- Book Alhambra tickets on the official site as soon as your dates are fixed
- Most UK visitors fly to Málaga, about 1h30 away by road
- Stay in the Albaicín for views or near the cathedral for convenience
- Many bars still serve a free tapa with every drink
- Airports
- Granada (GRX), Málaga (AGP)
- Best time to go
- March-May and late September-November
- Type
- City
Granada is home to the Alhambra, the Moorish palace complex that many people consider the finest monument in Spain. But the city has much more: the whitewashed lanes of the Albaicín, the cave homes of Sacromonte, a buzzing student scene and the tradition of a free tapa with every drink. The snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada rise behind it, and you can ski there in winter.
Spain is one hour ahead of the UK, plugs are the two-pin European type and you drive on the right. Granada is one of the cheaper cities in Spain for eating out. It's part of Andalucía; for more see our Spain guide.
Where to stay
- Albaicín – the old Moorish quarter facing the Alhambra, with steep cobbled lanes and unbeatable views. Romantic, but hilly and not ideal with heavy luggage.
- Centro and the cathedral area – flat, central and handy for buses and taxis, with plenty of tapas bars.
- Realejo – the former Jewish quarter below the Alhambra, with a local feel and good bars.
- Alhambra hill – a handful of hotels sit near the monument itself, peaceful at night and convenient for early tickets.
- Sierra Nevada – in winter, the ski resort is about an hour's drive from the city.
Things to do
- The Alhambra – the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife gardens and Alcazaba fortress. Allow at least half a day and arrive on time for your palace slot.
- Mirador de San Nicolás – the classic sunset view of the Alhambra from the Albaicín.
- Sacromonte – cave houses, a cave museum and flamenco shows in traditional caves.
- Royal Chapel and Cathedral – the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs, lie in the Capilla Real.
- Tapas crawl – order a drink and you will often get a free tapa; try Calle Navas or the Realejo.
- Carrera del Darro – a lovely riverside street running below the Alhambra.
- Day trips – the Sierra Nevada for skiing or hiking, and the Alpujarras villages on its southern slopes.
If general tickets are sold out, look at the official Alhambra night visits or the Granada Card, which includes Alhambra entry. Avoid unofficial resellers charging big mark-ups.
Best time to visit
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March-May | About 18-25 °C | The best time, with gardens in bloom; book well ahead |
| June-August | Hot, often 35 °C or more | Visit the Alhambra early or at night |
| September-November | Warm days, cool evenings | Excellent for sightseeing |
| December-February | Cold, close to freezing at night | Quieter Alhambra, skiing nearby |
Getting there
Granada's own airport (GRX) has only a few international routes, sometimes seasonal, so most UK visitors fly to Málaga, which has flights from almost every UK airport (about 2h45 from London). From Málaga, Alsa buses take about 1h30-2h, trains via Antequera take around 1h15-1h30, and driving takes about 1h30. Package holidays with a private transfer are an easy option. Granada also has direct trains from Madrid and Seville.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, though the Albaicín and Alhambra hills are steep. Small red minibuses (C30, C31, C32 and others) run up to the Alhambra, the Albaicín and Sacromonte. A car is not useful in the city, where much of the centre has restricted access, but helpful for the Alpujarras.
Top attractions in Granada
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
Granada on the map
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book the Alhambra?
As early as you can, especially from March to October and on holidays. Tickets can sell out weeks ahead, and the Nasrid Palaces have a timed entry slot you must stick to.
Can I visit Granada as a day trip from the Costa del Sol?
How many days do you need in Granada?
Two full days are enough for the Alhambra, the Albaicín and Sacromonte. Add a day for the Sierra Nevada or the Alpujarras.
Is it true tapas are free in Granada?
In many traditional bars, yes: a small tapa comes free with each drink. It's less common in tourist spots right by the sights.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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