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Granada is famous for the Alhambra, and visiting this breathtaking palace was one of the last must-dos we had left to complete in Spain. But this incredible city is so much more than just the Alhambra.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to Granada.

If you prefer video guides, check out our full travel guide to Granada on YouTube, where we cover all this information and more. The video is embedded below, so be sure to give it a watch!

How to Get to Granada

Granada is a city in Andalusia, Southern Spain, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. While Granada has an airport, there are no direct flights from the UK. The best way to reach Granada is to fly into Malaga or Seville and take a train or taxi.

• Malaga is the most convenient option, with a 90-minute train or a 1-hour 45-minute taxi ride to take you to Granada.
• We opted for a private taxi for convenience with the company SolHop. The service was well-organized, and our driver, David, was very friendly and helpful. It is expensive though, costing around €175.

The Best Things to Do in Granada

While the Alhambra is the highlight, Granada’s old town has plenty more to offer. Here are the must-visit attractions:

Alhambra

Granada’s Alhambra is one of Spain’s most famous landmarks. Originally built as a fortress in the 9th century, it became a royal palace under the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th century. The complex is divided into three main sections:

• Alcazaba – The oldest part of the Alhambra and its original fortress. The highlight here is the stunning views of the city from its towers.
• Nasrid Palaces – Every room is covered in breathtaking Islamic architecture. The highlight is the Palacio de los Leones, with its intricate archways and the famous Lion Fountain at its center.
• Generalife – The gardens are a 10-minute walk from the rest of the complex. While it’s the least impressive section, it offers fantastic views back over the Alcazaba and palaces.

🕒 Reserve an entire day for the Alhambra as there is so much to see. Book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.

Granada Cathedral

Built in the 16th century on the site of the city’s former mosque, Granada Cathedral features a striking white ceiling and impressive stone columns lining both sides of the altar. Above the altar, you’ll find beautifully painted colorful ceilings.

Best ticket option: Buy the Granada Cristiana combined ticket (€16.50), which includes access to the cathedral, Royal Chapel, and San Jerónimo Monastery.

Carrera del Darro

This scenic riverside street offers fantastic views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín (Granada’s old town). Along the way, you’ll find El Bañuelo, an old Arab bathhouse that costs €7 to enter.

Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)

Attached to the cathedral but with a separate entrance fee, the Royal Chapel is the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who reconquered Granada from the Moors in 1492.

San Jerónimo Monastery

Dating back to the 16th century, this monastery is a 10-minute walk from the city center. The cloister courtyard features orange trees and offers great views of the building’s impressive façade. The church inside is the real highlight, with stunning painted ceilings and a golden altar.

Mirador San Nicolás

There are several viewpoints in the Albaicín (Granada’s old town), but the Mirador San Nicolás is the most popular. From here, you’ll get a spectacular view of the Alhambra, especially at sunset.

Albaicín

The oldest part of Granada, the Albaicín is a hilly neighborhood with a Moorish charm. Some highlights include:

• Calderería Nueva – A market street that feels like Marrakesh.
• Puerta Elvira – One of the old city gates.

⚠️ Note: The Albaicín’s hills may not be accessible for everyone.

Getting Around Granada

Granada is a very walkable city if you stay in the centre, but for the Alhambra, we recommend taking a taxi.

🚖 A taxi from the center to the Alhambra takes about 10 minutes and drops you off either at the ticket office or Puerta de la Justicia.

Best Place to Stay in Granada

For the best experience, stay in the city centre. We recommend Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa, a 4-star hotel that combines an old-world charm with modern amenities.

🎥 Stay tuned for our full video review of the hotel next week!

Is Granada Worth Visting?

Granada may be a bit difficult to reach, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. The highlight is obviously the Alhambra, but the city also boasts a beautiful cathedral, a historic monastery, a scenic riverside walk, and a charming old town.

📆 We recommend staying 2 to 3 nights in Granada to fully experience the city. A great week-long itinerary could include both Granada and Malaga, as Malaga is the easiest entry point and has plenty to offer as well.

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Granada. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help.

📺 Prefer video guides? Check out our YouTube channel for travel tips and destination guides.

📸 You can also follow our adventures on Instagram for live updates from our travels!

Happy travels! ✈️