The last stop of our Andalusian road trip was Granada. Our stay there lasted for 3 days, and we enjoyed everything about it. Obviously the famous Alhambra is a joy to the eyes and the heart. One of the world's definitely must-visit sites. The adjoining Albayzín district is, just like the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Granada isn't a museum city. It's a lively and noisy Mediterranean city, of the kind a Greek like me feels instantly at home in. More than any other place, it exemplifies the marriage of Spanish and Moorish culture that's typical of Andalusia. And yes, it's very touristic but that doesn't reduce its charm (too much). Calle Elvira for example has this Moroccan flavour, with its tea salons and hookahs which are charming but not very convincingly authentic. Beside the touristic places, there is also a vibrant night scene with tapas bars and rock clubs. Calle Navas is one of the most popular streets to go out, but I suggest to bypass the more famous bars and head straight for
Loop on Calle San Matías 8 (at the end of Calle Navas). This record shop/bar plays great alternative rock music, shows rock documentaries on screen, and serves delicious tapas free with every drink. It sells vinyl LP's, of which there's a small variety but good quality. No CD's or 2nd hand albums, but an eclectic collection of indie rock and garage punk for €18-25. Highly recommended! Other than this, you will find many good -and more conventional- record stores in the neighbourhood around the Cathedral.
Flamenco lovers should head straight towards
Gran Vía Discos at Calle Gran Vía de Colón 21. Next to flamenco, you'll find Classical, Latin, Jazz, World and Pop CD's at the usual prices, as well as some offers for €5,95.
Festival Discos at Calle Príncipe 7 is likewise focused on flamenco. Crate diggers will find their paradise at
Reciclaje (Calle San Jerónimo 13, the street starts directly from the cathedral). This 2nd hand store (typically a Librería/bookshop) is the best place for CD/LP bargains.
A well-ordered shop with a great collection of used CD's (flamenco, classic rock, prog, metal etc. including many out-of-print rarities) for €5-10. Also lots of great vinyl (folk rock,70's and 80's indie, and more) mostly priced €5-10. Discos
Bora-Bora on Plaza Universidad has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. When I visited there was some kind of event, apparently an in-store gig had just finished and D.J's were spinning records, while some custom-designed music-related t-shirts and other items were exhibited (and on sale). It's a fairly large shop with a variety of vinyl (classic rock, indie, spanish rock. New LP's €20, used €10-20, some offers for €5. Also sells 7' singles). CD's €10-20 new, some used for €5-10. Last but not least, also in the neighbourhood, is
Discos Marcapasos (Calle Duquesa 6). It's very well stocked, especially in the more underground/ alternative/ garage rock scene. I enjoyed finding albums from some obscure bands and unusual rock band T-shirts (€15). LP's cost around €20 (new) or €10-15 (used). CD's in the usual price range (€15-20) but also many offers for €6,5-10. All in all I got a very positive vibe from Granada. Behind the many touristic shops and cafes mostly gathered near the Albaicin district, there's a youthful, modern, vibrant city where the nights are long and music is king. If you're ever there, don't limit yourself to the wonderful Alhambra. Explore all of the city including, by all means, its record shops.
The last stop of our Andalusian road trip was Granada. Our stay there lasted for 3 days, and we enjoyed everything about it. Obviously the famous Alhambra is a joy to the eyes and the heart. One of the world's definitely must-visit sites. The adjoining Albayzín district is, just like the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Granada isn't a museum city. It's a lively and noisy Mediterranean city, of the kind a Greek like me feels instantly at home in. More than any other place, it exemplifies the marriage of Spanish and Moorish culture that's typical of Andalusia. And yes, it's very touristic but that doesn't reduce its charm (too much). Calle Elvira for example has this Moroccan flavour, with its tea salons and hookahs which are charming but not very convincingly authentic. Beside the touristic places, there is also a vibrant night scene with tapas bars and rock clubs. Calle Navas is one of the most popular streets to go out, but I suggest to bypass the more famous bars and head straight for Loop on Calle San Matías 8 (at the end of Calle Navas). This record shop/bar plays great alternative rock music, shows rock documentaries on screen, and serves delicious tapas free with every drink. It sells vinyl LP's, of which there's a small variety but good quality. No CD's or 2nd hand albums, but an eclectic collection of indie rock and garage punk for €18-25. Highly recommended! Other than this, you will find many good -and more conventional- record stores in the neighbourhood around the Cathedral.
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