Granada

The Isletas

Granada Map

Located 27 miles (45 Km) from Managua on the north shore of Lake Nicaragua; the main highway from Managua to Granada is a very scenic route like most of them in the country. Once you arrive to this colonial city you have so many different attractions during the day as well as for the night that makes this unique city a must.

Founded in 1524 by the Spanish Conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba it stands at the foot of Mombacho Volcano on the northwestern shores of Lake Nicaragua. Since then Granada was attacked three times by French and English Pirates, and in 1856 Granada was torched by the infamous American William Walker.

Today, Granada is still a prosperous port and community set amidst to an astonishing landscape. It offers a trip back in time with all its colonial structure as well as for its folkloric heritage.

Riding through the streets of Granada on horse drawn carriages is one of the highlights in Granada. Charming colonial buildings and churches in a Baroque Style alternates with those in the Renaissance style built around a beautiful central Plaza, common in Spanish cities of the 16th century.

 

The pier on the lake serves as a departure point for other amazing destinations such as Solentiname, Ometepe and San Juan River.  There’s a ferry that departs to Altagracia on Ometepe Island on Monday and Thursday at 2pm.