10 Things to Do in Granada in October

October is one of the best times to travel to Granada. Yes, I know, it is true that you can go to this city at any time of the year, but this month is the perfect month to do it. Why? Very simple, the summer vacations are over and the fresh air relieves the streets, it is an invitation for a quiet walk and relaxed visits, without any doubt.

Granada lacks nothing, it is not only rich in architecture and music; it is also rich in sea and mountains... and, of course, in gastronomy. In this article, I explain ten activities to add to your list of what to see and do in Granada.

The Church of San Nicolás, built in the 16th century over a mosque, gives its name to the square and this viewpoint, the most famous in Granada and located in the Albaicín area. And yes, it offers views that you can not miss: the Alhambra and the Generalife, with the city at his feet and Sierra Nevada in the background.

Why go to this viewpoint in October? Because in October the air is fresh, the days are cleaner and, above all, the green of the trees shines after the summer. A very romantic picture to enjoy with your loved ones, don't you think?

In addition, in this place there is usually quite lively, and you can find small stalls where they sell various objects and you can spend some time browsing. A great plan to see the Alhambra and the Generalife from another point of view, once you have made the relevant visit to these two wonders of culture and heritage.

Between so much walking and so many activities, at the end of the day you will surely want to find a moment to rest a little. What better way to do it than in a Hammam? Although October is not one of the coldest months, at this time it is very common that it starts to cool off in the evenings, so it is a perfect plan that you can start to enjoy, in company or alone.

My recommendation is to book a session in the best hammam in Granada, the Hammam Al Andalus, open between 9 am and 8 pm. This hammam, or Arab bath, is the first to be opened in Spain, after having been closed for five centuries. Nothing more and nothing less.

In this place, in addition to taking a relaxing bath, you can purify yourself in the Andalusian style or treat yourself to a pleasant massage. And, best of all, it is located within walking distance of the Alhambra, so you can combine it perfectly with your visit.

This chapel, built between 1506 and 1517 at the request of Queen Isabella I of Castile, contains the tombs of such important historical figures as the Catholic Monarchs, Juana the Mad and Philip the Handsome. To know in detail all the history of the Royal Chapel, I recommend you book this guided tour that also includes the entrance to the Cathedral of Granada

Although its exterior is quite striking, the interior is austere, somewhat narrow and a "pelín" dark for the taste of some. However, in the sacristy you can see part of the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs: paintings, their crown, the scepter and some books and clothes.

If you come here on October 12, you will be interested to know that it is the main point of the celebrations that take place on the occasion of the Día de la Hispanidad, as the curious tremolation of the Standard of the city.

If you are a music lover and you are going to visit Granada in October you are in luck. To the traditional flamenco shows offered by the city joins a great festival with all kinds of styles, the Granada Vibra.

In fact, this event is composed of four major musical events, with a varied program in styles and with the presence of renowned artists:

• The first of these events, Granada Urbana, is dedicated to reggaeton and trap.
• The next two, the Bull Days, usually have a billboard in which rock, pop and fusion music.
• Finally, the day that closes the festival is usually dedicated to electronic music, in addition to hosting a farewell party.

But if what you like is flamenco, remember that in Granada you can also enjoy singing and dancing shows in October, and at any other time of the year.

Practical information

• Where: Paseo Cortijo del Conde
• Price: each of the days has a different price.
• When: every Saturday in October

Yes, in October tapas are still tapas. In particular, in Granada, they are an institution. In some places, you get two at a time. In others, you can choose the ones you want; while in others, you'll have to make do with the ones they choose for you. Of course, the tapa is always free and will be served with a drink, the price of which does not usually exceed 2.10 euros. Not bad, don't you think?

And where can you take these tapas? I suggest several areas:

• In the area of the town hall, go to La Chicotá, a classic.
• If you prefer, you can walk around the area of Darro and Camino de Ronda, I recommend the fried eggplants of La Blanca Paloma, they are exquisite. If you are doing a route through the Albaicín neighborhood, ask for Casa Rafa, the locals will know how to get to this emblematic place.
• Another area for tapas is the Realejo and the Alhambra, in this old Jewish quarter, you will find many bars to choose from. Be careful, they are usually full and it would not be strange if you had to eat standing up.

If you are a lover of detective stories and crimes to be solved, you are in luck. The Granada Noir festival is the only one in Andalusia dedicated to the noir genre and, precisely, you can enjoy it in the month of October.

In the days that are organized, all its different aspects are touched: comics, novels, cinema and even music. Granada Noir also offers activities such as book clubs, round tables and book presentations, among others.

Those who want to combine their passion for this genre with gastronomy are also in luck. A section of the festival, called Gastronomía Noir, organizes beer tastings and, in addition, several bars in the city offer a special tapa with this theme.

Practical information

• Where: various cultural venues in the city
• Price: free
• When: usually at the end of October

As you already know, the celebration of Halloween night has been progressively incorporated into our culture and Granada is no exception. Moreover, with the return of its thousands of university students after the vacations, it could be said that it is a party that has gained a lot of strength.

If you are lucky enough to spend October 31 in Granada and want to celebrate this day, don't worry, you will never be short of events:

• Theme nights are frequent in the bars and nightclubs of Granada. Generally, customers come to the bars and, in return, receive a free drink.
• In the stores of Almuñécar, for example, they hand out candy under the slogan "Trick or treat" and in Soportújar they organize "witches' nights".

I recommend that, a couple of weeks before this magical night, you get a schedule of activities to decide what interests you most. Generally, it will be easy to find several options if you check online.

Ghost tour in Granada

Although these types of tours can be done at other times, my advice is to sign up if you are looking for activities in Granada in winter or, of course, at the end of October, near Halloween.

There are numerous stories in Granada full of mystery and terror, some real and some legends. Several companies in the city offer guided tours with this theme that take participants through the streets and neighborhoods most famous for their paranormal myths.

Many of these tours are dramatized, so perhaps those more fearful should refrain.

True, this visit was predictable... but can anyone conceive of going to Granada without seeing everything there is to see in the Alhambra?

Besides, the weather in October is fantastic for strolling around while an expert guide explains the curiosities of this architectural jewel and with the exception of the October 12 long weekend, there may not be as many crowds at the monument.

The Alhambra is a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in the world, so I recommend that you book your tickets to the Alhambra two months in advance. And after touring it, I advise you to visit its surroundings where you will find beautiful places such as the gardens of the Generalife (here I leave you information about tickets to the Generalife), where the kings used to retire.

Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located between Granada and Almeria. It is the highest in Western Europe, after the Alps, and its botanical, scenic and natural value is enormous. Normally, the ski season starts in November, but I propose you to enjoy the sierra in another way.

For example, booking an excursion to Sierra Nevada from Granada in 4x4 in which you will be delighted with this biosphere reserve and its typical mountain villages, its lakes, its ancient Mediterranean forests, its massifs and its deep valleys carved by ice and rivers for thousands of years. Absolutely not to be missed.

In addition, in October you can do many other activities: trekking, mountain races, cycling circuits and even astronomy observations. Getting to Sierra Nevada from Granada is easy, as you can go by bus or on an organized excursion, as I mentioned before.

It is possible that you are one of those who seek to know a city beyond its most touristic places. For this, there is nothing better than strolling through its less central neighborhoods. If, as happens in Granada in October, a festival takes place, the chances of getting to know the place better increase.

In the neighborhood of La Chana, in early October, the FICH takes place, specifically in the Parque de las Alquerías. The event starts early and does not end until approximately 00:00 hours.

That day is a festive day in which you can not miss the music concerts (with special dedication to small groups in the area), exhibition, activities for children and creative workshops. If you go there you will also find places to taste the best homemade food in town.

Practical information

• Where: Alquerías Park, La Chana neighborhood,
• Price: free
• When: usually the first weekend of October.

The weather in Granada in October is quite pleasant. The maximum temperature usually hovers around 15 degrees, the minimum rarely drops below 10.

For these reasons, it is an ideal time to visit the area, especially if you intend to do long sightseeing tours or spend a lot of time walking. In any case, it is always advisable to check the weather shortly before starting your trip.