The Best Things to Do in Granada Spain – A 4-Day Itinerary
If you’ve never been to Granada, you need to stop what you’re doing right now and plan a trip. Steeped in medieval Spanish and Moorish influence, this gem of a city sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. The snow-capped peaks make for a stunning backdrop to an even more breathtaking city that expands from a vibrant epicenter out into the nearby hillsides. Intricate cobbled streets wind and bend, leading you higher and higher through a stunning maze of homes, eateries, flamenco caves (yes, caves), and, of course, Alhambra, an incredible display of Islamic architecture that watches over the city.
There’s a lot to see and do in this cultural hub but we’ve done our homework and found the best things to do in Granada Spain for you. We’ve broken it up into a 4-day trip, which is what we recommend if you can swing it, but we’ve made sure to put a star next to the absolute must-sees, just in case you are planning a shorter trip. In any case, be sure to bring your walking shoes. While you can explore much of this hilly city via shuttle, we highly recommend doing it by foot if you are able. You’ll see and feel the rich history and vibrant culture on a much deeper level.
Day 1
Appreciate the approach:
As you approach Granada via car or train, it’s hard not to gasp as you see the city emerge beneath snow-capped mountains. So, the first thing you need to do is pause and take it in. Look out the window from the moment it emerges on the horizon to the moment you step out into it.
Catch the sunset:
You’ve had a long day of travel, so take a moment to settle into your lodging before putting on your walking shoes for a stroll. You’ll want to head for Albayzín, the immensely charming old Moorish quarter whose cobbled streets wind up into the hills that face Alhambra (we’ll get to that). Here you’ll find white-washed homes and stunning Moorish architecture around every corner and, perhaps most importantly, the Church of San Nicolás. This is one of the best sunset spots you’ll ever experience. Listen to buskers play traditional music as you watch the colors change and the Alhambra light up with snow-capped mountains as its backdrop. Take it in, that’s where you’re headed tomorrow.
Dinner:
Once you’ve watched the sun dip below the horizon, it’s time to wander around and find some food (you will have climbed some hills at this point). Restaurante Carmen El Agua is a quick 5-minute walk from San Nicolas and has a wonderful view of Alhambra but feel free to pop into any little bar or restaurant that calls to you. It’s hard to go wrong.
Day 2
Explore the Alhambra:
The Alhambra is the jewel of Granada and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. This palace/fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises four main areas: The Alcazaba, the Generalife Gardens, the Palace of Charles V, and Nasrid Palaces. Take the time to explore them all. From the intricate stone and tile work to the delicate plasterwork and ornate carvings, Alhambra is the pinnacle of Islamic art, architecture, and engineering. It’s a true masterpiece that you’ll want to spend the whole day soaking in. Don’t worry, there’s a cute little spot or two to eat lunch on site.
Note that you will want to purchase tickets to Alhambra in advance.
Tapas crawl:
One great thing about Granada is the tapas culture. In most bars, if you order a drink, they will bring you a small plate of food of the kitchen’s choosing. After your long day oohing and awing at Alhambra, take the evening to hit as many little hole-in-the-wall bars as you can. Sip on Spanish wine, beer, or cocktails, and allow your taste buds to be surprised again and again. There are lots of tapas experiences on Get Your Guide that you can join or you can just wing it and follow your nose.
Day 3
The Catalonian capital, famed for its architecture, bustling city life and rich cultural scene, constantly appears in lists of the best cities in the world for digital nomads, so we’d be remiss to miss it out of ours.
A fantastic range of co-working spaces and no shortage of things to do while you’re not working give Barcelona a fantastic digital nomad scene with a real sense of community- once you get here you’ll see exactly why it’s become so popular.
Day 4
Journey to the Monastery.
It’s a bit of a walk (30 minutes or so) but you won’t want to miss the Monasterio de la Cartuja. A glorious display of Spanish Baroque architecture, this monastery offers incredible hilltop views of Granada and gives you a nice little peak into what it might have been like to be a Carthusian monk.
Visit the Caves:
Take a hike up to the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte and step back in time. These well-preserved caves offer a glimpse of what it would have been like to live as a gypsy over a century ago. Kitchens, bedrooms, weaving rooms, and more really allow you to step into a different time. Take your time reading the history. This is where Flamenco was born.
See a Flamenco Show:
Now that you’ve seen the cradle of Flamenco at the Museo Cuevas, it’s time to cap your trip off with a Flamenco show in Sacromonte. This really is one of the best things to do in Granada. Visit Venta El Gallo, the birthplace (or birth cave?) of the local Zambra style of flamenco, for an incredibly intimate show accompanied by dinner and drinks. Dancers, singers, and musicians will astonish your eyes and ears, leaving an irreplaceable memory of Andalusian culture in your heart.
Granada is a city steeped in history and culture that leaves travelers with a lasting impression. It’s the perfect place to soak up the Andalusian way of life and experience the fusion of Spanish and Moorish influences. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing holiday destination full of surprises, Granada is sure to captivate you with its rich cultural heritage and stunning surroundings.