Granada, one of the most fascinating cities of Andalusia! This article is a guide for those who want to discover Granada, famous for its historical and cultural richness. Before you start, we recommend you to have a look at our general article about Andalusia. Also, don’t forget to check our guides about Spain, Seville and Málaga.
Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is one of the cities with the most impressive history in Spain. Granada , the last capital of the Andalusian Umayyads, It remained under Muslim rule for about 800 years until it was conquered by the Catholic Kings in 1492. Therefore, the city was recognised as an Islamic city, It has a unique atmosphere where Christian and Jewish cultures are intertwined.
Granada’s greatest landmark is, of course , the world-famous Alhambra Palace. This magnificent palace complex, built by the Nazari Sultans, is characterised by its elaborate carvings, one of the most important historical heritages of Andalusia and even of Spain , with impressive gardens and views of the Sierra Nevada. Albayzín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, narrow streets, traditional whitewashed houses and spectacular views with the most beautiful places to feel the spirit of Granada.
The city is also characterised by its vibrant student population, tapas culture and lively social life. One of the best things about Granada is that many tapas bars offer free tapas with your drink. In the evenings, authentic flamenco shows organised in the cave houses in Sacromonte are one of the must-see cultural activities in Granada.
Granada, with its historical fabric, A city that every traveller must see with its fascinating landscapes and warm atmosphere. A great destination for skiing in winter, history in spring and cultural tourism in summer. Here are the details of our Granada trip and our recommendations!
Restaurants:
–MariaDel O Restaurant
-LeBistro by El Conjuro
-Puesto43
Tapas: Bodegas Castaneda
Coffee: Despiertoo Specialty Coffee
Breakfast: El Huerto San Anton
Museum, Historical Building & Park:
– Alhambra Palace & Generalife Gardens
– Granada Cathedral
– Palacio de la Madraza
– Albayzín the old Muslim neighbourhood, Mosque and baths
– Sacromonte – Sacromonte historic neighbourhood known for its cave houses
– Monastery of San Jerónimo
– Mirador de San Nicholás –
– Huerta de San Vicente – famous observation deck with sunset The house where the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca lived & museum
– Jardines del Triunfo
– Corral del Carbon – an impressive city gate in the centre
What kind of city is Granada?
Granada is a perfect combination ofhistory, culture and nature. This city located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, It has a different energy with both its historical atmosphere and lively student population.
✔ Alhambra Palace, Granada’s most iconic building and one of the most visited spots inall of Andalusia.
✔ Albayzín Quarter, narrow streets, with its whitewashed houses and spectacular views of the Alhambra is one of the most authentic areas of the city.
Sacromonte is one of the birthplaces of Flamenco and famous for its cave houses.
Granada’s tapas culture is one of the best in Spain. Many places offer free tapas when you ordera drink.
An ideal destination for skiingin winter and cultural tourism in summer.
How many days to visit Granada?
In order to fully explore Granada , we think it is necessary to spare at least 2 days.
When to go to Granada?
Where to stay in Granada?
Top areas to stay in Granada:
✔ Albayzín: The most authentic area with a historic atmosphere and spectacular views.
✔ Centro: The closest location to the city centre, surrounded by restaurants and shops.
✔ Realejo: A quieter and more local area, with very good tapas bars.
✈️ How to get to Granada?
Getting to Granada from Turkey
Getting from Madrid to Granada
Getting from Barcelona to Granada
Getting from Seville to Granada
Is Granada a safe city?
Generally a safe city. But beware of pickpockets in tourist areas. Be careful in secluded areas late at night.
Alhambra is one of the most important historical buildings of Granada and even of the whole of Spain. The most important heritage of Granada, the last capital of the Andalusian Umayyads, was built in the 13th century by the Nasri Sultans. The name of the palace means “El Hamra” (The Red) in Arabic and was inspired by the walls of the palace made of reddish stones.
📌 Why is Alhambra so important?
🎟️ How to buy a ticket to Alhambra?
Alhambra, One of the most visited tourist spots in Spain tickets can be sold out months in advance! Therefore, it is very important to buyyour ticket at least a few weeks in advance.
🔗 You can reach the official ticket sales site here.
🛑 Are tickets sold at the door?
📌 Important:
Pay attention to your entry time when buyinga ticket. Entrance to the Nasrid Palaces is made at certain times and if you are late, your entrance may be cancelled. Try to go early, there is a car park at the entrance and a cloakroom for your valuables.
Granada has much more to offer than the Alhambra Palace. With its historic neighbourhoods, scenic spots and cultural richness, there are many places worth exploring.
🏛 Historical Buildings and Museums
🌆 Historic Neighbourhoods and Viewpoints
Maria Del O Restaurante: a stylish restaurant in Granada that combines modern Spanish cuisine with traditional touches. The menu includes seafood, meat dishes and creative sauces . The octopus, veal cheek and truffled eggs are particularly popular. A great option for a special dinner. The restaurant’s menu is here.
Le Bistro by El Conjuro: A modern bistro blending French and Spanish cuisine. Homemade pastas, seafood and creative starters stand out on the menu. The wine menu is also very successful and pairs well with the dishes. It is an ideal place for a romantic and quiet dinner. Here is the menu of the restaurant .
Puesto 43: If you like seafood, don’t miss Puesto 43 , one of the good fish restaurants in Granada. Fresh fishdaily, clams, It is quite assertive about seafood with options such as prawns and grilled octopus. The place is small but very popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
🍷 Tapas Bars
Bodegas Castañeda: One of the most famous and authentic tapas bars in Granada. In this place with ahistorical atmosphere, When you order your drink , delicious and hearty tapas come free of charge. Thewine and vermouth varieties are very successful. Especially jamón ibérico (Spanish ham), Manchego cheese and seafood tapas are a must-try.
🍳 Breakfast & Coffee Places
El Huerto de San Antón (Breakfast & Brunch): An ideal place for those who want to have a healthy and delicious breakfast in Granada. Freshly squeezed juices, avocado toasts, egg breakfast options and homemade desserts are the highlights of the menu. They use organic and fresh ingredients, so it’s a great choice for breakfast or brunch.
Despiertoo Specialty Coffee (Coffee): If you want to have a really good coffee, be sure to visit Despiertoo Specialty Coffee, one of the best 3rd generation coffee shops in Granada. Be sure to visit Despiertoo Specialty Coffee , one of the generation coffee houses. Carefully selected coffee beans and professional They offer a great coffee experience thanks to their baristas. Filter coffee, espresso-based drinks and cold brew options are available. A perfect address for a coffee break!
This programme offers a balanced itinerary for those who want to discover the most important cities and natural beauties of Andalusia. The journey starts in Málaga and ends back in Málaga via Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Ronda and the White Villages. An unforgettable journey full of historical buildings, Flamenco nights, tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants awaits you.
Day 1: Málaga – First Step to Andalusia
08:00 – Arrival at Málaga Airport and Car Hire
11:00 – Picasso Museum & Old Town Tour
13:00 – Lunch: Hermanos Alba or La Cosmo
15:00 – Malagueta Beach and Coastal Walk
17:30 – Akşamüstü Tapas: Antigua Casa de Guardia
18:30 – Alcazaba ve Gibralfaro Kalesi
21:00 – Dinner: Kaleja
Overnight accommodation in Málaga .
Day 2: Málaga → Granada (1.5 hour journey)
09:00 – Departure to Granada
10:30 – Arrival in Granada & Alhambra Palace
13:30 – Lunch: Maria Del O Restaurante
15:30 – Albaicín neighbourhood & Mirador de San Nicolás
17:00 – Coffee Break: Despiertoo Specialty Coffee
18:30 – Tapas: Bodegas Castañeda
21:00 – Dinner: Le Bistro by El Conjuro
Overnight stay in Granada .
Day 3: Granada → Córdoba (2 hour drive)
09:00 – Departure to Córdoba
11:00 – Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
13:00 – Lunch: El Rincon De Carmen Restaurant
15:00 – Calleja de las Flores & Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
17:00 – Roman Bridge and Guadalquivir River Walk
18:30 – Tapas Hour: A local pub discovery
20:30 – Departure to Seville (1.5 hours)
Day 4: Seville – Flamenco & History
09:30 – Alcázar Palace
11:30 – Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
13:30 – Lunch: Canabota
15:30 – Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park
17:00 – Tapas: Casa Morales
21:00 – Dinner: El Traga
22:30 – Flamenco Show
Overnight accommodation in Seville .
Day 5: Seville – Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz Day Trip
09:00 – Departure to Jerez de la Frontera (1 hour)
10:00 – Sherry Tasting & Bodega Tour
13:00 – Departure to Cádiz (30 minutes)
14:00 – Lunch: Free time & Playa de la Caleta Beach
17:00 – Cádiz Cathedral and Old Town Tour
19:00 – Return to Seville
21:00 – Dinner: El Rinconcillo
Overnight accommodation in Seville .
Day 6: Seville → Ronda & White Villages (2 hours travelling)
09:00 – Departure to Ronda
11:00 – Ronda Tour
13:30 – Lunch: Tragatá | Benito Gómez | Restaurante en Ronda
15:00 – Departure to Setenil de las Bodegas
17:30 – Return to Malaga (1.5 hours)
20:00 – Dinner: Los Marinos Jose
Overnight accommodation in Málaga .
Day 7: Málaga – Return Day
09:30 – Malaga Beach Walk & Shopping
12:00 – Lunch: El Refectorium
14:00 – Transfer to Airport & Return Flight
