Places / North & Central America / Nicaragua
Granada
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At a glance
- Country
- Nicaragua
- Region
- Granada Department
- Population
- 125,000
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Managua (MGA)
- Coordinates
- 11.93°N, 85.96°W
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Overview
Founded in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, its grid of brightly painted houses and churches running down to the shore of vast Lake Nicaragua. Horse-drawn carriages still clop around the central square.
It is the most visited town in the country and an easy place to settle into, with good food and lodging, and the Mombacho volcano, the Isletas and Laguna de Apoyo all within easy reach.
Things to see
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Photo: Sebastian Scheper, CC BY-SA 4.0 Granada Cathedral
The mustard-yellow cathedral dominates the Parque Central and makes the city's signature photo.
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Photo: jeffr_travel, CC BY-SA 2.0 Iglesia La Merced
Climb the bell tower for the classic view over red-tiled roofs, the cathedral and the volcano.
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Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 Convento San Francisco
An old convent turned museum, home to mysterious pre-Columbian stone statues from the lake islands.
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Photo: Nolabob, CC BY-SA 4.0 Calle La Calzada
The pedestrian street running from the cathedral towards the lake, lined with bars and restaurants.
Things to do
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Photo: randreu, CC BY 3.0 Boat trip around Las Isletas
Hundreds of small volcanic islands scattered in the lake, home to fishing families, birds and the odd island villa.
Find tours -
Photo: FurlongWiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hike Mombacho
Cloud forest trails circle the craters of this dormant volcano just south of town.
Find tours -
Photo: Phayne, CC BY-SA 4.0 Laguna de Apoyo
Spend a lazy day swimming and kayaking in a clear crater lake half an hour away.
Where to stay
Centro
Colonial hotels and hostels within a few blocks of the Parque Central; the best base for most visitors.
Hotels in CentroNear La Calzada
Lively and convenient for restaurants, though evenings can be noisy.
Hotels in Near La CalzadaLaguna de Apoyo
Lakeside lodges for a quieter stay in nature.
Hotels in Laguna de Apoyo
Getting around
The old town is easily walkable and taxis are cheap for short hops. Tour operators run trips to the volcano and islands.
A taxi or shuttle from Managua airport takes about an hour.
When to go
November to April is dry and sunny, with the greenest landscapes early in the season. The rains from May to November are usually afternoon showers.
Plan your trip to Granada
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.