Granada & Surroundings
Nicaragua
Nicaragua / Granada & Surroundings
The city is quick to charm with its creative vitality, laidback friendliness, and picturesque appeal
Beguiling church facades, winding cobblestoned streets, brightly painted houses, and bustling open markets set against a backdrop of imposing volcanoes — Granada, known as “the cultural jewel” of Nicaragua, is a glorious throwback to its Spanish colonial roots. Similar in vibe to Antigua, Mérida, and Cartegena, the city is quick to charm with its creative vitality, laidback friendliness, and picturesque appeal. And there is plenty to explore for travelers seeking a deep dive into all things local.
From spice market tours and artisan studios to hands-on chocolate-making workshops, the city is full of local excursions and immersive experiences. There are also plenty of quaint eco-friendly boutique hotels in the city center and nearby Lake Nicaragua. Our Offbeat Goat Collection spotlights two beautiful eco-lodges on Lake Nicaragua and an artsy duo (a boutique hotel and a private city home) run by the same owner.
The Offbeat Goat Collection
Stays in Granada & Surroundings
the highlights.
Wander through the cobbled streets of Granada, admiring the colorful facades and old colonial architecture.
Join Alberto’s amazing walking tour, recommended by the oh-so-plugged-in El Camino Travel tribe.
Book an excursion to Las Isletas and explore the many diverse lake islands. Fishing tours are a great way to learn more about the local lives of fishermen.
Venture into the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve and discover the many coffee plantations and the beauty of the cloud forest. Night tours are a favorite for seeing the volcano in action.
Join a chocolate-making workshop at the Mansion de Chocolate on Calle Atravesada, or if cigars are more your thing, check out the Elba Cigar or Mombacho Cigar.
Enjoy poking around craft and food stalls on a guided market tour.
Take a day trip to the Apoyo Lagoon, a warm-water crater lake amid the volcanoes.