Granada with Alhambra
We always recommend staying more than a day in Granada, but if time is short, you can squeeze in the Alhambra and get a taste of the city on a day trip. Be sure to arrive as early as possible to fit it all in.
Your main focus has to be the Alhambra and Generalife, which can easily take 3 hours or more to explore. After that, you should have time to see a bit of Granada itself. We recommend you choose either the Renaissance district around the cathedral or the lower Albaicín.
If you’ve already visited the Alhambra, have a look at our Granada Day Trip itinerary, and if you have more time available, we also have a 3-Night Granada itinerary.
Morning
Alhambra and Generalife
The spectacular Alhambra, or “red palace”, is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of historic Islamic architecture in the world. Set on a hill that dominates the modern city, its intricately ornate decoration, peaceful patios and delightful gardens are a must-see for any visitor to Granada.
OPTION 1: Renaissance Granada
Once you’ve finished at the Alhambra, head down Cuesta de Gomérez to the city centre. At the bottom of the hill, turn left and head towards the cathedral. Buses and taxis are also available.
If you only have time for one sight, we would recommend the Royal Chapel, which is attached to the Cathedral but has a separate entrance. Or you may just want to soak up the atmosphere and explore the maze of shops selling silver jewellery, leatherwork, other crafts and souvenirs in the Alcaiceria.
Lunch
In the area around the cathedral there are plenty of good options for lunch. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sample tapas based on local produce at Granada’s central market, the Mercado San Agustín, or Taberna Palo Cortao opposite.
- Two of the city’s classic seafood restaurants are Restaurante Bar Oliver and Restaurante Marisquería Cunini. Conveniently, they’re right next door to each other in Plaza de la Pescadería.
Afternoon
Royal Chapel
Having conquered Granada in 1492, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragón decided this is where they should be buried. The Royal Chapel (1505-17) was built right next to the former main mosque, which had been temporarily consecrated as the city’s cathedral. The chapel is generally considered the pinnacle of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture in Granada, and it is worth going inside to admire the beautiful craftsmanship and to see the tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand.
Granada Cathedral
Work on Granada’s massive cathedral started in 1523, but it was only completed 181 years later in 1704. It was originally intended as a Gothic cathedral, but in 1528 the architect Diego de Siloe was brought in to redesign it in the more modern Renaissance style, which was just beginning to become popular in Spain. Tastes continued to evolve while the cathedral was being built, so the main façade and many decorative elements inside the cathedral are in the Baroque style.
Madraza
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Opposite the Royal Chapel lies the Madraza, which was built by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 14th century as a madrasa or university. After the Christian conquest it became the city’s town hall. Very little of the original structure remains, but you can visit the mihrab, or prayer niche, which is decorated in a similar style to the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra. As the colours are much better preserved, it gives you an idea of what the Alhambra once looked like.
OPTION 2: Lower Albaicín
Lunch
Near the Alhambra and set in a shady garden, Restaurante Jardines Alberto is reasonably priced with a decent range of dishes. The restaurant at the Parador has a lovely terrace overlooking the Generalife, but it’s a bit more pricey and service can be variable.
Once you’ve finished at the Alhambra and got some lunch, take the back route down into the lower Albaicín. It’s called the Cuesta del Rey Chico, but more commonly known locally as the Cuesta de los Chinos. It starts by La Mimbre restaurante – just head through the arch.
It’s a lovely walk down alongside the outer wall of the Alhambra, and you’ll arrive at the Paseo de los Tristes in the Lower Albaicín. If you need to get back up the Alhambra and don’t fancy the steep climb, take a taxi from Plaza Nueva or the C30 bus from Plaza Isabel la Católica.
Afternoon
Lower Albaicín
Soak up the atmosphere of the World Heritage-listed Albaicín district while you weave through the medieval alleyways created under the city’s Moorish rulers. From, Paseo de los Tristes, head down the picturesque Carrera del Darro to El Bañuelo (the Arab baths) and Casa de Zafra. It’s worth a detour up to the Mirador de los Carvajales for a great view back across to the Alhambra.
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Questions and answers
If you’re very organised, you can see the Alhambra and get a taste of Granada in a day. That being said, if you can allow more time, it’s definitely worth it. Check out our 3-Night Granada Itinerary to get a better idea of what there is to see and do in Granada.
Yes, you can do a day trip to Granada from Málaga by bus, train or car. We recommended setting out early to make the most of the day, particularly if you want time to see a bit of the city as well as the Alhambra. If you are travelling by public transport, buy your ticket in advance, particularly at busy times of year.
It is possible to do a day trip to Granada from Córdoba, although the journey is quite long, so you may need to choose between visiting the Alhambra or exploring the city.
While it is possible to visit Granada and/or the Alhambra on a day trip from Seville, we don’t recommend it due to the long journey between the cities, which takes around three hours each way. It doesn’t allow time to properly explore the whole Alhambra complex and the city.
There’s a large car park just above the Alhambra, which you can easily access from the Ronda Sur, the ring road around the southern end of the city. It isn’t cheap, but it’s by far the most convenient place to park.