Location: Province of Granada
Top Things to do in Province of Granada
Top 10 Free Things to do in Province of Granada, Andalucia
There’s an Arabic inscription that captures the essence of Granada in a few words: “There is nothing so sad as to be blind in Granada.” The perspicacity of this declaration becomes obvious as soon as you penetrate the austere walls of the Alhambra and take in the full majesty of the architecture, carvings and fountains of the Nasrid palaces. Your ticket (which should be bought well in advance following the instructions on the attraction’s website) also affords entry to the Renaissance Palace of Carlos V and to the exquisite gardens of the Generalife. If you are celebrating a special event, or are in the market for a splurge, you can stay in the lovely Parador, right on site. Make your way down into the city via the atmospheric old quarter of the Albaicin, with its tiny craft shops and restaurants, and head for the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. Also plan a visit to the crypt for the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the instigators of Spain’s imperial adventures to the New World and beyond. It’s worth making the short journey out of town to visit the Monasterio Cartuja, a fabulous Carthusian monastery in the baroque style. Admirers of the poet Lorca should make the effort to visit the Casa-Museo Federico Garcia Lorca in Fuente Vaqueros, about 11 miles from the city centre.
Restaurants in Province of Granada
1. Mirador de San Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,666 reviews
Reviewed By LYNN8008 - Penang Island, Malaysia
Albayzin is famous for its charming surroundings, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and tapas bars. We walked along the little Albayzin streets and climbed up some steep steps leading to Mirador de San Nicolas located in the Albayzin neighbourhood for a spectacular view of the Alhambra, the Generalife, the city at its feet, and the magnificent Sierra Nevada right behind!
2. Albayzin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,591 reviews
Named a World Heritage Site, this is the old Moorish quarter of Granada.
Reviewed By Omer-Lavv - Greater London, United Kingdom
ALBAYZIN is a district in the historical city of Granada that retains its name and look from it’s Moorish past, when it was ruled by Muslims.The place has many places to see, colorful shops and restaurants to eat. Albayzin has narrow streets and has a hilly landscape. A good walk up to the top of Albayzin to see Palacio Dal al Hora, or “Mirador San Nicolas” provides a great opportunity for scenic views and an escape from busy streets of Granada for a breath of fresh air. It’s a very interesting place to wander about and see historic buildings and medieval looking streets like “Calle Elvira”, and in particular its steep off streets (with many colourful Arabic shops and restaurants), Calle Calderería, Puerta Elvira (Granada's city gate), Palacio Dar el Hora (residence of the last Moorish king's mother) and the one I really liked was" Mirrador San Nicolas"(A view point on the top with scenic views of Alhambra,Granada, especially during sunset, see my profile cover picture), along with many other attractions in this interesting place. Albayzin has a strong middle eastern feel and look in its streets with women selling Hina (Arabic tattos) for ladies and men doing Arabic calligraphy. We've been there twice and still can't get enough of this beautiful city with centuries of history attached to it.
3. Sacromonte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,905 reviews
A large hill located close to the Albayzín that is known for its caves that have been turned into public places for flamenco performances.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
With 3 nights in Granada, we had time to explore a little further beyond the Alhambra. Exploring Sacromonte was a highlight. We went here specifically to see the unique cave-houses. History is somewhat murky but it is generally thought that the Roma gypsies (Gitano) settled here in the 15th century, making homes by digging back into the mountain side. Sacromonte was very easy to explore on foot and you did not need a guide. There is one only narrow main street, the Camino del Sacromonte, which is what we walked down (keep an eye out for cars and the occasional small bus because there’s not much space). We started from the the tiny plaza with a central statue of the Gypsy King. This is Curro Albaicin, who was born in Sacromonte in 1940s and famously performed for people from Bill Clinton to Koffi Annan. Just past that you see cave bars where flamenco shows are held in the evening. Cuesta de la Rocio caught our eye. Although it was not yet open, the owner kindly let us go in and have a look. If we’d had one more night, I’d have gone back to see a show there. As we continued, the area became more residential. Most of the houses had been substantially developed and were no longer humble cave homes. The white-washed walls were hung with pots and vividly colourful geraniums. The view is also worthwhile. In one direction, you look across ravines to the Alhambra and in the other direction, the mountain landscape is a beautiful backdrop. In hindsight we should have allowed more time for Sacromonte. We went there on our last morning and only had an hour or so to explore. We short-changed ourselves here. We didn't have time to explore the side-streets or the museum (11 restored, preserved cave-houses). With more time, I’d definitely have continued our walk to the abbey and the catacomb caves. GETTING THERE: We started from Plaza Nueva and walked along the Carrera del Darro, following the river bank, then headed left up Cuesta del Chapiz. At the Gypsy King statue, turn right into Camino del Sacromonte. It was about a 20 min walk. You can also take the C2 bus from Plaza Nueva.
4. Las Alpujarras
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Andalusia's mountainous Alpujarra region features Spain's highest peak, Mulhacén, rising to a height of 3,478 meters. It provides perhaps the best walking and hiking country in Andalucia and boasts many picturesque villages for the less adventurous traveler.
Reviewed By marie19512013 - Otrokovice, Czech Republic
Last year, at the end of September we spent 5 days walking in the Alpujarras region. We visited Lanjaron, a spa centre, where we stayed in the hotel ESPANA. Also went to Treveléz, well-known for its mouthwatering curred ham jamon serrano. The village of Treveléz is the highest in mainland Spain, at 1,486m. The best of best was "Walk 6128": CAPILEIRA-BUBIÓN-PAMPANEIRA length: 3.8miles. It was a lovely sunny day, stunning views and amazing white villages.
5. Los Cahorros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By Monica_W1970 - Raleigh, United States
We hiked this on our own a few weeks after the area had received heavy rain. The river was high, the path was muddy near the village and slick in many spots. We had a blast negotiating our way up the gorge. This trail is not for anyone who struggles to crawl, or scamper along a cement wall holding onto metal grabs. There are multiple areas where you have to do both and I was glad the river wasn't any higher or we would have had difficulty in a few spots where you have to climb down into the river and step along the cement wall to stay on the trail. You'll want your hands free and good hiking shoes. When we got to the top of the trail we took a road around the edge of the canyon back into the village. This was not a interesting or as pretty as the gorge. If you have time you may want to go back along the river.
6. Ron Montero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
The tour is offered from Monday to Saturday and it is necessary to book. It last one hour approximately and is free. It was founded in 1963 by Francisco Montero and a traditional and artisanal process is used here. There are several types of rums depending on their aging.
Reviewed By Andrew_Cru - London, United Kingdom
We enjoyed a very informative visit to Ron Montero, kindly given by Teresa. There are fewer visitors at the moment due to C19 - but this meant we had more choice of times and the full attention of the guide. There's a lot of information to absorb but Teresa was very good at explaining everything, and the tastings at the end were generous. The products are available to buy at prices matching local supermarkets, so it's a good place to get yours (ours came in attractive presentation bags too).
7. Playa de Cantarrijan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By charlizee78 - Nottingham, United Kingdom
We met this beach by chance and it is a paradise, its landscapes, sunset and its clean water. In the restaurant you eat very well, especially black rice.
8. Ruta de los Pilares
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By siouxsy - Tustin, United States
We were planning on going to the higher villages but due to car sickness from one of our party members left us in this little town before heading down. Tiny little town. Must, must by the local jamon and jamon iberico here!!! So good and cheap. We hit up 3 jamon shops before heading down. We also got some bread at the Galician bakery and produce and honey at the local stores. Everything we purchased there was fantastic. Regretted not buying more of everything..especially the jamon iberico which out of the 3 shops we went to only one at the far end sold sliced.
