Granada, Spain, was a city that I’d always heard about while living in Madrid, but never gotten around to visiting. Its location — isolated in Spain’s deep south — requires visitors to have sufficient time to not only enjoy the city but travel there as well. Situated in a mountainous region of Andalusia, Granada didn’t even have a high-speed railway station until mid-2019! Which meant that my transportation options were limited to flights, cars, or buses.
One of my friends in Madrid, Ellie, had studied abroad in Granada during college. Along with our friend Sarah, we planned a weekend trip, traveling via bus. It was 5 hours each way, which was a lot, but it wasn’t horrible. From the time I set foot in Granada, I fell in love, and I think it’s my new favorite city in Spain. Here are 7 reasons everyone should visit Granada!
1. The south of Spain
Many tourists may hit the popular cities of Madrid and Barcelona, but if you want to experience “traditional” Spain, this is best done in the south. More isolated and less influenced by outside forces, there’s something about Andalusia that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into a simpler time. The whitewashed buildings of the Albaicín neighborhood, the abundance of palm trees, and the relaxed pace of life project a distinctly Mediterranean ambiance, reminding you that you’re really in Spain.
2. Weather
In Madrid I was wearing a jacket and a scarf; the next day in Granada, I was wearing a sundress and sandals — even though it was February! The temperature was a perfect 70°F/21°C. Andalusia is famous for hot summers, and Granada is no exception, so you may be uncomfortable if you visit in the summer. But with an average of only 50 precipitation days per year, if you visit Granada in fall, winter, or spring, you’ll probably be happier with the weather than many other places in Spain or Europe.
3. Cost
As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, Spain is a relatively inexpensive country overall. Most of my experiences are based on Madrid, where I’m more than happy with the prices I pay for food, shopping, etc. But when you head down to Granada, somehow things are even cheaper. So drink as many Cervezas Alhambra as your heart desires! Nothing in Granada will break the bank.
4. The Alhambra
The Alhambra in front of the mountains
Speaking of Cervezas Alhambra, we need to talk about the real Alhambra. This is THE symbol, the crown jewel of Granada. Perched atop a peak overlooking the city, La Alhambra is an impressive palace and fortress, originally built in 889 before a reconstruction in the 13th century. Most importantly, the Alhambra was the last stronghold of the Moors before being defeated by the Christians in 1492.
If you’ve never visited any other Islamic palaces in Spain, I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you have, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth it — if you can get tickets! They’re notoriously tricky to snag as they get sold out weeks or months in advance. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a ticket during my first visit to Granada, but there are some parts of the fortress you can enter for free.
Buy your Alhambra tickets here.
5. Walkability
Granada is a great city for walking. Other than your potential bus trip to/from the bus station or airport, it’s easy to walk anywhere in Granada without using public transportation. Keep in mind that many streets are cobblestone, so make sure you have supportive shoes that are good for walking. Also, all the best viewpoints of the Alhambra — such as the famous Mirador de San Nicolás — and the Alhambra itself — are going to require walking uphill. A walkable city is a good thing! But the hills are just another reason you may not want to visit in summer. 🙂
6. Entertainment/Nightlife
Granada is home to the University of Granada as well as other universities, and it’s an extremely popular city for students to study abroad. Granada’s culture shows it — this is a city for young people and the young at heart (so, most Spaniards). There are less old-men’s-club-style taverns, like I’m accustomed to in Madrid (haha) and more modern, trendy restaurants and cafes. And all of them have Wi-Fi! There are plenty of clubs too, if that’s your thing, even though my friends and I decided to abandon our clubbing plan and head back to the Mirador for a nighttime view of the Alhambra.
Cute heart decorations in front of the cathedral in Granada, Spain
7. “Granada” means “pomegranate”
I’m not sure how to categorize this last reason, but let’s go with that. Yes, granada does mean pomegranate in Spanish, and they — along with other fruits — grow with wild abandon on public trees throughout the city. It’s just one of the many reasons that something about Granada seems to be just… good for the soul. You’re surrounded by mountains, the icy white slopes of the Sierra Nevada visible in the near distance. There’s an even better view of the Alhambra every time you turn around.
You can walk everywhere, the sun is shining, the air feels clear and fresh compared to other, more metropolitan cities. The pace of life is a little slower, the time spent talking with friends a little sweeter, the experiences a little more savored. It’s the kind of place where — even before you’ve left — you already can’t wait to come back.
Plan Your Granada Spain Trip
Best Hotels in Granada Spain: Granada Hotels
Top Things To Do in Granada: Golden Hour Sunset Walking Tour // Alhambra with Nazaries Palaces Private Tour // Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour // Flamenco Show in a Cave Restaurant
Have you ever visited Granada? What were your favorite things about it? Let me know in the comments!
-Cathy
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Originally Published on March 4, 2019.
I just love your blog. They are over the top.