Granada guide 
Monuments and culture - do you want to know more about the famous Alhambra or other monuments in Granada?
Accommodation - tips for pleasant accommodation with a garden or kitchen, in the city center or right next to the Alhambra.
Food and drink - what culinary delights you should not miss - puechero, gazpacho, jamon, tinto de la tierra...
Practical advice - what is Albayzín? When is the best time to visit the Alhambra? Where to enjoy the sunset in Granada?
Famous people - which rulers, artists, composers or writers are associated with Granada?
Weather - best time to visit Granada, rainfall totals, average temperatures...
Granada is located in Andalusia, in the southeast of Spain, about 70 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. It lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Granada has a rich history. It was settled by the Phoenicians, then the Romans, the Moors,... The most significant period occurred during the Muslim rule in the Middle Ages. The most famous monument from that time is the Alhambra, a palace complex from the 14th century.
The Alhambra is one of the most important monuments in Spain and the main tourist attraction of Granada. It is a fortress, palace and gardens built on a hill with a panoramic view of the city. Alhambra combines Muslim and Christian art and architecture.
Not far from the Alhambra is the Generalife, another important monument in Granada. Beautiful gardens with fountains, trees and flowers surround this summer palace of Muslim rulers.
The Spanish Inquisition, an institution set up to seek out and combat heresy, was active in Granada. During this time, they forced many Jews and Muslims either to convert to Christianity or to emigrate.
Granada also became famous as one of the centers of flamenco, a passionate Spanish dance and music. In the city you will find many tablaos (music venues) where you can experience authentic flamenco.
Monuments and culture
The Alhambra - This most famous landmark of Granada is one of the most important historical monuments in all of Spain. The Arab palace complex with many gardens, palaces and fortresses began to be built in the 9th century on the remains of Roman fortifications. The Alhambra was rebuilt and expanded in the 13th century during the rule of the Nasrid dynasty. In the Nasrid Palace, you can admire beautiful Islamic architectural elements such as intricate Arabic inscriptions, geometric patterns and fountains.
Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada.
Generalife – This beautiful garden complex is located next to the Alhambra. The Generalife was originally a place where Muslim kings could relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It also served as an agricultural estate with farm functions. Its terraces, fountains, flower beds and views of Granada will surely captivate you.
Address: Paseo del Generalife, Granada.
Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada) - This magnificent Renaissance building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. In 1523, the architect Enrique Egas began building the cathedral on the site of the former main mosque of Granada. The interior decoration mixes various artistic styles. In the cathedral, you can see, for example, the unique circular main chapel, unusual for Spanish churches of that time.
Address: Gran Vía de Colón, 5,, Granada.
The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) – The mausoleum where the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile are buried, who played a key role in the conquest of Granada in 1492 and the financing of Christopher Columbus' first voyage to America. Their daughter Joanna the Mad and her husband Philip I the Fair are also buried here. In the chapel, which adjoins the cathedral with its northern wall, you will be particularly interested in the beautiful marble tombstones.
Address: Calle Oficios, 5,, Granada.
El Albayzín - The historic city district, the oldest and most authentic part of Granada. You can wander through narrow, winding streets among white houses built in the Arabic style. You will find monuments such as the palace of the Nasrid queens Palacio Dar al-Horra, the 11th-century house Casa Horno de Oro or the Arab baths El Bañuelo. El Albayzín offers magnificent views of the Alhambra. It has also been included in the UNESCO list.
Address: Barrio del Albaicín, Granada.
Corral de Carbón – South of the Albayzín district, near the cathedral, you'll find this historic 14th-century building. It is the only surviving Nasrid merchant house in Spain. It was built before 1336 during the reign of Sultan Yusuf I as a place to trade and store grain and to house merchants. After the conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, the building was used for various purposes, including a theatre and a residential complex, and was given the name "Corral del Carbón" (Coal Yard) due to its later use as a coal warehouse.
Address: Calle Mariana Pineda, 8, Granada.
Accommodation
Millions of tourists go to Granada every year, so you can choose from a large number and different types of accommodation form hotels, houses, guest houses to hostels and apartmans. You will find more than 1,500 accommodation capacities right in the city.
One of the most luxurious and best-rated hotels, the Palacio Gran Vía, and the Royal Hideaway Hotel can be found right in the center of the city. In addition to a 24-hour reception and currency exchange, the hotel also offers fitness and wellness, airport transfers and more.
If you are going to Granada mainly to visit the Alhambra, you can stay at the luxurious 5* hotel Alhambra Palace, which is only 100 m from the main entrance to the Alhambra. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city on the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The 3* Hotel Shine Albayzín offers pleasant mid-range accommodation. The hotel is located in the historic center of the city on the banks of the Darro River.
If you don't like the hustle and bustle of the big city and prefer accommodation outside the center, look at La Luna del sur B&B. This accommodation is located a short distance from the city. It offers an outdoor pool in summer and direct access to the slopes in winter.
San Miguel B&B Granada offers affordable accommodation near the center with a garden, terrace and shared kitchen.
If you prefer to stay in an apartment with your own kitchen, the Casa Miravalle Apartamentos Catedral apartment hotel is located right in the center with views of the city.
If you prefer to stay outside the busy city center, Apartamentos caseria de comares offers, in addition to accommodation in apartments, a garden with an outdoor pool.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Granada, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com offer for Granada.
Food and drink
Puchero - a traditional Spanish soup that is prepared from different types of meat (beef, pork, chicken), vegetables (carrots, potatoes, chickpeas) and cereals (rice).
Tapas - Granada is known for its tradition of serving tapas to accompany drinks. When you order something to drink (usually beer or wine), you get a small portion of food for free. The tapas menu can vary, but often includes olives, cheeses, jamón (Spanish ham), croquettes, tortillas and other small delicacies.
Gazpacho - this refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil and vinegar is a favorite during the hot summer months.
Fritura - seafood fried in batter. These fried calamari, shrimp, squid and even small fish are popular dishes in local restaurants.
Cheeses and hams – delicious cheeses such as Manchego are also produced here. They also have drying rooms for typical Spanish jamón hams, where they need a specific climate. The foothills of the Sierra Nevada perfectly suit the requirements for these great ham factories.
Vino de la Tierra – local wines. Andalusia produces some excellent wines, whether red, white or rosé. You can taste different wines from the area in local restaurants and bars.
Sangría - a mixture of red wine with fruit, sugar and cognac or other spirit. Locals drink it especially in the summer months, tourists all year round.
Tinto de Verano - a simple drink made from red wine and sparkling lemonade. You can try it instead of sangria, it is lighter and very refreshing.
Practical tips
Most visitors to Gradana are certainly looking forward to the Alhambra. Therefore, book your tickets to this historic fortress and palace complex in advance. They are often sold out, especially in the tourist season. Tickets can easily be booked in advance online. If you are going to visit the Alhambra, try to arrive as early in the morning as possible, ideally when the gates open. You will have a better chance to explore the complex in peace and without a large crowd of tourists.
Granada is located on a hill and many of its attractions, including the Alhambra, require walking on unpaved paths and stairs. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes to enjoy your visit to the city without discomfort.
Albayzín, a historic district with narrow streets and white houses, is definitely worth exploring. It gives the city a unique atmosphere. Don't miss the views of the Alhambra from the many vantage points.
Andalusia is home to flamenco, a passionate and emotional Spanish dance.Attend a flamenco performance at one of the local tablaos (clubs) and experience an authentic flamenco show. El Templo del Flamenco offers a great show in an original setting. If you want to learn something, some of the local souvenir sellers will be happy to teach you the basics of playing the castanets.
Enjoy the sunset at Mirador San Nicolás. One of the most beautiful places in Granada, from where you can admire the view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.
Public transport works fairly well in Granada. Most of the main attractions can be reached by local buses. As parking in the old town can be difficult, it is better to leave your car at a hotel or on the outskirts of town and use public transport.
When to visit Granada? The most pleasant weather for visiting the city is in spring and autumn in Granada. If you prefer a lively atmosphere and warmth, come in the summer. If you come in winter, you can combine a visit to the city with skiing in the Sierra Nevada. So it depends only on you. :)
Weather in Granada
Granada is located relatively high above the sea, not far from the coast and the mountains. That's why it's significantly colder here in winter than at the coast, and you'll get really warm here in summer. During the dry and hot summer, temperatures regularly rise to 35°C during the day, sometimes even to 40!
From spring to autumn it hardly rains, but in winter it rains often and temperatures drop to 10°C during the day and almost 0°C at night. The average annual temperature is only 15.5°C.
The best time to visit Granada seems to be the spring or autumn months with pleasant temperatures and only occasional showers.
Celebrities
Nasrid Dynasty - Granada is known for its iconic Alhambra Palace, which was built during the Nasrid Dynasty. A series of sultans and rulers who ruled this kingdom between 1230 and 1492 left their mark on the Alhambra.
Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) - famous Spanish poet and playwright. He was born in Fuente Vaqueros near Granada. Among his most important works are Blood Wedding, The House of Bernarda, The Bride,...
Isabel la Católica (1451-1504) - Queen of Spain. It played a significant role in the unification of Spain and in supporting Christopher Columbus on his journey to America. They buried her in the royal chapel in Granada.
Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr (1195-1273) - also known as Alhamar. The first sultan of the Nasrid dynasty and the founder of the Muslim kingdom of Granada.
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) - important Spanish music composer. He lived in Granada and his work was strongly influenced by Andalusian culture. His works are influenced by flamenco and traditional Spanish music, such as the fire dance.
Antonio Canova (1757-1822) - Italian sculptor, famous for his works in the classicist style. He designed the monumental tombstone of Charles IV. of Spain and Maria Luisa of Bourbon, which is located in the Royal Chapel in Granada.
