Things to do in Granada

A local saying in Granada is that there’s no greater pity in life than to be blind in Granada. Such is its beauty. This extraordinary city is a perfect blend of Moorish and Spanish cultures. Granada, like the rest of Iberia, was conquered by the Arabs and was their last redoubt in the peninsula until it was surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. And this Moorish influence is still strongly present in the city’s main sights, most notably in the UNESCO-listed Alhambra citadel. What’s more, Granada’s location between two rivers, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and not far from the Mediterranean Sea, adds to its allure. From beautiful palaces to historic neighbourhoods and savoury cuisine, here are things you should not miss during your visit to Granada.

Top 6 things to do in Granada

1. Visit the breathtaking Alhambra

The city’s most important and famous attraction is undoubtedly the Alhambra. The construction of this hilltop citadel and its beautiful palaces began in 1238 under the emirs of the Nasrid dynasty. The fortress was expanded over the centuries, including by the Catholic Monarchs. The Patio de los Leones, with its marble fountain carried by 12 lions, the Palace of Charles V and the Palace of the Generalife with its landscaped gardens are must-see spots within the complex. Due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a limited number of visitors are allowed per day, so we recommend booking your tickets or tour in advance.

2. See the Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada

The city’s Christian heritage is also clearly reflected in, for example, the cathedral and the royal chapel. This enormous sanctuary is one of the most important structures of the Spanish Renaissance. Its seemingly endless Corinthian columns, the stained-glass windows and the gilded organs from the 18th century are especially eye-catching. By the southern wall of the cathedral is the Royal Chapel, which houses the tombs of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. While the queen’s personal artifacts are held in the sacristy.

3. Stroll through the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods

On the hill opposite the Alhambra is the historic quarter of Albaicín. It is where Moors who stayed after the conquest settled. The district is a hilly maze of narrow streets, squares with fountains, whitewashed houses and churches – which were built where mosques used to stand. El Bañuelo is one of the few remaining Arab baths and well worth a visit.

Southeast of Albaicín you’ll find an equally famous and typical neighbourhood. Sacromonte is where Roma have lived in caves since the 16th century. Not only are the cave houses interesting to see but many boast privileged views over the Alhambra.

4. Experience the tea culture

Due to the Moorish influences, drinking tea in Granada is more a part of everyday life than in the rest of Spain. It goes without saying that you have to experience this for yourself during your visit to the city. Calle Calderería Nueva, popularly known as Calle de las Teterías (Street of the Tea Houses), has a large number of tea houses with a cosy, Arabian-inspired décor, where you can sip all kinds of teas. The pastries such as baklava are also worth sampling. You can also find some great souvenirs in shops on this street at the foot of Albaicín.

5. Go hiking or skiing in the Sierra Nevada

Granada lies in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This range is crowned by the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula, Mount Mulhacén, which comes in at 3,482 metres above sea level. It’s also home to Europe’s southernmost ski resorts. Monachil, a village within the ski area, is less than half an hour’s drive from the centre of Granada. You can normally ski here from December to April. If you come out of season or if you are not a winter sports fan, you can also take beautiful walks here. Hiking trails that start out in Monachil lead you through picture-postcard landscapes and over a few exciting suspension bridges.

6. Taste the tapas of Granada

Tapas are a big part of everyday life in Granada and as a visitor you’re almost obliged to taste them – it’s one of the few cities in Spain where they’re still regularly complimentary with drinks. Before lunch and dinner, you’ll often get a tapa with your glass of beer, wine or soft drink in many of the bars. Most tapas consist of olives, cured serrano ham or Manchego cheese. But dishes such as gazpacho, mini-burgers and sandwiches are also sometimes handed out. Drop into a typical local bar and prepare to be surprised.