Granada is a city that’s rich with history and grand examples of medieval architecture. It’s a melting pot of culture with influences from both Europe and North Africa.
Granada is an excellent place to visit at any time of year. Spring and autumn are particularly nice, but summer can also be a good time to go.
1. Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic sites in Granada. This ancient palace and fortress complex is a must-visit on any trip to the Spanish city.
The palace was originally built as a fortress but was later converted into a beautiful royal palace. Its walls and towers are reddish in color, which gave it the name al-qal’a al-hamra or “the red castle”.
During your visit to the Alhambra, you can visit the famous Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors), which was the throne room for the sultans of Granada. Its woooden ceiling is covered in ornate details that represent the seven Islamic heavens.
You can also visit the Nasrid Palaces, which feature beautiful Moorish-style courtyards and reception halls. Lastly, you can see the Generalife Gardens, which used to be a leisure area for the kings of Granada.
2. Generalife
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Generalife features stunning gardens, courtyards, and water channels that will transport you back to the age of Nasrid Sultans. During your visit you can stroll through courtyards, orchards lined with orange trees and myrtle hedges, as well as beautiful stone fountains.
The gardens are an oasis of tranquility, and a great place to relax. It’s worth taking a few hours to stroll around, and you can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
You’ll also want to make time for the Water Stairway. This is the oldest staircase in the garden, and was designed during the Muslim period with water channels for handrails.
3. Albaicin
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Albaicin is a former Moorish district that features dramatic views overlooking the Alhambra palace. Its picturesque narrow lanes, hidden gardens and historic sites are sure to captivate your imagination as you wander its streets.
Its quaint cobbled streets will have you wondering what life was like centuries ago as you learn about the important events and cultural influences that have left their mark on this historic neighborhood. You’ll also hear fascinating stories from the locals about their lives and how they made a living during this time in history.
This historic area is a must-visit on your trip to Granada, especially if you’re a fan of culture and architecture. There’s something about a stroll through these old streets, hidden hammams and white houses that will leave you with the feeling of travelling back in time.
4. Sacromonte Caves
A cactus-studded neighborhood high above Granada's backstreets, Sacromonte Caves is another one of the city's most interesting neighborhoods. This otherworldly barrio is famous for its traditional cave-houses, and the Ethnographic Museum in the Barranco de los Negros provides an excellent insight into this area's history and culture.
It's hard to imagine that people lived in these caves without electricity, running water or even a doctor. But they did, and it's fascinating to see how they fought for their lives in the face of hardship. And it's especially remarkable to see how they adapted to their environment and created a new way of living in the Sacromonte district, which became one of the main cradles of flamenco music and dance.
5. Science Park
The Science Park is a science and technology museum located near the city of Granada. It has an interesting range of interactive exhibits.
- Its permanent exhibitions cover topics such as astronomy, mechanical games, optical effects and a journey inside the human body. In addition, there are special shows and workshops.
- Visitors can also visit the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory. These buildings are equipped with a 10 m dome that recreates the night sky and contains 120 projectors that recreate more than 7,000 stars.
- The Museum also has an extensive range of outdoor exhibits in 27,000 m2 of garden spaces. This means that it can take advantage of the excellent Andalusian weather to bring its exhibits outdoors.
