Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is a beautiful southern Spanish city and completely travel worthy. The city, while famous for the Alhambra, is riddled with years of Moorish influence and Islamic architecture.
The streets are full of character and the city itself is extremely beautiful and rustic in its appearance. Every lane in Granada tells a story that is centuries old and is a treasure trove of culture. Therefore, it made the perfect holiday destination for a mother-daughter duo, in search of an unusual, off the beaten path, Spanish experience.
About Granada
Granada is located in Andalusia, Spain close to the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is the 4th most populated city in Andalusia.
Geographically, Granada, or rather its old town is divided into two parts I.e. Sacromonte and Albaícin by the River Darro. The main rivers that flow through Granada include Trevelez, Poqueira and Genil.
Did You Know?
- The Alhambra is one of the most visited monuments in Europe with over 3 million visitors a year.
- Granada was under Islamic rule for over 800 years making it the longest Islamic rule in Spain
- The symbol of the city is Pomegranate since Granada means Pomegranate in Spanish
- Granada has several mysterious hidden gardens all over the city.
Map of Attractions
How To Use This Map: The icon at the top left corner displays the sidebar which has individual layers. This helps you view the destinations as a list. If you click on the tiny star next to the map title, you’ll be able to save this map into your personal library.
The square bracket icon on the extreme top right helps you view the map on a larger screen. If you want to get details on individual locations, you can click the purple markers on the map.
Enjoy your exploration!
Attractions and Things to do
ALHAMBRA AND GENERALIFE
We started our tour around Granada by crossing the big bad off the list. The Alhambra is a magnificent beauty and the centerpiece of Islamic architecture in Granada.
A massive castle, whose construction spans many eras, the Alhambra is a gift by the Moors, full of gardens, pools and intricate design elements. This is the busiest tourist location, so it is best to book tickets in advance. You can click here for booking details
We also visited the adjoining gardens, the Generalife which are so extensive that you could easily take all day to explore. Generalife stands for ‘The Architects Garden.’ It is a series of large gardens, each different from the other with minimal interference from buildings.
Visiting the Alhambra and the Generalife requires two separate admissions. A general admission ticket will allow you to enter and explore them both. The Palacios Nazaries or the Nasrid Palaces are also worth a visit.
ALBAÍCIN
Francesco de la caza, a Mexican poet and historian, was responsible for a famous saying inscribed on the walls of the Alhambra. “Give him alms, woman, for there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada.” If you’ve explored the streets of Alcaicería and Albaícin, you would wholeheartedly agree that Francesco had the right idea.
A UNESCO world heritage site, the Albaícin is one of Granada’s oldest Arab districts and is located on a hill opposite the Alhambra. It is the pride of the Moorish era with long winding roads, cobbled streets, and whitewashed establishments.
It is easy to get lost while exploring and truly, that’s where the fun lies. Don’t be afraid to enter the small lanes and alleys. We also sat in one of the terrace cafes and enjoyed a quiet evening. We spent the day watching the sunset, with the magnificent Alhambra as our view.
ALCAICERÍA
Our local Granada experience would be incomplete without visiting Alcaicería, the Arab spice market. The original structure consisted of 200 shops packed into narrow streets and alleys. Similar to the Albaícin but with more resemblance to a Moroccan market, Alcaicería is also full of narrow streets and alleys. You can find authentic Arab silks, spices, ornaments, decor, and many other things here.
THE ROYAL CHAPEL OF GRANADA
During our stay in Granada, we also visited the Royal Chapel. It houses the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They were the first monarchs to rule a united Spain and were known for sponsoring Columbus’ Atlantic voyage in 1492.
In addition to this, we toured the Cathedral Santa María de la Encarnatión which was constructed by Queen Isabella as a reminder of Christian victory over the Moors.
SACROMONTE
The last location on our exploration of Granada was the Gypsy quarter of Sacromonte. The Sacromonte district is located on the Valparaiso hill and borders the Albaícin district on the north-east. Somewhere in between the 15th and the 16th century, the Spanish Gypsies i.e. the Gitanos made this place their home.
They made cave houses in these hills and lived with their livestock. People know Sacromonte for its views of the city and more specifically of the Alhambra.
The gypsies add their own splash in the cultural hotpot that is Granada by contributing Zambra, their own version of the Flamenco. You’ll find the locals breaking into a complicated but enchanting dance. Definitely worth the experience.
If You Have Time to Spare
- Granada Cathedral. This cathedral is quite old and dates back to 1523. After taking over 180 years to build, it is still said to be incomplete. It has a beautiful mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and is definitely worth a visit when you travel to Granada.
- The Banuelos. These are stunning 11th-century Arab baths that are being restored and surely warrant a visit. It is one of the oldest surviving monuments of the Moorish rule. You’ll end up seeing it quite quickly so you can easily sneak this in if you have spare time.
- Granada Charterhouse. This place is a little away from the city centre, say about 25 minutes if you walk. However, it is completely worth the visit. What’s interesting is that it doesn’t look like much on the outside but when you enter, you get mesmerized by beautiful paintings and several rooms. It displays beautiful Baroque architecture and is said to be Spain’s most elegant Carthusian monastery.
- The Sierra Nevada. The largest Natural Park in Spain had to make it to the list. A Granada travel list essential, all you need are a pair of good walking shoes. It’s almost like a day trip because it takes a day to scale the behemoth mountains. Completely worth it, however. Nature lovers will come across plenty of flora and fauna as well.
- Carrera Del Darro. This is representative of the left bank of River Darro and could easily be the most beautiful lane in all of Granada. It is a picture-perfect cobbled stone street with stunning facades and shops.
Day Trips from Granada
- There are several places you can travel to from Granada for a day. Hiking in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park would take an entire day. The Sacromonte caves are so intricate you could easily spend the better part of a day here. Some of my top day trips include Cordoba, Seville and Alpujarra.
- You can check out The Crazy Tourist, Viator or Get Your Guide for more ideas.
Getting Around Granada
- Walking. Granada is quite compact, and walking is the best way to travel within the city. Although there are several districts, everything is quite easily accessible on foot. You can take walking tours, hire a guide, or simply explore on your own. In fact, places like Sacromonte, Albaícin and the Alhambra can only be explored on foot.
- Bikes. This is the next best way to travel within Granada. You can hire bikes from several places. For long, winding, and steep roads like the Albaícin or Sacromonte, you can always avail electric bikes to reduce effort. You can check out Bicicletas La Estacion
- Buses. This is another interesting way to get around Granada. One-way trips cost approximately €1.40. You also get booklets for several days and you can buy them directly from the driver. If you want to visit specific attractions, there are buses that go directly to the Alhambra, Albaícin and the Sierra Nevada as well. You can check this link for more details.
- Taxi. Taxis are easily available all throughout the city. Although I wouldn’t suggest them for travel within Granada, they are a convenient option for places that are slightly far off. You can check out Tele Radio Taxis Granada to book a taxi on their number 958 28 00 00.
- Outbound Buses. There are several ways to travel to other cities from Seville. However, I suggest using a bus. There are several companies that operate to take you outside the city. The buses are extremely comfortable as well. You can check out all options on Rome to Rio. It’s my favourite website honestly.
Best Time to Visit Granada
- Summer (Peak Season). This is between June and August. This is quite the time for tourism and many visitors travel to Granada, giving rise to high prices and crowded attractions. It gets quite hot in the summer months so I ideally would avoid them. The Corpus Christi or the weeklong Granada fair also takes place during this period, contributing to greater crowds.
- Spring (Shoulder Season). This is usually from March to May. It isn’t as busy as the summer months. Almost like the shoulder season in Granada and is the best for travel in my opinion.
- Fall (Shoulder Season). Fall lasts from September to November. The weather starts to get chilly and autumn lends a beautiful colour to the entire city. The views from the Alhambra during this time are stunning.
- Winter (Off Season). This lasts from December to February. The weather is quite cold with a fair amount of rain. Not the most ideal time for travellers. However, if you have extreme budget constraints, this is the perfect time to travel to Granada.
- If you’re planning more than one Spanish destination you can check out Santorini Dave’s Guide.
Where to Stay in Granada
- El Centro. This is the best place to stay when you travel to Granada for the first time. El Centro is basically the historic centre of the city and is close to all major tourist attractions. You get to experience a great variety of food, drinks, Tapas, and nightlife as well.
- The Albaícin. This little pocket of civilization transports you to a different, more rural, and ancient time in Granada. If you’re looking for a quirky and different location that offers some of the best views, this is the place for you. The cons, however, are that the streets are sloped and not too convenient. The Albaícin is also located a little away from the main attractions.
- Realejo. Granada’s old Jewish quarter is truly a place of beauty. It is located in between the Alhambra and El Centro so basically quite ideal in terms of accessibility. It is a vibrant neighbourhood with wonderful street art and a bustling nightlife.
- Sacromonte. Sacromonte is the Gypsy neighbourhood of Granada and full of beautiful whitewashed residences and caves. It is located just 20 minutes away from the city centre so, easy to access. The caves have been converted into some beautiful guesthouses, ideal for the budget traveller.
- La Chana. This neighbourhood is located slightly far away, about a 10-minute bus ride from the city. However, the area is extremely budget-friendly and ideal to avail cost-effective accommodation. It is extremely family-friendly and known for its authentic Tapas.
What to eat in Granada
- Jamón de Trevélez. This is essentially cured ham that has been salted in Treveléz. The village is located approximately 1400 metres above sea level, giving it a unique taste.
- Habas con Jamón. Essentially cured ham with beans. The green fleshy beans are cooked in a single pan with the cured meat.
- Plato Alpujarreño. This is a mixed plate containing potatoes, ham fried eggs, peppers, and chorizo, almost like a Spanish breakfast. It is the best dish for the hungry tourist.
- Pomegranates. When you travel to a place named Granada (pomegranate) you have to try the pomegranates. You must try them especially when they are in season during fall/winter.
- Churros. These deep-fried sugary treats can easily be found all over Granada and are a must-try.
- Paella. When you travel to Spain, you have to try Paella. Simple as that. It is essentially a rice and vegetable dish created with lovely aromatic spices. There are various versions as well. The seafood Paella is the most popular.
Granada Travel Tips
- Avoid Driving. The roads within Granada are quite narrow and winding. Not very ideal for a car. Stick to walking and public transport.
- Do a free walking tour. This is honestly the best way to explore a new place and extremely cost-effective. Guides work on a tip-based service so if you like em, tip em.
- Afternoon Siestas. The Spanish folk are big fans of their afternoon siestas. Shops usually close up for that period of time. If you’re interested in any kind of shopping, make sure you account for these siestas.
***
We came to Granada expecting a generic tourist location, what with the famous Alhambra. However, in reality, we were dumbfounded by the rich culture, the lively and warm people, and the beautifully rustic environment. We then headed to the next leg of our Spanish journey i.e. Seville with lifelong memories and sky-high expectations.
P.s. all of them were more than fulfilled.
We actually visited Granada, Seville, and Cordoba on the same trip. However, we wanted to capture the vibe of these wonderful locations and do them justice. So, we gave them their own real estate in separate posts. We hope to see you in the comments and have a fun discussion about your own travel experiences, suggestions, advice, or just to say hi!
Until then, Bon Voyage.