10 Best Tours of Parks and Gardens in Granada

Granada is a city in the Andalusia region of Spain, whose streets are dotted with beautiful natural spaces that invite you to wander through them. Whether you go on a self-guided tour or join a guided activity, you will discover parks and gardens that are not to be missed.

During your stay you will have plenty of parks and gardens to choose from. For example, among the best things to see and do in Granada you can lose yourself in the beauty of the Generalife gardens, take a stroll through the Federico García Lorca Park, visit the gardens of the Paseo del río Genil, spend a unique moment in the Science Park, among others.

An unmissable visit on your 1-3 day itinerary in Granada or longer is to the gardens of the Generalife, the former summer residence of the Nasrid sultans. You will enjoy a stunning natural and architectural scene: the fragrant flowers, the Islamic design of the main building and the views of the city.

This activity usually starts from the city centre. You will travel by car with an expert guide to the Alhambra complex of palaces and courtyards. There, you will learn about Islamic architecture as you stroll through the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions.

Afterwards, your guide will take you to the gardens of the Generalife. You will be amazed by the fragrant scent, the sound of the water emerging from the fountains strategically placed in the acequia courtyard. You will be able to approach a pergola and, from there, contemplate a breathtaking view of the site and the surrounding area.

With this guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, you will immerse yourself in the past of medieval Granada. Without a doubt, an experience you will want to repeat every time you visit the city.

Details of interest

• Price: tickets to visit the Generalife and the Alhambra with a guide start from 84€ per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Means of transport: the transfer is by car.
• Advantages of this option: you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will provide you with precise information about each destination.
• Disadvantages of this option: the duration of the tour may be a little too short to fully enjoy the destinations.

Taking a tour of the Federico García Lorca Park will give you a break from the busy city of Granada. You will enjoy a space of approximately 71,000 m2 with gardens and paths. It also has cultural and leisure areas for all ages. Ideal if you are travelling to Granada with children.

Once in the park, you will have the opportunity to explore the place on your own. You will see the Rose Garden, considered one of the largest in Europe. You can walk along wide paths (Paseo de los Tilos or Paseo de la Alameda), go to the Huerto de las Ranas, which stands out for its ponds and peaceful atmosphere.

In addition, you will find many other interesting things such as the following:

• Sculptures and monuments referring to the Spanish poet and playwright, Federico García Lorca, to whom the park pays homage.
• The children's area, with swings and other games for children.
• A terrace, where you can eat and recharge your batteries.
• Open-air cultural events. For example, in summer (from the end of June to mid-September in Granada) you can enjoy free cinema in the orchard.

The Federico García Lorca Park is usually part of the route of some free tours in Granada and other guided activities. However, you can enjoy this natural space on your own without any inconvenience.

Interesting details

• Price: the self-guided tour is free.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 2 hours, but you can spend as long as you wish in the park.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: the park is easily accessible as it is located in the city centre.
• Disadvantages of this option: in summer it tends to be very crowded, which could be a bit annoying if you are looking for a quiet space to relax.

The gardens of the Paseo del Genil are a great way to enjoy nature in Granada. You can take a tour of this attractive natural space and enjoy its beautiful paths, picturesque views of the river Genil, and the Alhambra.

This panoramic tour of the Genil gardens will allow you to admire a wide variety of trees such as elms, poplars, plane trees, along with picturesque seasonal flowers . As you walk you will notice the gentle murmur of the water and from specific points in the garden you will see the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which intersects with the buildings.

In addition, in this environment of paths you will find emblematic monuments that enhance the local history and culture. For example, the Puente de los Tristes (Bridge of the Sad). After this relaxing experience, you can continue exploring the city. Perhaps visit the Cathedral or join a private tour of Granada.

Details of interest

• Price: free of charge.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get a privileged view of the city, with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.
• Disadvantages of this option: this tour is not suitable during the rainy season.

Another park that stands out as a must-see destination for a tour is the Parque de las Alquerías, considered one of the oldest parks in Granada . Explore its green areas, discover its recreational spaces and live a different experience.

Once you are in the park you can walk freely along its paths while you contemplate some monuments and sculptures, such as the Cypress of the Sultana, sculpted in steel. You can also go to the grassy areas to lie on the grass or take advantage of the opportunity to do yoga.

There is also a cycling and hiking circuit for you to do sport while you connect with nature. And, if you wish, you can have a picnic or a barbecue, as there are special areas for both activities.

At the end of this experience in the Parque de las Alquerías you can continue discovering the city and all it has to offer. For example, take a private bike tour of Granada, enjoy the best flamenco shows, join a tapas tour and more.

Interesting details

• Price: free.
• Duration: between 1 and 3 hours, approximately.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you can have fun in the open air doing leisure and recreational activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you plan to have a barbecue during your visit, you will have to book the area in advance.

The emblematic houses of Carmen de los Martires are characterised by their beautiful gardens and orchards, making them a must-see destination on your 2-day visit to Granada or longer. You will discover an astonishing collection of gardens and learn about Nasrid architecture, thus delving into local history and culture.

Accompanied by a guide, you will tour Cármenes Mártires and see gardens such as the following:

• The French Baroque Garden, with an impressive pond accompanied by a statue of Neptune and four other sculptures alluding to the seasons.
• The Palm Garden, decorated with a three-storey fountain, hedges and palm trees.
• The Spanish Garden, with a central pond bordered by squares of rose bushes.

TheLandscape Garden, made up of two islands bordered by hedges that house some ducks and swans.

Throughout this tour of Los Cármenes in Granada the guide will give you information about the history of the site, the types of plants seen and the Nasrid architecture. Without a doubt, an enriching experience. And, if you are in Granada in December, you will be amazed by the illumination of the place.

Interesting details

• Price: from 17€ per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy beautiful gardens in a quiet and fresh environment.
• Disadvantages of this option: because these houses are residential, not all of them are open to the public.

The Botanical Garden is another destination to connect with nature, during your 1-day stay in Granada or longer. Take a stroll through this tranquil place and be amazed by all the native and exotic plants it houses.

Once you are at the Botanical Garden, located at the University of Granada in the city centre, you can embark on a short tour of the botanical world at your own pace. You will enjoy a series of paths, adorned with plants, ponds and fountains.

As you enter this wonderful natural environment, you will see some collections of tropical, Mediterranean and native plants. You will also have access to the arboretum, the garden of aromatic plants and the garden of cacti and succulents.

As if that weren't enough, the design of the garden incorporates some viewpoints, which provide a privileged view of the city and the Alhambra. And, if your view coincides with the summer sunset in Granada, you will enjoy a warm scene.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance to the garden is free.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will learn about different types of native and exotic plants in a peaceful environment.
• Disadvantages of this option: in the rainy season the experience may be affected.

The Jardines del Triunfo garden stands out as a good alternative to take refuge in the open air in the heart of Granada. You can embark on a walking tour through a large green area of some 14,000 square metres, surrounded by fountains, monuments and vegetation.

During this free tour you will move leisurely along wide sloping paths, on which stands a historic monument to the Triumph of the Virgin. If you go to the lower area of the gardens, you will see a monument dedicated to Saint John of God.

Throughout the park you will see cypresses, cedars and other species of trees. There are also 6 fountains, including one approximately 75 metres long, which when night falls in Granada offers an amazing spectacle of light and jets of water. Without a doubt, a great place to take some photographs.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: 1 hour.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy a natural refuge in the middle of the city.
• Disadvantages of this option: the use of bicycles and segways is prohibited.

There are many parks and gardens to visit during your time in the city, and Granada's Science Park is one of them. Although originally conceived as an interactive museum, it has gardens and green areas worth exploring.

As you walk through the park you'll find a botanical garden and a greenhouse, with an important display of plant biodiversity. You'll see more than 300 species of trees, grasses and shrubs. Afterwards, you can visit the tropical butterfly garden and interact with these species.

You can take a walk through the science garden, which is a landscaped space with some temporary and permanent exhibitions. For example, it includes a display of Iberian amphibians and reptiles; a reconstruction of the dolmen of Dílar (Granada), which is a megalithic funerary monument, among others.

The park also offers interactive exhibitions on technology, science, physics and biology. Before you leave, don't forget to climb the observation tower, where you'll see the park and the city from a different perspective. If you are in Granada in autumn, you will be amazed by the change of colour in the landscape.

Interesting details

• Price: around 8€ per person.
• Duration: between 3 and 5 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get closer to the world of science and nature in the same place.
• Disadvantages of this option: during the high season some exhibitions may require booking.

Granada's Miguel Ríos Park is another must-see destination to include on your parks and gardens route. Discover this great green lung and take a stroll through its large grassy areas and paths.

To access this park named after Granada's rock singer-songwriter Miguel Ríos, head to the Zaidín neighbourhood, located about 8 minutes' drive from the centre. On arrival, you can explore at your own pace a huge green area decorated with some 2,149 shrubs and at least 546 trees.

As you walk along the long paths lined with wooden fences, lime trees, hawthorn hedges and maples, you'll find rest areas where you can picnic and relax. There are also sports facilities, a children's play area and a fountain with jets to cool off.

Interesting details

• Price: free.
• Duration: between 1 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will have at your disposal large grassy areas and a walking path.
• Disadvantages of this option: the park has fewer attractions than others. However, it is an ideal place to relax.

All parks and gardens in Granada have a particular charm, and the Parque periodista Tico Medina is certainly no exception. Come to this destination and take a break for a few hours from the busy streets of the city. You'll have a different time.

When you arrive at the park you'll notice that there is a dirt track running through it from end to end, marking your route. But you are not limited to this path. You will be able to explore the place at your leisure finding many grassy areas with leafy trees to shelter you from the sun, especially during August in Granada, one of the hottest months.

During the walk to this park dedicated to the journalist Tico Medina, you will also find some special areas such as:

• The terrace bar, known as La Cabaña del Tico. You can enjoy a tapa, have a drink and share a pleasant moment with your fellow travellers.
• A canine area, equipped with tunnels, a walkway, a wheel, etc.
• The children's area, with cushions, swings and slides.

Interesting details

• Price: free.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to breathe fresh air and take a break from the busy streets of Granada.
• Disadvantages of this option: the park does not have enough trees to provide shade all along the route.

There are several reasons why during your trip of 1 to 4 days in Granada or more, it is advisable to take a tour of its parks and gardens. The city has beautiful natural spaces full of history and culture, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere.

With this type of experience you will have the opportunity to connect with nature and the history of each place visited. You'll see a variety of local flora, green trails and other beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces.

It is not a difficult task to go on a tour of Granada's parks and gardens. You can do it on your own or through a guided experience. Whichever option you choose, it is important to take into consideration some basic tips:

• Select the best time. Early morning and just before sunset are ideal for this type of tour, as you avoid the crowds and the heat. In addition, you will enjoy a landscape embellished by the golden light of the sun.
• Book in advance. Plan your guided activity or buy tickets online for the park or garden you wish to visit, as in some cases they tend to sell out quickly. This is also a good tip for visiting the Alhambra, as it is a very popular destination.
• Wear appropriate footwear. These types of natural spaces often have paths and trails to walk along, so you will need comfortable shoes that protect your feet.
• Take some supplies with you. Remember that the tour may last for a couple of hours or even longer, so you'll need to stay hydrated and energetic for the journey. You may also want to take the opportunity to have a picnic.