FLAMENCO Granada
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Top Attractions in Spain
Historically, Granada’s gypsies were forbidden to live inside the city walls. Instead, they settled on the hillsides of what we know today as Sacromonte. There, they dug out holes in the stone creating caves that became their homes. It’s here where artistic passion was cultivated and the zambra was born.
Although the exact origin of the word “zambra” is debatable, it most certainly comes from the Arab language: probably from the word “zumra” (“party”),“zamra” (“flute”) or “zamara” (“musicians”).
The word “zambra” was first used to represent the way the gypsy community celebrated weddings in the caves of Granada’s Sacromonte neighborhood as far back as the 17th century.
This tradition was also influenced by Moorish weddings. This is especially true after the Moors where expelled from the city in the 16th century and mixed with the gypsies in the caves of the Sacromonte.
Although the zambra was later forbidden by the Inquisition, gypsies continued to practice it and have kept it alive to this day.
The word zambra is now used to refer to this particular type of flamenco dance from Granada as well as the traditional venues where the spectacles take place, the “gypsy caves” (“cuevas gitanas” in Spanish).
Today we use the term “underground” to describe movements or art forms. But Granada’s flamenco is truly an underground art that has become accepted and appreciated by critics and the mainstream.
Seeing a live performance in one of Granada’s caves is an experience you won’t forget. The intimacy of the space along with the acoustics make it one of a kind.
Our top cave venue recommendations are Cuevas Los Tarantos in Sacromonte and El Templo del Flamenco in Albaicin. But continue reading to find the complete list of the best tablaos and zambras offering daily flamenco shows in Granada.
Cuevas Los Tarantos is one of Granada’s original gypsy cave venues located in the hillside of Sacromonte. Since 1972, Los Tarantos has been putting on a passionate, up-close and personal flamenco show. However, this limestone dwelling has an even older history, dating all the way back to the 15th century!
If you want to see an authentic flamenco performance in a truly unique venue, then Los Tarantos cave is a must.
Cuevas Los Tarantos offers 2 flamenco shows everyday (at 9:15pm and 10:30pm). They last around 60 min and cost 26€ (incl. 1 drink). It’s also possible to book flamenco show + dinner. The set menu offers high quality traditional Spanish cuisine. It includes a starter, a main dish, dessert, bread and a drink.
Furthermore, for just 6€ extra this tablao offers the option to book transport from/to your accommodation.
Restaurant Tablao Jardines de Zoraya is a contemporary flamenco venue located just minutes away from the San Nicolas viewpoint in the heart of the Albaicin.
Zoraya is quite special because it is the only flamenco tablao that takes place in a carmen. A carmen is a Moorish construction that consists of a large house with an interior garden patio that typically contains a fountain, fruit trees, and fragrant herbs.
We especially like this tablao because of the possibility to have dinner right before the show in a beautiful and historic outdoor garden patio.
Tablao Jardines de Zoraya offers a 60-min flamenco show for 25€ (dinner option is extra). There are 3 shows everyday at 6pm, 8pm and 10:30pm.
Accompanied by a passionate flamenco singer, a guitar player, and a percussionist, two dancers will represent the different ”palos” (flamenco styles), from the soleá to the alegría.
In our opinion, if you want to combine a flamenco show with local Granada gastronomy, then Jardines de Zoraya is a great choice.
El Templo del Flamenco, located in the Albaicin, offers a daily 70-min flamenco show for 26€ (incl. 1 drink) in Granada’s largest cave.
The main cave is divided into 3 sections in the form of a cross with the stage unifying them all together in the center. The stage is setup a meter (3 feet) above the ground floor, giving the audience good visibility in all parts of the cave.
El Templo also offers show+tapas (55€) and show+dinner (65€). However, unlike Jardines de Zoraya, the meal is eaten during the actual flamenco performance. Both are great options, it just depends on your preference.
Casa Ana is one of the only tablaos in Granada in theater format. This allows for a spacious setting, while still keeping a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an hour long intense flamenco show for only 20€.
At Casa Ana, they are proud to present a cast of the best artists of the moment, coming from great flamenco and gypsy families. The artist lineup usually includes 1 singer, 1 guitarist, 1 female dancer and 1 male dancer; but they change constantly. There are 2 shows everyday at 7:30 and 9:30 pm.
Although dinner is not an option as Casa Ana, there is a bar where guests can enjoy a drink before and after the show.
Casa Ana is located in the Albaicin neighborhood, next to the Plaza Nueva, in the heart of Granada.
Casa del Arte Flamenco is a traditional tablao located in the Realejo neighborhood that’s less than a 5-min walk away from the Granada Cathedral. The venue is relatively small with room for about 45 guests. The rows of seats step up in height as you move further back in the room, giving great views to everyone in the audience.
The performance explores several different flamenco palos (styles), giving the audience a great overview of the diversity of the art form.
Casa del Arte offers two 1-hour shows everyday, starting at 7pm and 8:30pm. The price is 22€.
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