Centre and Cathedral
The most convenient base for a first visit: everything on foot, with tapas, shops and the Cathedral close by. In the evening the area around Gran Vía and Plaza Nueva gets quite lively.
Itinerary · Granada
Granada in 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
A 5-day itinerary for Granada: the Alhambra, the Albaicín, the Cathedral, Sacromonte, the Cartuja and a day trip to the Alpujarras, with practical tips.
- 5days
- 16stops
- 7Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for those who want to get to know Granada at a calmer pace: the Alhambra and the Albaicín, the historic centre, Sacromonte, the Cartuja and the Realejo, plus a full-day trip to the Alpujarras. Each day focuses on one area, and longer journeys are made by taxi or city bus.
From Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport you can take the Granada-Airport bus line, which reaches the bus station and Gran Vía de Colón in about 45 minutes. The taxi leaves from the rank at the terminal door, charges an intercity fare and takes about 20-25 minutes to the centre.
Tips
- Book the Alhambra well in advance and keep the ticket holder’s document to hand.
- The hills of the Albaicín and Sacromonte are tough: wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
- The tapa included with your drink is a Granada tradition; use it as dinner instead of ordering big dishes.
- For the Alpujarras, leave early and bring warm clothes, because it gets cool in the high villages.
- Check the weather before going to the Mirador de San Nicolás: sunset under a clear sky is well worth it.
Day 1
Alhambra, Generalife and the Albaicín
Alhambra
Sabika Hill
The great Nasrid complex includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Palace of Charles V. Book your ticket well in advance, as it sells out, and try to go in the morning.
Generalife
Sabika Hill
The summer palace of the Nasrid kings, with courtyards, water channels and gardens. It is a good way to finish the visit to the hill.
Albaicín
Albaicín
Head down into the old Andalusian quarter along steep, cobbled streets, past whitewashed houses and carmenes. Take it slowly and wear comfortable shoes.
Mirador de San Nicolás
Albaicín
Granada's best postcard view: the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada behind it. Arrive before sunset, because it fills up with people.
Day 2
Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
Catedral de Granada
Centre
A large Renaissance cathedral in the heart of the city, with a bright interior and a very tall nave.
Capilla Real
Centre
The Catholic Monarchs rest here, right next to the Cathedral. It is a short visit but a key one for understanding the city's history.
Alcaicería y Plaza de Bib-Rambla
Centre
Little streets of the old Nasrid silk market, now with craft shops. Plaza de Bib-Rambla is good for a break.
Corral del Carbón y Carrera del Darro
Centre and Albaicín
The Corral del Carbón is a former Nasrid caravanserai. Then follow the River Darro along the Carrera del Darro, with the Alhambra above your head, to the Paseo de los Tristes.
Day 3
Sacromonte and flamenco
Sacromonte
Sacromonte
The district of cave houses dug into the hillside, with views over the Darro valley and the Alhambra. The Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte helps you understand how people lived there.
Abadía del Sacromonte
Sacromonte
An abbey on top of the hill, with good views over the city and a peaceful setting.
Flamenco show in a cave
Sacromonte
The Granada zambra is performed in small, atmospheric caves. Book in advance, especially in high season.
Day 4
Cartuja, San Juan de Dios and the Realejo
Monasterio de la Cartuja
North of the city
A Carthusian monastery with a spectacular Baroque sacristy, full of marble and stucco. You get there by bus or taxi from the centre.
Basílica de San Juan de Dios
Centre
A Baroque church with a very ornate interior, a few minutes from the Cathedral. It is a quick visit and worth it for its altarpiece.
Barrio del Realejo
Realejo
The former Jewish quarter, now with a local feel, graffiti and tapas bars. Walk up to Campo del Príncipe, a lively square with terraces.
Arab baths
Centre and Albaicín
Ending the day at an Arab bath is a very Granada tradition. Choose an evening slot and book in advance.
Day 5 · Day trip
Las Alpujarras
Las Alpujarras
The Alpujarras, on the southern slope of the Sierra Nevada, can be reached in a little over an hour by car or on an organised tour. Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira are white villages of Berber-style houses and slate chimneys. Stop at Lanjarón, famous for its water, and leave time for lunch and walks through the ravines.
Granada
Where to stay in Granada
Albaicín
To sleep among houses with courtyards and steep little streets, with views of the Alhambra. It is charming but very hilly, so travel light.
Realejo
A district with a local feel and tapas bars, next to the centre and at the foot of the Alhambra. A good option if you want something quieter and more authentic.
Itinerary · Granada
More Granada itineraries
3 days
Granada in 3 days
- Day 1 Alhambra, Generalife and the Albaicín
- Day 2 Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
- Day 3 Sacromonte and flamenco
7 days
Granada in 7 days
- Day 1 Alhambra and Generalife
- Day 2 Albaicín and Carrera del Darro
- Day 3 Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
- Day 4 Sacromonte and flamenco
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Are five days enough for Granada?
Yes: you can fit in the Alhambra, the centre, the Albaicín, Sacromonte, a day of neighbourhoods and a trip to the Alpujarras without rushing.
Do I need a car for the Alpujarras?
With a car you have more freedom to stop in the villages, but there are organised tours from Granada and buses to the main villages.
What should I book in advance?
The Alhambra, the flamenco show, the Royal Chapel and the Arab baths. The rest can be decided as you go.
Photo credits
- Alhambra: Jebulon, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Generalife: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Albaicín: Jebulon, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Catedral de Granada: David suárez Benítez 2, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Sacromonte: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons