More about: 10 Best Tours and Day Trips in Granada
There are many ways to get to know Granada, but a tour of its main tourist attractions is one of the best. The ancient capital of the Nasrid kingdom receives millions of visitors a year and the sheer number of tours on offer can be overwhelming. To make it easier for you to choose, here are the best tours to get to know the city and the excursions that take you to discover its surroundings.
1. Walking tour of Granada's Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods
When visiting a city for the first time, one of my favourite things to do is to get lost in its streets to get to know its real and authentic side. The one that is normally seen by the locals on a daily basis.
If you are one of those travellers like me who enjoys these little details, then I highly recommend this walking tour through the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods in Granada, two genuine places with a very interesting history and views to fall in love with.
With this tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods in Granada you will discover some of the pearls hidden in the labyrinth of medieval streets that make up the capital of the Nasrid kingdom and that have made it world famous.
What does this tour consist of?
The Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods are two of the most amazing places to explore during your trip. If you haven't walked through them, you can't say you've been to Granada because this is the heart of the city.
With the help of a specialized tour guide you will discover the wonderful architecture of the two oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods of Granada, a delight for the eyes!
Itinerary
- Viewpoint of San Nicolás
- Church of San Gil and Santa Ana
- Sacromonte
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Plaza de Isabel La Católica
- Plaza Larga
2. Electric bike tour of the highlights of the city
If you want to discover Granada in an original and effortless way, this electric bike tour is an ideal option. With the help of an electric motor, you can ride through the city's cobbled streets and hills without getting tired, while enjoying its most emblematic monuments and viewpoints.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll stroll through the Albaicín, the Realejo and other historic areas, enjoying unparalleled views of the Alhambra. It is also a sustainable and fun alternative to get to know the city without the constraints of traffic.
What does this tour consist of?
This tour will allow you to explore Granada in a dynamic and comfortable way, combining history with adventure. You will receive a brief introduction on how to ride the electric bike before starting the tour, which makes it accessible to all audiences.
Itinerary
- Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral
- Viewpoint of San Cristóbal
- Albaicín and its cobbled streets
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Realejo, the Jewish quarter
3. Segway tour in Granada
If you are looking for an original and fun way to explore the city, this Segway tour of Granada is the perfect option. Ride your Segway through the historic neighbourhoods and enjoy the sensation of gliding effortlessly through the cobbled streets.
With the help of a local guide, you'll get to know emblematic corners such as the Albaicín and Sacromonte while enjoying spectacular views of the Alhambra. Before starting the tour, you'll receive a brief introduction on how to use the Segway so that you can operate it safely.
What is this tour about?
The Segway is an innovative way of getting around Granada, allowing you to access places where other vehicles cannot go. On this tour, you'll get to know the history and culture of the city while enjoying a comfortable and fun ride.
Itinerary
- Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Viewpoint of San Nicolás
- Albaicín and its narrow streets
- Sacromonte and its cave houses
4. Tour of the Alhambra
When we think of a trip to Granada, the first thing that comes to mind is the legendary Alhambra, one of the most beautiful monuments in Spain and a cultural reference of Hispano-Muslim art in the West.
Its beauty has inspired travellers from all over the world for generations and it is visited by millions of people every year, so I recommend you get your tickets for the Alhambra in Granada at least a month or two in advance.
Don't forget to buy your tickets for the Alhambra in advance as it is always in high demand and tickets are often sold out. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Alhambra where, as well as visiting the Alhambra, a guide will explain all the secrets of the palaces, gardens and fortresses that make up the Alhambra. A guided tour is always more enjoyable and entertaining.
What does this tour consist of?
If you are not seduced by the idea of joining a closed group you can always opt for a free visit accompanied by the audio guide, which will complement everything you see.
With this skip-the-line entrance to the Alhambra, you will be guaranteed direct entry to the monument at the chosen time. The Alhambra is a site that arouses real passions and there are usually long queues at the ticket offices to visit it. If you don't want to queue for an eternity I advise you to buy these tickets online, which will make your visit much easier.
Itinerary
- The Alhambra
- The Nasrid Palaces
- The Alcazaba
- The Generalife
- The Palace of Charles V
- El Partal Palace
5. Private tour of the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and the Alcazaba in Granada
The Alhambra in Granada is a world icon, a palatial city unique in Europe and a reference point for Islamic architecture and art in Spain. It is well worth a private guided tour, just for you and your group.
Visiting this legendary Nasrid fortress, the last living trace of this dynasty in Spain, is a dream. It is a must that every traveller should do at least once in a lifetime. Not in vain, it is considered the eighth wonder of the world according to the New7Wonders Foundation.
What does this tour consist of?
If you want to live a unique experience during your visit, the main advantages of this tour of the Alhambra in Granada are several.
- Firstly, you will be able to access the monument quickly and without waiting to start your private tour of the Nasrid palace city.
- Secondly, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will be exclusively at your and your companions' disposal during the 3-hour tour of the Alhambra. You will visit the palatine city at your own pace, at your own pace and at your own pace through the different rooms.
- Moreover, as this is a private tour of the Alhambra , you will have the possibility to personalise it. That is to say, you will be able to choose which of the sites on the tour to spend more or less time at, the explanations about the history of the monument, if you want to focus more on one aspect of the fortress or another, etc.
- Finally, the guide adapts completely to your preferences while he reveals details of the Alhambra in Granada and tells you curiosities and legends about this monumental complex.
Itinerary
- The Alhambra
- The Generalife
- The Alcazaba
- The Nasrid Palaces
6. Night tour through the Albaicín and Sacromonte in Granada
If there is one thing that struck me about Granada during my trip, it is that its essence changes from day to night. Every moment shows the different facets of Granada, small details in a unique city that never ceases to fascinate you.
When the sun goes down, Granada transforms and with it the atmosphere of its squares and streets. So do its neighbourhoods. The Albaicín and Sacromonte are the oldest and most authentic quarters of the Nasrid capital. If you haven't strolled through them, you can't say that you've ever been to Granada, because this is the heart of the city.
I confess that I have a penchant for seeing cities lit up at night, but the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods exceeded all my expectations. They are two of the most amazing and beautiful places you can explore during your trip to Granada on a night tour.
What does this tour consist of?
Sunset is an ideal time to take a quiet and romantic stroll through Granada's most traditional neighbourhoods. The hustle and bustle that invades the most touristy streets during the day gives way to the calm of the night, the sunlight slowly fades and with the moonlight the most enigmatic version of the city appears before us.
The atmosphere is conducive to let yourself be carried away by these neighbourhoods of Granada, taking a trip back in time with a guided tour where the Andalusian Granada was born centuries ago. Considering all the stories and legends that surround the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, I think the experience is much more enjoyable if you walk through these places with a local guide who will show you the gems that lie in these streets, declared World Heritage Sites in 1984.
You cannot leave Granada without visiting these picturesque neighbourhoods at least once in your life.
Itinerary
- Plaza Nueva
- Church of San Gil and Santa Ana
- Carrera del Darro
- Albaicín
- Mirador de San Nicolás
- Sacromonte
7. Excursion to the Alpujarras of Granada
The Alpujarras are a magical place in Granada. A territory between Granada and Almeria which, at an altitude of more than 1,200 metres, looks down from the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean Sea. It is difficult, if not impossible, not to be captivated by the beauty of this natural landscape dotted with a multitude of picturesque white villages.
The first time you travel through the Alpujarras you are overcome with a sense of emotion as you contemplate the breathtaking scenery, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the unique architectural features of its singular villages.
Why visit the Alpujarras?
This excursion to the Alpujarras is the perfect complement to a trip to the capital of the Nasrid kingdom. It was a great experience, a wonderful souvenir and one that I would highly recommend during a trip to Granada.
In my opinion, the reasons why you should go are as follows:
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Its historical background will allow you to learn more about Granada's Andalusian past through the unique architecture of the towns of the Alpujarras. After all, this was the last stronghold where the Moorish population lived in Spain.
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On the other hand, this excursion to the Alpujarras is a golden opportunity to enjoy a day in the open air exploring the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, home to the highest mountain range in southern Europe. Lovers of ecotourism and hiking will be able to visit the beautiful landscapes of one of the most unique areas of Spain.
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Tasting the typical gastronomy of a place is one of the best ways to get to know its culture. Andalusian cuisine is one of the richest in Spain, and on this excursion through the Alpujarras you will have the chance to attend a ham and wine tasting to get to know the flavours and textures of the land of spices.
Itinerary
- Lanjarón: famous for its medicinal mineral waters.
- Órgiva: the heart of the Western Alpujarra, known for the twin towers of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación.
- Carataunas: the smallest village in the Alpujarras, both in terms of population and size.
- Pitres: another of the smallest villages in the Alpujarras, characterised by the Moorish influence of its architecture.
- Trevélez: the highest village in Spain, at 1,476 metres above sea level, and the best producer of Serrano ham in the Alpujarras.
- Pórtugos: its town centre and the spring of ferruginous waters on the outskirts of the municipality are two postcard-worthy enclaves. Beautiful!
- Bubión, Capileira and Pampaneira: They are considered the most beautiful villages of the Alpujarras and have been declared historical-artistic sites. They are located in the Poqueira ravine, one of the most extraordinary natural spaces in Granada, ideal for enjoying the views.
Isabel's Traveller Tip
During the excursion to the Alpujarras you will be doing a lot of walking. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and to protect yourself from the cold in winter and the sun in summer.
8. 4x4 excursion to Sierra Nevada
For nature and mountain lovers, this excursion to the Sierra Nevada from Granada is a unique opportunity to explore one of Spain's most spectacular natural environments. Whether in winter to enjoy the snow or in summer for hiking, this excursion will allow you to connect with nature in its purest form.
The route includes stops at panoramic viewpoints from where you can contemplate the beauty of the mountain range and discover the area's flora and fauna. You will also have the opportunity to walk along trails surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
What does this tour consist of?
The excursion is designed for you to enjoy the Sierra Nevada to the fullest, with comfortable transfers and explanations from a guide specialised in nature. Depending on the time of year, you will be able to enjoy different activities, from panoramic hikes to walks in the snow.
Itinerary
- Departure from Granada
- Panoramic tour of the Sierra Nevada
- Stops at strategic viewpoints
- Possibility of hiking or enjoying the snow
- Return to Granada
9. Excursion to Ronda and its emblematic bridge
If you want to explore beyond Granada, this excursion to Ronda is an excellent option. Ronda is one of the most impressive cities in Andalusia, famous for its iconic New Bridge that spans the Tajo de Ronda, a deep gorge that offers spectacular views.
During the visit, you will walk through its historic streets, see its bullring and discover the secrets of this city of Roman origin. The combination of history, nature and architecture makes Ronda a must-see destination in southern Spain.
What does this tour consist of?
The excursion to Ronda includes transport from Granada and a guided tour of the city's main monuments. You will have free time to explore its viewpoints, enjoy its gastronomy and discover its unique atmosphere.
Itinerary
- Departure from Granada
- Guided tour of the old town
- New Bridge and viewpoints of the Tagus
- Bullring and its museum
- Free time to explore the city
10. Excursion to Seville from Granada
If you want to take advantage of your stay in Granada to discover another great Andalusian city, this excursion to Seville is a great option. Seville is a vibrant city, full of history, culture and impressive monuments such as the Giralda, the Cathedral and the Real Alcazar.
During this tour, you'll stroll through the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, walk around the iconic Plaza de España and immerse yourself in the Sevillian atmosphere. This is the perfect tour for those who want to see one of Spain's most fascinating cities in just one day.
What does this tour consist of?
The tour includes transport from Granada, a guided tour of the main monuments and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Seville is known for its mix of cultures, stunning architecture and lively atmosphere.
Itinerary
- Departure from Granada
- Guided tour of the Cathedral and the Giralda
- Tour of the Real Alcázar
- Stroll through the Plaza de España and the Santa Cruz quarter
- Free time before return
What to do after a tour or excursion in Granada?
Even the most experienced traveller feels exhausted, with tired legs and sore feet from all that walking after an excursion or guided tour lasting several hours during their holiday. I'm sure you're familiar with that uncomfortable feeling, right?
Don't worry, I've got the solution! The best way to recharge your batteries and relax after a busy day is to visit the Arab baths in Granada.
Set aside some time in your trip to enjoy the ancestral Andalusian hammam and all its health properties. In my article The best Hammam in Granada I explain you all the details of this ritual with which you will be able to rest your body and mind and prepare them for your next adventure. Don't miss it!