What To Do, Unique Stays & More

Granada is no doubt my favourite metropolis in Spain. The gorgeous Alhambra palace provides it a fairytale-like high quality, whereas town itself has such a splendidly calm, unpretentious and bohemian environment.

I’ve now visited Granada thrice: as soon as as a solo backpacker, as soon as on a {couples}’ journey, and as soon as on a household journey. Each time, I visited throughout a unique season as nicely, giving me an entire image.

I got down to take advantage of helpful Granada journey information — and I’ll be providing you with some suggestions that you just gained’t discover on different blogs.

Granada at a look

Granada is charming in so some ways: from the windy streets of the Albaicín to the Flamenco dances carried out on seemingly each plaza and the Moorish Alhambra palace looming from its central hill.

Most folks come to see the Alhambra, however I extremely advise additionally taking the time to let Granada’s environment wash over you. There are loads of others issues to do, however in the end the perfect factor to do is simply to be in Granada.

Thanks to the quiet low-traffic streets and the shortage of any main airport close by, it’s remarkably peaceable in Granada. I really like how usually all you’ll hear are the murmur and echoes of individuals speaking and consuming within the cozy squares. It’s additionally a really soulful metropolis, with a big group of scholars, artists, and musicians.

How many days in Granada?

I typically advise staying no less than 2 days. But Granada has sufficient to see and do for a number of days extra, particularly should you’re including day journeys.

1 Day in Granada

With in the future you’ll have simply sufficient time for the necessities. Visit the Alhambra within the morning, wander across the outdated city within the afternoon, and revel in sundown views from the viewpoints within the Albaicín. At night time, attend a spectacular Flamenco efficiency. It’ll be fairly a jam-packed day and never a great tempo — however it may be performed!

2 Days in Granada

This is my beneficial minimal time for Granada. You may give the Alhambra correct time, go on a guided strolling tour of the historic heart, spend a day tapas-bar-hopping, catch a Flamenco (or Zambra) efficiency, and see the Cave Museum.

3 Days in Granada

There are sufficient issues to do in Granada to refill three entire days. For extra, take into account including an exercise exterior of town, such because the Los Cahorros hike or a highway journey to a few of the historic white villages of Andalucia.

Don’t wait to e book!

Most folks come to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace, the gorgeous royal palace and fortress advanced courting again to the instances of Moorish rule in Spain. But know that it’s essential to plan your go to to Alhambra.

The interior Nasrid Palace is essentially the most spectacular half, that includes unimaginable tiling and geometric artwork. To entry the Nasrid Palace you’ll want a ticket for a particular timeslot.

These tickets are restricted and so they do e book out usually. To keep away from disappointment remember to get tickets earlier than you go.

Best time to go to

Having personally visited Granada in numerous seasons, right here’s what I believe based mostly on my first-hand expertise:

Summer is truthfully the worst time to go to. Even at Granada’s greater elevation, it could get swelteringly scorching in July and August. Granada may also be at its most crowded. You can nonetheless have a good time, however it’s simply not the perfect season.

Spring is an effective time to go to. The climate is heat however not too scorching for exploring. With flowers in full bloom, the gardens of the Generalife are at their greatest.

Fall/Autumn is my favourite time to be in Granada. In September/October it would usually nonetheless really feel like a northern European summer time, however the crowds may have thinned out.

Winter is surprisingly pretty, as long as it’s not raining (so control these climate reviews). Temperatures are delicate, the timber maintain their autumn colours till nicely into winter, and the wine and tapas bars get particularly cozy. An ideal winter escape.

TL;DR Many folks affiliate Spain solely with summer time due to seashore tourism, however I believe Granada is greatest visited throughout the different seasons.

Where to remain in Granada

Areas to remain

The greatest and most tourist-friendly areas to remain are the middle across the Catedral de Granada and the normal hillside space of the Albaicín.

Staying in a boutique resort

There are some attractive small-scale lodges in Granada, lots of them situated in basic Mudéjar buildings or in rustic former Carmen mansions. I can personally suggest staying in Palacio de Santa Inés. You can examine room costs on Expedia or on Booking.com.

Alternatively, take a look at the Casa del Capitel Nazarí. These are each very charming and romantic locations to remain.

Staying in a backpacker hostel

There is totally no contest: should you’re a backpacker searching for a social environment, you have to remain at El Granado.

It’s run by house owners who clearly care about their friends and it’s truthfully top-of-the-line hostels I’ve stayed. It’s excellent for solo vacationers as they supply a WhatsApp group that permits you to simply be part of many actions, however that makes it nice for {couples} or teams too. There are dorm beds and personal rooms.

Sleeping in a cave home

Don’t miss your probability to remain in a cave home within the Sacromonte neighborhood. I stayed in a single and it was a great and distinctive expertise. Thanks to the acoustics and coziness I slept like a child, and it was unimaginable to get up to panoramic views of the Alhambra.

Several cave homes have been transformed into B&Bs:

What to do in Granada

Quick solutions

The necessities: Alhambra & Generalife, Flamenco present, tapas crawl, strolling tour, viewpoints at sundown

Hidden gems: Basilica de San Juan de Dios, Carmen de Los Martires, purchase sweets on the convent, botanical backyard, Cave Museum, plus different small museums listed beneath

Best day journeys from Granada: hike the Los Cahorros, go to the white villages, drive as much as the Sierra Nevada

1. See a flamenco (or zambra) present

Granada is the right place to see the Flamenco dance or, extra particularly, a novel model of gypsy origin referred to as the Zambra.

If you’ve been to some flamenco reveals then you definitely’ll know that they’re all solely completely different based mostly on the efficiency and site. I strongly suggest catching a present at one of many Zambra cave bars in Sacramento, as that is such a novel expertise you may’t have wherever else (not even in different Spanish cities like Seville). You’ll be seated across the edges of the cave, in some instances inside arm’s size of the performers.

2. Cave Museum of Sacromonte

This distinctive open-air museum is price a go to should you’re in Sacromonte. It reveals how folks lived and labored contained in the caves via the ages and provides perception into the origins of Flamenco and the gypsy tradition of those that lived right here.

The reveals are inside a number of cave homes. Entry is 5 euros and whereas it’s a small museum, it’s an underrated attraction in Granada because it provides such nice perception into the historical past of this space. The indicators are all in English.

3. Alhambra & Generalife

The Alhambra is an epic royal palace and fortress from the instances of Moorish (Arabic) rule in Spain. It is definitely essentially the most sprawling and spectacular vacationer website in Andalusia.

The Nasrid Palace particularly gives stunning examples of Islamic artwork, its many courtyard partitions coated with intricate geometric shapes and Islamic calligraphy. It’s price getting the audio tour and taking your time to soak up all of the little particulars.

You want no less than half a day to totally discover all areas of this advanced. As a reminder, the Nasrid Palace could be visited solely with a pre-booked ticket for a particular time. Avoid disappointment by reserving your Alhambra tickets through GetYourGuide or Viator.

4. Enjoy the free tapas

One factor Granada is known for is its tapas (small parts of meals) given together with your drinks without cost in many of the tapas bars. It’s one of many few cities in Spain the place this practice remains to be maintained.

Of course, this tapas is already priced into the price of your drinks, however the shock of getting a brand new snack each time is nonetheless a beautiful expertise.

Unlike elsewhere in Spain, the trick in Granada is to not order your tapas a-la-carte. Instead, simply order a glass of wine or beer and a few tapa will likely be dropped at your desk as nicely. Try to remain in a single place relatively than bar-hopping; you’ll normally get more and more higher tapas should you maintain ordering drinks in the identical place.

5. Take a strolling tour

Much of the enchantment of Granada is its historical past, which is able to come alive rather more on a guided tour round city. I extremely suggest taking a strolling tour as because it provides you with a unique perspective.

Many of the strolling excursions will cease by small sights, such because the Palace of Dar al-Horra, the casa de Zafra, or El Bañuelo (the ruins of an historic bathhouse), that are far much less fascinating should you go to them by your self. There is little to see at these locations at first look however with the proper information they turn into completely fascinating.

There are a number of strolling excursions obtainable on GetYourGuide, which provides you with an important overview of the outdated metropolis.

6. Stroll across the Albaicín

The labyrinthine and slim streets of this conventional space make it one of the vital enjoyable to discover.

It is named the Arab quarter, a distinction courting again to the Moorish instances, although over the various centuries its streets have been dwelling to Iberians, Greeks, Romans, and Visigoths. Enjoy the white-painted homes and slim streets, and soak within the energetic environment.

During Muslim rule, luxurious walled villas had been additionally constructed that housed a leafy inexperienced area that served as a backyard for rest in addition to rising greens. This conventional Albaicín home is named a “carmen” and also you’ll see fairly a number of as you discover the Albaicín.

Keep a watch out for the attractive flower pots that adorn most of the facades!

7. Basílica de San Juan de Dios

This basilica is without doubt one of the most ostentatious and delightful I’ve ever seen. Dedicated to St. John, the predominantly gold inside shimmers and shines throughout and the ornate array of statues, sculptures, carvings, and work is one thing to behold.

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

Left unmentioned by most Granada journey blogs, that is really one in every of Granada’s most worthwhile sights. The basilica is gorgeous, the tour offers distinctive entry to areas across the altar, and a digital actuality expertise helps you to see the inside from each angle. Entry is 5 euros and features a free audio tour.

8. Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Located virtually subsequent door, it’s not fairly as spectacular because the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, however nonetheless extremely price giving a glance as nicely. The monastery encompasses two cloisters and a richly adorned Renaissance-era church.

9. Hike the Los Cahorros de Monachil

This mountain hike is a little bit of an journey. The path traces the small Monachil river via a canyon and includes a number of hanging bridges, a tunnel, and a few overhanging rocks you have to both climb round (utilizing steel handles) or crawl underneath.

This could sound intense however it’s not a tough hike and could be performed with youngsters. The signage is usually a bit complicated although as there are a number of ‘Los Cahorros’ hikes. Ignore the ‘Circular de los Cahorros’ indicators (it is a a lot larger hike) and easily proceed upstream. You can return the identical manner or create a loop over the northern ridge.

The trailhead is definitely reached by bus. Head over to this bus cease in Granada, then catch the 0183 to Monachil (it takes about 20 minutes). The path begins right here.

While it may be performed independently, it may be extra enjoyable to do that hike with a bunch. You can e book a guided hike at GetYourGuide.

10. Buy sweets from a convent

In Granada there are a number of convents which were promoting sweets for over many generations. Buying some sweets or treats from the convents is a novel expertise and helps the nuns run the convent.

The nuns are cloistered and gained’t go exterior, so that you sometimes should knock on a door or enter a small entrance room to make your order. This official weblog has extra particulars on the particular hours and areas. One of the areas is the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real; stroll inside via the archway and on the finish flip left, the place you see a small signal and a ringer.

11. Carmen de los Mártires

These tranquil gardens embrace a wide range of areas and a stupendous Nineteenth-century villa. It is overshadowed by the Alhambra (situated very near it) and so few folks make it out right here, making it a little bit of a hidden gem.

The artistically-designed backyard options each a British, and French-style backyard in addition to a lake and a captivating Nasrid Patio with a maze. While not as well-maintained, take into account these the deleted scenes/bonus content material to the close by Generalife — and nicely price a stroll.

12. Botanical Garden of the University of Granada

This small botanical backyard is open on weekdays and is free to enter. It has numerous notable timber together with a Ginkgo planted in 1889 and a stupendous Canarian pine courting from the Nineteenth century. It additionally has a group of horticultural and medicinal crops.

Botany followers will certainly have a wonderful time right here, although anybody else may also take pleasure in it for a stroll. There are a number of good cafes and tapas bars adjoining to the park.

13. Sunset views on prime of the hill

Towards the tip of the day hike up within the route of the Cerro de San Miguel. At varied areas, folks collect to look at the sundown, significantly on the Ermita de San Miguel Alto church. A second to not miss in Granada.

14. See the Catedral de Granada

The Sixteenth-century cathedral of Granada was commissioned by Queen Isabella on the positioning of the principle mosque on the time. This stunning renaissance church stuffed with gilded surfaces and work is nicely price a go to and gives an in-depth audio information as a part of your entry ticket, which prices 5 Euros.

15. Dive deeper into Sacromonte

The various neighborhood of Sacromonte is the normal dwelling of gypsies however right this moment can be dwelling to a motley assortment of artists and immigrants. This tip will sound a bit obscure, however in case you have the possibility to go to the group on this space, don’t hesitate to just accept the invitation.

I went to a cool unofficial restaurant in Sacromonte, although promised to not share it on-line. Sacromonte is a really down-to-Earth a part of Granada that’s price exploring should you’re in Granada a bit longer.

16. Alcaicería market

This conventional market space dates again to the Moorish instances when it was a silk bazaar. Despite Spain’s effort to re-Christianize after the reconquest, they determined that the Alcaiceria market was too good to let go.

Entering via a slim archway, you’ll immediately end up in a mini model of a Middle Eastern bazaar the place memento outlets promote all method of ceramics, jewellery, and spices. It gained’t maintain you busy for too lengthy, however when you’re right here, pop by the Palacio de la Madraza. This Muslim faculty constructed within the 1300s options fantastically intricate decorations.

17. Mercado de San Agustin

If you’ve been to different Spanish cities you’ll know the idea: an indoor market the place locals should purchase their meat, seafood, and greens, however the place small eating places and bars additionally serve dishes made with market produce.

The Mercado de San Agustin is a stunning spot to go for people-watching, taking a tapa or two, or ordering some unbelievably contemporary sushi. It’s additionally a very good space to cover out when it’s raining.

18. Mirador Mario Maya

This viewpoint in Sacramonte shouldn’t be as well-known however gives attractive views of the Alhambra. It’s a stunning quiet spot to take your image with the Alhambra within the background with no need to elbow for area. A resident has arrange a tiny bar exterior of his home serving chilly drinks.

19. Museo Sefardí

This hard-to-find museum is run by a pair devoted to sharing the Jewish historical past of Granada. The definition of a hidden gem, this very small museum within the Jewish Quarter invitations all those that have an interest within the topic.

20. Inquisition museum

Housed contained in the Palacio de los Olvidados, that is one other small museum you may bump into. It offers an enchanting take a look at the interval of the Inquisition and the varied grotesque torture devices that had been used throughout this time.

21. Hammam Al Ándalus

Granada has a number of historic Arab baths, owing to its Moorish historical past. You can see the ruined stays of 1 such tub alongside Carrera del Darro (normally that is proven on many of the strolling excursions), however for a up to date model of the idea, you may go to the Hammam Al Ándalus.

This conventional, Arabian-style tub has waters with a variety of temperatures and gives many alternative therapeutic massage choices. An effective way to deal with your self after a protracted day of exploring Granada.

22. Visit the white villages of Granada province

Once you’ve explored Granada, it’s an important base from which to discover the area. Within a 1-hour drive’s vary are numerous pueblos blancos (white villages) that are identified for his or her conventional whitewashed homes.

Guadix is very fascinating because it’s dwelling to a beautiful hilltop citadel in addition to its personal kind of cave dwellings, their white chimneys lutting out from underneath the hills. Montefrío in flip was given the excellence of ‘Best View in the World’ by National Geographic (okay, it was the Spanish version of Natgeo, however it’s in actual fact very picturesque).

There are a number of automotive rental corporations close to the central practice station of Granada the place you will get your personal car for a highway journey. You can use DiscoverCars.com to match rental costs and choices.

If you like to not drive, it’s also possible to e book an organized tour of a number of white villages beginning in Granada.

23. Escape to the Sierra Nevada

Just a brief drive away from town of Granada is one in every of Spain’s most stunning pure options; the Sierra Nevada mountains. There actually isn’t a nasty time to go to and should you’re trying to get out of town and into the wild, that is the place to do it.

During the winter months, the mountains function one in every of Spain’s hottest ski locations largely round Boraguiles, Monachil, and Pradollano. In truth, the Sierra Nevada is one in every of southern Europe’s only a few ski locations with service working from December to April.

If you’re visiting in hotter months, take a look at the 4-wheeling or mountain biking trails discovered across the mountains. For these searching for an adrenaline rush, paragliding and mountaineering are additionally standard actions.

24. Go mountain climbing

Many of the cliffs within the Sierra Nevada lend themselves completely for mountain climbing. There is even a devoted mountain climbing hostel, Solana de Granada.

It’s a couple of 30-minute drive north of town (it may be reached by automotive or by bus). The hostel gives mountain climbing excursions but in addition has a ‘house cliff’ proper beside it, so you can begin climbing everytime you get the itch.

Where to eat & drink

I haven’t eaten in each restaurant however these are a few of my favorites:

Tapas

Restaurante Aixa. Charming tapas place on the native sq. of Plaza Larga with exterior and indoor seating.

La Tabernilla del Darro. Cozy wine cellar bar serving gourmand tapas (not free however excellent)

Bar Clausura. A neighborhood tapas bar with no vacationers in any respect. You get a very good free tapa with each drink. Since it was across the nook from my lodging, I went again right here thrice.

Cafe & breakfast

Café 4 Gatos. Great toasts and breakfast specials are served with common espresso.

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

Tapped out on tapas?

Noodlerest. Casual Asian, largely Thai and Japanese. I couldn’t consider how good this was. Best Pad Thai I’ve had in fairly some time.

Working remotely in Granada

Granada shouldn’t be essentially often called a significant digital nomad hotspot, however you may undoubtedly work remotely very nicely from this metropolis.

One factor to know: there aren’t any fiber-optic cables inside the Albaycin space, so WiFi could be fairly unhealthy (or nonexistent) right here. Either keep within the heart space to keep away from connectivity points or be sure to have cell information. The primary decrease elements of town all have glorious web.

There is a (not very energetic) Digital Nomads Granada Facebook group and there are a number of co-work workplaces, together with Workplace Granada, TOPyCO Coworking and Coworking Granada Catedral.

TOC Hostel Granada is an effective hostel to work from because it’s quiet and has a comfortable cafe lounge on its premises with good WiFi all over the place.

El Granado is extra of a social hostel however it additionally has a suitably quiet co-working space on the bottom ground.

How to get to Granada

Granada has solely a small airport with barely any connections, so should you’re flying in, you’ll most likely have to fly to Malaga after which catch a bus to Granada.

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

You can purchase practice tickets through Trainline.com.

Not positive the place to go subsequent after Granada? Consider a visit to Cordoba, Seville, or the city of Ronda.