Extensive information
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The best destinations
Granada is a magical city, a city where in every corner you will find something special, a city that is more than worth a visit. It is a place where you will discover something new every time you visit!
In this article, we will show you the places you simply cannot miss during your trip to Granada. With our tips below you can explore the most important aspects of the city in 3 days. So, get a pen and some paper ready and start planning your perfect getaway in Granada, with its fascinating heritage, friendly people and amazing gastronomy.
We hope you enjoy visiting Granada and its surroundings as much as we do.
Let’s start with the most important site, the Alhambra, the most visited place in Spain renowned for its beauty, state of conservation and long history. It was originally a military with formidable walls and towers, much of which still stand today. However, behind these impressive fortifications, you will find beautiful palaces and gardens. The unique beauty of the Alhambra and its turbulent history has earnt it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inside you can find out all about it. Some of our favorite places include the courtyard of the lions and that of the Arrayanes; the Generalife and the Alcazaba.
Due to its size, we recommend that you plan at least an entire morning in the Alhambra and also that you buy your ticket well in advance, as they sell out very quickly.
This is the second most visited place in Granada and for good reason! From it you can admire the beauty of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, so make sure to take a good camera. We recommend that you go before sunset so that you can enjoy one of the best views in the city. Find a spot and take in the views with sound of the street musicians and the sweet aroma of jasmine.
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This is the most charming neighbourhood in the city, where you can see the famous cave houses. You can even spend the night in one and enjoy a unique and original experience in a very different environment. The caves maintain a constant temperature so that during the summer the houses are cool inside and warm during the winter. Sacromonte is also great fun for a wander with its narrow streets, viewpoints, its beautiful abbey and Flemish artists, called las zambras.
This is another of the monuments that you cannot miss during your stay in Granada. Both the cathedral and the Royal Chapel are two essential places to see! In the Royal Chapel you will find the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso. The entrance to each monument costs 5 euros and they remain open from Monday to Friday. The cathedral is in the Renaissance style and was the first religious temple in Spain. Its stained-glass windows, chapel and museum are of great artistic wealth.
Albaicín is one of those neighborhoods that we recommend that you get lost and wander around in. Its streets are narrow, winding and, yes, with many slopes! The houses are in the area are all painted white and with their cobbled streets, the place has a special character. Here you can find the aforementioned viewpoint of San Nicolás, the Casa del Chapiz, a little touristy place due to its appearance as a private house but which houses the School of Arab Studies and with impressive views; Zafra's house; and the palace of Dar al-Horra.
Along the Darro river, you can enjoy the ‘Paseo de los tristes’ or the ‘passage of the sad ones’. So called, because funeral processions passed through here until they reached the cemetery. Now it is a beautiful walk with wonderful views of the Alhambra. A good option is to start the walk from Plaza Nueva. Along the route, you will find alleys that lead off in all directions, colourful steps decorated with flowers and small white squares so characteristic of Granada.
Granada is known for its historical past, but above all for its still very visible Arabic history. Throughout the city you can see this influence, especially in places like the Arab baths. These are located at the foot of the Alhambra and served as a space for hygiene, relaxation and also as a spot for socialization. It is decorated in the Nasrid style and you can enjoy hot and cold baths, as well as different treatments. It is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a romantic moment.
Visiting Granada and overlooking both its famous tapas and tea shops would be a sin! Due to its Arab influence, Granada has a tea drinking culture and Calle Calderería Nueva is a great example of this. You will feel as if you are walking through Morocco, but in the heart of Granada.
Gastronomically speaking, Granada is also known for its delicious tapas. Here for every drink you order, you receive a free tapa. That is, if you drink 3 drinks, you will receive 3 tapas for free. What we have experienced is that the more rounds you order, the better the cover. Normally these tapas are random, although in other bars you can choose the tapas that you like the most. So make sure not to snack before going out for a drink, because we can assure you that in many of the places you will like you could roll out afterwards with the amount of food they offer! In Elvira street you will find many of the best bars, other places such as the Paseo de los Tristes or Plaza Nueva are also great options.
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If you want to explore the gorgeous countryside beyond the city then a great way to do it is on two wheels. With Next Level Cycling you can discover the wonders of Andalucía and its beautiful mountain landscape. You will climb into the Sierra Nevada up steep inclines and enjoy fun descents with spectacular views of the peaks all around you. You can choose to take a tour on a road bike or mountain bike with Next Level Cycling and their local experts will ensure that you take the best routes. You can opt for a day trip or even a longer holiday with them. You also have the option of hiring a bike and heading out alone, but we recommend you go with a guide for the best experience!