Granada in 3 days
In the city of the Alhambra, time is denser because it carries history and legends.
Landscapes, scents, flavours, music and sensations come together on this 72-hour route that feels like seeing an old friend again. Like William Shakespeare once said, ‘Every curious traveller keeps Granada in his heart, even without having visited’.
Itinerary day 1
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.
16.00-17.00
Torres Bermejas
Connected by a wall to the Alhambra's Alcazaba, this mysterious defensive bastion may be older than the Nasrid fortress, dating back to the 11th century.
17.30-19.30
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.
20.30-22.30
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
09.30-13.30
Cahorros del Monachil
Only eight kilometres stand between Granada and this stunning landscape of gorges and hanging bridges over the Monachil River, where you will feel like Indiana Jones in Sierra Nevada.
14.00-15.30
Restaurant El Puntarrón
After some physical activity, there is no better way to top off the excursion than with a hearty stew and quality meat at this rustic restaurant located in the town of Monachil.
16.30-18.30
Cathedral and Royal Chapel
Upon returning to Granada, we can pay tribute to this gorgeous Renaissance temple and the crypt where the Royal Monarchs have been laid to rest (both buildings were constructed following the Christian conquest of the city in 1492).
19.00-20.30
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.
21.00-22.30
Plaza de la Trinidad
It is always a great idea to end the day at this centric tapas hotspot that features a lively atmosphere at night and traditional taverns that coexist with indie-style establishments.
Itinerary day 3
20.30-22.30
A stroll through Realejo
A final walk through the old Jewish quarter where Sephardi Jews lived well before the Moorish conquest. Before leaving Granada, be sure to make a wish to Cristo de los Favores (Christ of Favours) in Campo del Príncipe.
10.00-11.30
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.
12.00-14.00
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 take in the Alhambra.
14.30-15.30
Mirador de Morayma
This restaurant serves Granada's traditional cuisine in an old Moorish carmen villa where, according to legend, Boabdil's wife lived during the time that he was held captive. It has excellent views of the Alhambra.
16.00-17.30
Monastery of San Jerónimo
It is worth seeing the Renaissance cloister of this monastery and the great altarpiece in its church, where the body of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the famous Great Captain, lies.
18.00-20.00
Cármen de los Mártires
The upper part of Realejo is home to this 19th century estate and romantic garden built on the former site of a monastery where San Juan de la Cruz wrote his works.