What are the best things to do in Granada?

To visit Granada is to visit a place nestling in Andalusia in southern Spain. It’s a city with a sovereign appearance, a great history and a tumultuous past. Every year, the region plays host to a large number of holidays, both summer and winter, giving you the chance to discover and explore this land of a thousand wonders. If you’re thinking of going there for a short break, Navaway has put together a short list of the top things to do. Do you like exhibition museums? Visits to historic monuments? Tasting fine food while lounging on a sunny terrace? Wandering around the city for a few hours shopping? Say no more! We know what you need, and it’s right here below…

What to do in Granada

1. The Alhambra

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: This is THE must-see monument in Granada, and the pride of the city and Andalusia as a whole. The Alhambra is a historic complex that was originally considered a military fortress built between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its name comes from the Arabic “alhamrã”, which means red because of the red clay mixed with the stones for construction. Today, it is a place to visit, with a beautiful complex of buildings surrounded by grandiose gardens. A visit to this historic site will take at least a good two hours, if not five (for history buffs), to gain a better understanding of what was once “the greatest historical and aristocratic centre of the Muslim West”. A word of warning: as the site is very popular with visitors, it’s best to book your visit several weeks in advance, to make sure you have a place during your stay in Granada. Opening times vary regularly, but the Alhambra generally opens its doors from 8am until around 8pm.

2. Cellar visits and wine tastings

Category: €€/Gastronomic/Cultural

Description: After discovering THE emblematic place of the city, Navaway offers you a little break…Food! And yes, Granada is known for its divine cuisine and exquisite wines. If you’re an oenophile, you’re in for some of the best discoveries of your life! If you want to learn more about Spanish wine, you’ve come to the right place. Why not take a tour of the cellars and taste the wine, accompanied by some of the local cuisine? If you’re worried about crowds, no worries! Navaway has thought of everything, and has done the research: this kind of activity is done in small groups to accentuate the cosy, intimate feel of the visit. The programme includes tasting at least four Spanish wines, savouring some of the city’s award-winning cheeses and local specialities, and listening to expert advice. What’s more, the food has been carefully selected to match the type of wine you’ll be tasting. Delight your taste buds by getting to know the city’s vineyards and wineries!

3. The Madraza Palace

Category: €/Cultural

Description: A blend of art and history, the Madraza Palace is one of Granada’s most emblematic landmarks. Also known as the “House of Science”, it was built in 1349 on the orders of the Nasrid king Yusuf I. Even before you enter, you’ll be immediately captivated by its solid architecture: the white marble entrance door opens gradually to reveal a splendid interior, revealing a gigantic central patio and several rooms around it. These include the “Hall of the Knights”, which houses a powerful piece of Mudéjar armour dating from the 16th century. Today, the building belongs to the University of Granada – no mean feat, given that in its early days, the palace was a major school of Theology and Law. Opening times vary according to the season: in summer, from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and in winter from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm. For a reasonable price, go to the centre of Granada, right next to the Royal Chapel.

4. The Sacromonte Caves

Category: €/Cultural/Insolite

Description: From the city centre, you can visit the famous Caves of Sacromonte (a two-kilometre walk). Of course, you can also get there by bus (line C32), or by car. The history of the caves goes back at least to the 15th century. At that time, a group of gypsies lived for a long time on Valparaiso hill. They built a whole series of small houses in the rock, using only their fists and tools. Over time, the dwellings were abandoned one by one: this gradually marked the arrival of gypsies in the city, in traditional houses. The Caves of Sacromonte are a bit like a private museum: they display many objects from Gypsy culture, explaining their way of life, customs and traditions. You can also discover the many secrets that surround these mysterious caves… You can visit them from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm in winter, and from 10am to 8pm in summer.

5. Granada Cathedral

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Granada Cathedral is open from 10am to 6.15pm, Monday to Saturday. Located on Calle Gran Vía de Colón, it is dedicated to the Virgin of the Incarnation. For those in the know, its architecture provides plenty of information about the period in which it was built: in the 16th century, at the height of the Renaissance. The building is one of the tallest and most imposing in the city, measuring a total of 67 metres wide and 115 metres long. The part that attracts the most curious visitors is undoubtedly the circular priest’s choir, surrounded by several chapels. A real sight for sore eyes! Blended with a touch of Gothic art, this building was built under the orders of the Catholic kings following the “reconquista”. You can also visit the “royal funeral chapel” separately, where the royal couple Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon are still buried. Suffice it to say that the aura that emanates from this place is both magnetic and electric.

6. Attend a Corrida

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: If there’s one thing Spain is known for (apart from its gourmet food), it’s its bullfights. It’s a tradition as old as time that takes place in every town in the country. Go to the Plaza de Torros to see three bullfighters fight two bulls each. Yes, it’s possible! Granada’s bullring is one of the most important historic buildings in Andalusia. In fact, many of them have been classified as ‘Historic Monuments’, making the city’s inhabitants very proud. Audiences almost always flock in their hundreds to see the shows, which include concerts, artistic performances and, of course, bullfights. If you’re hoping to get a good seat, it’s best to book and buy your ticket online, in advance. This is your chance to witness one of Spain’s greatest traditions, in the city of Granada.