A must-include during any visit to Spain, Granada is most well-known for the Alhambra, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the Muslim world, however, there’s much more to experience, from mountain views to cave houses in the Gypsy Quarter of Sacromonte.
What to see and do in Granada
Granada (English translation “pomegranate”) is best known for its architectural wonders, whitewashed buildings and narrow streets with steps in the Albaicin (Jewish quarter). The best place to begin your visit is the Alhambra Palace, the most iconic building in this city.
Alhambra Palace
Alhambra Palace, Spain by Ann McCormack
One of Spain’s most famous attractions, Alhambra Palace is a complexly designed medieval fortress with intricate decoration and many gardens and fountains. It was built during the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim rulers in Spain, with construction beginning in 1238. The name ‘Alhambra’ is an abbreviation of the Arabic ‘Qal’at al-Hamra’ meaning ‘red fort’.
Spanning nearly 26 acres and enclosed by 1.73km of walls and towers the palace includes the residence for the ruling family, barracks for the guard who kept the complex safe and a medina where court officials lived and worked. Each area is connected by paths, gardens and gates and could be isolated should an incursion occur.
While the outside of Alhambra Palace is plain, the interior is exquisitely ornate. Carvings, painted walls, geometric tile dadoes and stucco panels create the formal environment for receiving heads of state and other government officials.
Within the palace, courtyards, fountains and platforms that raised the ruler above their audience extend, with each building built around a different focal point. Following the “Reconquista”, the Nasrid defeat in 1492, the Alahambra continued as a royal residence for the Catholic rulers. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V extended the palace with a building that pays tribute to the pre-existing Islamic architecture.
Throughout both Alhambra and Generalife, water is integral. Canals and fountains bring the soothing sounds of flowing water into the buildings and courtyards, reflecting the carved decorations and cooling the environment.
Generalife Gardens
Alhambra Palace Garden Granada, Spain by Marion Bunnik
Just beyond the walls of Alhambra is one of the best-preserved Nasrid estates, the Generalife (adapted from Arabic ‘Jannat al-arifa’ meaning ‘paradise’) gardens extend, with water channels, fountains and planted areas dotted with patios.
The Generalife estate has a palace built in the decorative style of Alhambra, surrounded by carefully arranged luscious vegetable gardens and ornamental gardens, a welcoming retreat from the palace affairs and sure to delight any keen gardener or nature lover.
At the centre of the palace is a 49m long courtyard that is 13m wide, with a water channel passing through the centre.
One of the most spectacular gardens features the ‘Patio de la Acequia’ or ‘Court of the Irrigation Channel’, a long pond lined with fountains. Considered to be the oldest gardens in Europe, Generalife has been extended over centuries and updated to reflect Christian tastes.
Los Mirados
To fully appreciate the Alhambra and Generalife, after seeing the palace and grounds up close, visitors will also want to view the extensive palace from afar.
Granada’s Mirador de San Nicolas is a popular viewpoint, especially at sunrise and sunset. Here there’s also a plaza where homemade jewellery is sold and you can witness impromptu concerts by flamenco-loving musicians.
On the way to Mirador de San Nicolas, you will pass Mirador de los Carvajales, a slightly less popular lookout with impressive views of Alhambra. The view from here is not as high, but it should be easier to find a good spot for a photograph.
Alhambra Palace Garden, Spain by Roy Bisson
Royal Chapel
Royal Chapel Granada, Spainby Marion Bunnik
This Isabelline-style building was constructed between 1505 and 1517 and houses the tombs of Isabella I of Castille, Ferdinand II of Aragon and their daughter Joanna and her husband Phillip. Carved in marble, each tomb represents the figures of each monarch.
The Chapel is adorned with paintings, and sculptures, blending Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
White villages of Andalusia
Throughout Andalusia are white villages, named for the white lime walls of many of the houses. Originally the homes were painted white to keep the buildings cool, and now it is part of the local culture that the white buildings are maintained.
In Granada, you can see these white homes in Sacromonte, a steep and compact neighbourhood with houses burrowed into a cliff wall. These practical, cave-like homes stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Ronda, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
Nearby to Granada is Ronda, a small town famous for its white houses. Picturesque with the Puente Nuevo bridge connecting the old and new towns forming a popular photo location. Another excellent place for photography is the Mirador de Ronda, where a beautiful garden with a cliff overhang abuts the bullfighting ring. Near here there are also statues of Orson Welles and Ernest Hemmingway.
Calle Navas (Tapas street)
Sightseeing drives an appetite, so tapas is essential to complete a visit to Granada. A long-standing tradition is that when you order a drink at a bar, y ou may be offered a tapa from the menu selection. Try croquetas, habas con jamon (broad beans and Spanish ham), migas or pimentos rellonos alongside a tinto de verano - similar to sangria but softer, this drink is made for warm weather with red wine, gasoesa and ice.
Spain by Dennis Bunnik
Granada’s historical Islamic architecture is something worth experiencing in person
The peace, serenity and regal atmosphere of Granada’s Alhambra and Generalife gardens provide a glimpse into the culture and values of the Nasrid rulers, so valued that these beautiful structures were kept intact and used by the conquering Christians.
Set in the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is a stop to include in your Spanish discovery.
Frequently asked questions
Is Granada a walking city?
Granada’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to familiarise yourself with the city. The key attractions, Alhambra, Generalife and the Royal Cathedral, are close to each other. Venturing to the Sacromonte is a little steeper.
Is there a dress code to visit Alhambra?
While there is no dress code to visit Alhambra, to enter the church within the compound, both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or bare shoulders. Summertime is hot, so in summer bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to allow you to explore the extensive palace grounds.
Can you take photos in the Alhambra?
Photography with a tripod or flash is forbidden without authorised permission. The best place to take photos of Alhambra using a tripod or flash is from one of the Los Mirados viewpoints.
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