Granada-born Manuel Liñán is the face of modern flamenco and one of its greatest ambassadors today. He can sensitively connect his art to issues in society. From New York to Sydney, his approach to flamenco has earned him standing ovations and sold-out crowds. He currently lives in Madrid, but Granada will always be home.
This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.
What connection do you have with Granada?
I live in Madrid, but my bond to my hometown of Granada, where you can find flamenco everywhere, is magical. Whenever I return, I get this sense that the city surrounds you, protects you.
Where do we eat?
Have breakfast in the Plaza Nueva area. In Granada, the tapas are very generous. For the cost of a beer you can get fried fish, even a hamburger… so with two or three beers you can eat. Do tapas in the Albaicín, the oldest neighborhood in Granada, before dinner at Mirador de Morayma. It is located in a garden in front of the Alhambra. Just magical.
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Where do we go for a good flamenco show?
Any tablao [flamenco bar] in Granada! In Madrid, do the Corral de la Morería or the Tablao de las Carboneras. There are very good artists there, and the shows are just wonderful.
A place to relax in Granada?
I love the Arab baths in the Carrera del Darro.
What is the most special neighborhood in Granada for you?
Without a doubt, it would be Sacromonte. It is old and historic; many people used to actually live in the caves you find there. It has narrow roads, beautiful churches, and is directly opposite the Alhambra, separated by the Darro river.
Follow Manuel Liñán on Instagram @manuellinan
