Outdoor Activities in Granada

Granada is a city that mixes medieval monuments with natural surroundings, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Thanks to its privileged location, the climate will be in your favor, with mild winters and warm summers. This will allow you to enjoy the best things to do in the city, such as excursions to the Sierra Nevada or the Geopark. You can also walk through its historic neighborhoods and discover the gypsy and flamenco history, or take a segway ride through its main attractions.

Hop on the tourist train and get off at the most interesting stops, or discover the traditional Cármenes on foot. If you prefer extreme adventures you can go hiking or canyoning in its forests, parks and mountains. Or perhaps, venture out to experiment with canoeing and paddle surfing in one of its rivers.

Granada is the perfect fusion of modernity and tradition, something you can explore aboard an electric scooter. This type of experience takes you through its picturesque streets and narrow passages, so you can witness the local beauty. During the tour it is possible to enjoy a visit to the Albaicin and Sacromonte neighborhoods that reflect the Arab roots.

In the Albaicin you can enter the heart of the city, where every corner evokes medieval Arab elements. Meanwhile, in the Sacramento you can take a look at the birthplace of Granada's flamenco, or admire the gypsy Granada hidden among its caves.

The experience usually includes the Mirador de San Nicolas and from here you will enjoy privileged views of the Alhambra monument. In addition, you will make stops at the Paseo de los Tristes, considered the most romantic street in the city. One advantage is that these tours usually include safety equipment and the company of a local guide.

Alternatively, you can book a historical segway tour, to delve into the context behind each monument. Or sign up for an electric bike tour of Granada.

Details of interest

• Price: you can rent a segway per hour from 20 € per person, or sign up for a guided tour from 58 €.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Schedule: if you prefer to rent a segway by the hour or day, the schedule is determined by you. On the other hand, the guided tours depart between 10:00 and 18:00.

See the main historical sites on a dynamic ride on the city's tourist train. In general, you will have access to 13 stops and the frequency of the trains ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. You can get off and on wherever you want to enjoy natural landscapes such as the Mirador de San Cristobal.

If you want to learn about the history of the Nasrid kingdom, take advantage of one of its stops and book a visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens On board it is possible to find an audio guide, which facilitates the walk through the Plaza de Toros, the Plaza de la Romanilla, the Monastery of La Cartuja and other monuments.

The experience has different modalities, you can buy tickets for a non-stop trip, ideal for planning activities for rainy days in Granada. On the other hand, to take advantage of the sunny and clear atmosphere, you can opt for 1 or 2 day passes that include free stops.

Details of interest

• Price: from 7 €.
• Hours: generally, it operates daily from April to October from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, November to March from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Duration: the full tour can take an hour and a half, while the system of free stops allows you to manage the time of the ride at your convenience.

Granada is a destination that captivates travelers for its historic neighborhoods, where the passage of Arab and gypsy communities in the Andalusian region is evident. Therefore, you can not miss an in-depth tour of Sacromonte and Albaicin. They are neighboring areas located on the same hill, so the secrets of each castle, palace, wall and fortress can be unveiled on foot.

You will find different panoramic points, ideal to contemplate the city from above. Enjoy the walk along the slopes, cobbled streets and the perspective of the Darro River from the Cabrera Bridge and the Espinosa Bridge. Being the oldest neighborhoods it is advisable to visit them with a professional guide, or book a tour with a visit to the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral of Granada

Sacromonte

Granada's gypsy neighborhood is a place known for the Caves of Sacromonte, the home of this community that was immortalized for its contributions to flamenco. Today, the heritage is celebrated in the tablaos, restaurants and monuments, but Spanish cultural traits predominate. In addition, the area is home to a concentration of flamenco culture, so some of the best flamenco shows in Granada come to life.

Albaicín

Visit the oldest neighborhood of the city, known for being the cradle of the Arabs during the Middle Ages. Among its streets you will discover medieval history, which dates back to the Moorish Nasrid empire. You will see ancient mosques converted into churches, as well as Arab baths and ancient walls.

Details of interest

• Price: guided experiences start at 17 € per person.
• Duration: touring both neighborhoods on your own can take between two and four hours, but will depend on your physical condition, points of interest and the pace of the walk. You also have the option of visiting the most important places in a guided tour of at least two hours.
• Time: the tour is recommended after 18:00, to take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere and pleasant temperatures.
• How to get there: there are different bus lines that connect to both neighborhoods.

There are no excuses to miss a hiking tour in this wonderful city, surrounded by greenery and exotic parks. Choose from mountains, rivers and forests that offer different routes adapted to any level of experience. Grab your trekking poles and head out to see dreamy places like Cerro del Sol, Silla del Moro and Santa Elena Hill.

Some of the Granada hiking trails I recommend include:

• Hiking excursion to Caminito del Rey, a spectacular trail that crosses the Guadalhorce river gorge.
• Hiking tour to Los Cahorros, a simple route, where you can swing on the suspension bridges over the Monachil River Canyon and discover the separation with the Sierra Nevada. During the walk enjoy the caves, natural pools and waterfalls.
• Hiking excursion to the Gollizno route, venture to the hanging bridges over the Velillos river and admire Granada from the viewpoints.

I recommend you to do this type of adventure and nature activities in Granada with an expert guide, to choose the most appropriate destinations according to your tastes and physical needs.

Details of interest

• Price: you can find guided experiences from 35 € per person.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Schedule: generally, the tours take place in the morning.

Enjoy a trip back in time to the Geopark, a national jewel that hides the typical Megalithic cave houses. During the tour, keep an eye out for traces of prehistoric civilization.

In addition, you will find archaeological sites and more than 70 places of geological interest, such as the Baza Fault and the sismites of Galera.

Excursions from Granada take you to discover this natural beauty, where outdoor activities are plentiful. The options you can not miss are:

• The 4x4 routes in the desert of Gorafe.
• The tours through the paleontological sites, where you can see the remains of extinct mammals.
• Adventure activities such as rappelling, climbing, cycling and hiking.
• Astronomical tourism, ideal for those who want to explore Granada at night and are looking for different plans. You can observe the clear sky, while learning about constellations and astronomical phenomena.

Details of interest

• Price: from 99 € per person.
• Duration: depends on the places you want to explore, but I recommend spending at least 9 hours.
• How to get there: if you go by car you can take the A-92 from Granada to Guadix or Baza, then follow secondary roads to the main points of interest. There is also a bus every four hours, but then you would have to take a cab to Baza. The most cost effective in terms of comfort and price is to take the guided tours that usually cover the transfers.

During the Nasrid period, the houses were luxurious and were noted for their peculiar architecture and gardens full of charm. The most famous one still standing is Carmen de los Mártires, located in the last Moorish strongman in Granada. Inside you will find open-air spaces, scented with flowers and decorated in different styles including Baroque, French and English gardens. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, Sierra Nevada and La Vega.

This experience can be combined with a visit to the Nasrid Palaces in Granada. Or, take a route through all the Carmenes of the city, among which stand out:

• Carmen de la Victoria, stands out because it has practically not been altered since its creation.
• Carmen Aljibe del Rey, a quiet place where you can appreciate the largest cistern in the city, created to store water.
• Carmen del Ave Maria, where you can discover the life of the composer Manuel de la Falla.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance to the Carmen de los Mártires is free, however, you can find guided tours from 17 € per person.
• Hours: from April to October it is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. From November to March it is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Location: Paseo de los Mártires.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot from the center, the rest of the city is connected through different transport lines, the closest stops being Auditorio Manuel de Fallas and Recogidas.

Visiting the Sierra Nevada is a must during your stay in Granada. You will reach the top of one of the highest mountains in the Iberian Peninsula, open all year round. In summer it is the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking or diving into the heated swimming pool.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Granada in December you can take advantage of the best season, when the snow-capped peaks decorate the landscape. These dates are ideal to enjoy a snowshoeing tour that will take you to snowy locations inaccessible on foot.

Alternatively, you can go skiing or sign up for a mountain bike ride through the Silla del Moro and get unparalleled views of the mountains. In addition, you can enjoy a homemade lunch with Spanish flavors.

Details of interest

• Price: it all depends on the activity you want to do, but there are options from 70 € that usually include a brunch.
• Duration: I recommend a minimum of four hours.
• Schedule: in summer the hiking trails are open all day. While in winter the ski resorts are open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Location: in the Sierra Nevada National Park.
• How to get there: if you go by car you can take the A-395, although there are also public transport options from the Granada bus station. Additionally, guided tours usually include transportation, which makes the experience easier.

If you plan to visit Granada in August you can cool off in the Genil river, while doing outdoor activities. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities, as you will go down the river in a double or single canoe. The intensity is medium to high, so it is necessary to have some experience.

On the other hand, paddle surfing allows you to paddle down the river to discover its flora and fauna. You will have to combine fun and balance and you will get a dose of adrenaline without risks. Generally, the river waters are calm, which is perfect for exploring and descending at your own pace.

Details of interest

• Price: both activities can be found from 20 € per person.
• Duration: canoeing can take one and a half to three hours, while paddle surfing takes about an hour.
• How to get there: the easiest way to get to the river is to take the 0390 bus from Área de Granada which runs every hour.

Canyoning has become a popular activity in Granada, especially for those who enjoy breathing fresh air. There are different levels of difficulty and anyone can enjoy this type of tours, preferably in the company of a professional. Among the most outstanding canyons are:

• Barranco Río Verde: offers a tour with fun obstacles such as rappels and natural slides.
• Lengentí: if you enjoy adventure you can take advantage of walking on the river.
• Barranco del Poqueira: if you plan to sign up for an excursion to the Alpujarra, you can not miss this plan with descents for professionals.

Details of interest

• Price: in general, it ranges between 30 and 80 € per person.
• Duration: depending on the canyon and the level of difficulty, the activity can take from 3 to 7 hours.

Granada is the perfect place to see birds in their natural habitat, as it is a city surrounded by nature. You will find diverse species in spectacular ecosystems that will leave you speechless. There are audio-guided tours for those who enjoy spending time alone or with the family, with accessible locations offering viewpoints and pedestrian areas.

If you plan to visit Granada in September you can sign up and visit some of the places highlighted for this activity:

• Laguna de Padul: this is one of the most visited places, as around 158 species have been recorded, including waterfowl and migratory birds.
• Paseo de los Tristes: if you are looking for an urban area, you don't even have to go far from the center of the city, in season there are a variety of birds that are familiar with people.

Details of interest

• Price: from 30 € per person.
• Duration: it can take from three to four hours.
• When: there is a greater migratory influx of birds from March to June and from September to October.