If there is a majestic place in the Pacific region of
Nicaragua, it is beautiful colonial
Granada; a charming city situated on the shores of Big Cocibolca Lake known as Nicaragua Lake. The huge Cocibolca Lake is the eighth biggest in the world and is a unique fresh water lake inhabited by sharks. The city, founded by the Spaniards in 1524, is one of the oldest cities in the whole American continent that remains in the same place where it was initially settled. Its present population is approximately 220,000 inhabitants.
Granada is considered the colonial jewel of Nicaragua because of its Renaissance and Baroque style churches and colorful old buildings.
The extinguished Mombacho Volcano is right south of Granada city, the islets archipelagos in big lake are south east of town. Laguna de Apoyo, an amazing crater lake with pristine water surrounded by hills, is just west of the city. They are pieces of paradise. Kayaking, swimming, fishing, boat touring, canopy tour, bird watching and hiking are some of the things to do in these nature places.
Granada has been always a land of poets and has kept this reputation throughout the years. It is obviously a literary city and since 2005 it is the host site for the Annual Granada Poetry International Festival where poets from many countries meet for a week of recitals and interesting literature lectures. Museums, cultural centers and art galleries also testify the cultural life of this romantic city.
Hotels and other lodging options in Granada: Although
Granada offers no five or four star hotels, there are lot of hostals and small good hotels at varied and competitive prices. The best hotels are located close to the Central Park.
Restaurants and night life: Local and international food are offered in most of the great variety of nice restaurants in the city. Eating lunch or dinner in a relaxed atmosphere in restaurants housed in a colonial house or with an inner open patio with a pretty flower garden is delightful and an unforgettable memory of your experiencing
Granada. Night life can be enjoyed at the numerous nice bars in downtown and at the discos located on shores of the lake.
Bank and other services: The city has a good variety of banks and an ATM machine. Real estate offices, post office, phone companies and internet access at the various cyber cafes are available in downtown
Granada.
