5 Days of Alhambra Adventure in Granada

Experience the magic of Moorish architecture in the heart of Andalusia with a trip to Granada.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, visiting Granada in Spain is a once in a lifetime experience. The city boasts the famous Alhambra Palace, which is a stunning architectural marvel from the 14th century. Travelers can also explore the winding streets of the Albaicin neighborhood, soak in Moorish history, and indulge in delicious tapas and wine in the city's many charming bars and restaurants.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival in Granada

  • Check in to your hotel, Hotel Casa 1800, a luxurious 16th century mansion turned boutique hotel in the heart of the city center.
  • Start your day with a traditional breakfast of churros and chocolate at the famous Cafe Futbol, a local favorite.
  • Visit the stunning Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with intricate Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • Wander through the charming Albaicin neighborhood, with its narrow cobblestone streets, white-washed houses and breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the city below.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurante Chikito, known for its creative dishes made with local ingredients.
Day 2

Exploring the City

  • Start your day at the vibrant Mercado San Agustin, a food market with over 50 stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more.
  • Visit the Cathedral of Granada and the nearby Royal Chapel, the resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who financed Columbus' voyage to America.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the lush Parque de las Ciencias, a science museum and park with interactive exhibits, a butterfly house, and even a planetarium.
  • Visit the impressive Monastery of San Jeronimo, a 16th-century monastery with intricate stonework and beautiful frescoes.
  • Enjoy dinner at Bar Los Diamantes, a popular seafood restaurant known for its generously sized tapas.
Day 3

Day Trip to the Sierra Nevada

  • Take a break from the city and head to the Sierra Nevada mountains for a day of outdoor adventure.
  • Hike or ski in the Sierra Nevada National Park, home to Spain's highest peak, Mulhacen.
  • Visit the picturesque village of Trevélez, known for its delicious cured ham and stunning mountain views.
  • Stop at the charming town of Lanjarón for a refreshing dip in its natural hot springs.
  • Return to Granada for a late dinner at Restaurante Arrayanes, a romantic restaurant in the Albaicin neighborhood serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Day 4

Art and Culture

  • Visit the impressive Museum of Fine Arts, with works by famous Spanish artists such as Velazquez, Murillo and Goya.
  • Take a tour of the impressive Alcaiceria, a bazaar-like market dating back to the 15th century, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
  • Visit the Federico Garcia Lorca Museum, the childhood home of the famous Spanish poet and playwright.
  • Catch a performance at the famous El Palacio de Congresos concert hall, known for hosting international music festivals and cultural events.
  • End the day with dinner at El Trillo, a cozy restaurant serving hearty Andalusian cuisine.
Day 5

Farewell Granada

  • Take a morning walk through the picturesque gardens of Carmen de los Martires, with stunning views of the Alhambra and the city.
  • Visit the historic Arab baths at Hammam Al-Andalus, with its lovely pools, steam rooms, and massage treatments.
  • Take a cooking class at La Olla de Juanma, where you'll learn to make traditional Spanish dishes using fresh local ingredients.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of the Realejo neighborhood, with its charming architecture and lively cafes.
  • End your stay with a farewell dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafran, a stylish restaurant serving innovative cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

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.

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