Day 1: The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

Morning: The Alhambra Complex

Begin your Granada adventure with the crown jewel of the city—the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not just a single palace but an extensive complex that includes fortifications, palaces, and gardens sprawling across the Sabika hill. The name “Alhambra” derives from the Arabic “Al-Qal’a al-Hamra,” meaning “The Red Fortress,” referring to the reddish color of its outer walls.

Start early—the Alhambra opens at 8:30 AM, and arriving at opening time allows you to beat the crowds and experience the palace in relative tranquility. The morning light also beautifully illuminates the intricate Islamic geometric patterns and calligraphy that decorate every surface. Your visit should follow this sequence: begin with the Alcazaba fortress, move through the Nasrid Palaces (the heart of the complex), then finish with the Generalife gardens.

The Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra, served as a military fortress. Climb the Torre de la Vela (Watchtower) for your first panoramic view of Granada, stretching from the Albaicín to the Sierra Nevada. The Nasrid Palaces are the true masterpiece—a series of interconnected courtyards and halls that represent the pinnacle of Islamic architecture in Spain. The Court of the Lions, with its famous fountain supported by twelve marble lions, epitomizes the refinement of Moorish art. Notice how the architects used water as a design element, creating cooling effects and symbolic meanings throughout the palaces.

Every surface tells a story through its decoration. The walls are covered with intricate stucco work, carved with verses from the Quran and poetry praising the sultans. The ceilings feature muqarnas (honeycomb vaulting) that seem to defy gravity. The play of light and shadow throughout the day transforms these spaces, revealing new details with each changing hour.

Afternoon: Generalife Gardens

After exploring the palaces, head to the Generalife, the summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid rulers. The name comes from the Arabic “Jannat al-Arif,” meaning “Garden of the Architect” or “Garden of Paradise.” These terraced gardens showcase the Islamic concept of paradise as a garden with flowing water, fragrant flowers, and shaded pavilions.

The gardens demonstrate sophisticated hydraulic engineering, with an elaborate irrigation system that has functioned for over 700 years. Walk through the cypress-lined paths, listen to the fountains, and enjoy views back toward the Alhambra palaces. The Patio de la Acequia (Court of the Water Channel) is particularly stunning, with its long pool flanked by flowerbeds and fountains arching overhead.

Evening: Carmen de los Mártires

End your first day with a visit to Carmen de los Mártires, a romantic garden near the Alhambra that offers stunning sunset views. The term “carmen” refers to traditional Granada houses with gardens, and this 19th-century carmen features French, English, and Arab-Andalusian garden styles. Admission is free, and it’s a peaceful spot to decompress after the intensity of the Alhambra.

Day 2: The Albaicín and Sacromonte

Morning: Exploring the Albaicín

The Albaicín is the ancient Moorish quarter of Granada, a labyrinth of narrow streets, white-washed houses, and hidden squares that has retained its medieval Islamic layout. This UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood sprawls across the hillside opposite the Alhambra, offering countless opportunities for serendipitous discovery.

Start at Plaza Nueva, the heart of lower Albaicín, and begin climbing through the neighborhood. Don’t worry about following a specific route—getting lost is part of the experience. The street names often reflect the area’s Moorish past: Calle Elvira, Cuesta del Chapiz, Carrera del Darro. As you wander, you’ll pass through small plazas where locals gather, discover artisan workshops selling traditional crafts, and encounter viewpoints (miradores) offering spectacular perspectives on the Alhambra.

Visit the Palacio de Dar al-Horra, a 15th-century Nasrid palace that was home to Aixa, mother of Boabdil, the last Muslim king of Granada. The palace showcases Moorish domestic architecture on a more intimate scale than the Alhambra. Nearby, the Church of San Salvador was built on the site of the Albaicín’s main mosque, and you can still see the remains of the mosque’s ablution courtyard.

Make your way to the Mirador de San Nicolás, the most famous viewpoint in Granada. From this plaza in front of the Church of San Nicolás, you’ll enjoy the iconic view of the Alhambra framed by the Sierra Nevada mountains. This spot is particularly magical at sunset when the last light turns the Alhambra golden. Street musicians often perform here, adding a soundtrack to the spectacular views.

Afternoon: The Arab Baths Experience

Granada has several traditional Arab-style bathhouses (hammams) where you can experience a centuries-old tradition of relaxation. The most atmospheric is Hammam Al Ándalus on Calle Santa Ana, housed in a 14th-century building. The experience includes warm, hot, and cold pools, steam rooms, and optional massage treatments. It’s the perfect way to rest your feet after climbing through the Albaicín. Book in advance as these are popular.

Evening: Sacromonte

As evening approaches, continue uphill to Sacromonte, Granada’s historic Roma (Gitano) neighborhood. This unique district is famous for its cave dwellings carved into the hillside, which have been inhabited since the 15th century. The Roma community arrived in Spain in the medieval period and developed their own distinctive culture, including the intense, passionate style of flamenco for which Sacromonte is renowned.

Visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte to understand the history and lifestyle of the cave dwellers. This ethnographic museum features several restored cave homes showing how families lived here until recent decades. The caves maintain a constant temperature year-round—cool in summer, warm in winter—making them practical dwellings.

The highlight of your Sacromonte evening should be a flamenco performance in one of the neighborhood’s intimate cave venues. These “zambras” offer a more authentic experience than the tourist-oriented shows downtown. The small caves create an intense atmosphere, with the dancers performing just meters away from the audience. The raw emotion of Sacromonte flamenco—the staccato footwork, passionate singing (cante), and intricate guitar playing—represents the art form at its purest. Recommended venues include Cueva de la Rocío, María la Canastera, and Los Tarantos.

Day 3: Royal Chapel, Cathedral, and Historic Center

Morning: The Royal Chapel

Begin day three at the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. This Gothic chapel, completed in 1517, was specifically built to house their tombs after they conquered Granada in 1492. The ornate marble tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella lie beside those of their daughter Juana “la Loca” (Joanna the Mad) and her husband Philip the Handsome.

The chapel’s sacristy houses an impressive museum containing the monarchs’ personal collection, including Isabella’s crown and scepter, Ferdinand’s sword, and an exceptional collection of 15th-century Flemish paintings. You’ll also see Isabella’s personal art collection, which demonstrates her sophisticated taste and the cultural exchange between Spain and Northern Europe during this period.

Late Morning: Granada Cathedral

Adjacent to the Royal Chapel stands Granada’s magnificent Cathedral, one of the masterpieces of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1523 on the site of Granada’s main mosque, and the cathedral took 181 years to complete. The architect Diego de Siloé designed the cathedral with a groundbreaking circular floor plan, creating a sense of harmony and light unusual in Gothic and Renaissance churches.

The interior is breathtaking—soaring columns, enormous chapels, and a brilliant white color scheme that creates an almost ethereal atmosphere. The main chapel features enormous canvases by Alonso Cano, Granada’s most famous baroque artist. Don’t miss the cathedral museum, which houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts, including works by Alonso Cano and Pedro de Mena.

Afternoon: La Madraza and Corral del Carbón

Continue exploring Granada’s historic center by visiting La Madraza, the former Islamic university founded in 1349. While much of the building was modified after the Christian conquest, the oratory on the upper floor retains stunning Moorish decoration, including a beautiful mihrab (prayer niche) and intricate stucco work. Today it serves as a cultural center for the University of Granada.

Walk to the Corral del Carbón, the best-preserved caravanserai (merchants’ inn) in Spain. This 14th-century building originally housed traveling merchants and their goods. Its central courtyard, surrounded by galleries, gives a sense of medieval commercial life. The horseshoe arch entrance is particularly beautiful, decorated with Nasrid-era carved plaster.

Evening: Alcaicería and Tapas Crawl

Explore the Alcaicería, the reconstructed Arab market near the cathedral. While the original bazaar burned down in 1843, this recreation captures something of its atmosphere with narrow lanes lined with shops selling everything from spices and tea to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Granada has a wonderful tapas tradition that you must experience. Unlike most Spanish cities, in Granada you receive a free tapa (small plate of food) with every drink you order. The tapas get progressively more substantial with each round. Start on Calle Navas or Plaza del Carmen, where numerous bars offer excellent tapas. Try local specialties like “remojón” (orange and cod salad), “tortilla del Sacromonte” (omelet with lamb brains and offal—not for the faint-hearted but delicious), and “habas con jamón” (broad beans with ham).

Day 4: Monastery of La Cartuja and Science Park

Morning: Monasterio de la Cartuja

Take a short bus or taxi ride to the Monasterio de la Cartuja, a Carthusian monastery on the northern edge of the city. This baroque masterpiece is often overlooked by visitors, but it’s one of Spain’s most spectacular monasteries. Founded in 1516, the monastery took over 300 years to complete, with the final touches added in the 18th century.

The sacristy is the highlight—an explosion of baroque decoration that has been called the “Christian Alhambra.” Every surface is covered with intricate marble work, gilded stucco, and trompe-l’oeil paintings. The use of colored marble creates stunning geometric patterns, while the dome appears to float weightlessly above. The main church is equally impressive, with a gilded altarpiece and paintings by baroque masters.

The monastery provides fascinating insight into Carthusian life. These monks live in strict silence and solitude, each occupying a small house within the monastery complex and meeting only for prayers. You can visit one of the monks’ cells to see their austere living conditions—a stark contrast to the ornate church and sacristy.

Afternoon: Science Park and Biodome

Head to the Parque de las Ciencias, one of Europe’s most interactive science museums. This is particularly worthwhile if you’re traveling with children, though adults will find plenty to engage them as well. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions on everything from the human body to space exploration, plus a planetarium and observation tower.

The BioDomo, a tropical ecosystem contained within a giant biodome, is the star attraction. This immersive exhibit recreates the habitats and biodiversity of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, housing over 250 species including sloths, poison dart frogs, and flying foxes. The carefully controlled environment maintains tropical temperatures and humidity, creating an authentic rainforest experience complete with waterfalls and lush vegetation.

Evening: Realejo District

Spend the evening in Realejo, the old Jewish quarter of Granada. Before the expulsion of Jews in 1492, this area was home to a thriving Jewish community that contributed significantly to Granada’s cultural and economic life. Today it’s a charming neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere, street art, and excellent restaurants.

Wander through Campo del Príncipe, a lively square surrounded by tapas bars and restaurants. This is where many locals come to eat and socialize, giving you an authentic taste of Granada nightlife. Try Bar Avila for traditional tapas or Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán for more contemporary cuisine with Alhambra views from its terrace.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sierra Nevada

Exploring Spain’s Highest Mountains

Dedicate your fifth day to exploring the Sierra Nevada, the mountain range that provides Granada’s dramatic backdrop. These mountains contain mainland Spain’s highest peak, Mulhacén (3,479 meters), and offer year-round outdoor activities. The Sierra Nevada National Park protects a unique ecosystem that includes endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth.

In winter (December to April), the Sierra Nevada ski resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding on Europe’s southernmost slopes. You can ski in the morning and return to Granada for tapas in the evening—a uniquely Granadan experience. The resort has 110 kilometers of pistes, modern lift systems, and spectacular views across to North Africa on clear days.

In spring, summer, and autumn, the mountains are perfect for hiking. The Vereda de la Estrella trail offers a relatively accessible route with stunning views, taking you through changing vegetation zones from oak forests to high mountain meadows. For more challenging hikes, consider trekking to Mulhacén summit or the Siete Lagunas (Seven Lakes) glacial lakes. Wildflowers bloom spectacularly in May and June, covering the meadows in color.

Visit the mountain villages of the Alpujarra on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. These white villages, including Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira, retain their Berber character from the time when Moorish refugees settled here after the fall of Granada. The villages are built in a distinctive style with flat roofs covered in launa (grey clay), narrow streets, and houses decorated with colorful textiles. Local crafts include handwoven rugs and blankets, pottery, and leather goods.

The Alpujarra is also famous for its ham—jamón de Trevélez is one of Spain’s finest cured hams, benefiting from the dry mountain air during the curing process. Stop for lunch in one of the village restaurants to sample local specialties like “plato alpujarreño” (potatoes, eggs, ham, sausage, and blood sausage) or “migas” (fried breadcrumbs with meat and vegetables).

Day 6: Hidden Gems and Local Life

Morning: Casa del Chapiz and Palacio de los Córdova

Start day six with some of Granada’s lesser-known treasures. The Casa del Chapiz is a beautiful Moorish house in the Albaicín that now houses the School of Arabic Studies. The building features two houses built around courtyards, with gardens offering serene spaces and views toward the Alhambra. While access is sometimes limited, the gardens are generally open and provide a peaceful morning retreat.

The Palacio de los Córdova, near the Carrera del Darro, is a Renaissance palace with Moorish elements. The facade features an impressive stone coat of arms, while the interior courtyard showcases the blend of architectural styles typical of post-conquest Granada. The palace occasionally hosts exhibitions, making it worth checking what’s on during your visit.

Late Morning: Carmen de los Mártires and Mauror Gardens

Return to the Carmen de los Mártires gardens if you didn’t fully explore them on day one, or discover the nearby Mauror Gardens. These romantic gardens feature romantic grottoes, fountains, and sculptures nestled among cypress and palm trees. The gardens represent the carmen tradition—private estates with gardens that are characteristic of Granada’s landscape.

Afternoon: Markets and Shopping

Experience local life at the Mercado San Agustín, Granada’s main food market. This two-story market buzzes with activity as locals shop for fresh produce, meat, fish, and cheese. The market’s modern facilities blend with traditional market atmosphere. Several stalls have been converted into tapas bars, making this an excellent lunch spot. Try “La Pulpería” for excellent octopus or “Marisquería Galatea” for fresh seafood.

For unique souvenirs, visit the taracea workshops near Plaza Bib-Rambla. Taracea (marquetry) is the traditional Granadan craft of inlaying colored woods into furniture, boxes, and frames to create intricate geometric patterns. These workshops continue techniques perfected during the Nasrid period. Watching the craftspeople work gives you appreciation for the skill involved.

Browse the pottery shops in Fajalauza, the traditional ceramic neighborhood. Granadine pottery features distinctive blue and green glazes on white backgrounds, often decorated with pomegranates (the city’s symbol) and geometric patterns inspired by Moorish designs.

Evening: Flamenco and Zambra

For your second flamenco experience, choose a different style of venue. If you saw a traditional cave show in Sacromonte, try a tablao (flamenco theater) in the center for a more polished performance. Jardines de Zoraya in the Albaicín offers excellent shows in an atmospheric setting with dinner options. Alternatively, return to Sacromonte for another cave performance—each is unique and showcases different artists.

Some venues offer flamenco classes before the evening show, giving you a chance to learn basic steps and understand the complexity of the art form. Even attempting the rhythms and movements helps you appreciate the skill of professional dancers.

Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection

Morning: Paseo de los Tristes and Carrera del Darro

Spend your final morning strolling along the Carrera del Darro, Granada’s most romantic street. This pedestrian-friendly road runs along the Darro River at the base of the Albaicín, with the Alhambra rising above on the opposite hillside. The medieval bridges, historic buildings, and bubbling river create an enchanting atmosphere.

Walk to the Paseo de los Tristes (officially Paseo del Padre Manjón), a plaza at the end of Carrera del Darro. The name means “Walk of the Sad Ones” because funeral processions traditionally passed through here on the way to the cemetery. Despite the somber name, it’s a beautiful spot for coffee at one of the outdoor cafes, watching the world go by with the Alhambra as your backdrop.

Late Morning: Final Museum Visit

Depending on your interests, choose one final museum to visit. Options include:

• Museo de Bellas Artes: Granada’s fine arts museum, housed in the Alhambra’s Palace of Charles V, features an excellent collection of Spanish art from the 15th to 20th centuries, with particular strength in works by Granadan artists.
• Museo Arqueológico: The archaeological museum in Casa de Castril showcases artifacts from Granada’s prehistoric, Iberian, Roman, and Islamic periods, helping you understand the layers of history beneath the modern city.
• Casa-Museo Manuel de Falla: The former home of Spain’s greatest 20th-century composer, located on the hill below the Alhambra, offers insights into his life and work, plus beautiful garden views.
• Centro José Guerrero: This contemporary art center focuses on the works of Granada-born abstract expressionist José Guerrero and hosts rotating exhibitions of modern art.

Afternoon: Hammam and Relaxation

Return to the Arab baths for another session if you enjoyed your first visit, or try a different hammam to compare experiences. Alternatively, spend the afternoon in one of Granada’s many charming cafes. The city has a thriving cafe culture—locals spend hours over a single coffee, reading, chatting, or simply people-watching.

For a quintessentially Granadan experience, visit a tetería (tea house) in the Calderería Nueva, the street known as “Little Morocco.” These atmospheric establishments serve mint tea and pastries in rooms decorated with colorful cushions, lanterns, and Moroccan furnishings. The sweet mint tea, served in ornate glasses with fresh mint leaves, perfectly captures Granada’s Arab heritage.

Evening: Sunset at San Miguel Alto

For your final evening, climb to the Mirador de San Miguel Alto, the highest viewpoint in the Albaicín. The steep climb is rewarded with 360-degree views encompassing the Alhambra, the Albaicín, Sacromonte, the city center, and the Sierra Nevada. Arrive about an hour before sunset to watch the light change across the landscape.

As the sun sets, the Alhambra glows golden, then pink, then red, finally fading to silhouette against the darkening sky. This moment encapsulates the magic of Granada—the interplay of light and architecture, history and present, mountain and city. The evening call to prayer sometimes echoes from the Albaicín’s mosques, reminding you of the layers of culture that created this extraordinary city.

Farewell Dinner

Conclude your week in Granada with a special dinner. For traditional Granadan cuisine, try Ruta del Azafrán near the river, which offers excellent regional dishes with Alhambra views. For contemporary interpretations of Andalusian cuisine, consider Damask or Arriaga. If you want one last tapas crawl, return to your favorite spots from earlier in the week.

End the night with a digestif—try Ron Montero, a Granada-made rum, or anís, the anise-flavored spirit popular throughout Spain. Toast to your week in Granada, to the memories made, and to the inevitable return visit.