Granada is a charming city located in Southern Spain. Explore the grand medieval architecture and travel to the city situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is the most picturesque journey that you will embark on.
Get the most out of your upcoming trip with these 19 top things to do…
MUST-DO
Visit the Alhambra
Be amazed by the sight you will see. The Alhambra is a magnificent palace built during the 1200s and is at the top of everyone’s Granada bucket list. The palace cannot be missed, as it overlooks the city from the palace grounds. Explore the beautiful palace, stroll through the royal chambers and the perfectly kept courtyards.
Make sure to book a guided tour ahead before you get there in order to skip the long-winded queues.
Watch a Flamenco Show
Get your dancing shoes on! Experience Flamenco culture at an authentic show. Flamenco is based on folkloric music traditions originating from the south of Spain. The Andalusian art form integrates singing, dancing and music. Flamenco shows normally last for about an hour and a half.
It’s vibrant, it’s bubbly, and you are sure to have so much fun.
The Sierra Nevada
Only a 50-minute drive from Granada, will you find the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is a great place to hike during warmer months and you can also do other activities such as mountain biking. Get those walking shoes on and climb that mountain, you are promised exceptional views at the top.
Alternatively, in the winter months, you are able to go skiing and snowboarding on the mountain. 106.8 km of slopes are available for guests.
Go to a Tea house
Calling all the lovers of tea! There are many tea houses dotted all over Granada so you are really spoilt for choice. Enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa and even try something exotic and new in flavour. Along with your brew, why not enjoy a warm snack also?
Tip: Caldereria Nueva street has many colourful Moroccan-style tea houses.
View the Sacromonte Caves
The Sacromonte caves are the renowned Andalusian region cave houses. Home to 15th-century Roma, the houses were created by being carved into the mountainside. This is a tourist favourite and generates even better views when you climb to the top of the caves just in time for sunset.
Wander through Sacromonte Caves Museum or see if there are any free hotel spaces to allow you to spend a night in the caves yourself!
Try some Tapas
Tapas are a big thing in Granada (and rightly so, they are amazing!). In many places, when you order a drink, a free set of tapas will also be delivered to you. This is an awesome way to try some new Spanish flavours, and indulge in the generously sized portions. Tapas can range from olives to deep-fried calamari.
Tip: La Bodeguita is a tourist favourite for the yummiest Tapas
OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO
Science Park
The Science park is one of the more modern buildings to be found in Granada. Parque de las Ciencias which was opened in 1995, the park truly is suitable for all ages. It is only 15 minutes from Granada’s centre on foot, so you will not have to go too far for the novel experience. There are two main buildings; The Macroscopio and Foucault’s Pendulum Building.
Go for a change of scenery and engage in interactive, fun and educational experiences.
Aquaola Waterpark
Go for a splash (literally) at Aquaola water park. There are many water slides and swimming pools and also places to eat should you get hungry. The waterpark is kid-friendly too as it features a smaller water area for children. It is located only 5 minutes away from the centre of Granada, so it will be really straightforward to get to.
Escape the heat and have fun in the clear cool waters.
Relax in a Hammam
A Hammam is a place to go if you want to relax and unwind. The Arabian bath is a steam bath made up of different baths which are each at different temperatures in several rooms. There are many benefits to such baths such as activating blood circulation, allowing deep relaxation and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Go to Motril
Motril is situated very close to Granada being only 43 miles away, so why not make a day trip of it? It is a beautiful town with several beaches to choose from. If you are looking for an activity, you can even enjoy a game of Golf at Los Moriscos Club de Golf. Greenhouses dominate the Motril landscape and grow peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mangoes.
The mountain backdrop here is also great for pictures!
Shop ’til you drop
Get some shopping done at Alcaiceria. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir in Granada, or you just want to explore Granada more, Alcaiceria is the best place to go. The Arabic-style bazaar is vibrant and full of vendors selling things like jewellery and purses. Formerly the Grand Bazar of Granada, the area is packed with rich history and local culture.
There are a lot of tourists here, so be ready to navigate through the very narrow streets.
Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva is the oldest square in Granada and lies at the very heart of the old city of Granada. It is a tourist hub of restaurants, bars and ice cream shops and you will probably start or end one of your tours here too. It is near many of Granada’s landmarks such as the Cathedral so it is always full of life!
Plaza Nueva is a great place to have a drink on the terrace and take in the views and the sun.
Try a new drink
Tinto de Verano is a local drink in Granada. The English meaning ‘red wine of summer’ is fitting as it is made up of 1 part of table red wine and 1 part gaseosa, thus a lot simpler than sangria. It is a cool and refreshing drink to be enjoyed with the yummy Spanish delicacies that you will be trying.
As the saying goes, ‘tourists drink sangria, locals drink Tinto de Verano’
Generalife
The Palacio de Generalife is located east of and uphill from the Alhambra palace. It is a beautiful palace, and the magnificent architecture resembles that of Alhambra. Designed as a place of rest and respite for sultans and emirs, the palace really embodies the concept. It is simply serene.
Tip: As Alhambra and Generalife are so close together, it may be efficient to see them on the same day
Fuente del Aceituno
Fuente del Aceituno is believed to be the fountain of youth. The famous fountain is located at the back of the church at the viewing point in Sacromonte.
The fountain can actually be drunk from, so take a sip and watch the years fade away!
Join the Parade
The Semana Santa parade happens every year in celebration of the holy week of Easter. Also known as Semana Santa de Sevilla, it features massive processions of decorated floats or pasos which are adorned with religious sculptures depicting Jesus or Mary. If you join the procession, you will also be sure to catch a reenactment of the capture, the trial, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Fun fact: Each Paso which is carried on shoulders can weigh over 1,000 kilograms.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral in Granada is certainly a sight to behold. Found at the centre of ld Granda, the Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Granada. It is the fourth-largest cathedral in the world and is impressive in every sense. Granada Cathedral features many chapels which all differ in style as well as age.
Malaga
Malaga is another city in Spain, located only 1 hour and 40 minutes from Granada. With good weather all year round, there are lot to do here. Visit the Picasso birthplace museum and explore where he was born in 1881, or go and view the Roman Ruins right in the city centre.
Note: You will probably be landing at Malaga airport in order to get to Granada, so you can choose to explore Malaga at the start or end of your trip
Cartuja Monastery
La Cartuja de Granada is a monastery which was once the home of Carthusian monks. The building itself is an amazing example of Spanish Baroque architecture, with its richly decorated interior. Construction originally began in the 16th century and lasted a whole 3 centuries. Inside, you will find paintings from artists such as Bocanegra and Juan Sánchez Cotán.
To get here, hop on a bus from Granada city centre.
