Travel to Granada

How to Get to Granada

Flights to Granada

Although Granada has its own small airport, most major and budget airlines land at Malaga Airport, around 130 km away. Buses and trains can then be used to travel to Granada from Malaga, both with journey times of around 2 hours. Alternatively car rental is available at the Airport. Aer Lingus, Easyjet, British Airways, Lufthansa and Ryanair all operate flights into Malaga Airport.

Trains to Granada

It is possible to travel to Granada by train from several cities in Spain. Granada Train Station is located near Avenida de la Constitucion, a short distance from the city centre, and linked by local buses and taxis. Several trains a day arrive in Granada from Algeciras, Antequera, Ronda, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, and Madrid, via Cordoba. Some journeys are by high-speed train and all routes are operated by Renfe, the Spanish national rail provider.

Buses to Granada

Granada's Bus Station is a modern concourse located around 3 km from the city centre. Buses run from the bus to the train station, from where visitors can travel to Granada city centre by local bus. Taxis are available at Granada Bus Station. Buses arrive in Granada from Sevilla, Malaga, Madrid, Cordoba and Algeciras, with most routes operated by ALSA.

About Granada

Granada is a large and cosmopolitan city, with an intriguing historic centre topped by the wonders of the Alhambra and surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Browse the narrow alleys of the Albayzín, or enjoy the elegant courtyards of the Realejo district. Enjoy drinks and tapas in the Plaza Isabel la Catolica, before stepping into the Granada Cathedral to marvel at the magnificently painted Capilla Mayor Dome. Set aside a day to fully explore the Alhambra, the largest remnant of Southern Europe's Moorish past. Granada also makes the perfect base for skiing on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, or heading South to the beaches of Almunecar and Nerja.

Best Time to Visit Granada

Granada, the dramatic Moorish city of Andalucia, is one of Spain's most popular destinations, with travellers keen to experience the magnificent gardens and architecture of the Alhambra Palace. When selecting the best time to visit, it should be remembered that  Andalucia is among the hottest regions of Spain. In mid summer, from June to August, temperatures can average in the mid 90s. Although the Moors designed the Alhambra to be a cool refuge, with fountains and shaded arbors, it can still be uncomfortably hot exploring a historic monument in high summer. Preferable seasons for a visit to the Andalucian city are late spring or early fall. At these times, temperatures are usually in the high 70s, warm enough to enjoy an al fresco dinner in a Granada restaurant, without being too warm. Visiting outside the peak season also has the advantage of avoiding the large crowds of visitors that descend on Granada during summer vacations. In winter, the city takes on a different aspect, with quieter streets, a chill in the air, and snow on the peaks of the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. It's an ideal time to explore the city at leisure and discover its hidden treasures.    

Eating in Granada

Granada, the historic city of Andalucia, has a cuisine that emphasizes the traditional flavors of southern Spain, while acknowledging the city's Moorish heritage. Top chefs in the city are respectful of tradition, usually offering a stylish take on Andalucian classics, making use of excellent local ingredients. For example, hams are often sourced from Trevelez, the village in the Alpujarras where the meat is dried in the cool mountain air. Andalucian dishes that feature on most menus in the city include classic summer cold soups such as gazpacho and its near relatives, salmorejo and ajo blanco - refreshing lunch options when the temperatures are hitting the 90s. In winter, traditional dishes take the form of hearty mountain stews such as Olla de San Anton, a bean stew with pig's head, bacon and blood sausage. If that's a little too daunting for some travellers, migas alpujarrenas is a traditional shepherd's dish made from breadcrumbs, seasoned with ham, garlic and paprika. Fittingly for a city with Moorish roots, north African cafes and kebabs have become as popular as tapas bars in the city center. The student population has also made it easier to find vegan and vegetarian eateries, once very rare in Granada.