We had heard a lot about Hostels in Europe and decided to give it a try while we were going through Granada on our way to Malaga.  We did some research and heard about El Granado….  everyone was raving…so we booked it!  We were a little nervous being on the “older side” of things but it was an amazing experience!   We were by far the oldest people there but surrounded by young people from all over the world who were smart, well traveled, spoke multiple languages and loved hearing from us about our life experiences as well!

We shared meals, wine, music and conversation all night and it was one of the most fun experiences we’ve had since we got here!  We were on our way to pick up Rachel’s daught Sierra up in Malaga and we just kept looking at each other saying, “We have got to bring her back her to experience it!”

The Hostel itself is clean, well organized and in a very good location.  There is an incredible rooftop hangout area with two separate terraces, a kitchen and a bar where most of the travelers hang out.

Carlos from Gernmany served us drinks, a talented young Morrocan from France jammed on some guitar songs with Quinn, we talked philosophy and politics with a great guy from the Netherlands and swapped mountain hiking stories with a young couple from Argentina!  The next morning we left to get Sierra, not knowing if we would see any of them again.

However, as soon as we told her about it she said, “I want to go!”  We returned a few days later and many of the same folks were still there!  It was like a reunion!

The Hostel is also right in the center of the city and you can walk out the door and tour the Granada Cathedral, make your way to the Alhambra easily and also enjoy the famous markets like Bib-Ramla with it’s amazing spice stalls! There’s so much to do!

We also found out that they were running a special excursion that night… their infamous Sacramonte Caves dinner and there were 3 spots left!  We took them on the spot!

This Hostel has developed many local relationships and one of them is with a Gypsy woman who runs special dinners for the Hostel guests at her home in the Sacramonte Gypsy Caves!  It was an absolutely magical experience that few get to have!  She served us an authentic meal and drinks from her home high in the hills overlooking the city with spectacular views of the magnificant Alhambra.

As she entertained us with food, beer and wine, she told us the history of the Gypsy people there and how they used the caves as their homes, what they had to do to expand them and take care of them and much about their culture.

Now, there are lots of famous Tableaus where you can catch a Flamenco show in a cave, but this was different….  authentic… no tourist trappings, no bright lights, no entertainment…. simply an authentic family dinner with food, drink, laughter and a community of people learning and enjoying each other.

These are the types of experiences you will get at El Grandado… it’s real, it’s raw and it’s absolutely magical!  We’ll be back my friends!