Granada Local Attractions

It takes about three hours to walk around Granada and see the most interesting sights. Starting with the Puerta de Elvira which is the gate through which Ferdinand and Isabella made their triumphant entry into Granada in 1492 when it was a grisly place with the rotting heads of executed criminals hanging from its portals.

One of the most fascinating streets is Calle de Elvira which is west of the Albaicín. During the 17th and 18th centuries many artisans occupied the shops along this street and the Iglesia de San Andrés can be found here with its mudéjar bell tower and several interesting paintings and sculptures. Another old church in this area is the Iglesia de Santiago which contains the tomb of architect Diego de Siloé (1495-1563) who did much to change the face of the city.

The oldest square in Granada is the Plaza Nueva with 16th-century Iglesia de Santa Ana on its east side which again was built by Siloe and inside its five-nave interior you can see a Churrigueresque reredos and coffered ceiling.

Carrera del Darro is full of antique shops and the Granada Archaeological Museum running north along the Darro River. It was discovered by the romantic artists of the 19th century with many of their etchings and engravings of scenes along this street being widely circulated throughout Europe. It ends at Paseo de los Tristes (Avenue of the Sad Ones), named because the funeral corteges used to go by here on their way to the cemetery.

At sunset head for the Mirador de San Nicolas for what is arguably the greatest view in Andalusia, when in certain lights the Alhambra appears so red that it looks like its on fire. To reach this spot from Peso la Harina head northwest along Calle Salvador until you reach Calle Abad and then turn left which will lead into San Nicolás.

Facing the Alhambra on the top of a hill is the old Arab-Jewish quarter of the Albaicin. This is delightful area which is full of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, squares and fascinating buildings.

The area of El Sacromonte is on a hill to the north of the city and is famous for its caves which once housed Granada's large gypsy community. Now you can visit them to see some spectacular flamenco shows.

Another major visitor attraction is the Gothic cathedral which is in the newer part of Granada with its Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) built as the mausoleum for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

The Alhambra is a steep uphill climb from the cathedral at the Plaza de la Lonja. If you do not want to take a bus or taxi and decide to walk enter the Alhambra via the Cuesta de Gomérez, which is steep but the quickest and shortest route. It begins at the Plaza Nueva which is about four blocks east of the cathedral and climbs steeply to the Puerta de las Granadas (first of two gates to the Alhambra). The second is the Puerta de la Justicia where 90% of visitors enter the Alhambra.

The Arab rulers spared no expense when it came to pouring their considerable knowledge, skills, gold and manpower into the construction of the Alhambra which was their final stronghold. Despite centuries of decay, damage and looting, it is still guaranteed to take your breath away with its architectural beauty and interior walls adorned with impossibly intricate artwork.

If you have hired a car and are driving to the Alhambra there are sprawling expanses of free parking spaces near its base.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Granada Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on sporting and leisure amenities in Granada including a Granada Area Guide which includes the best Granada Shops, Granada Markets, Golf Courses in Granada, the beautiful Villages of Granada, recommended Granada Restaurants and Granada Local Attractions.