Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, and few Spanish cities wear their history so beautifully. Eight centuries of Moorish rule left behind palaces, hillside neighbourhoods and a love of tea and spice that still flavours daily life, while the snow-capped peaks on the horizon remind you that the mountains are never far away.
It's a city that suits almost everyone: couples looking for romantic viewpoints, culture lovers with a long list of monuments, and friends who want to make the most of one of Spain's best-loved traditions, a free tapa with every drink.
Make sure you visit:
Start with the Alhambra, the reason most people come to Granada. Allow at least half a day for the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress and the gardens of the Generalife, and book your tickets well in advance, as they often sell out.
From there, cross the Darro valley to the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander its whitewashed lanes up to the Mirador de San Nicolás, where the view of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada is at its best at sunset. Back in the centre, the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, are only a short walk away.
Family-friendly activities:
Granada is easy to explore on foot, but children love the small buses that climb up to the Albaicín and the Alhambra, saving little legs on the steepest slopes. A stroll along the Carrera del Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes, with the river on one side and the Alhambra above, is a gentle way to spend a morning.
For a full day out, the Parque de las Ciencias is one of the city's most popular family attractions, with hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to explore. In the evening, the cave houses of Sacromonte feel like a little adventure, and older children often enjoy a flamenco show there.
Local delicacies you have to try:
Eating in Granada often means tapas, and the best way to enjoy them is to order a drink at the bar and see what arrives. At Bodegas Castañeda, a classic tavern near Calle Elvira, the cured meats, cheeses and vermouth have kept locals coming back for generations.
Look out for habas con jamón (broad beans with ham), the remojón salad of orange and cod, and hearty dishes with ham from Trevélez. For something sweet, try the piononos from nearby Santa Fe. If you fancy a special dinner, Albidaya, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, blends Andalusian and Arabic flavours in a weekly market menu.
Make the most of your visit:
Granada is a brilliant base for exploring the south of Spain, with mountains, white villages and the sea all within easy reach. These are our favourite day trips:
- Sierra Nevada (45 minutes): skiing in winter and mountain walks in summer.
- La Alpujarra (1 hour 15 minutes): white villages such as Pampaneira and Capileira clinging to the hillside.
- Salobreña (1 hour): a hilltop village and beaches on the Costa Tropical.
- Guadix (1 hour): a striking cathedral and a whole neighbourhood of cave houses.
