Granada: Getting there & around

Tiny Granada International Airport, about 3km (1.8mi) from the city center, has one flight daily to La Ceiba, Honduras. Nature Air (www.natureair.com) flies to Liberia, Costa Rica, with a continuing service to San José.

Both Transnica (www.transnica.com) and Tica Bus (www.ticabus.com) have offices located on Av El Ena Arellano and have daily buses to San José, Costa Rica. For other international services, go to Rivas or Managua.

Granada does not have a central bus terminal. Buses to Managua's Mercado Roberto Huembes depart from near the old hospital. Microbuses leave for Managua UCA every 25 minutes from two places: the lot just south of the parque central on Calle Vega, and Parque Sandino, near the old train station. Buses for Masaya leave from two blocks west of the market, around the corner from Palí. The main lot for southbound buses is one block south of the market, across from the Shell station. Normally no direct buses go to the border at Peñas Blancas (but ask during the Christmas rush about buses from the border), so you'll need to change buses in Rivas.

Ferries leave the terminal at the end of Calle La Calzada twice a week (Monday and Friday afternoons), stopping at Altagracia, San Miguelito and San Carlos. First-class seats, on the upper deck, have padded chairs and all-night TV access. Stake out a sleeping spot early and don't forget your seasickness tablets.

About 2km (1.2mi) southeast of town, Puerto Asese (www.aseselasisletas.com) has boats for Isletas de Granada and Parque Nacional Archipiélago Zapatera.

It's generally cheaper to rent cars in Managua. The region around Granada has good roads, and many attractions, which makes it excellent for road trips.

Cycling in town might require nerves of steel, but there are several mellow bike rides from town, including Laguna de Apoyo, Peninsula de Asese north of the Centro Turistico, and, for strong bikers, any of the Pueblos Blancos. Find rentals at The Bearded Monkey (www.thebeardedmonkey), half a block south of the park, and Tierra Tour (www.tierratour.com) on Posada Don Alfredo.

Taxis are plentiful and quality varies - choose a nice one if you're taking a trip of any distance. Always agree on a fare before getting in, and always take a taxi between the beach bars and downtown. It's inexpensive and convenient to take cabs to other destinations, including Masaya, Laguna de Apoyo, Rivas, San Juan del Sur and Managua. Remember that fares vary according to gas prices and your bargaining skills.