More about: 5 Best Tours of El Albaicín and Sacromonte in Granada
During your getaway to the Nasrid kingdom you can't miss the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, two of the most emblematic, traditional and interesting places in Granada. You can't say you've been here if you don't know them!
1. Guided tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods
If you are one of those travellers who love to get to know a city by getting lost in its streets, this guided tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods in Granada is a fantastic option because it takes in several of the emblematic places hidden in the labyrinth of medieval streets that make up one of the most beautiful and historic parts of the Nasrid kingdom.
What does this tour consist of?
Departing from the Plaza Isabel la Católica at the agreed time, this 2 and a half hour tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods will take you on a guided tour of the impressive architecture of Granada's two oldest neighbourhoods, a spectacle to behold!
This Andalusian city has a lot of history behind it. Different peoples have inhabited it over the centuries and all have left their mark on it in one way or another, which is why the explanations of a guide in places like this are essential.
What will you see?
- San Nicolás viewpoint
- Church of San Gil and Santa Ana
- Sacromonte
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Plaza de Isabel La Católica
- Plaza Larga
2. Tour of the Albaicín, Sacromonte and visit to the Cathedral and Royal Chapel
If you want to enjoy a route that combines history, art and spirituality, this complete tour of Granada is an excellent option. For approximately 4 hours, a professional guide will take you to some of the most emblematic places in the city, in a small group of about 20 people.
What does this tour consist of?
The tour starts in the historic centre of Granada and takes in the Cathedral, a Renaissance jewel, and the Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs are laid to rest. Afterwards, you will go up to the Albaicín, the historic Moorish quarter with its cobbled streets and viewpoints. Finally, you will enter the Sacromonte, the birthplace of flamenco and home to the traditional cave houses.
What will you see?
- Granada Cathedral
- Royal Chapel
- San Nicolás viewpoint
- Plaza Larga Square
- Sacromonte Caves
3. Tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte + entrance to the Alhambra
This combined tour is ideal if you want to make the most of your stay in Granada, as it includes a guided visit to the Alhambra in the morning and a walking tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods in the afternoon. A double experience in which you will get to know the Nasrid history and the popular tradition of the city.
What does this tour consist of?
You will start exploring the Alhambra with a specialised guide: you will walk through the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and the Alcazaba. In the afternoon, you will follow the walking route through the streets of the Albaicín and Sacromonte, discovering its viewpoints, legends and unique architecture.
What will you see?
- Alhambra and Generalife
- Nasrid Palaces
- Albaicín and its narrow streets
- Viewpoints and traditional houses
- Sacromonte Caves
4. Electric bike tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte
For those who prefer a more active experience, this electric bike tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte allows you to explore Granada's most picturesque neighbourhoods effortlessly. With an approximate duration of 2 hours, you will cycle with a local guide through unique corners and postcard panoramic views.
What does this tour consist of?
After a brief explanation on how to use the electric bikes, you'll start climbing up to the Albaicín, where you'll learn about its history and hidden corners. Then you will head to Sacromonte, famous for its cave houses and Flemish culture. Thanks to the electric bike, you will enjoy the tour without exhausting yourself.
What will you see?
- Viewpoint of San Nicolas
- Streets and patios of the Albaicín
- Caves of Sacromonte
- Panoramic views of the Alhambra
- Paseo de los Tristes
5. Segway tour through the Albaicín and Sacromonte
This segway tour is perfect if you are looking for a fun and different way to explore Granada. In just 2 hours, and with the help of an expert guide, you will discover the most iconic places of the Albaicín and Sacromonte without getting tired.
What does this tour consist of?
With small groups, you will start from the centre of Granada and visit places such as the Plaza Nueva, the Mosque of Granada or the Paseo de los Tristes. You will go up to the Mirador de San Nicolás to enjoy the best views of the Alhambra, and you will learn about the history of Sacromonte and its gypsy tradition.
What will you see?
- New Square
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Granada Mosque
- San Nicolás viewpoint
- Abbey and caves of Sacromonte
What will you see during the Albaicín and Sacromonte tours?
- Sacromonte: A picturesque neighbourhood on the outskirts of Granada where gypsies have lived since the 16th century. It is famous for its views of the imposing Alhambra and the mountains, its whitewashed houses, its typical caves and its tablaos flamencos where you can have a good party. Undoubtedly, one of the most authentic and traditional places I recommend you to visit in the Andalusian city.
- Albaicín: Of modest appearance at first glance, this neighbourhood of narrow streets, red roofs and white houses holds within it the origins of what was once the capital of the Nasrid kingdom. A stroll through the Albaicín is a walk through the history of Granada and a delight for the eyes. It is not in vain that its unique beauty earned it recognition as a World Heritage Site in 1984, and rightly so!
- Carrera del Darro: One of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Granada. From here you can contemplate the Alhambra at the top of the Sabika and the leafy forests that surround it. Strolling along it with the murmur of the water of the Darro River in the background is a pleasure that no visitor should miss.
- Church of San Gil and Santa Ana: In the Plaza de Santa Ana you will visit the magnificent church of San Gil and Santa Ana, a small Mudejar temple built on the remains of the Almanzora aljama mosque. One of the most unique squares in Granada and in my opinion one of the most beautiful.
- Plaza Nueva: One of the liveliest squares in Granada, full of souvenir shops, bars and restaurants where you can sit and have a coffee while watching the performances of musicians and other street artists. Here you will find the Real Chancillería, a captivating 16th century building shrouded in mystery and about which many legends of ghosts circulate.
- Paseo de los Tristes: Despite its melancholy name, this street has a very festive atmosphere and unique views of the Alhambra. Located next to the Darro River, the Paseo de los Tristes is one of my favourite places to have a few glasses of wine in its charming terraces. The origin of its name will surprise you, as will everything you will see along the street.
- Plaza Larga: Dating back to the 14th century, this is the most famous square in the Albaicín. Here you can buy a souvenir or a sweet at the "Casa Pasteles" confectionery, which is very popular in the city. It is always very crowded because it connects with streets leading to the viewpoint of San Nicolás or the Paseo de los Tristes. Although many people simply sit and enjoy themselves on the terraces of the bars.
- Plaza de Isabel la Católica: Surrounded by trees and several historicist buildings, this central square is the meeting point for many locals and visitors. The square is presided over by a monument in honour of Queen Isabella I of Castile, a key figure in the history of the city. It is just a few metres from the cathedral, where you can visit the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs.
- Mirador de San Nicolás: The most famousviewpoint in Granada from where you will have the best panoramic view of the Alhambra with the ermine-covered Sierra Nevada in the background. It is a spectacle both by day and by night. It is located in the Albaicín and is one of the greatest pleasures you can experience in Granada, it will leave you speechless!
Why it's worth taking a guided tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte
There are few cities more beautiful and charming than Granada, the essence of Al-Andalus, to enjoy an unforgettable trip. Monumental, full of legends and dreamy corners, it is a delight for travellers looking for an exciting holiday.
Of all the city's enclaves, the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods are two of the most genuine places to explore. Situated on the hillside overlooking Granada, these neighbourhoods not only have a fascinating history but also wonderful views to fall in love with, and it was here that I realised that it's not just the Alhambra that the people of Granada yearn for!
The Albaicín and Sacromonte are the oldest quarters of the city, where the Andalusian Granada was born centuries ago, and they are full of labyrinthine narrow streets, passages and squares that contain beautiful treasures and legends that have survived the passage of time.
What is the best way to get to know them?
There is a lot to see here and it is easy to get lost if you are a first-time traveller. From experience, I think the best way to enjoy the Albaicín and Sacromonte is to let yourself be carried away by the heart of these neighbourhoods of Granada, taking a trip back in time with a guided tour that will show you the must-sees of these streets declared World Heritage Sites.
I recommend two tours of the Albaicín and Sacromonte, which will allow you to discover their many facets both by day and by night:
You can't leave without visiting these picturesque neighbourhoods at least once in your life. And what's more, not without repeating because if there is one thing that struck me about the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, it is that their essence changes from day to night.
Every moment reveals different details and perceptions in a beautiful city that never ceases to fascinate and amaze you.
Organise your tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods
How to book
It's easy! These tours of Granada can be booked online and once you have completed your purchase you will receive a voucher with the necessary instructions to meet your guide on the day and at the time you have chosen.
I recommend these two tours of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods if you are one of those travellers who like to improvise during the trip and leave room for unforeseen events, as you can reschedule it for another day 24 hours in advance without losing your money.
Duration
The duration of these tours is usually two and a half hours, although they can be a little longer. They are activities that are carried out calmly because the idea is that travellers enjoy the city, relax, ask questions to the guide and learn new things with the experience.
Timetables
Tours in this area of Granada are available every day of the week and there are usually different timetables to choose from. If you want to escape the crowds avoid weekends in high season and opt for the evening tours.
Clothing
Wear comfortable shoes during the tour as you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing. If you go in summer remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Food
Bring water and snacks along the way. Longer tours usually have a short break in the middle of the tour. Depending on where the tour ends, the guide will probably recommend good places to have lunch or dinner.
Photographs
Throughout the tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods you will have plenty of time to take in the different points of interest on the tour and you can take as many photos as you like without slowing down the group. Remember that afterwards you can always return to the monuments and spend as much time as you like taking photos.
Languages
Visitors come to Granada from all over the world and for this reason most tours are available in several languages. Spanish and English are almost guaranteed but other tours also have the option of French, Portuguese, German or Italian.
Price
Although you can do this tour on your own, my advice is to take a tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods with a guide. The prices are very affordable and with all that you will learn, I can assure you that you will get your money's worth.
Tours with children
The distances covered on most walking tours of the city are quite manageable, so if you are visiting Granada as a family, the children will be able to accompany you, as the tours are not very long and they can keep up with the pace.
Also, if at any point during the tour the kids get bored, as these are outdoor activities they can always run around and play while the guide continues to show the adults the sites of interest. After all, these are not museum tours where they have to sit still.
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If a tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods has got you excited, then take the experience to another level and complement it with other tours to get to know the other gems of Granada.
There are many, many guided tours in Granada and I have written a guide to show you what I consider to be the best tours and why. You can read it in this article on The best excursions and tours in Granada.
And if you prefer to complete your visit to Granada with an excursion around the city, I recommend you to read this article on Excursions to the Alpujarra from Granada, where you can find a selection of the best ones for me.