1-Day Romantic Local Experience in Granada: Relaxation and Shopping

Granada, Spain

1 days

Montefrio
Garden
Alhambra
Natural landscape of a river
Beautiful dam in a reservoir of the city of Guadix

About Granada, Spain

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Granada, Spain. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this city is a treasure trove of Moorish architecture, most notably the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the Albaicín, the old Muslim quarter, and enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Sample traditional Andalusian cuisine in local tapas bars and explore the city's thriving flamenco scene. Visit the Royal Chapel, the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. With its blend of cultures, Granada offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Relaxation and Shopping in Granada

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic Albaicín district. This area, with its narrow winding streets and beautiful Moorish architecture, is perfect for a relaxed morning walk. Take your time to explore the various artisan shops and boutiques, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many tapas bars in the city center. Granada is famous for its tapas culture, where each drink is accompanied by a small dish. This is a great opportunity to sample a variety of local dishes and relax after your morning exploration.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon at the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex. Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't forget to visit the Generalife Gardens, a beautiful example of a medieval Moorish garden.

Dinner

For dinner, head to one of the city's traditional Andalusian restaurants. Here, you can enjoy a variety of regional dishes, such as gazpacho, paella, and albondigas (meatballs). Pair your meal with a local wine for a truly authentic experience.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local Flamenco Show. Granada is known for its vibrant flamenco scene, and watching a live performance is a must-do. This passionate and powerful dance is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Albaicín

1
Albaicín

Known as the old Muslim quarter, the Albaicín is full of narrow winding streets and beautiful Moorish houses. It was declared a world heritage site in 1984, along with the Alhambra.

Attractions
Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Alhambra

2
Alhambra

A stunning palace complex and fortress that was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Generalife Gardens

3
Generalife Gardens

The Generalife Gardens are part of the Alhambra complex. They were the summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, offering beautiful landscapes, fountains, and pavilions.

Attractions
Gardens
Cultural Experiences
Flamenco Show

4
Flamenco Show

A passionate and emotional dance performance that is a significant part of Andalusian culture.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Tapas

Tapas

A variety of small, savory Spanish dishes, often served with drinks at bars. Granada is famous for its free tapas culture, where every drink order is accompanied by a free tapa.

Paella

Paella

A traditional Spanish dish from Valencia. It's a rice dish that can have meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables and is cooked in a large pan. Paella is very popular in Granada.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho

A cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables. A classic of Andalusian cuisine, it's particularly popular in Granada during the hot summer months.

Churros con Chocolate

Churros con Chocolate

A popular Spanish dessert, churros are fried-dough pastry served with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping. It's a common breakfast or snack in Granada.

Piononos

Piononos

Named after Pope Pius IX, or 'Pio Nono' in Spanish, these small pastries are a specialty of Granada. They consist of a thin layer of pastry rolled into a cylinder, fermented with different kinds of syrup and topped with toasted cream.

Jamón ibérico

Jamón ibérico

A type of cured ham produced in Spain, particularly popular in Granada. It's made from the Iberian pig and often served as a tapa.

Albóndigas

Albóndigas

Spanish meatballs, often served in a tomato sauce. A common dish in Granada's tapas bars.

Tortilla Española

Also known as Spanish omelette, it's a traditional dish made with eggs and potatoes, sometimes also with onion. A common tapa in Granada.

Sangria

Sangria

A popular drink in Granada, Sangria is a punch made with red wine and chopped fruit, often with other ingredients such as orange juice or brandy.

Tinto de Verano

Tinto de Verano

A cold, wine-based drink similar to sangria but simpler. It's very popular in Granada, especially in the summer.

Cerveza Alhambra

A local beer named after Granada's famous Alhambra palace. It's a popular choice in the city's bars and restaurants.

Granada Mollar Pomegranate Juice

A juice made from the Mollar pomegranate, a variety native to Granada. The city is known for its pomegranates, even featuring one in its coat of arms.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Granada, Spain is during the spring months of April and May, or during the fall in September and October. During these periods, the weather is typically warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city's numerous outdoor attractions. The summer months can be quite hot, and the winter can be chilly, especially at night. Also, these off-peak seasons often mean fewer tourists, so you'll have a more relaxed experience exploring the city's rich history and culture.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

February 13

Tue

Carnival Tuesday (Extremadura)

February 28

Wed

Day of Andalucía (Andalusia)

March 1

Fri

Day of the Balearic Islands (Balearic Islands)

March 28

Thu

Maundy Thursday (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 10

Wed

Eid al-Fitr (Melilla)

April 23

Tue

Castile and León Day (Castile-Leon)

April 23

Tue

Day of Aragón (Aragon)

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 2

Thu

Day of Madrid (Madrid)

May 17

Fri

Galicia Literature Day (Galicia)

May 30

Thu

Day of the Canary Islands (Canary Islands)

May 31

Fri

Day of Castile-La Mancha (Castile-La Mancha)

June 9

Sun

Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

June 10

Mon

Day off for Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

June 13

Thu

San Antonio (Ceuta)

June 17

Mon

Eid al-Adha (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

Saint John the Baptist Day (regional holiday)

July 25

Thu

Feast of Saint James the Apostle (regional holiday)

August 5

Mon

The Day of Our Lady of Africa (Ceuta)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

September 2

Mon

Day of the Independent City of Ceuta (Ceuta)

September 8

Sun

Virgin of the Victory (Melilla)

September 8

Sun

Day of Asturias (Asturias)

September 9

Mon

Virgin of the Victory observed (Melilla)

September 9

Mon

Day off for Day of Asturias (Asturias)

September 11

Wed

National Day of Catalonia (Catalonia)

September 15

Sun

Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida (Cantabria)

September 17

Tue

Day of Melilla (Melilla)

October 9

Wed

Day of the Valencian Community (Valencia)

October 12

Sat

Hispanic Day

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 3

Tue

Day of Navarre (Navarre)

December 6

Fri

Constitution Day

December 9

Mon

Immaculate Conception observed (regional holiday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St Stephen's Day (Catalonia)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Granada is a compact city with many of its main attractions located close together, making walking a viable and enjoyable way to explore. The city's historic Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods are particularly well-suited to pedestrian exploration.

Granada has an extensive bus network that covers most of the city and its outskirts. The buses are a reliable and convenient way to get around, especially for longer distances. There are also tourist buses that provide hop-on, hop-off services, ideal for sightseeing.

Taxis are readily available throughout Granada and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from taxi ranks. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in Granada, offering a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. These services can be booked and paid for via smartphone apps.

Granada is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services. Cycling can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city, though be aware that Granada's hilly terrain can make for a challenging ride.

While driving in Granada is possible, it's not typically recommended due to the city's narrow, winding streets and limited parking. However, rental cars can be useful for trips outside the city.

Granada's Metro Ligero is a tram-like service that runs from Albolote to Armilla, passing through the city center. It's a modern and efficient way to travel across the city.

Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in Granada. They can be rented through various apps and are a quick and convenient way to get around, especially for short distances.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Granada, Spain as a first time visitor

1

Granada is located in the southern region of Spain, known as Andalusia.

2

The official language is Spanish, but English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.

3

The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments.

4

Granada has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 68°F to 95°F (20°C to 35°C), while winter temperatures range from 32°F to 59°F (0°C to 15°C).

5

Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it's customary to leave a small tip (around 10%) for good service in restaurants.

6

Granada is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

7

Public transportation in Granada is reliable and affordable. The city has an extensive bus network and a light metro system.

8

Granada is a walkable city with many pedestrian-friendly areas. It's a great way to explore the city and soak in the local culture.

9

Tap water is safe to drink in Granada, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

10

Granada is known for its 'tapas' culture. When you order a drink in a bar, it's customary to receive a small dish of food (a tapa) for free.

11

Granada has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

12

The city is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

13

The siesta is a traditional Spanish practice where businesses close in the afternoon for a few hours. This usually happens between 2pm and 5pm.

14

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and workplaces, on public transport, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and playgrounds.

15

Pharmacies in Granada are marked with a green cross. They are usually open from 9:30am to 2pm and from 5pm to 9:30pm.

16

The emergency number in Spain is 112. This number can be dialed for any type of emergency.

17

Granada has a rich history and is known for its Moorish architecture. It's worth taking a guided tour to learn more about the city's past.

18

The city has a number of traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties.

19

Granada is located near the Sierra Nevada mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking and skiing.

20

Remember to respect local customs and traditions. Spanish people are generally warm and friendly, and will appreciate your efforts to speak their language and understand their culture.

Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

A-dee-os

Leaving someone

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

Making a request

Thank you

Gracias

Gra-see-as

Expressing gratitude

Yes

See

Agreeing to something

No

No

No

Disagreeing with something

Excuse me

Perdón

Per-don

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Lo siento

Lo see-en-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

Ab-las in-gles

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

No entiendo

No en-tee-en-do

Expressing confusion

Where is...?

¿Dónde está...?

Don-de es-ta

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Baño

Ban-yo

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Ayuda

A-yu-da

In case of emergency

Food

Comida

Co-mi-da

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Agua

A-gua

Ordering a drink

Beer

Cerveza

Ser-ve-za

Ordering a drink

Wine

Vino

Vee-no

Ordering a drink

How much does it cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Cuan-to cues-ta

Asking for the price

I would like...

Me gustaría...

Me gus-ta-ria

Making a request

Good night

Buenas noches

Bwe-nas no-ches

Saying goodbye in the evening

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Sweater or light jacket

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Travel guidebook for Granada

  • Map of Granada

  • Spanish phrasebook

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

Weather Conditions

Granada, Spain, is a city that experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, making it a great destination for tourists. However, it's essential to plan your visit according to the weather to make the most of your trip. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures can reach up to 95°F (35°C), so it's advisable to pack light clothing, sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on exploring the city on foot. In contrast, the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping to around 32°F (0°C). If you're visiting during this time, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and hats. Despite the cold, winter can be a beautiful time to visit, especially if you're interested in skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Granada. The weather during these periods is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These seasons are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Regardless of when you visit, remember that Granada is a city with a high altitude, so the sun can be stronger than you might expect. Always wear sunblock, even in the winter months. Also, the weather can change quickly, so it's a good idea to carry a light jacket or umbrella. Lastly, Granada is known for its occasional wind called "Terral." This hot, dry wind usually occurs in the summer and can significantly increase temperatures. So, be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Enjoy your trip to Granada, and make sure to take advantage of the city's beautiful weather!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

14° / 3°

January is the coldest month in Granada, Spain. It is advisable to bring warm clothing.

February

16° / 4°

February is still chilly, but the weather starts to warm up slightly. Warm clothing is still recommended.

March

20° / 6°

March sees a noticeable increase in temperature, but nights can still be cool. A mix of warm and light clothing is advisable.

April

22° / 8°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. Light clothing with a few warm pieces for the cooler evenings is recommended.

May

25° / 11°

May is the start of the warm season, with temperatures rising. Light clothing is suitable, but a light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.

June

30° / 15°

June is a hot month, perfect for beach visits. Light, breathable clothing is recommended.

July

34° / 18°

July is the hottest month in Granada, Spain. Sunscreen, hats, and light clothing are essential.

August

34° / 18°

August is equally hot, with high temperatures throughout the day. Stay hydrated and wear light clothing.

September

30° / 15°

September remains warm, but temperatures start to drop slightly. Light clothing is still suitable.

October

25° / 11°

October sees a further drop in temperature, but it's still relatively warm. A mix of light and warm clothing is recommended.

November

20° / 6°

November is a cooler month, with temperatures dropping further. Warm clothing is advisable.

December

14° / 3°

December is a cold month, similar to January. Warm clothing is needed.

Did you know?

Did you know that Granada is home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Spain?

1 of 10

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