Granada is a historic city in Andalusia, in southern Spain, set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a place of old streets, open squares and a long layered past, and it is best approached on foot, with time to wander.
Its most famous sight is the Alhambra, the palace complex that crowns the city. Rising above the rest of Granada, it is the element most visitors come for, and it shapes the whole visit: many people plan their days around getting a ticket for it, so it is worth booking ahead rather than arriving and hoping for a slot.
What a visit offers
- The Alhambra and its surrounding gardens and hillside, a major draw for any trip to the city.
- Historic streets and neighbourhoods at the foot of the palace, good for slow walks and café stops.
- Views over the city and out toward the mountains, which give the place much of its character.
- The Sierra Nevada, close enough to make the mountains a natural extension of a city visit.
Planning your trip
Granada suits a stay of a few days, giving room for the palace, the old quarters and a day in the mountains. The city is also known by its alternative name, Garnata, which you may see on signs and in older writing. Because the Alhambra attracts so many visitors, arriving with a clear plan for timed entry will make the experience calmer and more rewarding.
