Weekend in Granada- a Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

Granada is a city in southern Spain famous for the Alhambra. This walled fortress houses Moorish palaces and gardens from the 13th to 15th centuries. The city is also home to other attractions, including the Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel of Granada, and the Generalife, a garden within the walls of the Alhambra. Granada has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city is also known for its Flamenco music and dance.

There’s so much more to Granada than just the Alhambra!

Its most famous attraction, the Alhambra, is a Unesco World Heritage site. For years, the tourism industry in Granada has been focused on shuttling visitors in and out of the city in just 24 hours. But with more than two million visitors descending on the city every year, it’s time to rethink this approach. There’s so much more to Granada than just the Alhambra. Visitors should take their time to wander the beautiful streets, explore the stunning architecture, and experience the vibrant nightlife.

Granada Itinerary – Day one

Albaicín is Granada’s ancient Moorish neighborhood

Albaycin is a neighborhood in Granada that takes you back in time to when the Muslims ruled Spain. The Albaycin was the first place the Siri court was built in the eleventh century. The Albaycin enjoyed its height of splendour in the last years of Nazarid dominance. Even though the Muslims no longer rule Spain, when you walk through Albaycin you feel like you are in a different world where time has stood still.
Today, the Albaycin is a world heritage site and its labyrinthine streets are filled with tourists from all over the world who come to experience a glimpse of Granada’s rich history.

Albaicín is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the views of Granada. The winding streets are lined with whitewashed houses, and the air is scented with jasmine. There are also plenty of restaurants with great views. You might even get lucky enough to catch an impromptu guitar concert.

The Sacromonte district and Flamenco in the caves

The Sacromonte district of Granada is world-renowned for its cave homes, which were created by the Spanish gypsies, or Roma, in the 15th century. The district is located on the Valparaiso hill, and it borders the Arab El Albaícin district to the northeast. The Roma people have a long history of living in caves and saw Sacromonte hill as an ideal location for their homes. The hill provided them with shelter from the elements, and the caves were easy to defend against potential enemies. The Roma also used the natural resources in the area, such as clay and stone, to build their homes. Today, the cave homes in the Sacromonte district are a tourist attraction and offer a glimpse into the unique culture of the Spanish gypsies.

Sacromonte caves flamenco show

Sacromonte quarter is well-known for its spectacular views of the Alhambra and its traditional cave dwellings. The caves, once used as dwellings by the Romani people, have excellent acoustics and make for an intimate setting for flamenco. The tradition of flamenco in the caves began in the 18th century, and today it is one of the most iconic things to do in Granada.

Spanish Gypsies

It is also home to the Gitanos, or Spanish Gypsies, who have a long-standing tradition with the flamenco. The Gitanos mixed the traditional Spanish flamenco with Arab belly dancing. Many flamenco shows are still held in the cave homes; these bars are also referred to as tablaos. Flamenco exhibits all of the expressions of Andalusian culture – tragedy, laughter, ecstasy, and sorrow. The perfect way to experience Sacromonte and get a taste of authentic Andalusian culture is to catch a flamenco show in one of the tablaos.

Granada Itinerary – Day Two

Alhambra

To visit Alhambra, you will need to purchase a ticket. You can buy Alhambra ticket online or in person at the ticket office. If you book online, you must choose between a ticket with access to the Nasrid Palace or a ticket without access to the Nasrid Palace. Free entrance is available for children 11 years and younger. The guided tours start at € 35.

The Granada Pass includes the ‘Hop on, hop off train’, with which you can easily go from the center to the Alhambra.

Helpful tips when buying Alhambra tickets

Tickets to this popular tourist destination often sell out weeks in advance, so it’s important to know how to buy your tickets online. There are a few reliable options for purchasing tickets:

• The official Alhambra website offers tickets that can be printed at home or scanned from your mobile device.
• Viator is a reputable tour company that offers several ticketing options, including skip-the-line passes and guided tours.
• Get Your Guide is another reputable tour company with a wide selection of ticketing options.

When selecting your tickets, check whether they include access to the Nasrid Palace. This is the most beautiful part of the Alhambra and has a limited capacity of 300 visitors per hour.

Andalusian lunch

Tinta Fina restaurant is one of Granada’s most chic venues, located underneath the arches just off Puerta Real. Tinta is especially known for its fresh seafood, including oysters and red shrimp, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus.

The steaks are also a hit with carnivores, as they are char-grilled and come in generous portions. Tinta Fina’s trendy atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a great Andalusian lunch.

Hammam Al Andalus

Hammam Al Andalus is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the heart of Granada’s Old Town, the Hammam is an oasis of tranquility, with its beautifully designed pools, candle-lit walkways and professional masseuses.

Experience “the most beautiful sunset in the world.”

Experience “the most beautiful sunset in the world.”

The Mirador de San Nicolás is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Granada. The views from the mirador are breathtaking, and the sunset is truly magical. The Mirador de San Nicolás is a must-see for any visitor to Granada. The ex-US president Bill Clinton visited the Mirador de San Nicolás in 1997. He said it has “the most beautiful sunset in the world.” Since then, the Mirador de San Nicolás has become a popular tourist destination.

The view from this spot is simply breathtaking, with the Alhambra next to Generalife. And the magnificent Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Restaurant Balcón de San Nicolás

The terrace offers stunning views of the skyline and is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or drink. The menu features traditional Spanish dishes, as well as an extensive wine list. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful dining experience.

Granada itinerary- Day 3

The Alcaicería market

The Alcaicería market is like Granada’s Big Bazaar and the original Moorish silk market. Here you can find traditionally painted ceramics, inlaid wood, and stained glass lamps. The market is a great place to find souvenirs for friends and family back home. You can also haggle with the vendors for a better price on certain items. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Granada’s culture, the Alcaicería market is definitely the place to go.
The market is full of vibrant colors, smells, and sounds, making it an assault on all senses. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s worth spending an hour or two browsing through the stalls and people-watching.

The poetic Granada

Federico García Lorca, José Guerrero, and Manuel de Falla were all born in Granada, a city with deep cultural roots. These three artists helped to revive the city’s arty buzz with their small foundations and independent exhibition spaces. Federico García Lorca was a poet famous for his dark and mysterious lyrics. Jose Guerrero was a painter who favored dark colors and unique compositions. Manuel de Falla was a composer who explored different sounds and textures in his music. The three artists brought new life to Granada’s art scene and made it one of the most vibrant cities in Spain.

Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation

Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation is an Art Deco studio that was created by an accomplished painter of vibrant and moody Andalusian subjects, José María Rodríguez-Acosta. It is located on the same hill as the Alhambra and has sweeping views over Granada’s red-tile roofs and elegant domes. Rodríguez-Acosta gave up painting from 1916 to 1930 to create his greatest masterpiece, which is now home to the foundation. The foundation offers art classes, lectures, and concerts for people of all ages to enjoy. Rodríguez-Acosta’s paintings are on display in the main hall. The foundation also has a library with a collection of books about art and architecture.