Ultimate Travel Guide to Granada, Spain

Granada is a medium-sized Spanish city with fewer than half a million inhabitants. Though it may appear that there aren’t many sights, you’ll soon realize that a day in Granada is never enough given how long you’ll spend exploring them.

What to Do in Granada

Most of Granada’s attractions are enjoyable throughout the year, but ensure to visit the Alhambra on a sunny day, as its beauty diminishes when it’s cloudy. November marks the Jazz Festival, which is definitely worth experiencing.

For a comprehensive experience, aim to stay for at least two days. The local tapas might tempt you to extend your visit, easily consuming half a day in a relaxing Moroccan tea room.

But I Only Have One Day!

If you are visiting Granada on a day trip from Malaga or from Seville, you will only have enough time to see the Alhambra and enjoy some local tapas.

Tapas in Granada

In Granada, tapas are served as they traditionally should be – free of charge, one with each drink purchased. You can either venture out on your own and try your luck at various bars or opt for a guided tour.

Visit the Alhambra

The Alhambra is a historic architectural marvel and was one of the contenders for the New Seven Wonders of the World. This grand Moorish fortress features stunning gardens and breathtaking architecture.

Due to limited tickets available each day, prepare for potentially long wait times. You may also consider a guided tour, which allows for skipping the line and guarantees entry with an expert guide.

Should you wish to combine your Alhambra visit with other activities, such as a flight over the grounds or a visit to an Arabic bath, various comprehensive tour options are available.

Day Trips from Granada

If You Have a Few Extra Days

With additional time in the city, explore the diverse experiences that Granada and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Explore the Albayzín and Sacromonte

The Albayzín (or Albaicín) is Granada’s historic Moorish district, characterized by its winding streets and steep slopes. Sacromonte, known for its gypsy quarter, is famous for vibrant flamenco venues. Both areas exemplify contrasting beauty and are perfect for wandering.

• Albayzín Walking Tour
• Albayzín Walking Tour with Flamenco Show
• Flamenco Lesson in Sacromonte

Day Trips from Granada

Discover the stunning mountainous Alpujarras, renowned for its picturesque villages and exceptional jamón. Other notable excursions include visiting the cave houses of Guadix, enjoying the Sierra Nevada, or exploring Antequera and the natural hot springs in Santa Fé.

Granada Day Trips at a Glance

• Seville is approximately two-and-a-half hours from Granada by bus and train. Guided tours are available for both directions.
• Cordoba is also within a similar distance; however, it’s advisable to navigate via Seville.
• While Granada is popular for day trips from Malaga, the reverse rarely occurs since Malaga offers limited attractions.
• If arriving by cruise to Motril, day trips to Granada are certainly feasible.

Practicalities

Granada Airport Transfer

The bus schedule from Granada Airport has recently changed, and many existing resources might be outdated. Buses are now timed to align with flight arrivals and departures. If you arrive at the airport, the bus will be ready outside. Conversely, if you are flying out, check with the tourist information center in Plaza Nueva for the latest bus departure times.

A taxi ride to the city center costs approximately 20€.

Granada Train Station

• Where is it? Located in the city center on Avenida de Andaluces, around a 20-minute walk from Plaza Nueva.
• For Travel to: As the only train station in Granada, all train routes commence here. Direct routes include: Barcelona, Seville, Algeciras, Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Ciudad Real, Girona, Guadix, Jerez de la Frontera, Lleida, Madrid, Ronda, Segovia, Tarragona, Toledo, Valencia, Valladolid, and Zaragoza. Note: there is NO train from Malaga to Granada.
• When Should You Take the Train to Granada?
  • Barcelona to Granada: While flying is better, the train takes half the time of the bus.
  • Ronda to Granada: No bus service is available between these two cities.
  • Seville to Granada: Both travel time and price are similar, yet the train is more comfortable and centrally located.
  • Valencia to Granada: Regardless of travel option, the train is usually the better choice.

Granada Bus Station

• Where is it? Located 3km outside the city at Carretera de Jaen, s/n18014. You can access the bus station from the city center via bus numbers 3 and 33 or from the Palace of Sports via bus number 10.
• For Travel to: As the only bus station in the city, all routes start here. Popular national destinations include Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, Marbella, and Alicante, with international services to France and Morocco. Check times and purchase tickets for Spanish buses online: Spain Bus Timetables and Tickets

• When Should You Take the Bus to Granada?
  • Madrid to Granada: The travel time is similar to the train, but the bus is significantly cheaper.
  • Córdoba to Granada: The bus is also cheaper while maintaining comparable travel duration.
  • Malaga to Granada: There is no train service for this route.

Where to Next?

Explore the rest of Andalucía – Cordoba isn’t far, or consider visiting Seville. Thereafter, travel north to Madrid or north-east to Valencia. If you plan on heading to Barcelona, consider going via Madrid or Valencia.

Distance to Granada

From Seville: 264km – 2h40 by car, 3h by train, 2h45 by bus. (No flights available.)

From Madrid: 422km – 4h20 by car, 6h by train, 5h45 by bus, 1h flight.

From Barcelona: 915km – 9h by car, 12h by train, 15h by bus, 1h20 flight.