Located in the foothills of Sierra Nevada mountains in Southern Spain, Granada is a lovely destination to have on your itinerary. So if you are visiting Southern Spain’s cities like Seville and Ronda, do make time to spend a day in Granada. Granada is the best place to witness the finest examples of Moorish architecture dating back to the medieval times. Located at the meeting point of rivers, the Darro, the Monachil, the Genil, and the Beiro, Granada is one of the top 15 largest urban areas in Spain. Though you can spend days exploring Granada, one day is also enough if you choose well; we are presenting this 24 hours in Granada itinerary to help you with all the highlights of the city so that you can plan the trip well & have a great time.
If Granada is the very first place you are visiting on your Spain trip, the nearest airport you can use is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. Make sure you rent a car and make your city sightseeing in Granada more comfortable & flexible.
Begin your day in Granada at The Alhambra
The biggest tourist attraction in Granada is The Alhambra. It is a grand palace and fortress that was first built in 889 CE on the remains of a fortification of Roman origins. Also called ‘The Red One’, the place was renovated in the 13th Century by a man named Arab Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, the same man who ordered the construction of the palace we see today. It was a royal palace for more than a century when it was used as the royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella – the couple who financed Christopher Columbus’ voyage which resulted in the discovery of the New World in 1492.
It is best that you book the entry tickets in advance. It will save you time that you are bound to spend waiting in the line for entry if you don’t.
After the Grand Palace make your way to ‘The Generalife Gardens’
The next destination on the list, ‘The Generalife Gardens’, used to be the summer palace of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada. It was constructed between 1273 to 1302 under the rule of Muhammed II. Though the gardens are said to be a reconstruction and also believed that the original work that embellished the gardens doesn’t exist today, yet it is still one of the most beautiful gardens you will ever see. They are landscaped and offer the best panoramic views of the city.
This place has been UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1984 and is the finest example of the Islamic Nasrid style.
Spend the afternoon exploring the City Center
Before exploring the rest of the city center, it is time to have lunch, we recommend La Castellana, it is an Italian restaurant and is located on Calle Almona del Campillo.
Granada’s city center is also its historic center which is home to attractions like the Granada Cathedral and Plaza Isabel la Catolica.
Granada Cathedral
Granada Cathedral was built over the Nasrid Great Mosque of Granada in the early 16th Century during the Spanish Renaissance. Though initially it was supposed to be built using the Gothic style architecture, later on the architect was changed who was more keen on the fully Renaissance aesthetic.
The main highlight of the Cathedral includes the chapel and Corinthian columns perforated by a series of windows.
The Royal chapel
The Royal chapel was built over the place which was once the terrace of the Grand Mosque. The chapel was constructed in the 1500s and is the place where the Cathlolic Monarchs are buried. In 1984, it was declared a Historic Artistic Monument and its gallery is the ultimate must-visit if you are an art lover; the gallery is home to some great works by Flemish, Italian and Spanish schools.
The Palace of the Marqués de Salar
The Palace of the Marqués de Salar is the finest example of the transformations that were done in the XVIth century. The palace graces one of the most iconic streets of Granada, the Carrera del Darro.
Next visit the Nasrid Palaces
This is the most popular zone in the city, the whole complex consists of three palaces each one built in a different era. The walk through the rooms of the palaces is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life; the spectacular rooms, though empty, are enough to take you back to 1333 when they used to be loaded with ornate furnishings. Another noteworthy thing about the rooms is that most of the rooms have sunrooms made of white marble, which have open roofs.
The craftsmanship, the Middle Eastern tiles used and the carvings that adorn these beautiful palaces is beyond beautiful. Don’t be surprised if it takes you into the Aladdin movie zone.
There are a lot of tours available that will allow you to cover the palaces thoroughly in less time. Make sure you book in advance to save time.
Visit the fabulous Arabian Markets (The Alcaiceria)
The Alcaiceria is the main market of Granada which is also the bazaar for original Moorish silk. This is the only portion of the market left which was once part of the numerous streets that existed between the Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla; this Arab market was almost destroyed in 1843. It is located close to Granada Cathedral and is a good place to buy things like Moroccan slippers and shisha pipes.
Visiting the market is like stepping into a Middle Eastern souk, it will take you a few minutes to realise that you are still in Spain. You can easily spend the evening away by roaming about the huge market and checking out stuff. If you love pottery, it is a good place to buy some, here you will also find ornaments, used goods and other stuff that tourists love to buy as souvenirs.
End your self-guided tour of the city at the Alcazaba Fortress
This is the best place to end your day in Granada while enjoying the spectacular views of the city as the sun sets. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Built in the 11th Century by the Hammudid dynasty, it is one of the most well preserved alcazaba in the whole country. Make sure you visit the ruins of the Roman theater that is located on its entrance and dates back to 1st Century BC.
Where to stay the night in Granada?
- Barbieri Granada Pensión
- El Granado Hostel
- Duquesa Bed and Breakfast