Granada isn’t just a captivating choice for a city break; it also serves as a perfect getaway from Spain’s coastal areas. The city is rich in sights to explore, offers an unending variety of tapas, and features charming shopping streets ideal for leisurely walks.
Additionally, visitors can experience the authentic vibe of raw flamenco. With the following suggestions in mind, your day trip to Granada is bound to be memorable!
8 am Breakfast with churros
From 6:00 am for the best churros in Granada town, you can go to Café Fútbol. The café has been in the hands of the same family since 1903. Here, you can enjoy dipping the long fried dough pieces in sugar or warm chocolate. At the Rib Rambla café on the square of the same name, they are also deliciously crunchy. The art deco atmosphere completes your experience. Or do you prefer a healthier breakfast? Then, like many Granadinos, choose pan con tomate. This is available in most cafeterias and consists of toasted bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled olive oil, and mashed tomato.
9 am Admire the Alhambra
A visit to The Alhambra is a ‘must’. The majestic Moorish palace complex is beautifully situated above the city. You can often see the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada behind it. For the Nasrid Palaces with the famous lion fountain, you must reserve a time separately in addition to your entrance to the Alhambra. Ensure you do this on time! Marvel at the stunningly refined carvings, delicately carved pillars, fairytale halls, splashing fountains, and the leafy gardens of the Generalife summer palace. Prior to your visit, increase your anticipation and understanding of the building by reading Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra!
13 am Lunch in El Realejo
In Moorish times, El Realejo was the Jewish quarter of Granada. Today it is a traditional barrio where students, old residents, and tourists live together in harmony. From Campo del Príncipe, follow your nose. Tapas bars and restaurants abound here! Stroll through narrow streets, past picturesque corners, and beautiful churches. Continue until you enter the wine bar La Brujidara, the classic Bar Candela or Potemkin with a sunny terrace. Vegetarians are happy in El Jergón with a small terrace. If you want chic and à la carte, then head for Restaurante Damasqueros. This even has a mention in the Michelin Guide.
3 pm Become wiser in Parque de las Ciencias
Even without children, this interactive science park is very entertaining. In large halls, you can learn everything about the world around us, the human body, and the universe. Until the end of this year, there are interesting exhibitions about amphibians and reptiles and the movement of wild (stuffed) animals. The Biodome shows live animals from the Amazon, the Indian Pacific, and Madagascar. Outside is a bird of prey show, you can have a picnic, climb a tower and walk through the astronomical garden and the universe of Escher.
5 pm Stroll through the Albaicín
Your next goal is the Moorish neighborhood of Albaicín. Walk along the Paseo de Los Tristes at the Darro River into the district. Steep, narrow, and winding streets take you past bohemian shops with the best (Moorish) trinkets. Drink a ‘té moruno’ in an attractive tea house or light a water pipe. Gaze at old doors and mysterious vistas to beautiful flowered patios. For the best sunset view of Granada, go to Plaza de San Nicolás. A vibrant ensemble of musicians, hippies, street vendors, and spontaneous flamenco performances against the backdrop of the Alhambra that slowly turns red with the disappearing sun.
6 pm Shop around Gran Vía
Shopping is good in and around the Gran Vía. For souvenirs with a Moorish touch, Calle Alcaicería is perfect. Here you will find many taracea, mosaic works inlaid in wood. Many artisan products are sold in Calle Caldería Nueva. The large chains are mainly located on the Gran Vía and the Gran Vía de Colón. For a pinch of culture, walk into the cathedral (until 6:30 PM) for a look at the marble tombs of Catholic Kings Ferdinand and Isabella. If you are feeling peckish, you can enjoy delicious tapas in the indoor market Mercado San Augustín.
9 pm Swing along with a flamenco show
In Sacromonte (holy mountain), the neighborhood on the hill above the Albaicín, many gypsies live in cave houses. If you don’t find a spontaneous flamenco performance on the street, visit a ‘tablao’ for a real portion of duende. The best are on Carrera del Darro. Cuevas Los Tarantos is the best known and in Venta el Gallo the local gypsy flamenco style Zambra was invented. In the former home of one of Granada’s most famous flamenco dancers, Zambra Maria La Canastera, you are sure to find a raw and intense spectacle.
11 pm Splash in the Hammam
There is no better, more stylish, and relaxing end to a full day than in the Arab bathhouse Hammam al Andalus. At midnight you can finally enter for a nice splash or a relaxing massage. Make sure to book your visit to the Hammam well in advance.
