Photo of Granada

About Granada

Elegant colonial beauty, Nicaragua's Granada offers postcard worthy views at every turn. Historic churches jostle with pastel coloured architecture along cobblestoned streets, and the impressive Fortaleza La Polvora, an 18th Century Spanish fortress, offers spectacular views of the city. In harmony with the colonial vibe, some of the best places to stay in Granada have been converted from the city's best preserved and most beautiful colonial houses and mansions.

Granada is also a great base for exploring the countryside, with the freshwater Lake Nicaragua on its doorstep. The volcanic interior includes hot springs, impressive walking trails and a butterfly sanctuary, as well as a network of volcanic islands - for example the Isletas de Granada, just to the south of town, has one for every day of the year.

The best places to stay in Granada range from chic properties in the centre ideal for exploring the city, to luxurious island retreats and ecolodges nearby.

Best places to stay in Granada, Nicaragua

Colonial boutiques

  • La Gran Francia Hotel is a converted ancestral home in the centre of Granada. Colonial styled rooms feature dark antique furniture set against pastel hues. A central courtyard hosts a pretty pool. Two restaurants serve excellent continental dishes. The ideal base for city exploring.
  • Centrally located, Hotel Plaza Colon is a boutique colonial property set around a picturesque central courtyard. Traditional rooms feature high ceilings, exposed beams and dark antique furniture. Indulgent breakfasts are served and the pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. Very chic.

For romance

  • Ideal for couples, Los Paios is a small boutique property in the centre of Granada. Rooms are white on white with minimalist style and large French doors leading onto leafy patios. Find utter tranquility in the central courtyard complete with pool or head to the spa for some serious pampering. A fabulous city base.

Luxury Lodges

  • For a total escape, drive 30 minutes south to the Isletas de Granada. Here, Jicaro Island Ecolodge is set on the remote Jicaro Island overlooking Lake Nicaragua, this lodge is a tranquil island paradise. Made up of nine delightful casitas, everything is tailored towards relaxation with an excellent spa and a floating yoga deck. Made for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
  • Nearby, Isleta El Espino is private island ecolodge offering treetop ranchos on stilts amid tropical vegetation, rustic-style bungalows and cosy 'casitas'. Start your day on the yoga platform before joining one of the many excursions on offer.

For an Apartment or Casa

  • If you'd prefer your own space, visit our online partner Booking.com for a variety of properties throughout the centre, ideal for city exploring.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport located 51km (31 miles) from Granada. The airport serves a range of both domestic and International destinations.
  • If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Best time to visit - November to April - the weather tends to be dry and sunny with mild temperatures, great for exploring the city and other excursions.

Still not sure?

  • Widen the net and include all our recommendations in Nicaragua
  • Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Granada

Best Hotels in Granada

  • La Gran Francia Hotel Granada 35 rooms from AU$123

    City Style  -  A chic colonial style property complete with courtyard pool and a renowned restaurant.
    Local markets  -  Wander to the Crafts Market and pick up some local artecrafts.
    Sights nearby  -  Just steps from the impressive Cathedral of Granada.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A converted ancestral home in the centre of Granada. Colonial styled rooms feature dark antique furniture set against pastel hues. A central courtyard hosts a pretty pool to unwind by. Find two restaurants serving excellent continental dishes. The ideal base for city exploring. See More

    Check Availability
  • Hotel Plaza Colon Granada 27 rooms from AU$130

    Local exploring  -  An authentic stay with easy access to the city's attractions.
    Eco break  -  A Rainforest Alliance Certified™ property.
    Sailing  -  Hire a boat and take a picturesque cruise through 'Las Isletas' made up of 360+ islands.
    Local markets  -  Pick up some local artefacts at the handicrafts market.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A boutique colonial property set around a picturesque central courtyard. Traditional rooms feature high ceilings, exposed beams and dark antique furniture. Indulgent breakfasts are served and the pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. Very chic. See More

    Check Availability
  • Los Patios Granada 5 rooms from AU$198

    City Style  -  A chic boutique property complete with pool and elegant bar and restaurant.
    Sailing  -  Take a cruise on the picture perfect Cocibolca Lake.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    A small boutique property in the centre of Granada. Chic rooms are all white on white with minimalist style and large French doors leading onto leafy patios. Find utter tranquility in the central courtyard complete with pool or head to the spa for some serious pampering. A fabulous city base. See More

    Check Availability