Why visit, and how many days you need
Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in eastern Andalusia. It was the last Moorish kingdom in Spain, until 1492, and its great monument, the Alhambra, is the most visited in the country. The city around it is compact and lively: the whitewashed Albaicín facing the Alhambra, the cave houses of Sacromonte, a Renaissance cathedral, and bars where every drink still comes with a free tapa.
Plan two days. One for the Alhambra, one for the Albaicín, Sacromonte and the centre. With a third day, add the Sierra Nevada or the Alpujarras villages.
Book the Alhambra first, weeks ahead in high season. Build the rest of the trip around your ticket date. See Alhambra tickets.
Where to stay
- Albaicín for the views of the Alhambra and a village atmosphere (steep lanes, little traffic)
- Centro and Plaza Nueva for convenience, shops and tapas
- Realejo for a quieter, local neighbourhood below the Alhambra
- Inside or next to the Alhambra for a special stay, like the Parador
Full guide: where to stay in Granada and the best hotels in Granada.
Top sights
- The Alhambra: the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife gardens.
- The Albaicín: the old Moorish quarter, and the Mirador de San Nicolás at sunset.
- Sacromonte: cave houses, a cave museum and flamenco in the caves. See flamenco in Granada.
- The Cathedral and the Capilla Real: the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand.
- Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes: the riverside lane below the Alhambra.
- A tapas crawl: in Granada a tapa comes free with each drink.
Full list: things to do in Granada.
When to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. Granada is higher and cooler than Seville: winters are cold, with frost at night and snow on the Sierra Nevada (good for skiing), and summers are hot but with cooler nights. The Alhambra is busiest from Easter to October.
Getting there and around
- By train: high-speed and direct trains link Granada with Madrid (about 3.5 hours), Seville (about 2.5–3 hours, via Antequera) and Málaga (about 1.5 hours with a change, or by bus). See Seville to Granada.
- By plane: Granada’s small airport has domestic flights; Málaga airport, about 1.5 hours away by bus or car, has far more international flights.
- By bus: Alsa buses connect Granada with every Andalusian city.
- In the city: walk, and use the small red minibuses up to the Albaicín, Sacromonte and the Alhambra. Much of the centre is closed to cars.
Granada and Seville
Most visitors combine the two cities: two or three nights in Seville and two in Granada is a classic first week in Andalusia. See where to base yourself in Andalusia and our Andalusia road trip.
FAQ
Is Granada worth visiting?
Yes. The Alhambra alone is worth the trip, and the Albaicín, Sacromonte and the free tapas make Granada one of the most atmospheric cities in Spain.
How many days do you need in Granada?
Two days: one for the Alhambra and one for the Albaicín, Sacromonte and the centre. Three if you want to add the Sierra Nevada or the Alpujarras.
Do you need to book the Alhambra in advance?
Yes. Tickets are limited and sell out weeks ahead in spring and autumn. Book before anything else.
Are tapas really free in Granada?
In most traditional bars, yes: you get a small tapa free with each drink, and often a different one with every round.
Which is better, Seville or Granada?
They are different, and best together. Seville is bigger and livelier, with the Alcázar, the cathedral and flamenco; Granada is smaller and more dramatic, with the Alhambra and the mountains.