Apartamentos Muralla Zirí
Granada
For those of you who want to visit Granada but prefer the self-catering option, we have the perfect solution: Muralla Ziri.
Muralla Ziri is a small complex of 12 apartments, ideally situated in the heart of the historic quarter of Albayzin within 5 minutes' walking distance of the lively Plaza Nueva. The apartments themselves, however, are located in a quiet alley.
We found the apartments to be full of character, nicely decorated and furnished in the local style. They were all very clean and tidy and you get quite a lot for your money.
The apartments are spread over 2 adjoining buildings, Casa Roja and Casa Albero. We preferred the apartments in Casa Roja as their decor and character reflect the look and feel of the local area more closely. There is also the added bonus of the penthouse, with terrace and views of the Alhambra as well as private lift access! An excellent option for a party of up to 5 people.
All the apartments are, of course, equipped with their own kitchenette. Even if you don't plan on cooking any big meals, this is always handy for when you want to prepare a quick snack or keep a few drinks in the fridge.
Other facilities on offer to guests include Jacuzzi, Turkish steam bath and massage treatments.
If this place has caught your fancy, do remember that this is not a hotel. You will have to fend for yourself. That's the choice you make when you stay in self-catering accommodation. For instance, the reception desk is only manned for a few hours a day (from 10:00 to 18:00) and breakfast cannot be taken at the complex. But there are plenty of places within a few minutes' walking distance where you can enjoy a nice breakfast.
If you like to stay in your own temporary, cosy accommodation while you go about your discovery of the beautiful historic city of Granada, this is a great place to stay. What's more, we were also quite impressed with the price/quality ratio.
Cons:
• We preferred the apartments in Casa Roja as they have a little bit more character than those in Casa Albero
Pros:
• Good value for money
• Clean and tidy apartments, furnished and decorated in a warm boutique style
• Very friendly and helpful staff who have lots of good tips to share with you
Apartamentos Muralla Zirí
facilities
Apartments
- There is no restaurant or bar (no breakfast either).
- Internet connection in every apartment.
- Children are welcome.
- One apartment with wheelchair access.
- Lift (only in Casa Roja).
- Pets are not welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of different excursions/activities.
- Hotel does not have its own parking facilities. Public car park at 800 metres from the hotel.
- Hotel is situated in the centre of Granada, in the Albayzín quarter.
Every apartment has air conditioning, heating, TV, internet connection and kitchen.
Fully-equipped bathrooms with hairdryer.
Hotel has 12 apartments, including 3 standard apartments (max. 4 persons), 1 upper-standard apartment (only bedroom and the kitchen 1 floor lower (not connected); max. 3 persons), 3 superior apartments (max. 4 persons) and 4 executive apartments (max. 4 persons) and 1 penthouse (max. 5 persons) with own private terrace and views to the Alhambra.
Apartamentos Muralla Zirí
surrounding area
Granada
Anyone visiting Granada will have heard of the Alhambra, the city’s main attraction. The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features. A miniature town in its own right, a world of palaces, beautiful gardens with ponds and fountains, a fortress, baths, museums, a church, and even a hotel.
The Generalife, to the north of the Alhambra, was the Nasrid sultans' country retreat. They would find some welcome relief from the intrigue at the court here, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Generalife translates as ‘the garden of heavenly paradise’.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll around its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
When you get tired of strolling, you can take an Arab bath at one of Granada's 2 hammans, the Aljibe Baños Arabes or the Hamman Baños Arabes.
And Granada also happens to be one of the hippest cities in Andalucía, with great nightlife, lively flamenco shows and tapas culture.
Granada is also a good place to learn Spanish or take dancing lessons.
Active
At about 40 km from the city of Granada you will find the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The Sierra Nevada mountain range has the highest peaks in Europe, after the Alps. In Pradollano, at 2100 metres, there is the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, with around 70 pistes (mainly blue and red ones), with a total length of 80 km.
During the summer months you can go for walks here.
Cultural
Granada is a cultural city, with plenty on offer! Be sure to catch the Alhambra and the Generalife (it is recommended to reserve tickets well before you head for Granada, because the number of visitors admitted every day is limited to a maximum).
Anyone with an interest in Spanish literature will have heard of Federico García Lorca. This world famous poet and playwright is closely intertwined with Granada. His birthplace in Fuente Vaqueros, about 20km west of Granada, is open to the public. And there is also the Lorca Museum, the Huerta de San Vicente, an estate on the edge of Granada.
And to top it all off, Granada also makes for a great destination for shopping, and to take in a few flamenco shows.
Family
The Parque de las Ciencias is a great place to introduce children to science. You will find it 2 km south of Granada. There are numerous activities on offer here. Including experiments that let you experience, for example, what it is like to be inside a beehive or a mini-tornado.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Guadix (55km; 50min):
The ‘Barrio de las Cuevas’ (cave-dwellers quarter), with 2000 caves, which have been inhabited for centuries, is the main attraction of this town. A museum has been established in one of the cave dwellings near the church, in order to give you a good idea of what life in such a house is like.
Alhama de Granada (60km; 1h):
Alhama de Granada is beautifully situated, balancing on sprawling rocks over a gorge, and it has a compact, nicely renovated Moorish centre. The village received its name, derived from the word alhamma, from the hot springs that you can still visit at the Hotel Balneario on the edge of the village.
In the higher part of the village, behind the Iglesia del Carmen church, a plateau offers stunning views of the deep gorge of the Alhama river.
And you can, of course, head for one of the other 2 world famous cities for a day trip:
Córdoba (240km; 2h45min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Seville (250km; 3h):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.