standing fans, cable TV, free WiFi, purified water, Perfect for long term and volunteers

Hotel La Mesa del Padrino - From the S. Francisco square, 1½ blocks north, in front of the Gymnasium Sport $35 A small, family run hotel with en-suite rooms and a large tropical garden.

Hotel Casa San Francisco - 207, Calle Corrales Diagonal from the San Francisco Convent ☎ +505-2552-8235 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 11AM US$45-70 Beautiful boutique hotel with pool, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, hot water, tv/cable. The first boutique hotel in Granada. Great staff to take care of your travel plans, also offering, longer term housing.

Casa Silas Bed and Breakfast - 206 Calle La Concepcion 11.5538, 85.5724 at Calle La Concepción 1.5 blocks west of the market ☎ +505 8883 6834 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 11AM US$46 The casa features 2 guestrooms with wireless internet, AC, swimming swimmingpool and full breakfast.

Hotel El Club - @nicaragua.com at Calle La Liberdad and Avenida Barricada ☎ +505 2-552-4245 - The hotel features 11 rooms with wireless Internet. This hotel doubles as a disco, so be ready to party.

Hotel con Corazón - at Calle Santa Lucia 141 - Hotel con Corazón is a beautiful hotel (15 rooms) in the center of Granada. A double for US$64/71 including taxes and a extensive breakfast. Swimming swimmingpool and WiFi included.

Hotel Casa Vivaldi | Calle El Caimito, from the Alcaldía, 4½ blocks to the lake hotel-granada-nicaragua.com Discover one of the most comfortable hotels in Granada, Nicaragua: an oasis with the biggest swimmingpool in town surrounded by tropical vegetation will offer to you beautiful moments of relaxation, away from city daze. US$44-54/night

Hotel El Almirante - Calle Corrales 111, Granada ☎ +505 2552 4628 US$60 In a renovated colonial house in the historic center of Granada. The hotel rooms have bathrooms, flat screen TV and safe deposit box. Swimming pool, free wireless internet access and cable TV.

Hotel Jerico - Calle Calzada, Granada US$30 The rooms have air-con, big bed, sofa and free Wi-Fi. Two computers in front for use too. The place doesn't have much atmosphere, but for the price, it might be the best deal in the area. Its also far enough down the main strip that it doesn't get noisy.

Hotel Spa Granada - @HotelSpaGranada.com Calle Atravesada, Across from Bancentro ☎ +505 2552 46 78 US$60 In the largest intact surviving colonial house in Granada. The room rental includes a 30-minutes massage and access to the largest swimmingpool in the historic center of Granada.

La Islita Boutique Hotel - Calle El Cisne, 3 blocks south of Calle La Calzada US$50-@/night Chic, Intimate, Stylish; cozy boutique hotel; eight rooms with comfortable beds, AC, WiFi, cable TV, private bathroom, continental breakfast; stunning rooftop terrace.

Hotel La Pergola - from City Hall, 3 blocks towards the lake ☎ +505 2-552 - 4221 - An antique colonial house built in the 19th century that has been restored conserving the characteristic of the wonderful houses of Granada.

Hotel Colonial Granada - 50 meters from plaza ☎ +505 552 7581 from US$55
Hotel Plaza Colon - across the street from the central plaza ☎ +505 2552 8489 US$79-104 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: noon Beautiful boutique hotel.

Hotel Spa Granada - Calle Atravesada in front of Bancentro ☎ +505 2552 4678 from US$49
Jicaro Island Eco Lodge - ☎ +505 2558 7702 from US$300 On Lake Nicaragua. Very close to downtown with easy access to Granada. Private all-inclusive. Secluded 2-story casitas. Swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi. Yoga retreats.

La Alhambra, right in the middle of town. beautiful. US$50-$80/night
La Gran Francia, right in the middle of town, across from the Gothic Church. beautiful. US$90-$200/night

Telecommunications in Granada (Nicaragua)

Internet -- up to C$20/hour.

Stay Safe

Nicaragua is rated the safest country in Central America. The capital, Managua, has the largest number of inhabitants but the majority of crime there is petty theft. Granada and the sixth largest city, is very safe but using common sense and always walking with someone else at night here and everywhere else in the nation is recommended.

Robberies are known to have occurred along the Peninsula de Asese. If you plan a tour keep your wits´about you and maybe leave the camera in the hotel.

In Granada and the moneychangers are licensed and provide a terrific alternative to the banks.

Cope in Granada (Nicaragua)

Social workers in Granada strongly advise to not give money or food to begging children. In Granada the homeless situation is moderate. Orphanages and charity organizations take care of homeless children, and poor people have access to charity kitchens. The kids that beg and sell items to tourists do this to make easy money, and are being exploited by adults. Anything you give to these children keeps them from the place they belong: in school.

Occasionally inclement weather will create an outage, as you'd expect anywhere.

Urban tap water is fine.

Insect repellent is widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Use as required. Nicaragua does have dengue. Thit is especially a concern during the wet season. In the early morning, and at dusk cover up or spray on as a precaution against insects.

Granada (Nicaragua)

From Halal Explorer

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