Holidays to Granada
Granada highlights
Tapas for all
Snacking is a Spanish pastime, and a highlight of any worthwhile holiday in Granada. Head to the Plaza de Santa Ana near the Alhambra to experience the city’s thriving tapas scene. Order a cold beer or glass of wine and you’ll receive free small plates of specialties like ‘carrillada tapa’ (pork with plum) or ‘albondigas’ (Spanish meatballs). You’ll also find popular tapas tabernas in Centro and near the San Agustin Market.
Traditional markets
Find the perfect keepsake in traditional markets. Head to Mercado San Agustin to shop for local wine and produce on your holiday to Granada. Search for spices, herbs and tea in the winding streets of Alcaiceria. And pay a visit to Plaza Larga on Saturdays for ceramics, fabric and flowers. In December try the Christmas market in Plaza de Bib-Rambla.
Mountain adventures
At a certain point, everyone breaks away from the charming city to explore the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’re here between November and May, a ski trip in Pradollano, an hour away, is a must. Or visit during summer, when you can take ski lifts to the hiking and mountain biking trails of Sierra Nevada National Park.
Granada: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June – July |
| Low season | January – February |
Find the best time to go to Granada
Weather in Granada
March – May: With milder temperatures and fewer tourists than in summer, this is a great time to visit Granada. In early spring, look out for fragrant almond trees in bloom in the Lecrín Valley.
June – August: Summer sees temperatures climb over 30°C. Hit the beaches or explore whitewashed villages by day, then enjoy long, balmy nights at tapas bars.
September – November: Autumn stays warm, with cooler mornings and evenings. It’s the perfect time for hiking in the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by golden leaves.
December – February: Winter brings plenty of festive traditions, plus a sprinkling of snow on the mountains. Temperatures can occasionally drop to freezing, so pack warm layers.
Events in Granada
Holy Week (March or April): Join the locals for street processions featuring religious figures, ornate floats and music to celebrate Easter.
Cruces de Mayo (May): Find a colourful mix of flamenco dancing and traditional music at one of Granada’s most unique festivals.
Granada International Music and Dance Festival (June to July): This popular event showcases symphony orchestras and flamenco acts across the city’s most storied venues.
Granada International Jazz Festival (November): This world-class jazz festival has hosted legends like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall. Beyond the big-name theatre shows, check out smaller performances in bars and clubs.
The best neighbourhoods in Granada
Centro
Centro is the best neighbourhood to stay in Granada for walkability. Stroll from your hotel to tapas bars, nightclubs and major tourist attractions like the Alhambra. Relax near the fountains in Plaza Isabel La Catolica or grab a drink and bite to eat in one of the many upscale restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Good for: Tapas bars, nightclubs, fountains
Albaicin
Albaicin is where to stay in Granada if you want to visit historic attractions, like the 16th-century Church of San Salvador or the 11th-century Arab Baths. You’ll spend a lot of time here wandering the narrow streets to see Moorish architecture and enjoy views of Nasrid Palaces. Stop and recharge at one of the many casual bars and tabernas in the neighbourhood.
Good for: History, architecture, bars
Alhambra
This neighbourhood is home to the city’s biggest attractions, including the famous Moorish palace and Islamic gardens. Walk through the well-preserved Nasrid Palaces and landscapes dating to the 9th century. Stop for a photo op by one of the ornate fountains. Don’t miss the area’s other buildings, including the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a Renaissance-era palace.
Good for: Gardens, sightseeing, museums
Things to do in Granada
Family-friendly things to do
Splashing around at waterparks is among the most popular things to do with family in Granada. Travel to Almunecar, about an hour away, to visit Aqua Tropic, the only saltwater park in Spain. Check out the planetarium and butterfly garden at the Granada Science Park. In winter, take the kids to the Sierra Nevada for snow tubing.
Shopping
Browse the narrow streets of the Alcaiceria neighbourhood for the city’s best souvenirs, including pieces from local artisans. You’ll find good deals on clothes and shoes on Gran Via de Colon, and handicrafts and jewellery along the pedestrian-friendly Calle Caldereria Nueva. For fresh produce and a community atmosphere, join locals at the San Agustin Market.
Take in the culture
Museums in Granada trace the city's art and history back to ancient times. See artefacts from the Roman, Phoenician and Moorish empires at the Archeological Museum. At the Museum of Fine Arts browse through 2,000 works by Spain's most famous painters. Experience the history, nature and culture of Andalusia through the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Memory.
Nightlife
Enjoy cocktails at bars around Calle Reyes Catolicos, the most stylish street for nightlife in Granada. Find a more casual experience around Calle Elvira. For dancing in the centre of the city, try venues along Calle Pedro Antonio. Head just outside the city for more nightclubs in the Ciudad Jardin neighbourhood.
Places to eat
Granada supports a wide range of dining experiences. Combine your meal with a flamenco performance at Venta El Gallo or sample creative dishes at Michelin-starred Atelier Casa De Comidas. Go for a more casual setting at tapas bars around Plaza Gracia. For dessert, order local specialities like 'la barreta' (almonds and caramel) and ‘borrachuelos’ (wine-soaked biscuits).
Beaches
Though the city sits close to mountains, you can reach Mediterranean beaches by car in less than an hour. Snorkel along shore reefs or rent a paddleboard at Playa La Herradura. Sunbathe at the secluded Playa de La Rijana. You can swim until sunset at Playa de Torrenueva Costa, then enjoy cocktails at its beachside bars.
Get ready for Granada
Budget
It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to Granada. Start by making the most of free tapas at bars, using public transport and visiting free attractions like Plaza Nueva. Expect to pay around 14 euros (€) for an inexpensive restaurant meal. A glass of domestic beer or a coffee usually costs around €3. Need a ride back to your hotel? Short taxi trips cost about €6.
Day Trips from Granada
There’s plenty to explore within an hour’s drive of Granada. Stroll around the picture-perfect Montefrio, a cluster of whitewashed houses perched on a hilltop and surrounded by olive groves. If you’re craving some history, don’t miss the 12th-century cave houses of Gorafe. And the Alpujarras Mountains are just over 90 minutes away, home to scenic hiking trails and one of Spain’s highest peaks.
Getting Around Granada
You won’t need much beyond your own two feet to navigate Granada’s compact city centre. Buy single or multi-trip passes for the Transportes Rober buses if you plan to travel outside the centre. Or pick up a daily pass for the hop-on, hop-off tourist train, with 14 stops near the city’s biggest attractions.
