Muslim Traveler's Halal Travel Guide for Spain!

Muslims governed Spain for about 800 years – nearly 2/3 of Islamic history - leaving behind an inspiring legacy and some of the world's most stunning masterpieces: The Alhambra, Generalife, The Great Mosque of Cordoba, Seville's Giralda and Alcazar... all of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Our ancestors were once the center of civilization, knowledge, innovation, tolerance, and culture in the entire world. Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived peacefully side by side under Muslim rule. Visiting Spain will fill you with a sense of both pride and defeat, exhilaration and sorrow... but ultimately, it will bring you hope.

Created by MuslimTravelers (User Generated Content*)User Generated Content is not posted by anyone affiliated with, or on behalf of, Playbuzz.com.

On Apr 25, 2018

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Muslim Traveler's Halal Travel Guide - Spain

Step 1: Decide which cities you would like to visit.

Granada (a must!)
Highlights: The Alhambra, Generalife, The Great Mosque of Granada, and the former Muslim Quarter (Albayzin). *Make sure you book your tickets to Alhambra here*
How to get here: Fly into Granada from Barcelona, or take a bus from Madrid
How long should I stay: 2 nights is good

Cordoba (a must!)
Highlights: Mezquita/Cathedral de Cordoba, Madinat al-Zahra
How to get here: Take a high speed train from Madrid, or take a bus from Granada
How long should I stay: 2 nights is good

Seville
Highlights: La Giralda and Real Alcazar
How to get here: Take a high speed train from Madrid/Cordoba, or take a bus from Granada/Cordoba
How long should I stay: 2 nights is good

Segovia
Highlights: Aquaducts and Alcazar de Segovia
How to get here: Take a bus/train from Madrid
How long should I stay: 0-1 night, easy day trip from Madrid

Toledo
Highlight: Mezquita Cristo de la Luz (not very large, but has historical significance)
How to get here: take a bus/train from Madrid
How long should I stay: 0-1 night, easy day trip from Madrid

Madrid - Capital of Spain, nice city vibe. Be sure to visit the largest masjid in Europe, the M30 Mosque (Centro Cultural Islámico or Islamic Cultural Center).

Barcelona - Not much Islamic history here, but good for art and architecture and soccer (futbol) fans. Check out Masjid Tariq Ibn Ziyad and The Islamic Centre Of Barcelona.

*Also, look into flying to Morocco if you have time. You can get cheap flights from Madrid on RyanAir for as low as 20 euros if you book ahead. We recommend visiting Marrakech and/or Fes. See prices here.

Step 2: Decide if you want to come into Spain via Madrid or Barcelona.

You can check the various flight options and pricing here. Best time to go is during off peak season and when it's not too cold: September-November and from March-May.

Step 3: Plan How to Get from City to City.

There are lots of options including buses, high speed trains, and air travel.

Book bus tickets @ alsa.com (ex. Madrid - Granada)
Book train tickets @ renfe.com (ex. Madrid - Cordoba)
Book airplane tickets @ Vueling.com (ex. Barcelona - Granada)

Alsa Bus Route Map - Book @ Alsa.com

Renfe Train Map - Book @ Renfe.com

Step 4: Book Hotels

We recommend the following Muslim-friendly hotels for each city:

Granada - http://www.muslimtravelers.com/top-halal-hotels-granada/
Cordoba - http://www.muslimtravelers.com/top-halal-hotels-cordoba/
Madrid - http://www.muslimtravelers.com/top-halal-hotels-cordoba/
Barcelona - http://www.muslimtravelers.com/top-halal-hotels-madrid/

Step 5: Plan Your Halal Food Adventures!

$ = cheap eats
$$ = average price
$$$ = luxury dining experience

Granada

Kabab King ($) - Kebab
Arrayanes ($$) - Middle Eastern
As Sirat ($$) - Moroccan
Baraka ($$) - Moroccan
Puerta de Syria ($$) - Syrian

Cordoba

Laorkebab ($$) - Indian/Pakistani
Los Almendros ($) - Spanish

Seville

El Rincón de Beirut ($$) - Lebanese/Tapas
Alcazar Halal ($$) - Middle Eastern
Bbq House ($$) - Barbecue
Fes ($$) - Moroccan
Aladdin ($) - Middle Eastern
Taj Mahal ($) - Indian

Toledo

Alqahira ($$) - Kebab

Madrid

Megha ($$) - Indian
Habibi Lebnan ($) - Lebanese
*All Doner Kebabs are Halal*

Barcelona

Bismillah Raval Kebabish ($) - Kebab
El Asador de Arnanda ($$$) - Steakhouse
Lal Qila ($$) - Indian
Bali ($$) - Asian Fusion
Zeeshan Kebabish ($) - Kebab
Habibi ($$) - Middle Eastern
Kapadokya ($) - Middle Eastern
Wild Beef ($) - Burgers

Top Tips for Spain

Try Doner Kabaab - they are all certified halal and you can find them on almost every major street.
The best way to get around Madrid is on the METRO. If you have a large family or lots of luggage, then this may not be feasible.
Visit the Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid (M30 Mosque) if you have time. There is a nice showcase there featuring Qurans from all over the world.
Visit Parque de Mohammad in Madrid which is a small park dedicated to the founder of Madrid - Mohammad the 3rd.
When you visit Mezquita-Cathedral de Cordoba, note that they DO NOT allow people to pray inside. There are signs posted everywhere and guards on watch!
You need to make reservations for the Alhambra in advance here. This is required. You'll pick up your tickets at the ticket machine - no need to stand in line. They only allow a certain number of people inside the Nasrid Palace (a section inside the Alhambra) so it doesn't get overcrowded. You will get an entry time. You can enter the Alhambra main entrance at any time.
Most people in Spain do not speak English except in touristy areas. It's a good idea to download a translator app on your phone before you go just in case.
Go see San Nicolas viewpoint in Granada! There is a bus that takes you there from the city center. The bus is small and is usually crowded. You can also go by yourself but it is a steep walk (use Google Maps for directions). The San Nicolas viewpoint (Mirador San Nicolas) is right by the Mosque of Granada (Mezquita Mayor de Granada) which has the best view of the Alhambra in the whole city. We highly recommend this, especially at sunset!

Step 6: Learn about Islamic Spain!

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