Thing to do during a weekend in Granada

A weekend getaway to Granada is like an oasis in the desert or a small piece of chocolate cake. Additionally, the city may have its hazards come Monday morning. However, allowing the magic of this historic city cast its spell on you is definitely worthwhile, even for two days, because like the French painter Henri Matisse once said, ‘Granada is so moving that it stimulates and melts all of the senses’. Sunsets in Albaicín with the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada as the backdrop, intimate carmen villas bursting with water and life, the royal tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, the mysterious gypsy zambras in Sacromonte, the white villages in Alpujarra and more.

Everything in Granada is intriguing and sensual, but also painful when you leave. Painful because according to the words of Chateaubriand, the city ‘is like the beautiful, delicate land of our dreams; all those who see her, dream of visiting her again’. This weekend itinerary will make you want to coming back.

Itinerary day 1

18.00-20.00

Cathedral and Royal Chapel

This gorgeous Renaissance temple and the crypt where the Royal Monarchs have been laid to rest were built on the former site of the Great Mosque of Granada as symbols of Christian power following the city's conquest in 1492.

20.00-21.30

Plaza de Bib-Rambla and the Alcaicería

It would be a sin to skip this historic square that has witnessed all of Granada's history, followed by the old Moorish silk bazaar that today houses handicraft and souvenir shops.

22.00- 23.30

Gypsy zambra in the Sacromonte district

Granada's charm appears at night in the famous caves that serve as the stage for this song and dance performance of Moorish origin that was made popular by great flamenco families.

Itinerary day 2

10.00-13.30

Alhambra and Generalife

Let's start at the beginning. This 13th century Nasrid fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, is the jewel of Granada's crown, as noted by ancient Arabic writers. It is not to be missed under any circumstances.

14.00-15.30

Restaurant at the Parador de San Francisco hotel

The terrace of this national parador hotel invites us to gaze at the Generalife gardens as we dine on a selection of Spanish-Moorish creations.

16.00-17.30

Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes

On the edge of the Darro River, the ‘most beautiful street in the world’ is home to the oldest Arab baths in Granada and also leads to a promenade with a bohemian air whose name does not appear on maps.

18.00-20.00

Albaicín (up to the Mirador de San Nicolás lookout)

Making our way up the winding streets of the Moorish quarter where Granada was founded, we reach a stunning overlook from which to gaze at the Alhambra as the sun sets.

20.30-22.00

Hammam Al-Ándalus

After a hefty dose of culture, why not relax the body and mind with a steam bath and a massage at this hammam that was built in 1998 on the former site of a 13th century Arab bath.

22.30-23.30

Tapas at Campo del Príncipe

This emblematic square in Realejo is a popular spot with some of the best tapas bars. Oh, and be sure to make a wish to the renowned Cristo de los Favores (Christ of Favours). Perhaps ask to visit Granada again?

23.30 – “hasta que el cuerpo aguante”

Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcón

This street has many pubs and bars for you to spend a Saturday night experiencing Granada's nightlife with a drink in hand. If you feel like dancing, then this can be the starting point before visiting the nearby Mae West nightclub.

Itinerary day 3