Location: Province of Granada
Top Things to do in Province of Granada
Countries
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks 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. Escuela Andaluza de Esqui
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By ChikuTripathi - Torredonjimeno, Spain
Best school to learn. We had a great teacher Mr Daniel Benedicto ( Dani ). It was our first time but we end up skiing in just 2 hours class . I recommend to everyone to ask for Dani if you really want to have good time and best teacher.
2. Nasrid Palaces
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By stinkwink - Sydney, Australia
In 2017 we already visited Alhambra but weren't able to get a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces. Now, two years later on, we tried again, and it was nearly the second failure. When long months ago the planned holiday in Granada I wanted to buy the ticket to this desired place, the only availability was Nasrid Palaces Private Guided Tour with Tickets Operator: Granada Tours a Pie. 110 euro per person. You can imagine my feelings. Since I'm writing this review, obviously I paid the 220 euros. We had a guide only for the two of us, and this ticket included the Alcazaba and the Generalife as well. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, and told us interesting stories as well. It was a delightful 3 hours, but still, I would prefer something less fancy but for 20% of this money. The Nasrid Palaces were as extraordinary as I expected. Every minute more and more miracles were greeting us. The hall of the two sisters with its stunning ceiling, the Tower of the ladies with its reflecting pool, the Hall of the Kings (Sala de los Reyes) with its painted ceiling, there are so many uniquely beautiful places, and then I didn't even mention the Court of the Lions. Also when a water channel ran with small splashing water rays, in the middle of the yard and two colored flower beds on both sides. The Nasrid Palaces are offering so many pleasures to the eye, that at the end you feel, that you can't consume anymore.
3. The Alhambra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42,039 reviews
The second most visited site in Europe: this breathtaking palace-city is a sophisticated blend of medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles..
Reviewed By 381lianem
A wonderful experience, palaces, wonderful gardens, etc etc. take time to explore, best on your own ... book online the general day pass on the official Alhambra site (well in advance/months before you plan to go, as they are sold out fast) and take the time to enjoy the vast „Alhambra sight in the different day lights. Take Buslinie C32 and C 31 to get to the main entrance of the Alhambra ( Tickets 1,40€/person, available on the bus), it is quite a steep walk from the city center...
4. Royal Chapel of Granada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,080 reviews
The Chapel of the Catholic Kings was conceived as a burial site intimately linked to the Cathedral, but without merging with its architecture. It is built with a single nave, an octagonal presbytery preceded by bleachers, a transept with little development and a choir at its feet, for the functions of a pantheon. As a funeral chapel none, in Spain, it excels in size. In it you can appreciate both its simplicity and its wealth thanks to the generous endowment of the queen. The Royal Chapel houses the mortal remains of Don Fernando de Aragón and Dona Isabel de Castilla (who were initially resting in the convent of San Francisco de la Alhambra), as well as those of Dona Juana I, Don Felipe and Infante Miguel. Under the tombs there is a small crypt of marked austerity, in which are deposited the real, lead coffins, identified by the initial of each name on the cover.
Reviewed By nati_s04 - England, United Kingdom
The entrance is quite cheap, it includes an audio guide, and it's quite stunning to see the beautiful architecture and the sculptures made by the best artist of that time
5. Ermita Del Tajo De La Cruz
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Generalife
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,267 reviews
Reviewed By ANGELOV230 - Milan, Italy
Generalife Palace and gardens are separated from the rest of the Alhambra complex, and it takes 20 to 30 minutes walking through nice botanic gardens to get there from the area where Alcazaba, Palace of Carlos V and Palacios Nazaries are located. The gardens are very beautiful, with a lot of trees, flowers, water fountains where you can see frogs and dragonflies. However, the best part is the Generalife Palace, with stunning rooms with Arabic ornaments.
9. Basilica de San Juan de Dios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,153 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Frankly speaking, we were not expecting much, but our guide insisted so much and there we went. And thanks God we did! The "Basilica de San Juan de Dios" is absolutely awesome! Its construction, between 1737 and 1759, was funded by the devotees of the Hospitalier Order to house the remains of "San Juan de Dios", its founder. The baroque Basilica is fully decorated, with gold and silver works of art prevailing in its interior. Take your time and enjoy the Basilica, with its impressive façade, statues, images, paintings and carvings. Just above the main altar, on an upper crypt, a solid silver urn contains the holy remains and relics of "San Juan de Dios", Patron Saint of Granada. Unmissable! Enjoy!
10. 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.
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