Send Gift Baskets to Granada, Spain

At least 5500 BC, people inhabited the region around what is now Granada. According to archaeological artifacts found in the city, the site, including the present-day avenue of Gran Va de Colón, had been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Among the oldest ruins in the area are those belonging to the Iberian Bastetani tribe, who founded an oppidum called Ilturir around 650 BC. This area has also been called Elibyrge. Eventually, Iliberri and Iliberis emerged as names for this settlement. Florentia Iliberritana (‘Flourishing Iliberri’) was the name of the Roman municipium, which arose in 44 B.C. from Iliberis as a Roman colony.

Scholars have long debated whether present-day Granada can be identified with Roman-era Iliberis and whether the two settlements are connected historically. Modern archeological digs on the Albaicín hill have been uncovered, demonstrating the presence of a significant Roman town on that site. Little is known about the city’s history in the period between the end of the Roman era and the 11th century. There is no direct archaeological or documentary evidence establishing the precise location of the Synod of Elvira, which took place near this area circa 300 AD (Elvira is derived from Iliberri). Depending on where it took place, the ancient Roman town or a region known as Elvira may have been involved.

A light rail network, the Granada metro, was planned in 2007, but the Spanish economic crisis drastically slowed its progress. The 21st of September was the official start date for the service. Albolote, Maracena, and Armilla are all served by the single line that crosses Granada. You can also take a train, a taxi, or a bus to get around Granada.

• Bus – Transportes Rober is Granada’s leading bus company. As well as bus transportation to and from the airport, Alsa provides a shuttle service.
• Rail – There are rail connections with many Spanish cities from Granada railway station.
• Taxi – Many taxi companies in Granada offer transportation to and from the city.
• Airport – Federico Garca Lorca Airport is the nearest civil airport to Granada, about 15 km (9 mi).
• Granada Public Transportation statistics – 9% of public transit riders commute more than two hours daily using public transit, for example, to and from work.