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Granada

Granada travel guide

Municipality in Andalusia, Spain

Things to do50 experiences
Best time to visitMay
Nearest airportGRX · 10 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population233,975

About Granada

Granada is the capital city of the province of Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro. Ascribed to the Vega de Granada comarca, the city sits at an average elevation of 738 m (2,421 ft) above sea level 50 km from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical. With a population of 233,532 as of 2024, it is the 20th-largest city in Spain and is an important wine growing region. It was the last Muslim stronghold in Islamic Spain.

Things to do in Granada by type

50 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 8
  • Flexible 2
  • 3-6 hours 2
Good for
  • Couples 4
  • Senior 4
  • Youth 3
  • Families 3
Ways to go
  • Small group 8
  • Private 7
  • Wheelchair accessible 1
  • Skip the line 1
Browse all things to do in Granada

Top experiences in Granada

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 50 available.

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Where to stay in Granada

Popular hotels in Granada, out of 339 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Granada

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Granada is May, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 41° – 59° 9
Feb 42° – 60° 8
Mar 44° – 61° 18
Apr 48° – 69° 9
May 54° – 77° 4
Jun 65° – 90° 1
Jul 71° – 96° 0
Aug 71° – 96° 1
Sep 62° – 84° 4
Oct 56° – 75° 11
Nov 47° – 65° 5
Dec 40° – 56° 6

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+34
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/MadridUTC+1
Capital
Madrid

Upcoming public holidays in Spain

  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
  • Good FridayViernes Santo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Granada

These are the airports closest to central Granada. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • GRX Federico García Lorca Granada Airport10 mi (16 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Granada

Most places of interest are with walking distance of central Granada. Plaza Isabel La Catolica is just a block west of Plaza Nueva and marks the intersection of Gran Via de Colon (the main drag heading north) and Calle Reyes Catolicos (the main drag heading southwest to Puerta Real, where it splits into Calle Recogidas and Acera Del Darro, heading west and south respectively). The cathedral and royal chapel are just to the northwest of this square.

On foot

Walking in Granada is definitely the best way to experience the city (especially the older parts), but it can also be confusing at times. Streets are frequently short, winding, narrow, and some put you in very close proximity to auto traffic, to say nothing of the multitudes of scooters that dart down narrow alleyways and around cars and buses. Larger streets have sidewalks separating pedestrian traffic from vehicles, while alleyways have short iron posts along the side to make a small informal sidewalk.

By public transport

With the rechargable green travel card you can use all means of public transport (metro, regional trains, city and regional buses) for a lower price. The card can be bought in tobacco shops for €1.50 and must be charged with at least €5 (Nov 2024). There are other travel cards issued by the metro or the city bus operator, but you can only use certain means of public transport with those cards.

By bus

The local buses cover nearly all sights of interest and run quite frequently. Most city buses travel through the heart of town along Gran Vía (stopping in front of the cathedral). The small red and white minibuses with "Alhambra Bus" printed on the side are the best way to explore Granada, the Albaicín and to get to the Alhambra: route C30 connects the city center to the Alhambra, with the C31 traveling up to Albayzin and the C34 to the Sacromonte.

Granada travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Granada?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Granada is May, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

What is the weather like in Granada?

July is usually the warmest month in Granada, with average highs of 96°F (36°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 215 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Granada?

Federico García Lorca Granada Airport (GRX) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (16 km) from the centre of Granada.

What currency is used in Granada?

Granada uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Granada in?

Granada uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Granada?

Most places of interest are with walking distance of central Granada.

What are the top things to do in Granada?

Popular experiences you can book in Granada include Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid Palace Tour - with Transfers, Alhambra in Full: Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Palace of Charles V and Alhambra with the Generalife Palaces and the Nasrid Palaces Tour. Destina Holidays offers 50 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Granada?

The most popular types of experiences in Granada are city tours (27), art & culture (20), gastronomy & nightlife (5) and shows, sports and special events (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Granada?

Popular areas for hotels in Granada include Granada. Well-reviewed options include Porcel Navas and NH Collection Granada Victoria.

How many hotels can I book in Granada?

Destina Holidays currently lists 339 properties in and around Granada, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.