Granada

Granada, founded in 1524 on the shore of vast Lake Nicaragua, is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas and Nicaragua's most beautiful, a photogenic town of pastel-painted streets, elegant courtyards and grand Spanish churches. At its heart stands the striking mustard-yellow cathedral overlooking the lively central park, while horse-drawn carriages clatter past and the cobbled Calle La Calzada leads down to the lake. Ringed by a volcano and dotted with tiny islets offshore, it is a relaxed, colourful gem.

History

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba founded the city in 1524, naming it after Granada in Spain, and in colonial times it traded with Atlantic ports by way of Lake Cocibolca and the San Juan River. For many years it vied with León as Nicaragua's leading city, until the capital was settled at Managua between the two, and in 1850 it had about 10,000 people (Wikipedia, Granada, Nicaragua).

The main sights

• The cathedral and central park - the yellow cathedral and lively plaza.
• Calle La Calzada - the colourful pedestrian street of cafes.
• The Iglesia La Merced tower - the bell-tower rooftop view.
• Las Isletas - the 365 tiny islets on the lake nearby.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the most reliable weather; the city is pleasant year-round though hot, and evenings on Calle La Calzada come alive with diners and music. Boat trips among Las Isletas and up nearby Mombacho volcano are easy add-ons.

Things to know

Granada is hot and, being the country's main tourist town, its central streets are geared to visitors, with some hustle, though it remains genuinely charming and far from over-touristed. The colourful colonial streets, the lake and the nearby volcano and islets, though, make it a delightful, relaxed base.

Nearby

The Mombacho volcano, Las Isletas and Masaya are close by.

Key facts