A charming city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua — founded in 1524, alive with color, culture, and the perfect atmosphere to learn Spanish in Central America.
In 1856, when Walker, the US filibuster occupied Granada and partially burned the city before his escape, he left a sign reading "Here was Granada." Nowadays, almost two centuries later, Granada is here — alive! Colorful and beautiful.
Founded by the Spaniards in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest cities in the entire American continent that remains in the same place where it was initially settled. Its present population is approximately 220,000 inhabitants. Granada is considered the colonial jewel of Nicaragua because of its Renaissance and Baroque style churches and colorful old buildings.
For art lovers, Granada has museums, cultural centers, art galleries, and antiques shops which testify to the rich cultural life of this romantic, charming city.
Granada's religious festivities are in honor of the Virgen de la Asunción during August — celebrated with processions, a carnival, and a horse parade organized by the Tourist Board. In the time close to sunset, it is very common to see local people relaxing on rocking chairs outside their houses, enjoying the soft breeze from the lake while talking about anything.
The dormant Mombacho Volcano stands right south of Granada city, visible from downtown. The archipelago of approximately 365 islets lies southeast of town on the big lake. Laguna de Apoyo, a huge and amazing crater lake with pristine water surrounded by hills, is just west of the city.
Kayaking, swimming, fishing, boat touring, canopy tour, paragliding, bird watching, and hiking are some of the leisure activities available during free time or weekends in these natural paradise locations near Granada.
Granada offers four-star hotels and a wide range of hostals and small good hotels at varied and competitive prices. Most are located close to the Central Park with swimming pools. Local and international food is offered in a great variety of nice restaurants in the central area.
Eating lunch or dinner in a relaxed atmosphere inside a colonial house — with an inner open patio and pretty flower garden — is an unforgettable memory. Night life can be enjoyed at the numerous open bars along La Calzada, the famous street linking the cathedral and the lake.
Granada is the perfect place where you can have fun and learn Spanish in Central America — an immersive destination like no other.
Renaissance and Baroque style churches, colorful old buildings, and cobblestone streets create the most beautiful classroom backdrop in Central America.
Mombacho Volcano to the south, Laguna de Apoyo to the west, and the 365 islets of Lake Nicaragua to the east. Paradise is just minutes away from your classroom.
The city sits on the shores of the huge Lake Cocibolca — the 8th biggest lake in the world and the only freshwater lake in the world inhabited by sharks.
Museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and antiques shops. Festivals, processions, and the famous La Calzada nightlife strip linking the cathedral to the lake.
Local and international cuisine in colonial-house restaurants with open-air patios and flower gardens. American, Nicaraguan, and French breakfast spots are easy to find.
Regular buses to Managua, Rivas, San Juan del Sur, Masaya, and Jinotepe. Vans, taxis, and a ferry to Ometepe Island. Central location in the Pacific region of Nicaragua.
Granada is a charming city situated on the shores of the Big Cocibolca Lake, known as Lake Nicaragua. This huge body of water is the 8th biggest lake in the world and the only freshwater lake on Earth inhabited by sharks. At sunset, locals gather on rocking chairs outside their homes, enjoying the soft lake breeze — a scene that captures the soul of Granada.
Laguna de Apoyo — a huge, pristine crater lake surrounded by hills — lies just west of the city. The dormant Mombacho Volcano stands to the south, visible from downtown. An archipelago of approximately 365 islets dots the lake to the southeast. Kayaking, swimming, canopy tours, paragliding, bird watching, and hiking are all within easy reach on any afternoon.
La Calzada is the famous street linking the cathedral to the lake — lined with open bars, restaurants, and cafes. Eating in a colonial house with an open patio and flower garden is a memory that stays with you long after your Spanish course ends. The city also has discos on the shores of Lake Cocibolca for late-night adventurers.
Granada is well connected by public buses to Managua, Rivas, San Juan del Sur, Jinotepe, and Masaya. International buses (NicaBus, TicaBus, TransNica) connect directly to Costa Rica. Inside the city, taxis are plentiful, and since Granada is small, most people enjoy walking. A weekly ferry goes from Granada port to Ometepe Island and San Carlos. Historic horse carriages are still available for tours of the colonial downtown.
Granada is the perfect place where you can have fun and learn Spanish in Central America — an immersive destination like no other.
Contact Raúl or Darling today and we’ll design the perfect Spanish program for your level, schedule, and goals. Stop by Calle El Arsenal — we’d love to share a coffee with you
Email us directly: info@nicaragua-spanish-lessons.com
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