Granada, Spain: A 2-Day Budget-Friendly Family Adventure
Discover the magic of Granada, where history comes alive for the whole family.
19 July 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Granada, located in the heart of Andalusia, Spain, offers a perfect family-friendly escape with its rich cultural heritage and stunning attractions. Start your journey with a visit to the Alhambra, a magnificent Moorish palace complex that will leave you in awe. Explore the winding streets of the Albayzín neighborhood, indulge in delicious tapas, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting city.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a delightful breakfast at Café Fútbol, fueling up for your adventure ahead.
- Dive into the mesmerizing Alhambra, a fortress of beauty and history. Marvel at the intricate plasterwork of the Nasrid Palaces and get lost in the lush Generalife gardens.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Albayzín neighborhood, getting lost in its labyrinthine streets. Stop for a refreshing drink with a staggering view at Mirador San Nicolás.
- Refuel with a delicious lunch at El Trillo, a charming restaurant specializing in traditional Andalusian cuisine.
- Wander through the mysterious Sacromonte caves, where flamenco echoes in the air. Immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms of this vibrant art form during an evening show.
- End the day with a cozy stay at Casa del Capitel Nazarí hotel, a charming boutique accommodation that exudes Moorish style and offers a warm welcome.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Café Via Colón, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and flaky pastries will give you the perfect kickstart.
- Explore the bustling streets of the city center, browsing through quirky shops and stumbling upon hidden gems.
- Discover the grandeur of the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs rest, leaving their mark on history.
- Satiate your taste buds with a tapas crawl through the colorful streets of Calle Navas, sampling local delicacies like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico.
- Indulge in a traditional Moroccan tea experience at Tetería El Califa, transporting yourself to a distant land with each sip.
- End the day with a delightful dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán, savoring innovative dishes that blend traditional Spanish flavors with modern gastronomic techniques.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Granada, Spain by plane is to fly into Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX). Airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet offer flights from various European cities to Granada. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to get to your final destination in Granada.
Car
Driving to Granada is a great option if you have access to a car. The city is located on the A-92 motorway, which connects Malaga and Seville. There are also major highways from Madrid and Barcelona. However, be aware that parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive, so it's best to park outside the city and take public transport into the city center.
Train
There is a train station in Granada, but it is primarily used for regional trains. If you are coming from other parts of Spain, the best way to get to Granada is to take a high-speed train (AVE) to the nearby city of Malaga, and then take a bus or rent a car to Granada.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no boat connections to Granada as it is an inland city. The closest ports are Almeria and Malaga, which are both approximately 130km away from Granada. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to Granada.
Bus
The best way to get to Granada by bus is to take a bus from major cities in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga. The main bus station in Granada is the Estación de Autobuses de Granada, which is located in the city center. There are also international bus connections from Portugal and Morocco to Granada.