Granada: A Perfect Itinerary for Unveiling Andalusia's Hidden Gem

Get ready to discover the enchanting beauty of Granada and it is a famous landmark the Alhambra

This Andalusian city in southern Spain is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking architecture that will transport you to a different era. From the cobbled streets of the Albayzín neighborhood to the grandeur of the Nasrid Palaces, Granada is a feast for the senses. If you're planning a trip to Spain, I highly recommend adding Granada to your itinerary…. Get ready to be swept away by the allure of Granada and all that it has to offer.

Why you should Add Garnada to your visit?

Granada was one of the most important cities during the Andulsi period. It was founded by Tarik Ben Ziyad. Over the centuries, Granada flourished under Muslim rule, becoming a major center of Islamic art, science, and culture. Granada also became the capital of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the last independent Muslim state on the Iberian Peninsula. During that time, it became the center of art, literature, and architecture. Granada is also home to Alhambra; a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alhambra is a masterpiece by itself showcasing Islamic art and architecture

How to Get to Granada

You can get to Granada by air, by train, or by bus.

By Air: Granada has an international airport “Federico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport”. Currently, there are no direct flights from the USA to Granada, but you can easily fly to Madrid or Barcelona and then take a domestic flight to Granada. If you are flying from Europe, you might be able to find a direct flight from your European city directly to Granda

By Train: Granada is well-connected by train to other major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. The train station is located about 2 km (~1.2 miles) from the city center, and you can take a bus or taxi to get there.

During our trip, we took the train from Seville to Granada and it was a pleasant journey.

By Bus: There are also regular bus services from other cities in Spain to Granada. The main bus station is located near the city center, and several companies operate services to and from Granada, including ALSA, Avanza, and Socibus.

I don’t recommend getting a car to go to Granada as the journey may take longer due to the traffic.

How many days do you need in Granada?

I would recommend staying at least 2 days in Granada to soak in the beauty of this magical city.

What to do

If you are planning to visit Granada, you probably want to visit Alhambra… and this is the main reason to visit for many.

• Alhambra Complex

  The Alhambra complex main attractions are Nasrid Palaca, Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, and Generalife (the gardens).

  Originally built in the 13th century by the Nasrid dynasty, the Alhambra is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

  When you visit the Alhambra, you can explore its many rooms and courtyards, including the famous Court of the Lions, which features a central fountain surrounded by a colonnaded gallery with carved lions at its center. The Alhambra also offers spectacular views of the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

  Tip: YOU NEED TO BOOK TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME to secure tickets for your visit.

• Other places to visit while you are in Granada:

  • Albaicin neighborhood: Oldest Arab district in Granada

  • El Banuelo/ Bano del Nogal

  • Sacromonte neighborhood - I didn’t get a chance to visit

  • Mercado de San Agustin: I can’t count my visit to a city without a local market trip

  • Mezquita Mayor de Granada: A beautiful mosque and has a beautiful view of Alhambra

Where to stay

We stayed in a small Airbnb in the historic center of Granda - near plaza Nuova. The location is great and we walked everywhere.

Food in Granada

Andalusia region is known for its tapas. We tried different types of restaurants in the city but I can’t recommend any of them as they were average

Final Thought

Granada, an enchanting Andalusian city, beckons you to explore the iconic Alhambra complex—a masterpiece of Islamic art. Wander through the cobbled streets of Albayzín and delve into the legacy of the Nasrid dynasty. The city exudes a profoundly calming and tranquil vibe that transcends expression.

You should consider Granada for your next trip to Spain