Granada vs Leon

My husband and I are doing a yoga/surf retreat in Nicaragua in April... at a beach resort near Aposentillo, Nicaragua. Likely we will fly into Managua... we are leaving our kids for this retreat so we don't want to take too much longer, but we'd like to take 1-2 days to see something other than the beach. We are outdoorsy, water-loving people, but like exploring cities too. My question is - with that little time - are we better off seeing Granada or Leon? Leon is on the way to our retreat, but is Granada a must-see?

Thanks for your help.
KD

Any chance you could fit in both? :) Granada isn't far from Managua airport, and even half a day would be enough to get a feel for it. But, if Leon is much more convenient to get to, then I'd stick with Leon - it's also a lovely city and as much of a "must-see" as Granada in my opinion.

With only 1-2 days go see Leon. It is a great colonial city: churches, museums, murals. Don't miss the view from the cathedral roof. Explore the market. Try the delicious street food behind the cathedral. Lots of restaurants and good nightlife. And as you are outdoorsy people... go to volcano Cerro Negro. It is a half day trip. It is a short climb up, the views are great, you get to see the active crater and then you can board or run down!

Leon

Leon, hands down.....

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Leon is the politically correct city, and a wonderful city to see too. As above don't miss the view of the volcanos from the top of the catherdal.

Granada was the historic stronghold for conservatives in Nicaragua, so not so politically correct. But still the cathedral is amazing to see, and the city has a bit more tropical feel than Leon, due to the lakefront. And, as above, you might be able to stay in Granada the night before your flight out of Nicaragua.

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