Granada. Part Vacation Destination. Part History Lesson.

Once regarded as the gem of Central America, Granada was the first city to be properly colonized by the Spanish back in the early 1500s. Flash forward 500 years and you'll get a sense of the rich history still pervades Granada. Picture brightly painted buildings, horse drawn carriages and colonial style architecture. This colorful city always seems to be in motion – whether it be a street side vendor balancing a bucket of wares on her head, or a motorcyclist buzzing between cars and pedestrians.

Volcanoes

Granada overlooks the immense Mombacho volcano situated in the middle of Lake Granada, a body of water also known as Lake Cocibolca. Roughly 20,000 years ago Volcan Mombacho erupted, spewing out 365 islands onto the body of water. Today, those islands are occupied by a disparity of opulent, upper class homes and poor, dilapidated huts.

Sustainable, Luxurious, Irresistible

Upon one of those islands lies Jicaro Ecolodge, Granada’s positively stunning sustainable tourism property. This remote getaway provides a surreal glimpse of the lake’s natural beauty, and is only accessible by boat. It is the ultimate escape that is practically guaranteed to lower your blood pressure the moment you step on site. Other highlights include luxurious two story bungalows and a la carte meals prepared with only local and organic ingredients.

Gorgeous Cathedrals

If you are staying in downtown Granada, don’t miss out on coffee and breakfast at the Garden Café. Then climb the precipitous steps of the Iglesia la Merced cathedral for some spectacular views of the city and the rooftops composed of tejas, or clay tiles. Also nearby you’ll find a small Mombacho Cigar Company factory, which churns out roughly 800 cigars per day; as a visitor you can roll your own by hand, if so inclined, or buy one that has been already prepared.

History and Culture

For a bit of Granada’s cultural flair, experience town’s ancient museums and graceful churches – or head down to its market sector to haggle and barter with locals for clothing, fresh fruits and vegetables and meat (although visitors with weak stomachs should beware of the market’s alley lined with butchers’ stalls).

Granada’s Convento San Francisco museum features stone statues from the nearby island of Zapatera, which were carved by indigenous people thousands of years ago. This former monastery is oozing with charm, and includes a giant mural detailing Nicaragua’s past. Afterward, you can take a romantic ride around Columbus Park on a horse drawn carriage – the perfect way to end a sunny day in Granada, Nicaragua.