Granada travel guide

Granada Tourism | Granada Guide

You're Going to Love Granada

The "city of a thousand castles", Granada is also the most visited destination in the Spanish region of Andalucía. Nestled between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mediterranean coast, it's the ideal spot for a summer vacation.

Explore fabulous historic landmarks like the Alhambra and the Granada Cathedral, discover regional artists in the city's many galleries, or shop and linger over tapas in Puerta Real.

Granada is a great base for snow lovers as well as sunseekers and it's one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the Sierras in the morning and soak up the sun on the nearby beaches of La Herradura or Cabo de Gata in the afternoon. It's a colorful mix of ancient and modern, and the romantic Moorish architecture is a dazzling contrast to its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Granada

1. The Alhambra

No vacation in Granada is complete without a tour of the Alhambra, its famous Islamic Palace complex that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. Enjoy magical views from every arched window, and stroll in tree-lined rose gardens past sparkling fountains that recall the history and romance of the past.

2. It's a Great Place for a Bath

Traditional Arab baths, or hammams, are as popular today as when they arrived in the city during the Nazari Dynasty. For an authentic experience, try Hammam al Andalus on Calle Santa Ana. Although bathhouses were banned when the Catholic Kings came to power, the modern baths are still on the original 13th-century site.

3. Its Thriving Arts Scene

Have fun with the Al Andalus y la Ciencia interactive exhibition of Moorish finds from the 8th to 15th centuries at the Museo Parque de las Ciencias, or discover the city's new young artists at Centro de Arte Joven Rey Chico. Fans of Don Quijote de la Mancha will love the collections of engravings and paintings based on the mythical character at Casa Museo Manuel de Falla, while literature fans can visit the Huerta De San Vicente, the summer home of writer Federico García Lorca.

4. Its Historic Center

Discover the historic attractions of Central Granada, where narrow cobblestone alleys lead to spectacular structures like the Granada Cathedral and the Palacio de la Madraza. Shop in the Alcaiceria market or see the statue of Christopher Columbus at Plaza Isabel La Catolica.

5. The Food

Granada is one of the last cities where ordering a drink at a cafe or bar still means lots of complimentary food. Tapas is an institution here and each drink is accompanied by a range of tasty snacks that range from paella and Iberico ham to spicy chickpeas and garlic or creamy salmojera, a local chilled tomato soup. The city also boasts some of the finest gourmet restaurants in Andalucía, and you'll find every style of cuisine from authentic Spanish to French, Chinese, or Mexican.

1. The Alhambra

No vacation in Granada is complete without a tour of the Alhambra, its famous Islamic Palace complex that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. Enjoy magical views from every arched window, and stroll in tree-lined rose gardens past sparkling fountains that recall the history and romance of the past.

2. It's a Great Place for a Bath

Traditional Arab baths, or hammams, are as popular today as when they arrived in the city during the Nazari Dynasty. For an authentic experience, try Hammam al Andalus on Calle Santa Ana. Although bathhouses were banned when the Catholic Kings came to power, the modern baths are still on the original 13th-century site.

3. Its Thriving Arts Scene

Have fun with the Al Andalus y la Ciencia interactive exhibition of Moorish finds from the 8th to 15th centuries at the Museo Parque de las Ciencias, or discover the city's new young artists at Centro de Arte Joven Rey Chico. Fans of Don Quijote de la Mancha will love the collections of engravings and paintings based on the mythical character at Casa Museo Manuel de Falla, while literature fans can visit the Huerta De San Vicente, the summer home of writer Federico García Lorca.

4. Its Historic Center

Discover the historic attractions of Central Granada, where narrow cobblestone alleys lead to spectacular structures like the Granada Cathedral and the Palacio de la Madraza. Shop in the Alcaiceria market or see the statue of Christopher Columbus at Plaza Isabel La Catolica.

5. The Food

Granada is one of the last cities where ordering a drink at a cafe or bar still means lots of complimentary food. Tapas is an institution here and each drink is accompanied by a range of tasty snacks that range from paella and Iberico ham to spicy chickpeas and garlic or creamy salmojera, a local chilled tomato soup. The city also boasts some of the finest gourmet restaurants in Andalucía, and you'll find every style of cuisine from authentic Spanish to French, Chinese, or Mexican.

What to do in Granada

1. Alhambra: Palace of Flowers

A palace, fortress and citadel in one, this sprawling complex has overlooked Granada for centuries and continues to be one of the greatest historical wonders in the world. Exceptional carvings and tile work cover every inch of wall and ceiling, while courtyards with water features open up to sunny skies. Surrounding these rooms of royalty are equally spectacular gardens, the placement of flowers perfectly in tune with the architecture.

2. Generalife: Architect's Garden

The Alhambra gardens spill out onto surrounding hills, leading to even more stunning landscaping and historic sites. Generalife is the little sister to the grand citadel next door, but every inch has been carved in equally painstaking detail. Granada's 14th-century rulers made this their lavish summer home, and the history of leisure and luxury is palpable as you enjoy the grounds. Smell the flowers, peek through windows, and admire the views - there is nothing else like it.

3. Capilla Real: Religion and Royalty

After navigating the seemingly endless winding streets, tourists will find this ancient chapel in the heart of Granada. Dwarfed by the great cathedral next door, the small church is still filled with treasures - from the tombs of Catholic Monarchs to the masterpieces in the Sacristy-Museum. Visitors are enraptured by the small and intimate gallery, standing face to face with works by Sandro Botticelli, Rogier van der Weyden, and the like. Outside, the once Moorish Alcaiceria market is filled with souvenirs and shopping opportunities.

4. Albaicin: Medieval Moors

A veritable maze of winding streets make this neighborhood seem much larger than its small footprint, not to mention more steeped in age. Moorish settlers were responsible for the crooked alleyways that lead from one historical Muslim site to the next - a web of exploration awaits. In every corner, you'll find buskers or street performers, and the atmosphere never gets old. Climb the Mirador San Nicolas for unbeatable views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.

5. Sacromonte Abbey: Life in the Hills

This city sits in a lush valley surrounded by hills, and the slopes of the Sacromonte neighborhood are rife with fascinating caves. Granadian nomads moved into the area centuries ago and resourcefully developed shelter around the terrain, building houses into the hill. Today, whitewashed facades still peak out of the mountainside to form a unique landscape with historic character. Tourists can find some context in the Museum Caves of Sacromonte, or stop by the Abbey for some religious background.

AlhambraAlhambra
GeneralifeGeneralife
Capilla RealCapilla Real
AlbaicinAlbaicin

1. Alhambra: Palace of Flowers

A palace, fortress and citadel in one, this sprawling complex has overlooked Granada for centuries and continues to be one of the greatest historical wonders in the world. Exceptional carvings and tile work cover every inch of wall and ceiling, while courtyards with water features open up to sunny skies. Surrounding these rooms of royalty are equally spectacular gardens, the placement of flowers perfectly in tune with the architecture.

2. Generalife: Architect's Garden

The Alhambra gardens spill out onto surrounding hills, leading to even more stunning landscaping and historic sites. Generalife is the little sister to the grand citadel next door, but every inch has been carved in equally painstaking detail. Granada's 14th-century rulers made this their lavish summer home, and the history of leisure and luxury is palpable as you enjoy the grounds. Smell the flowers, peek through windows, and admire the views - there is nothing else like it.

3. Capilla Real: Religion and Royalty

After navigating the seemingly endless winding streets, tourists will find this ancient chapel in the heart of Granada. Dwarfed by the great cathedral next door, the small church is still filled with treasures - from the tombs of Catholic Monarchs to the masterpieces in the Sacristy-Museum. Visitors are enraptured by the small and intimate gallery, standing face to face with works by Sandro Botticelli, Rogier van der Weyden, and the like. Outside, the once Moorish Alcaiceria market is filled with souvenirs and shopping opportunities.

4. Albaicin: Medieval Moors

A veritable maze of winding streets make this neighborhood seem much larger than its small footprint, not to mention more steeped in age. Moorish settlers were responsible for the crooked alleyways that lead from one historical Muslim site to the next - a web of exploration awaits. In every corner, you'll find buskers or street performers, and the atmosphere never gets old. Climb the Mirador San Nicolas for unbeatable views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.

5. Sacromonte Abbey: Life in the Hills

This city sits in a lush valley surrounded by hills, and the slopes of the Sacromonte neighborhood are rife with fascinating caves. Granadian nomads moved into the area centuries ago and resourcefully developed shelter around the terrain, building houses into the hill. Today, whitewashed facades still peak out of the mountainside to form a unique landscape with historic character. Tourists can find some context in the Museum Caves of Sacromonte, or stop by the Abbey for some religious background.

AlhambraAlhambra
GeneralifeGeneralife
Capilla RealCapilla Real
AlbaicinAlbaicin

1. Alhambra: Palace of Flowers

A palace, fortress and citadel in one, this sprawling complex has overlooked Granada for centuries and continues to be one of the greatest historical wonders in the world. Exceptional carvings and tile work cover every inch of wall and ceiling, while courtyards with water features open up to sunny skies. Surrounding these rooms of royalty are equally spectacular gardens, the placement of flowers perfectly in tune with the architecture.

Alhambra

2. Generalife: Architect's Garden

The Alhambra gardens spill out onto surrounding hills, leading to even more stunning landscaping and historic sites. Generalife is the little sister to the grand citadel next door, but every inch has been carved in equally painstaking detail. Granada's 14th-century rulers made this their lavish summer home, and the history of leisure and luxury is palpable as you enjoy the grounds. Smell the flowers, peek through windows, and admire the views - there is nothing else like it.

Generalife

3. Capilla Real: Religion and Royalty

After navigating the seemingly endless winding streets, tourists will find this ancient chapel in the heart of Granada. Dwarfed by the great cathedral next door, the small church is still filled with treasures - from the tombs of Catholic Monarchs to the masterpieces in the Sacristy-Museum. Visitors are enraptured by the small and intimate gallery, standing face to face with works by Sandro Botticelli, Rogier van der Weyden, and the like. Outside, the once Moorish Alcaiceria market is filled with souvenirs and shopping opportunities.

Capilla Real

4. Albaicin: Medieval Moors

A veritable maze of winding streets make this neighborhood seem much larger than its small footprint, not to mention more steeped in age. Moorish settlers were responsible for the crooked alleyways that lead from one historical Muslim site to the next - a web of exploration awaits. In every corner, you'll find buskers or street performers, and the atmosphere never gets old. Climb the Mirador San Nicolas for unbeatable views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.

Albaicin

5. Sacromonte Abbey: Life in the Hills

This city sits in a lush valley surrounded by hills, and the slopes of the Sacromonte neighborhood are rife with fascinating caves. Granadian nomads moved into the area centuries ago and resourcefully developed shelter around the terrain, building houses into the hill. Today, whitewashed facades still peak out of the mountainside to form a unique landscape with historic character. Tourists can find some context in the Museum Caves of Sacromonte, or stop by the Abbey for some religious background.

Where to Eat in Granada

Local favorite, El Aji in Plaza de San Miguel Bajo is an essential stop for tapas fans and the tiny restaurant serves delicious snacks and meals from breakfast till late. Try Real Asador De Castilla for tapas and meat, fish, or vegetarian main dishes in an elegant setting, or book a table at Pilar Del Toro, and dine on regional Spanish cuisine in an authentic 17th-century Andalusian farmhouse. A basic lunch for two is EUR20 while dinner with wine in a good restaurant starts at EUR50.

When to visit Granada

Granada in August
Estimated hotel price
$98
1 night at 3-star hotel
Granada in August
Estimated hotel price
$98
1 night at 3-star hotel

It can be incredibly busy in Granada during the peak summer season from May to September, and attractions like the Alhambra see up to 6,000 visitors per day. Choose low season months like April or October when the most famous monuments are still open but less crowded.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Granada

Plane

Malaga Airport (AGP) is 77 miles from Granada but it's the best option for overseas visitors. Take a direct bus service to Granada bus station for EUR11.43 or take a taxi from EUR140.

Train

The high-speed Altaria train service can whisk you from Madrid to Granada in just 4 hours and 25 minutes. There is one change en route, and tickets cost from EUR27.70. The service terminates at Granada station close to the city center.

Car

Spain has a modern road network so it's easy to drive to Granada from most regions. If you're coming from the coast, take the N-323 or N-340 to connect with the Costa Tropical motorway for Granada. The A-44 Sierra Nevada Motorway is ideal for those driving from Jaén and the west while the A-92 links the city with Malaga.

Bus

You can catch buses from major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga and, Cordoba to Granada bus station, which is two miles from the center of the city. The local SN1 bus service can take you there for EUR1.20, or taxis can be found outside the entrance. If you prefer to walk, it's around 45 minutes to the Cathedral.

Plane

Malaga Airport (AGP) is 77 miles from Granada but it's the best option for overseas visitors. Take a direct bus service to Granada bus station for EUR11.43 or take a taxi from EUR140.

Train

The high-speed Altaria train service can whisk you from Madrid to Granada in just 4 hours and 25 minutes. There is one change en route, and tickets cost from EUR27.70. The service terminates at Granada station close to the city center.

Car

Spain has a modern road network so it's easy to drive to Granada from most regions. If you're coming from the coast, take the N-323 or N-340 to connect with the Costa Tropical motorway for Granada. The A-44 Sierra Nevada Motorway is ideal for those driving from Jaén and the west while the A-92 links the city with Malaga.

Bus

You can catch buses from major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga and, Cordoba to Granada bus station, which is two miles from the center of the city. The local SN1 bus service can take you there for EUR1.20, or taxis can be found outside the entrance. If you prefer to walk, it's around 45 minutes to the Cathedral.

Airports near Granada

Airlines serving Granada

Lufthansa
Good (4,482 reviews)
KLM
Good (822 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,280 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,609 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,252 reviews)
Air France
Good (971 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (480 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,844 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,107 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,467 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,446 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (219 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (895 reviews)
LOT
Good (670 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,115 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (812 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (693 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Granada

Granada has a high student population so you'll find lots of hostels and cheaper accommodation. However, the city is also known for its luxurious hotels and upscale boutique-style establishments. Try Parador de Granada, Hospice Palacio de Patos, Eurostars Washington Irving or NH Collection Victoria. Good mid-range hotels such as Hotel Ibis Granada and Hotel Andalucía Center are ideal for family vacations.

Popular Neighborhoods in Granada

Central Granada - this is the city's historical and cultural heart. Here you'll find narrow, cobbled streets, quaint buildings, and landmarks like the Granada Cathedral as well as some of the city's best hotels and restaurants.

Albayzín - this district is perched on a hill above the city center and opposite the Alhambra. The ancient Muslim neighborhood is popular with tourists for its old whitewashed buildings and attractions like the Great Mosque of Granada. Be sure to visit the St. Nicolas viewpoint for spectacular views of the Alhambra, and take a walk along the picturesque Carrera del Darro.

Sacromonte - a vibrant area adjacent to Albayzín and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this neighborhood is famous for traditional cave houses and authentic flamenco bars.

Central Granada - this is the city's historical and cultural heart. Here you'll find narrow, cobbled streets, quaint buildings, and landmarks like the Granada Cathedral as well as some of the city's best hotels and restaurants.
Albayzín - this district is perched on a hill above the city center and opposite the Alhambra. The ancient Muslim neighborhood is popular with tourists for its old whitewashed buildings and attractions like the Great Mosque of Granada. Be sure to visit the St. Nicolas viewpoint for spectacular views of the Alhambra, and take a walk along the picturesque Carrera del Darro.
Sacromonte - a vibrant area adjacent to Albayzín and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this neighborhood is famous for traditional cave houses and authentic flamenco bars.
Most popular hotel in Granada by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Granada

Most booked hotels in Granada

Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 9446 reviews)
$70+
Hotel Macia Real De La Alhambra
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 5087 reviews)
$63+
Hotel Saray
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 9645 reviews)
$70+
Porcel Alixares
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 9301 reviews)
$58+
Hotel Granada Palace
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 769 reviews)
$113+
Hotel Porcel Sabica
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 4420 reviews)
$61+

How to Get Around Granada

Public Transportation

Local buses cover all points of interest within the city center. A single ticket is EUR1.20 per trip, but you can purchase travel cards for seven trips for EUR5. 16- and 33-journey passes are also available for EUR10 and EUR20 respectively.

Taxi

Taxis can be hailed in the street and there is an initial fee of EUR1.40. It's then EUR0.76 for each 0.62 miles and there is a minimum charge of EUR3.71 during the week. It's slightly more at weekends and during fiestas when the initial charge is EUR1.76 and EUR0.96 per 0.62 miles. Waiting time is charged at EUR0.41 per minute.

Car

Many streets in the center of Granada are restricted to buses and taxis. However, it's well worth renting a car if you'd like to explore the Sierra Nevada ski area, the Costa Tropical, or the picturesque villages of the Lecrin Valley. A compact car will cost EUR36 per day from leading brands like Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise.

Public Transportation

Local buses cover all points of interest within the city center. A single ticket is EUR1.20 per trip, but you can purchase travel cards for seven trips for EUR5. 16- and 33-journey passes are also available for EUR10 and EUR20 respectively.

Taxi

Taxis can be hailed in the street and there is an initial fee of EUR1.40. It's then EUR0.76 for each 0.62 miles and there is a minimum charge of EUR3.71 during the week. It's slightly more at weekends and during fiestas when the initial charge is EUR1.76 and EUR0.96 per 0.62 miles. Waiting time is charged at EUR0.41 per minute.

Car

Many streets in the center of Granada are restricted to buses and taxis. However, it's well worth renting a car if you'd like to explore the Sierra Nevada ski area, the Costa Tropical, or the picturesque villages of the Lecrin Valley. A compact car will cost EUR36 per day from leading brands like Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise.

Car rental agencies in Granada

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The Cost of Living in Granada

Shopping Streets

Spanish department store El Corte Inglés is great for clothing, accessories, and electronics. Head to Calle Alhóndiga for top international brands or visit Cuesta de Gomérez near the Alhambra for excellent arts and crafts such as handmade chess sets, pottery, and leather goods. Pick up gifts and souvenirs at the Alcaiceria and remember, most shops, apart from department stores, close each afternoon for siesta.

Groceries and Other

There are several branches of Mercadona in the city and you'll find food and basics at competitive prices. Other popular stores include Carrefour Markets and Supermercados Príncipe, or try the El Corte Inglés food hall for international food brands. Expect to pay EUR0.95 for a quart of milk and EUR2.15 for 12 large eggs.

Cheap meal
$8.63
A pair of jeans
$89.03
Single public transport ticket
$1.29
Cappuccino
$1.40