Granada is without a doubt my favorite city in Spain. The stunning Alhambra palace gives it a fairytale-like quality, while the city itself has such a wonderfully calm, unpretentious and bohemian atmosphere.

I’ve now visited Granada three times: once as a solo backpacker, once on a couples’ trip, and once on a family trip. Each time, I visited during a different season.

I set out to make the most useful Granada travel guide. I’ll share the top activities in Granada, but also some tips that you won’t find on other blogs.

Granada at a glance

Granada is captivating in so many ways: from the windy streets of the Albaicín to the Flamenco dances performed on seemingly every plaza and the Moorish Alhambra palace looming from its central hill.

Most people come to see the Alhambra, but I highly advise also taking the time to let Granada’s atmosphere wash over you. There are many things to do besides the Alhambra, but ultimately the best thing to do is just to be in Granada.

Thanks to the quiet low-traffic streets and the lack of any major airport nearby, it’s remarkably peaceful in Granada. I love how often all you’ll hear are the murmur and echoes of people talking and drinking in the cozy squares. It’s also a very soulful city, with a large community of students, artists, and musicians.

How many days in Granada?

I generally advise staying at least 2 days (but preferably more). Granada easily has enough to see and do to fill 4 days at a gentle pace, especially if you’re adding a day trip.

I mention 2 days simply knowing that most people’s time is limited. But if you can take it slow, it’s a wonderful city to spend a bit more time.

1 Day in Granada

With one day you’ll have just enough time for the essentials. Visit the Alhambra in the morning, wander around the old town in the afternoon, and enjoy sunset views from the viewpoints in the Albaicín. At night, attend a spectacular Flamenco performance. It’ll be a very jam-packed day!

2 Days in Granada

This is my recommended minimum time for Granada. You can give the Alhambra proper time, go on a guided walking tour of the historical center, spend an afternoon tapas-bar-hopping, catch a Flamenco (or Zambra) performance, and see the Cave Museum.

3 Days in Granada

There are enough things to do in Granada to fill up three whole days. For more, consider adding an activity outside of the city, such as the Los Cahorros hike or a road trip to some of the historic white villages of Andalucia.

Don’t wait to book the Alhambra!

Most people come to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace, the stunning royal palace and fortress complex dating back to the times of Moorish rule in Spain. But know that it’s crucial to plan your visit to Alhambra.

The inner Nasrid Palace is the most impressive part, featuring incredible tiling and geometric art. To access the Nasrid Palace you will need a ticket for a specific timeslot.

These tickets are limited and they do book out often. To avoid disappointment be sure to get tickets before you go.

Tickets for Alhambra

You can easily get an Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket at GetYourGuide or you can make your reservations via Viator.

Access to the Nasrid Palace is strictly controlled. Be 100% on time for your exact timeslot. Spain may be known for its terrible punctuality but at the Nasrid Palace, they are hardcore punctual. If you’re just 20 minutes late, you will probably be denied entry. (I saw this happen to a couple in front of us and they were devastated.)

If you miss your chance you can still visit the fortress area or the beautiful Generalife gardens, but the Nasrid Palace is the real star of the show.

Best time to visit

Having personally visited Granada in different seasons, here’s what I think based on my first-hand experience:

Summer is honestly the worst time to visit. Even at Granada’s higher elevation, it can get swelteringly hot in July and August. Granada will also be at its most crowded. You can still have a great time, but it’s just not the ideal season.

Spring is a good time to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot for exploring. With flowers in full bloom, the gardens of the Generalife are at their best.

Granada in December

Fall/Autumn is my favorite time to be in Granada. In September/October it will often still feel like a northern European summer, but the crowds will have thinned out.

Winter is surprisingly lovely, so long as it’s not raining (so keep an eye on those weather reports). Temperatures are mild, the trees keep their autumn colors until well into winter, and the wine and tapas bars get especially cozy. A perfect winter escape.

TL;DR Many people associate Spain only with summer because of beach tourism, but I think Granada is best visited during the other seasons.

Where to stay in Granada

Areas to stay

The best and most tourist-friendly areas to stay are the center around the Catedral de Granada and the traditional hillside area of the Albaicín.

Staying in a boutique hotel

There are some gorgeous small-scale hotels in Granada, many of them located in classic Mudéjar buildings or in rustic former Carmen mansions. I can personally recommend staying in Palacio de Santa Inés. You can check room prices on Expedia or on Booking.com.

Alternatively, check out the Casa del Capitel Nazarí. These are both very charming and romantic places to stay.

Staying in a backpacker hostel

There is absolutely no contest: if you’re a backpacker seeking a social atmosphere, you have to stay at El Granado.

It’s run by owners who clearly care about their guests and it’s honestly one of the best hostels I’ve stayed. It’s perfect for solo travelers as they provide a WhatsApp group that lets you easily join many activities, though that can make it great for couples or groups too. There are both dorm beds and private rooms. Check availability here.

Sleeping in a cave house

Don’t miss your chance to stay in a cave house in the Sacromonte neighborhood. I stayed in one and it was a wonderful and unique experience. Thanks to the acoustics and coziness I slept like a baby, and it was incredible to wake up to panoramic views of the Alhambra.

Several cave houses have been converted into B&Bs:

What to do in Granada

Quick answers

The essentials: Alhambra & Generalife, Flamenco show, tapas crawl, walking tour, viewpoints at sunset

Hidden gems: Basilica de San Juan de Dios, Carmen de Los Martires, buy sweets at the convent, botanical garden, Cave Museum, plus other small museums listed below

Best day trips from Granada: hike the Los Cahorros, visit the white villages, drive up to the Sierra Nevada

1. See a flamenco (or zambra) show

Granada is the perfect place to see the Flamenco dance or, more specifically, a unique version of gypsy origin called the Zambra.

If you’ve been to a few flamenco shows then you’ll know that they are all entirely different based on the performance and location.

I strongly recommend catching a show at one of the Zambra cave bars in Sacramento, as this is such a unique experience you can’t have anywhere else (not even in other Spanish cities like Seville). You’ll be seated around the edges of the cave, in some cases within arm’s length of the performers.

2. Cave Museum of Sacromonte

This unique open-air museum is worth a visit if you’re in Sacromonte. It shows how people lived and worked inside the caves through the ages and gives insight into the origins of Flamenco and the gypsy culture of those who lived here.

The exhibits are inside several cave houses. Entry is 5 euros and while it’s a small museum, it’s an underrated attraction in Granada as it gives such great insight into the history of this area. The signs are all in English.

3. Alhambra & Generalife

The Alhambra is an epic royal palace and fortress from the times of Moorish (Arabic) rule in Spain. It is surely the most sprawling and impressive tourist site in Andalusia.

The Nasrid Palace in particular offers beautiful examples of Islamic art, its many courtyard walls covered with intricate geometric shapes and Islamic calligraphy. It’s worth getting the audio tour and taking your time to absorb all the little details.

You need at least half a day to fully explore all areas of this complex. As a reminder, the Nasrid Palace can be visited only with a pre-booked ticket for a specific time. Avoid disappointment by reserving your Alhambra tickets via GetYourGuide or Viator.

4. Enjoy the free tapas

One thing Granada is famous for is its tapas (small portions of food) given with your drinks for free in most of the tapas bars. It’s one of the few cities in Spain where this custom is still maintained.

Of course, this tapas is already priced into the cost of your drinks, but the surprise of getting a new snack every time is nevertheless a wonderful experience.

Unlike elsewhere in Spain, the trick in Granada is not to order your tapas a-la-carte. Instead, just order a glass of wine or beer and some tapa will be brought to your table as well. Try to stay in one place rather than bar-hopping; you’ll usually get increasingly better tapas if you keep ordering drinks in the same place.

To dive much deeper into the Granada food culture, check out this walking food tour of Granada, where you’ll visit family-run businesses, tapas bars, restaurants, and foodie hotspots.

5. Take a walking tour

Much of the appeal of Granada is its history, which will come alive much more on a guided excursion around town. I highly recommend taking a walking tour as as it will give you a different perspective.

Many of the walking tours will stop by small sights, such as the Palace of Dar al-Horra, the casa de Zafra, or El Bañuelo (the ruins of an ancient bathhouse), which are far less interesting if you visit them by yourself. There is little to see at these places at first glance but with the right guide they become absolutely fascinating.

There are several walking tours available on GetYourGuide, which will give you a great overview of the old city.

6. Stroll around the Albaicín

The labyrinthine and narrow streets of this traditional area make it one of the most fun to explore.

It is known as the Arab quarter, a distinction dating back to the Moorish times, though over the many centuries its streets have been home to Iberians, Greeks, Romans, and Visigoths. Enjoy the white-painted houses and narrow streets, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

During Muslim rule, luxurious walled villas were also built that housed a leafy green space that served as a garden for relaxation as well as growing vegetables. This traditional Albaicín house is known as a “carmen” and you’ll see quite a few as you explore the Albaicín.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful flower pots that adorn many of the facades!

7. Basílica de San Juan de Dios

This basilica is one of the most ostentatious and beautiful I have ever seen. Dedicated to St. John, the predominantly gold interior shimmers and shines all around and the ornate array of statues, sculptures, carvings, and paintings is something to behold.

The audio tour is at times unintentionally humorous. “This section symbolizes charity and humility”, the narrator states matter-of-factly as you gaze upon the most overwhelming wall of marble, glittering gilt, and priceless religious art. (Hmm.)

Left unmentioned by most Granada travel blogs, this is actually one of Granada’s most worthwhile sights. The basilica is stunning, the tour provides unique access to areas around the altar, and a virtual reality experience lets you see the interior from every angle. Entry is 5 euros and includes a free audio tour.

8. Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Located practically next door, it’s not quite as impressive as the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, but still highly worth giving a look as well. The monastery encompasses two cloisters and a richly adorned Renaissance-era church.

9. Hike the Los Cahorros de Monachil

This mountain hike is a bit of an adventure. The trail traces the small Monachil river through a canyon and involves several hanging bridges, a tunnel, and a couple of overhanging rocks you must either climb around (using metal handles) or crawl under.

This may sound intense but it’s not a difficult hike and can be done with children. The signage can be a bit confusing though as there are multiple ‘Los Cahorros’ hikes. Ignore the ‘Circular de los Cahorros’ signs (this is a much bigger hike) and simply continue upstream. You can go back the same way or create a loop over the northern ridge.

The trailhead is easily reached by bus. Head over to this bus stop in Granada, then catch the 0183 to Monachil (it takes about 20 minutes). The trail starts here.

While it can be done independently, it can be more fun to do this hike with a group. You can book a guided hike at GetYourGuide.

10. Buy sweets from a convent

In Granada there are several convents that have been selling sweets for over many generations. Buying some sweets or treats from the convents is a unique experience and helps the nuns run the convent.

The nuns are cloistered and won’t go outside, so you typically have to knock on a door or enter a small front room to make your order. This official blog has more details on the specific hours and locations. One of the locations is the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real; walk inside through the archway and at the end turn left, where you see a small sign and a ringer.

11. Carmen de los Mártires

These tranquil gardens include a variety of spaces and a beautiful 19th-century villa. It is overshadowed by the Alhambra (located very close to it) and so few people make it out here, making it a bit of a hidden gem.

The artistically-designed garden features both a British, and French-style garden as well as a lake and a charming Nasrid Patio with a maze. While not as well-maintained, consider these the deleted scenes/bonus content to the nearby Generalife — and well worth a stroll.

12. Botanical Garden of the University of Granada

This small botanical garden is open on weekdays and is free to enter. It has a number of notable trees including a Ginkgo planted in 1889 and a beautiful Canarian pine dating from the 19th century. It also has a collection of horticultural and medicinal plants.

Botany fans will surely have an excellent time here, though anyone can enjoy it for a stroll. There are several nice cafes and tapas bars adjacent to the park.

13. Sunset views on top of the hill

Towards the end of the day hike up in the direction of the Cerro de San Miguel. At various locations, people gather to watch the sunset, particularly at the Ermita de San Miguel Alto church. A moment not to miss in Granada.

14. See the Catedral de Granada

The 16th-century cathedral of Granada was commissioned by Queen Isabella on the site of the main mosque at the time. This beautiful renaissance church filled with gilded surfaces and paintings is well worth a visit and offers an in-depth audio guide as part of your entry ticket, which costs 5 Euros.

15. Dive deeper into Sacromonte

The alternative neighborhood of Sacromonte is the traditional home of gypsies but today is also home to a motley assortment of artists and immigrants. This tip will sound a bit vague, but if you have the chance to visit the community in this area, don’t hesitate to accept an invitation.

I went to a cool unofficial restaurant in Sacromonte, though promised not to share it online. Sacromonte is a very down-to-Earth part of Granada that’s worth exploring if you’re in Granada a bit longer.

16. Alcaicería market

This traditional market area dates back to the Moorish times when it was a silk bazaar. Despite Spain’s effort to re-Christianize after the reconquest, they decided that the Alcaiceria market was too good to let go.

Entering through a narrow archway, you’ll instantly find yourself in a mini version of a Middle Eastern bazaar where souvenir shops sell all manner of ceramics, jewelry, and spices. It won’t keep you busy for too long, but while you’re here, pop by the Palacio de la Madraza. This Muslim school built in the 1300s features beautifully intricate decorations.

17. Mercado de San Agustin

If you’ve been to other Spanish cities you’ll know the concept: an indoor market where residents can buy their meat, seafood, and vegetables, but where small restaurants and bars also serve dishes made with market produce.

The Mercado de San Agustin is a lovely spot to go for people-watching, taking a tapa or two, or ordering some unbelievably fresh sushi. It’s also a good area to hide out when it’s raining.

18. Mirador Mario Maya

This viewpoint in Sacramonte is not as well known but offers gorgeous views of the Alhambra. It’s a lovely quiet spot to take your picture with the Alhambra in the background without needing to elbow for space. A resident has set up a tiny bar outside of his house serving cold drinks.

19. Museo Sefardí

This hard-to-find museum is run by a couple dedicated to sharing the Jewish history of Granada. The definition of a hidden gem, this very small museum in the Jewish Quarter invites all those who are interested in the subject.

20. Inquisition museum

Housed inside the Palacio de los Olvidados, this is another small museum you can stumble upon. It provides a fascinating look at the period of the Inquisition and the various gruesome torture instruments that were used during this time.

21. Hammam Al Ándalus

Granada has several ancient Arab baths, owing to its Moorish history. You can see the ruined remains of one such bath along Carrera del Darro (usually this is shown on most of the walking tours), but for a contemporary version of the concept, you can visit the Hammam Al Ándalus.

This traditional, Arabian-style bath has waters with a wide range of temperatures and offers many different massage options. A great way to treat yourself after a long day of exploring Granada.

22. Visit the white villages of Granada province

Once you’ve explored Granada, it’s a great base from which to explore the region. Within a 1-hour drive’s range are a number of pueblos blancos (white villages) which are known for their traditional whitewashed houses.

Guadix is especially interesting as it’s home to a gorgeous hilltop castle as well as its own type of cave dwellings, their white chimneys lutting out from under the hills. Montefrío in turn was given the distinction of ‘Best View in the World’ by National Geographic (okay, it was the Spanish edition of Natgeo, but it is in fact very picturesque).

There are several car rental companies near the central train station of Granada where you can get your own vehicle for a road trip. You can use DiscoverCars.com to compare rental prices and options.

If you prefer not to drive, you can also book an organized tour of several white villages starting in Granada.

23. Escape to the Sierra Nevada

Just a short drive away from the city of Granada is one of Spain’s most beautiful natural features; the Sierra Nevada mountains. There really isn’t a bad time to visit and if you’re looking to get out of the city and into the wild, this is the place to do it.

During the winter months, the mountains serve as one of Spain’s hottest ski destinations mostly around Boraguiles, Monachil, and Pradollano. In fact, the Sierra Nevada is one of southern Europe’s very few ski destinations with service operating from December to April.

If you’re visiting in warmer months, check out the 4-wheeling or mountain biking trails found around the mountains. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, paragliding and mountain climbing are also popular activities.

24. Go rock climbing

Many of the cliffs in the Sierra Nevada lend themselves perfectly for rock climbing. There is even a dedicated rock climbing hostel, Solana de Granada.

It’s about a 30-minute drive north of the city (it can be reached by car or by bus). The hostel offers rock climbing excursions but also has a ‘house cliff’ right beside it, so you can start climbing whenever you get the itch.

Where to eat & drink

I haven’t eaten in every restaurant but these are some of my favorites:

Tapas

Restaurante Aixa. Charming tapas place on the local square of Plaza Larga with outside and indoor seating.

La Tabernilla del Darro. Cozy wine cellar bar serving gourmet tapas (not free but very good)

Bar Clausura. A local tapas bar with no tourists at all. You get a good free tapa with every drink. Since it was around the corner from my accommodation, I went back here several times.

Cafe & breakfast

La Finca Coffee. Specialty coffee place. Get your V60 or batch brew here.

Café 4 Gatos. Great toasts and breakfast specials are served with regular coffee.

Tapped out on tapas?

Noodlerest. Casual Asian, mostly Thai and Japanese. I couldn’t believe how good this was. Best Pad Thai I’ve had in quite a while.

Working remotely in Granada

Granada is not necessarily known as a major digital nomad hotspot, but you can definitely work remotely very well from this city.

One thing to know: there are no fiber-optic cables within the Albaycin area, so WiFi can be quite bad (or nonexistent) here. Either stay in the center area to avoid connectivity issues or make sure you have mobile data. The main lower parts of the city all have excellent internet.

There is a (not very active) Digital Nomads Granada Facebook group and there are several co-work offices, including Workplace Granada, TOPyCO Coworking and Coworking Granada Catedral.

TOC Hostel Granada is a good hostel to work from since it’s quiet and has a cozy cafe lounge on its premises with good WiFi everywhere.

El Granado is more of a social hostel but it also has a suitably quiet co-working area on the ground floor.

How to get to Granada

Granada has only a small airport with barely any connections, so if you’re flying in, you will probably need to fly to Malaga and then catch a bus to Granada.

Thanks to a new high-speed rail connection you can now get from Madrid to Granada in about 3 hours by train. From Cordoba, it’s about 1,5 hours by train, and it’s 2,5 hours from Seville.

You can buy train tickets via Trainline.com.

Not sure where to go next after Granada? Consider a trip to Cordoba, Seville, or the town of Ronda.

 


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