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Granada - Spain where History Whispers among the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Must-see places in Granada (map + itineraries)

The best places to see in Granada is perfect for not missing anything in one of the most interesting and historic cities in Spain.

Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was an important cultural and political center of Al-Andalus and the last reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, leaving a great mark that still remains in many of its buildings and monuments such as the incomparable Alhambra, one of the wonders of the world.

How much time do you need to visit Granada? To get to know the main tourist attractions of Granada and enjoy its best experiences with some tranquility, we believe it is necessary to dedicate about three days, although it is also a perfect destination for a weekend or extend it a little more and visit some of the wonders that surround it.

And what is the best time of the year? Although you can visit the city at any time of the year, undoubtedly the best time to travel to Granada is in spring and autumn, as during the summer months the temperature rises above 30 degrees and it is difficult to visit during the central hours of the day. Keep in mind that within the best time, if you prefer to tour the city with fewer people and avoid paying too much in accommodation, it is advisable to avoid Easter, as this is one of the most important festivities in Andalusia.

Alhambra of Granada

Walking up early in the morning to the Alhambra, known as the eighth wonder of the world and declared a World Heritage Site, is the best thing to do in Granada. And we're not just saying that. Whenever we go to the city, including the last one on a route through Andalusia by car, it's something we do and it continues to surprise us.

Located on the top of the hill al-Sabika with the Sierra Nevada in the background, this imposing complex formed by beautiful palaces, gardens and an Andalusian style fortress, was built by order of the Nasrid King Muhammad ben al-Ahmar in 1238 and after the Christian reconquest went from housing the emir and the court of the Nasrid Kingdom, to become the royal residence of Castile, in addition to several reforms and extensions.

Please note that although it looks relatively close on the map, due to the location, if you are staying in the Albaicín it will take you about 20 minutes to walk to the Puerta de la Justicia, one of the entrances to the Alhambra, up the beautiful Cuesta de Gomérez. Once you cross the gate, the itinerary you take will depend on the time you have access to the Nasrid Palaces, the jewel of the Alhambra and the only building that has limited entry by hours.

If you don't have an early entrance, a good option is to start at the Generalife Palace, which has two courtyards and beautiful gardens, continue to the impressive Nasrid Palaces, which includes the Palace of Charles V and the Patio de los Leones, and finish at the Alcazaba, the oldest part, which has several towers from where you will have incredible views of the city.

We recommend you to read this post about how to visit the Alhambra in Granada to have all the information.

Visiting hours: daily from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm from April 1 to October 14; the rest of the days it closes at 6:00 pm. Night visiting hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm from April 1 to October 14; the rest of the months only open Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.