Granada
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Logistics
Getting There
Malaga is a common entry point to the Andalucia region of Spain. Found on the southern coast of Spain, Malaga has a sizable airport with direct flights to many places in Europe, and even outside of Europe (shockingly including a few fights to the US). To reach Granada from Malaga, it will be about a 1 – 1.5 hour drive. For those who do not rent a car, there are private transfers available or bus transfer options.
Getting Around
In order to take full advantage of the Andalucia region, it’s recommended to rent a car. This allows you flexibility to visit different areas including various towns, the coast, and the mountains. The airport has many typical car rental options, making it easy to start your road trip right after arriving.
Nevertheless, the city of Granada is very walkable and you’ll only need the car once you decide to leave the city so plan to park it away while exploring the city. You also will not find it nice to drive in the city, as it is busy and not easy to navigate in a car. That being said, you may want to take a taxi while in the city, specifically when visiting the Alhambra. Taxis are very cheap, and the Alhambra sits on top of a hill. As you will surely do a lot of walking inside the Alhambra, there’s no need to get the extra steps to walk up to the Alhambra and instead recommend saving the energy to wander inside.
Accommodations
When in Malaga, try to stay somewhat central where you are walkable to the Old Town. If you’ve rented a car, you may want to consider looking for accommodations with parking available for ease.
Luxury Gran Via Apartments – sitting right next to the Granada Cathedral, this spot is a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment perfect for a stay in Granada. It’s location makes it easy to visit the city, and it’s spacious for 3-4 people.
Things to do and see
Alhambra
One cannot visit Granada without seeing the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress raised within the city of Granada. The Alhambra covers a large area, one you may not truly appreciate until you visit for yourself. There is a lot to walk around, explore and learn about here.
When visiting, three key areas to see include the Nasrid Palaces (which require a timed entry with your ticket), the Generalife which includes a lot of the gardens, and the Alcazaba.
Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, because they will always be sold out for day-of visits. You will also need your passport to enter the grounds with your ticket.
When purchasing tickets, you’ll have different options including an audio guide tour or a guided tour. We purchased our tickets here, but did not think the audio guide was good. it was quite disorganized and challenging to follow throughout the visit. Instead, either consider booking a tour with a guide or going with a different operator.
Albaicin Quarter
This is the oldest neighborhood in Granada. With lots of winding streets, it’s quite a pretty quarter to walkthrough, but keep in mind it is on a hill so will involve some climbing.
Flamenca Granada
Flamenco is a style of music and dance originating in the Andalusia region. It involves a combination of singers, dancers, and guitarists. As it originates in the region, there are a lot of different places within Granada where you can watch flamenco.
When picking a show, consider what type of venue you want to watch in, how long you’d like to be at the show, and if you’d like to have food with the show.
Tablao Jardines de Zoraya is one place in the Albaicin district where you can enjoy Flamenco.
Granada Cathedral
Found at the center of the city, the Cathedral is quite grand from the exterior and is in a pedestrianized area of Granada. You can pay to visit the interior of the Cathedral.
Mirador de San Nicolas
Found in the Albaicin quarter, this square has a nice view of the Alhambra
Day trip to Ronda
When visiting Granada, heading out to Ronda is a nice way to spend a day. The town of Ronda is frequented by other tourists, but is still worth a visit. It’s also an easy place to stop on the way from Granada elsewhere, if you’re continuing on a road trip.
Once in Ronda, start by exploring the streets in the Old Town. Be sure to look at the Mirador de Ronda, with views out into the mountains. Walk by the Plaza del Toros and onwards towards Puente Nuevo. If you want a nice view of the bridge, walk down to Mirardor de Cuenca.
Sentil de las Bodega
Located about 20 minutes from Ronda, this small town is built into the cliffside with whitewashed houses. Parking can be challenging here making it a hard stop in a road trip, but possible if you are patient and up to walk up and down to explore
Food and Drinks
Restaurante Oliver
Lunch
Granada
Spanish restaurant where we chose to get a few bites and split paella. It’s a good spot for an afternoon lunch
La Tabernilla del Darro
Wine Bar
Granada
Our favorite wine bar we visited in Granada. It sits in a building next to a small river and has indoor and some outdoor seating. They’re very friendly and helpful here, focused on making sure you enjoy your wine and experience.
La Tana Tavern
Wine Bar
Granada
Wine bar great for an afternoon or evening drink
El Trillo
Dinner
Granada
Restaurant with a fabulous view of the Alhambra and many tables outside in the courtyard. While the location is nice and food is good, we found we were a bit rushed through our meal here.
Galletanas Granada
Sweets
Granada
Small cookie shop with a variety of cookies
Other Notes
Duration
Andalusia is the southern region of Spain, and spans the whole southern coast. As the second largest of Spain’s 17 regions, there is a lot to explore here. For that reason, I’d recommend 7 – 10 days to make the most of the visiting this region. That being said, there are many places within the region you can visit for shorter periods of time, and there’s always the opportunity to come back another time.
When visiting Granada, 2 nights is a nice amount of time to see the city if on a road trip. If you’re not doing a road-trip, consider 3 nights here to allow for a day trip out of Granada.
Sample Itinerary to explore Andalusia
Day 1: Arrival in Malaga and explore
Day 2: Drive from Malaga to Frigiliana to Nerja to Granada
- Head out of Malaga and drive 45 minutes to Frigiliana to walk around the white village and find a spot for a coffee
- Drive about 10 minutes to Nerja and check out the sea, before finding a spot for lunch
- Continue onward to Granada to spend the night
Day 3: Explore Granada
- Visit the Alhambra (book in advance!)
- Enjoy Spanish tapas for lunch
- Visit the Cathedral
- Take a siesta
- Grab drinks at a wine bar and enjoy a later dinner
Day 4: Drive to Ronda to Marbella
- Spend a few hours walking around the town
- Don’t miss seeing the iconic bridge
- Continue onward to Marbella
Day 5: Marbella
- Walk along the boardwalk
- Enjoy a beach day relaxing
Time of year
Located in Southern Spain, this region can be very hot in the summer. For that reason, it’s best to visit in the shoulder season, or even in the winter time if looking for some more moderate temperatures. By late May, temperatures were around the high 20s, low 30s already. As Granada is inland, it can get very hot in the city in the summer. Consider a March / April or September / October trip.
Hours
Dinner in Spain tends to be much later than in many other European countries. It can be quite normal to sit down for dinner at 10pm. That being said, many places do open earlier to accommodate norms from other cultures. The Spanish also embrace the siesta, especially helpful in the hotter months, to avoid the hottest parts of the day.