Things to do in Granada

The residents of Leon may think otherwise, but picture-postcard Granada is Nicaragua’s number one visitor draw and amongst the most picturesque towns in Latin America.

Located on the northern tip of Lake Nicaragua, Granada was founded by Hernandez de Cordoba in the early 16^th century and takes its name from the town of the same name in Andalucia, Spain.

Its location on Lake Nicaragua (connected to the Caribbean by the San Juan River) meant that Granada was very much tied in to burgeoning trade in the region. It also meant that it was a target for pirates, with the town being attacked, badly damaged and then rebuilt countless times.

The Granada that visitors discover today is typical of a Spanish colonial town, built on a traditional grid system with a central square, Parque Central, at its heart.

One can happily and safely wander the streets of Granada for a day or two, simply enjoying its beautiful, brightly painted buildings, each one different to its neighbour.

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Things To See & Do In Granada

As well as being a lovely town in its own right, Granada is also the perfect base for visiting a number of nearby attractions.

Churches galore

Besides the main cathedral which sits in front of the town’s Parque Central, Granada is awash with numerous, beautiful churches, all very different to each other and within easy walking distance. At two of these churches, it is possible to pay a small fee to access the tower for beautiful views over the town.

Museo San Francisco

Attached to the church of the same name, the museum is housed in what used to be a monastery. Not only is the overall setting beautiful but the varied displays, including a number of petroglyphs in the garden at the back, are very impressive. Despite this, and an added bonus, it receives very few visitors.

Cemetery

Located on the northern edge of Granada, this atmospheric cemetery is home to a large number of ornate tombs and memorials as well as the Capilla de Animas, scale model of the chapel of the same name located in France.

Mombacho Volcano & Zipwire

Located around 30 minutes’ drive from Granada, it is possible to drive almost to the very top of Mombacho volcano. From there, there are hiking trails lasting anything from 1 to 4 hours, but all boasting panoramic views. For those who like a bit of an adrenaline rush, there is also a fun zipwire course on the side of the volcano.

Isletas de Granada

A short, 15 minute drive from the centre of Granada brings one to the small dock from where visitors can enjoy guided boat trips around the hundreds of islands that make up the Isletas de Granada. The boat trip, which lasts approximately 60 – 90 minutes, is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when birdlife is more active.

Masaya Volcano

Undoubtedly the most famous volcano in Nicaragua, Masaya’s principal draw is that it is still active and, more than that, is one of the relatively few places in the world where the casual visitor can view a molten lava lake. The volcano is located around an hour’s drive from Granada and can either be visited on its own (including at night) or as part of a day trip taking in the Pueblos Blancos, craft market & Apoyo Lagoon.