Granada trips and vacations

Snacking is a Spanish pastime, and a highlight of any worthwhile vacation in Granada. Head to the Plaza de Santa Ana near the Alhambra to experience the city’s thriving tapas scene. Order a cold beer or glass of wine and you’ll receive free small plates of specialties like ‘carrillada tapa’ (pork with plum) or ‘albondigas’ (Spanish meatballs). You’ll also find popular tapas tabernas in Centro and near the San Agustin Market.   

Find the perfect keepsake in traditional markets. Head to Mercado San Agustin to shop for local wine and produce on your vacation to Granada. Search for spices, herbs and tea in the winding streets of Alcaiceria. And pay a visit to Plaza Larga on Saturdays for ceramics, fabric and flowers. In December try the Christmas market in Plaza de Bib-Rambla. 

At a certain point, everyone breaks away from the charming city to explore the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’re here between November and May, a day trip to ski in Pradollano, an hour away, is a must. Or visit during summer, when you can take ski lifts to the hiking and mountain bike trails of Sierra Nevada National Park. 

Centro is the best neighborhood to stay in Granada for walkability. Stroll from your hotel to tapas bars, nightclubs and major tourist attractions like the Alhambra. Relax near the fountains in Plaza Isabel La Catolica or grab a drink and bite to eat in one of the many upscale restaurants in the neighborhood.

Good for: Tapas bars, nightclubs, fountains

Albaicin is where to stay in Granada if you want to visit historic attractions, like the 16th-century Church of San Salvador or the 11th-century Arab Baths. You’ll spend a lot of time here wandering the narrow streets to see Moorish architecture and enjoy views of Nasrid Palaces. Stop and recharge at one of the many casual bars and tabernas in the neighborhood.

Good for: History, architecture, bars

This neighborhood is home to the city’s biggest attractions, including the famous Moorish palace and Islamic gardens. Walk through the well-preserved Nasrid Palaces and landscapes dating to the 9th century. Stop for a photo op by one of the ornate fountains. Don’t miss the area’s other buildings, including the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a Renaissance-era palace.  

Good for: Gardens, sightseeing, museums

Splashing around at waterparks is among the most popular things to do with family in Granada. Travel to Almunecar, about an hour away, to visit Aqua Tropic, the only saltwater park in Spain. Check out the planetarium and butterfly garden at the Granada Science Park. In winter, take the kids to the Sierra Nevada for snow tubing. 

Browse the narrow streets of the Alcaiceria neighborhood for the city’s best souvenirs, including pieces from local artisans. You’ll find good deals on clothes and shoes on Gran Via de Colon, and handicrafts and jewelry along the pedestrian-friendly Calle Caldereria Nueva. For fresh produce and a community atmosphere, join locals at the San Agustin Market. 

Museums in Granada trace the city's art and history back to ancient times. See artifacts from the Roman, Phoenician and Moorish empires at the Archeological Museum. At the Museum of Fine Arts browse through 2,000 works by Spain's most famous painters. Experience the history, nature and culture of Andalusia through the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Memory. 

Enjoy cocktails at bars around Calle Reyes Catolicos, the most stylish street for nightlife in Granada. Find a more casual experience around Calle Elvira. For dancing in the center of the city, try venues along Calle Pedro Antonio. Head just outside the city for more nightclubs in the Ciudad Jardin neighborhood.

Granada supports a wide range of dining experiences. Combine your meal with a flamenco performance at Venta El Gallo or sample creative dishes at Michelin-starred Atelier Casa De Comidas. Go for a more casual setting at tapas bars around Plaza Gracia. For dessert, order local specialties like 'la barreta' (almonds and caramel) and ‘borrachuelos’ (wine-soaked biscuits). 

Though the city sits close to mountains, you can reach Mediterranean beaches by car in less than an hour. Snorkel along shore reefs or rent a paddleboard at Playa La Herradura. Sunbathe at the secluded Playa de La Rijana. You can swim until sunset at Playa de Torrenueva Costa, then enjoy cocktails at its beachside bars.