The romance of Granada's architecture and ambiance perfectly matches the celebration of romance in the month of February. The cobblestones on the Albayzín, or Albaicín in Spanish, begin to warm as the sun grows stronger and the days a bit longer, and there is no better place to stroll and wander with a lover or friend than this charming Spanish city.
The cooler temperatures of February mean there are fewer tourists and less commotion on the streets, but being a university town the city is always lively day and night. Additionally, the spicy cuisine and teashops stemming from the North African influence in Granada keep things warm and delightful despite the winter weather.
The average temperature for the month of February is 7°C (45°F), and days become slightly warmer at the end of the month than they are at the beginning. Despite reading as rather cool, the late winter sun can be warm in Granada. Thus, creating comfortable days to tour the sites and visit the Alhambra, without the massive crowds.
Low temperatures for the month of February drop to 2°C (36°F), and on given days throughout the month, dip below freezing. However, the average high temperatures are slightly, but steadily rising, compared to the average highs in December and January. The average high temperature for the month of February is 12°C (54°F).
Despite a drop in precipitation during the month of January, the month of February experiences a slight increase in the average amount of rain during this month. Historically, Granada receives an average of 55 mm of precipitation over the course of February.
However, days are still mostly sunny and pleasant. Although a shorter month, February only experiences an average of 9 rain days.
The days are also beginning to lengthen and the sun finally starting to set a bit later. With an average of 6 hours of daylight per day, February shows the first signs of spring in Granada.
The cool February days encourage couples to cosy up inside comfortable hotel rooms and linger longer in their hotel beds. A perfect place to enjoy the historical beauty of Granada, yet lounge in refined and interesting décor, is at Hospes Palacio de los Patos. The 5-star hotel offers the prefect holiday getaway for couples over Valentine's Day or those seeking some solitary time under the winter sun. This excellent hotel is located in two very different buildings. The first is an impressive and classical 19th century palace, while the other is a new and modern building. It is rare that one venue could seamlessly occupy two buildings with such different design and ambiance. A hotel spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool, ensures that this is the ideal place for a February escape.
Hotel Mirador Arabeluj also combines interesting historical architecture with immaculate modern design. The hotel also effortlessly highlights the different cultures and natural scenery of Andalucía through permanent art exhibits in each guest room, while celebrating the Arab influence on the city of Granada. The result is both interesting and charming. With each of the twelve guest rooms offering panoramic views of the city, there is hardly a more romantic and beautiful place to wake up.
Over 80 years ago the Spanish government, through its national tourism agency made the wise decision to renovate some of the most beautiful and historical buildings in the country into luxury and impressive hotels. The resulting "paradores," located across the country, are fascinating places to stay while on holiday.
Within the city of Granada, Parador de Granada is one of these unique state owned and operated hotels. The hotel is located within a former convent and on the grounds of the Alhambra. It is a short walk to both the impressive Moorish palace and the stunning Generalife, located nearby. If the location is impressive, the design and interior are out of this world. The thoughtful restoration and refurbishment of the 15th century convent creates a guest experience that is truly one of a kind.
From the Moorish architecture, to the souvenir shops a North African and Arab influence is obvious throughout Granada, and it is more than just superficial. The cultural impact of Granada's Muslim past extends all the way to the food.
At Osm-Kalsum, tapas are served with an Arabic flair. Mini-tangines and kebabs become light-bites. All of the flavors and spices of North Africa are on display, including hummus, eggplant, falafel and couscous. Osm-Kalsum offers a new way to experience traditional North African food, or alternatively, offers the traditional dish of Granada in a very new way.
Just down the street from Osm-Kalsum is Bar Poë. Bar Poë offers the usual drink and free tapa that can be found anywhere in Granada, but the selection of tapas are quite unique. The menu proudly includes tapas from many different cultures, cuisines and parts of the world. The ambiance is just as lively as the flavors, and a hearty list of beers and wines, also from around the globe, fuel the party atmosphere.
Both the Spanish and foreigners frequent the tearooms of Granada. Known as teterías, the tea rooms attract people of all ages and nationalities who want to relax in an informal atmosphere. It is encouraged to slide into a silk pillow or lounge on a plush velvet chair.
Many of Granada's tearooms can be found along Calle Calderería Nueva. A few places to try include: Tetería Pervane, which has a long list of teas and coffees and locations on Calle Calderería Nueva and Calle San Antón; As Sirat, which is more traditional and also one of the oldest tearooms along Calle Calderería Nueva; finally, Kabash Tetería is one of the most beloved tea shops in the city.
Valentine's Day is a great reason to take a holiday, but in Granada the real time to visit is for Dia de Andalucía. The commemorative holiday happens on February 28th each year and celebrates the referendum passed on February 28, 1980 in which Andalucía was declared an autonomous community within Spain.
The desire to spend cold evenings and nights inside makes February a great time of year to go to a flamenco show. Flamenco is often thought of as a type of dance, but it is more. The performance of flamenco is truly a multi-discipline art form. The performances require skilled dancers, exuberant cante (singing) and trained musicians. The accompanying clapping and vocalization encourages audience participation and fosters a festive, fun atmosphere.
Considered the oldest flamenco restaurant in the city of Granada, guests are encouraged to visit Peña La Platería. Alternatively, learn more about flamenco by taking a class at Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas.
