Granada:
Nature and history. These are the elements that prevail in Granada, a small yet interesting department of Nicaragua's Pacific area. An extinct volcano, elongated coasts on Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua), an archipelago and the oldest city in the country, which still preserves its original historic colonial center, are some of the attractions.
The city of Granada is one of the most important and most visited destinations in Nicaragua. The colonial architecture of its old center, many museums, galleries, hotels, restaurants, bars and a cosmopolitan ambiance make this city a destination itself. However, it could also be a good starting point to explore the region.
The Mombacho Volcano, which features an exotic cloud forest, is situated in this department. Water sports can be practiced around the shores of Lake Nicaragua, which is also ideal for a good swim. The interesting and easily accessible archipelago of 'Las Isletas', constituted by more than 300 small islands can be explored by boats. Furthermore, the enigmatic Zapatera Archipelago - which preserves part of its forest and an archaeological pre-Columbian treasure, is also located close to Granada and can be accessed by hiring local boats.
Other interesting sites are the peasant farms that offer rural tourism activities, such as those located in the city of Nandaime, Diriá and Diriomo. The last two cities are also part of the 'Bewitched Villages', together with other cities of Masaya. These towns are known for their traditional dances, artwork and handicrafts. The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve covers some of the territory of this department.
Granada is 1,039.68 Km². Its population is divided almost evenly between the urban and rural areas (65.2% urban). The department has a tropical savanna climate, with very warm temperatures in most of its areas, except for the 'Meseta de Los Pueblos'. Granada only has four municipalities, the least of any department in Nicaragua.
Getting There:
The municipality of Granada is home to the oldest colonial city established on mainland. Its territory includes lagoons, an archipelago, natural reserves, the Mombacho Volcano and an elongates shoreline in Lake Nicaragua. Its rural area, which is constituted by 17 villages and the Zapatera Island, is known for ecotourism and petroglyphs. Its religious festivities are held in honor of the 'Virgen de la Asunción', from August 14th to 20th.
