Granada Spain 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Granada

Morning:

  • Check-in at your accommodation (recommended: Casa Morisca or Palacio de los Patos)
  • Breakfast at La Brotelería or Miguel y Miguel

Alhambra and Generalife:

  • Head to the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex dating back to the Nasrid dynasty. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
  • Spend the morning exploring the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and Charles V Palace.
  • After lunch, visit the Generalife, the summer residence of the Nasrid emirs, with beautiful gardens offering stunning views over Granada.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Sacromonte Abbey and explore the gypsy caves.
  • Take a flamenco lesson at one of the local tablaos like Cueva de la Rocía or El Cangaño.

Evening:

  • Dine at Nicky Nails for innovative cuisine with a modern twist, or opt for traditional Spanish dishes at Los Diamantes.
  • End the day with a stroll through the vibrant Albaicín neighborhood, taking in the night views from Mirador de San Nicolás.

Day 2: Modern Granada & Sierra Nevada

Morning:

  • Start your day at Bilbao Berri for a hearty breakfast.

Modern Art and Science:

  • Visit the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC) Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, Granada’s contemporary art museum.
  • Head to the CIENCIA Parque de las Ciencias to immerse yourself in interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, and innovation.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at El Guardián for a delicious tapas experience.
  • Take a cable car up to Sierra Nevada, Spain’s only ski resort. Enjoy the scenic views or hit the slopes (seasonal).

Evening:

  • Return to Granada and explore the bustling Plaza Nueva area, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • Dine at El Pimpi, a historic restaurant in the heart of Granada, offering traditional Andalusian dishes.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit Granada is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
  • Spanish is the primary language spoken in Granada, but English is widely understood among service staff in tourist areas.
  • Taxis can be expensive; consider using Granada Taxi or Cabify. The city also has an efficient bus system (EMTUSA) for getting around.
  • Remember to dress modestly when visiting the Alhambra, as shoulders and knees should be covered.

Transportation:

  • Fly into Granada’s Federico García Lorca Airport (GRX). A taxi ride or bus from the airport to the city center costs around 25€-30€.
  • Consider purchasing a Granada Card for free admission and discounts at various attractions, museums, and restaurants.

Tips:

  • Take your time exploring Granada’s historic sites; the city offers ample opportunities to unwind in its picturesque plazas, gardens, and street-side cafes.
  • Embrace the local cuisine—from tapas to traditional dishes like pilaf (rice with meat or seafood) and gazpachuelo (cold fish soup).
  • Be open to spontaneous encounters; Granada’s vibrant street life often leads to memorable interactions with locals and fellow travelers.