Granada, Nicaragua is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a family vacation. This is one of the reasons this beautiful colonial city makes a great travel experience for children. The lack of crowds and commercialism allow everyone to relax and enjoy experiencing a unique culture. Granada is an easy city to explore on foot or by horse drawn carriage. There are museums, cultural centers and markets to while away the afternoon heat. Just outside the city are a thrilling zip-line tour through the jungle canopy at Mombacho Volcano or a tranquil boat tour of some of the 365 islands located in Lake Nicaragua at the city's edge.
Granada attracts a diverse range of people and this has resulted in some great restaurant, shopping and hotel choices. There is something here for every traveler's budget. You can enjoy an elegant meal at the Tercer Ojo, located next to the Convento San Francisco or head up the road one block and dig into a delicious pizza with a beer or a coke at the Tele Pizza. In the mood for some Espresso and Gelato, no problem just walk up half a block from the central park to the Euro Cafe. Enjoy their free WIFI and used book store when you are done.
Your hotel choices are as varied as the choices in restaurants. Our favorite hotel in Granada is the Hotel Casa San Francisco. It is a charming boutique hotel with a pool and restaurant. The hotel is owned by two sisters who were former US Peace Corps workers. They are involved in the Granada community and we enjoy hearing their stories. The hotel is small enough that the staff will get to know you and make you feel very welcome.
An easy day trip outside of Granada is to the artisan town of Masaya. A shopping trip to the market in Masaya should not be missed. Nicaraguans are highly skilled artists and there are so many interesting items, your children will not be bored. It is also an easy drive to the top of the active Masaya Volcano, where you can be up close to the smoking crater.
Nicaraguans are warm and welcoming people, proud of their culture and the peace they have found. Experiencing and supporting this culture with your tourism will ensure that this family vacation will remain in your hearts forever.
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