Colonial city on Lake Nicaragua with colorful streets and Spanish-era churches. Home to Mombacho Volcano and the popular Las Isletas archipelago.
Granada, Nicaragua invites you to wander its cobblestone streets lined with buildings painted in vibrant yellows, blues, and pinks. Founded in 1524, this city rests beside Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. You can ascend the bell tower of La Merced Church for panoramic views, hike through the cloud forests of Mombacho Volcano, or navigate the waters of Las Isletas by boat. In the evenings, locals and visitors gather in Parque Central, while nearby restaurants serve dishes like vigorón in restored 16th-century homes.
Granada's Historic Center
Granada's city center contains numerous buildings from the Spanish colonial period. Begin at the bright yellow Granada Cathedral, which dominates Parque Central. Climb the bell tower of La Merced Church to see the city's terracotta roofs spread out below you. Visit the San Francisco Convent, one of Central America's oldest churches, now housing a museum with statues and artifacts from pre-Columbian times. As you explore, you'll notice wooden doors carved with intricate designs and interior courtyards characteristic of Spanish colonial architecture.
Las Isletas: An Island Archipelago
Book a boat tour through Las Isletas, a group of 365 small islands in Lake Nicaragua created by an eruption of Mombacho Volcano. You'll pass private residences and small hotels built on these islets. Watch for howler monkeys swinging through trees and herons wading in shallow waters. Some tours stop at larger islands where you can swim or eat at a family-run restaurant. For a self-guided experience, rent a kayak and paddle at your own speed through the calm lake waters.
Volcanoes and Forests
Mombacho Volcano rises above Granada, its upper slopes covered in misty forest. Take a 4x4 vehicle up the steep road to the crater for hiking trails that offer views of the city and lake below. You can also zipline through the forest canopy. To see active volcanic activity, visit nearby Masaya Volcano National Park. In the evening, look into the glowing crater from a viewing platform. The park also contains rock carvings from pre-Columbian times and a garden filled with butterflies.
Local Flavors at the Market
Immerse yourself in Granada's daily life at the city market. Vendors sell piles of mangoes, pineapples, and vegetables alongside handcrafted goods. Try vigorón, a local dish of yucca, pork rinds, and cabbage salad served on a banana leaf. Refresh yourself with cocoa y leche, a sweet chocolate milk drink. The market also sells local coffee, cigars, and brightly colored hammocks that make good souvenirs.
Getting Around Granada
You can easily walk to most places in Granada's compact center. For longer trips, hail a horse-drawn carriage to clip-clop through the colonial streets. Taxis charge fixed rates for trips within the city. To reach Las Isletas or attractions outside the city, book a tour through your accommodation or one of the agencies in the center. Regular buses to other Nicaraguan cities leave from the main terminal north of the city center.
