3 Days in Granada Travel Guide 2024.
Visiting Spain in 2024 and only 3 days to see Granada? Don’t worry, here’s our ultimate city guide!
Granada is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain… the lively ‘old town’ full of pretty plazas with ancient monuments and alfresco eateries on every corner, the world heritage site Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens overlooking a scenic river walk, the medieval dwellings of the Albayzín sprawling down the hillside, and majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop in the distance.
To enjoy 3 days in Granada, start off with a wander around the old town, then discover the wonders of the Alhambra, and lastly explore Granada Province with a trip into the mountains or down to the Mediterranean ‘Tropical Coast’. Alternatively, combine a 3 day trip to Granada with Málaga on the Costa del Sol.
3-Day Guide to Granada
Text and photos by Kali Marco.
The fascinating history revolves around the Middle Ages, an era when Granada was the capital of Al Andalus Kingdom and the last stronghold of the Muslim empire before the Moors were expelled from Spain at the end of the 1499.
Nowadays Granada is a dynamic university town and a magnet for tourists who, like us, admire the amazing historical legacy, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and just love the local custom of serving free tapas with every drink! In fact, it’s one of Spain’s top destinations together with Barcelona, the Costa Blanca, Seville and the Canary Islands.
I’ve been to Granada 3 times over the years, not including a memorable Mediterranean school cruise when our ship docked in Málaga; a guide took us on a trip to the Alhambra Palace and Gardens, and my love affair with Spain began. I discover new things to do in Granada on every visit, different sites to see and places to explore.
The city is a popular venue for hen and stag nights too – no, not embarrassing drunken binges but fun outings for friends featuring reasonably priced accommodation, great shopping, tasty tapa routes, classy nightclubs and the best Arab baths in the country!
What to See in Granada for 2 or 3 Days
Staying in the old town means you can just step outside to start exploring the historical quarter of the city centre. Our favourite hotel is ideally located on Plaza Bibarrambla, one of the grand main squares and just across from Granada Cathedral.
If you are driving to Granada source a ‘reasonably-priced’ underground carpark and leave your car there for the entire duration. Everything is within walking distance in the historic city, but it’s more convenient to catch a bus up the two major hills!
Day 1 in Granada
Paseo de los Tristes and Sacromonte
It’s a short stroll along to Plaza Nueva and ‘Paseo de los Tristes’ the emblematic walk beside the river Darro gorge, the lower walls of the Alhambra Palace tower above the right-hand side, the Albaicin district across to the left, and the steep road ahead leads upwards to Sacromonte.
The hop-on hop-off tourist ‘train’ is a time saving idea and a great way of seeing the old quarter of Granada; the circular route takes in the main sites and is invaluable for getting up the hill to Sacromonte (holy mountain), a typical neighbourhood of whitewashed houses and cave dwellings, and authentic gypsy flamenco shows in the evenings.
Sacromonte Abbey is at the top of Valparaíso mount, a remarkable religious complex (XVII) that includes a Catholic seminary and the mystical sacred caves.
The Albaicín Quarter
Map in hand Juan and I wandered along into the Albayzín district, one of the oldest parts of the city with roots in the XI century and a top UNESCO World Heritage Site. A combination of ancient Moorish and traditional Andalus style dwellings, it retains an authentic medieval atmosphere enclosed within the remnants of Granada’s original defensive walls. The singular brickwork ‘aljibes’ are water deposits fed by underground wells dating to Mozarab times, which supplied the Albaicín quarters and were in use until the 20th century.
Saint Nicholas Church is located in a cute square with one of the best viewpoints in Granada – stunning panoramas reach across to the Alhambra Palace fortress and gardens, against the peaks of Sierra Nevada in the background. Come here late afternoon to capture the unforgettable sunset scenes.
Exploring the alleyways in the heart of Albaicín, I walked through a gateway in the ancient Zirid walls and it was almost like going back centuries in time… Morisco houses fronting a pebbled paved lane opening onto Plaza Larga, a small square where locals were buying fruit and veg from stalls at the Saturday morning open-air market.
Retracing our steps, we followed the route on foot through the picturesque backstreets for a while, hopped on Granada tourist ‘train’ at the next stop, sat back and enjoyed the trip through town, earmarking future places to visit, and finally getting off near the Cathedral. The audio guide gives a running commentary on places of interest.
Granada Cathedral
Granada Cathedral (XVI) was erected over the original Nasrid Mosque and is considered the most remarkable piece of Renaissance architecture in Spain. The façade is certainly impressive but it’s worth going inside to see the unusual circular-shaped chapel.
Other distinctive features include the five naves, the main chapel with ornate white Corinthian columns and stained glass windows, and the museum. The adjoining Gothic-style Royal Chapel (1505) holds the mortal remains of the ‘Catholic Monarchs’, Isabel Queen of Castile and Ferdinand II King of Aragon who are buried here.
An adult entrance ticket costs 5€ and includes an audio guide in English (under 12s free of charge).
There are some lively nightclubs in Granada too (wild western Mae West brings back memories) but this time I wasn’t partying all night, Juan and I were heading for the Alhambra next morning.
Day 2 in Granada
The Alhambra Palace
The Alhambra Palace is the most famous place to visit in Granada, and the whole of Spain without doubt. A top UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra is where the Sultans of the Kingdom of Granada once lived with their wives and children, in the middle ages when the Moors ruled Andalusia. Located on the heights of Sabikah Hill, this is the best place for views over Granada and for miles around.
The Alcazaba Fort, Nashrid Palaces and the landscaped Generalife Gardens make up what is generally considered to be the 8th ‘Wonder of the World’. The citadel and towers have stood watch over Granada since the 9th century, while the ornately embellished Islamic palace and picture-perfect patios were designed four hundred years later in the 1300s. Special points of interest include the Mexuar Courtroom, the Palace of Lions and Comares Palace, with their respective courtyards and iconic fountains.
Generalife Gardens
The Alhambra gardens date back to the days of the Moors who created a channel system to bring water from the river to irrigate the plants and secluded pools. Wander along the paths past formal rose beds and myrtle hedgerows, linger awhile by the ornamental orange trees, breathe in the fragrant scents, and it’s easy to envision the elusive history of events long past.
The Alhambra complex is extremely popular so you’ll need to book tickets well in advance (make sure this includes entrance to both the palace and gardens – purchase from the official website). Guided tours are available or just walk around at your own pace as I did. Plan on spending at least 3 hours here to appreciate the unique architecture and to explore the legendary grounds.
There are morning, afternoon or evening passes for the Alhambra Palace, and it’s best to book in advance. If you are in Granada for 2 or 3 days, a great idea is to go there first thing one morning, and then after dark on another day for a magically different experience.
Realejo Jewish Quarter
Leave the Alhambra behind and stroll back down the cypress lined avenue, into the labyrinth of steep cobbled streets which make up the medieval Realejo Jewish Quarter, another must-see neighbourhood, on the way back down the hillside towards Granada historical centre.
Once again, the characteristic little Granadine houses with whitewashed patio walls (known as ‘los Carmenes’) border narrow lanes which open onto small public squares named after royalty, adventurers and saints: Campo del Principe, Plaza Colón and Plaza de Santa Ana. An artistic area with a theatre, auditorium and museums, various ancient monuments and churches.
It’s a good place to eat ‘tapas’ for lunch at one of the terrace cafés.
Like many places in southern Spain, Granada was a ‘medieval city of 3 cultures’ (others are Córdoba, Seville and Toledo), where Jews, Moors and Catholics lived harmoniously together with their contrasting cultures.
Alcaicería, Markets & Shopping in Granada
The main shopping streets are by Plaza Bib-Rambla, trendy smart stores installed in tastefully renovated traditional buildings.
In contrast, there is an amazing bazaar reminiscent of a Moroccan souk –theAlcaicería was originally a silk market- filled with colourful lamps, beautiful craftwork and other knick-knacks which make ideal gifts.
Evening in Granada
In the evening we chilled, had a wine and tapa in a trendy bar (the aperitif was free but glass of wine pricey), then ate at a typical tavern just around the corner from the hotel. A favourite dish is ‘huevos rotos’, a platter of sliced fried potatoes and Iberian ham with eggs broken into the mixture and just set on top.
Granada cuisine is influenced by traditional Andalus, Arab and Jewish gastronomy, so there’s a wonderful choice of food and eateries. The Flamenco shows are authentic and a great way to spend the evening, although we gave it a miss this time and just had a cocktail in one of the many popular bars.
Day 3 in Granada
Last Morning in Granada
There are lots of other special things to and see in Granada, read about some of our favourites below.
Last day, we breakfasted in the university district where there are various intriguing historical buildings and the prices are pocket-friendly! A legacy from the Nasrid Kingdom and officially founded over 500 years ago by Carlos 1, Granada University is one of the most historic in Spain with currently five campuses in the city itself and two others in North Africa (Ceuta and Melilla).
Juan and I walked from our hotel on Plaza Bib-Rambla to Plaza de la Trinidad, passed Plaza Romanilla and carried on towards the Faculty of Translation and Interpretation – housed in the ‘Palace of the Columns’ (XVIII) on central Puentezuelas street, students from across the world come here to study.
The illustrious Law Faculty is nearby on Plaza Universidad in the former San Pablo Jesuit School just by Granada botanical gardens. Other interesting sites in the vicinity include the Jerónimo Monastery and Basílica de San Juan de Dios.
Hammam Al-Andalus Granada
I booked a session at the Al-Andalus Spa, the ultimate in relax and another highlight of our 3 day break. Hammam Al-Andalus Granada is my all-time favourite experience, the best Arab baths in Spain; imagine going back in time to a privileged life in the middle ages…lazing in warm underground pools followed by aromatic massage.
It’s worth checking out the various offers which are available for spa sessions at different times of the day, for group discounts, promotions on massages, or with the official tourist bus ticket, for example. I was given a discount as I’d been here before, and also to Hammam Al-Andalus Córdoba (it’s incredible too with Mosque style striped archways; I’ve not been to the baths in Málaga or Madrid yet but they’re on my wishlist).
Visiting Granada in December
Granada is one of the best places to visit in southern Europe in Dececember. The last time I visited Granada was just before Christmas when the streets and plazas were adorned with thousands of seasonal lights -an angel glowed right outside our window pointing to the city Xmas tree down in the Plaza Bib-Rambla. The Town Hall (housed in a former convent) just along the road in Plaza del Carmen was magnificently decorated too…in fact, the whole city was practically alight.
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in PART TWO of our Guide to Granada.
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