The last Moorish stronghold in the heart of Andalucia, resettled by Catholic monarchs and migrating Romani, Granada thrums to a rhythm all its own. Crowned by the magnificent Alhambra Palace complex and set against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, this picturesque little city holds a wealth of attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens belong right at the top of your list. A priority-access or skip-the-line tour is the best way to experience this treasure trove of Nasrid-era art and architecture. Other historical highlights include the Cathedral, Nasrid Palace, the Palace of Charles V, and Alcazaba Fortress. Fascinating though it may be, don't let the past consume your whole visit: Stroll around to admire the work of Granada's prolific street artists (it's not all ""graffiti""), visit the Arabian Baths at Hammam Al Andalus, and try to catch a local festival, where you'll see colorful costumes, traditional dances, and Andalusian horses on parade. In the evenings, Granada's living culture takes the stage: Watch a fiery Flamenco performance in the Sacromonte caves; take a walking tour of the Albaicin (Albayzin), the old Moorish quarter; and feast on tapas and sangria. A number of day-trip destinations also lie within easy reach of the city. Visit the Caves of Nerja, go wine tasting in the mountain town of Ronda, or relax on the golden beaches of Costa Tropical. Nature-lovers can hike in the Sierra Nevada National Park, home to the Iberian Peninsula's highest mountains, or tour by 4-wheel-drive.
During pre-Easter Holy Week (Semana Santa), the Moorish city of Granada undulates with religious processions. Traditional pasos (thrones occupied by religious icons) wind through the cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, and create a spectacle that can’t be found anywhere else in Spain. As an alternative, visit in September or October when scorching summer temperatures have cooled.
Attractions 21 | Tours 418 | Reviews 19,919 |
Monica is a Granada lover. You'll find her having dinner in the Carmen De Aben Humeya restaurant looking at the amazing view of the Alhambra at night.
go to El Mirador de San Nicolas to get a great view of La Alhambra and the city.
book a guided Alhambra tour in the morning, then walk around the Albaicin neighborhood, and finish your day with tapas and Alhambra beers in El Realejo.
La Alhambra. Listening to the story of this incredible palace is a hundred percent worth the extra cost.
get lost in the narrow streets of Albaicin.
go to El Mirador de San Nicolas and be fascinated by the beauty of La Alhambra.
is not visiting Sacramonte, a neighborhood full of cave houses where people live and you can watch flamenco shows.
The southern Spanish city of Granada is famous for its impressive hilltop fortress, the Alhambra. This landmark is one of several architecturally striking destinations in Granada that reveals the city’s Moorish history. Granada is also famous for its maze-like streets, fun tapas bars, and colorful street art.
...MoreSome travelers spend a single day in Granada; a visit to the Alhambra and a tapas bar provides a good introduction. But the city has much more to offer and can easily entertain tourists for two or three days with its Moorish quarter, 16th-century cathedral, hammams, and more.
...MoreThe one main tourist attraction in Granada is the Alhambra, a hilltop fortress famous for its striking Moorish architecture. This landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in all of Spain. It is known for the stunning ornamental tilework throughout.
...MoreBeyond the Alhambra, Granada offers many things to do. Explore the maze-like streets of the Moorish quarter, marvel at the 16th-century cathedral, relax in a hammam, or hop among tapas bars. Mirador de San Nicolas offers a popular lookout to watch the sunset.
...MoreYes. Granada is worth visiting. Even if you only visit the city to go to the Alhambra, this Moorish hilltop fortress is one of Spain’s top attractions for good reason. Beyond the landmark, Granada offers a fun atmosphere with its vibrant tapas bars and colorful street art.
...MorePeople in Granada hop among tapas bars for fun. Locals spend their evenings drinking and snacking at different bars throughout the city. Other fun things to do include relaxing at a hammam, shopping at small boutiques, and listening to live music.
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