Things to do in Province of Granada, Andalucia: The Best Bus Tours

February 9, 2022 Randal Brittian

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. Granada Combo: Albaicin and Sacromonte Walking Tour and Hop-On Hop-Off Train

Plaza Nueva, 18010 Granada, Spain Julia Travel Costa Del Sol
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Get a snapshot of old-world Spain on this 2-hour walking tour of Albaicin and Sacromonte. With an expert guide, delve into Granada’s Moorish roots at the UNESCO-listed Albaicin neighborhood. Pass by the ruins of ancient Islamic buildings and soak up breathtaking views of the Alhambra palace complex from Mirador San Nicolás. Then, stroll through the historical Sacromonte quarter, where you’ll learn about the city’s gypsy population and thriving flamenco scene. Make use of an included full day hop-on hop-off tourist train ticket on the day of your tour.

Inclusions: Official Bilingual Guide., Albayzin & Sacromonte guided walking tour., Granada City Tour 1 Day Ticket Hop On-Hop Off, Audio Guide in 12 Languages

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Carolyne33

In all fairness, I only booked the Malaga Shopping Trip as I wanted to see the Barbary Apes and visit the other Rock, as I'd lived on the rock in Montserrat (Caribbean) for 16 years. The bus arrived at in a timely manor and was comfortable. The German guide was very precise, in the way only Germans can be, and didn't like the fact I couldn't show him my ticket - I explained I had no wifi on my phone. (Not because I couldn't afford it, but because the phone is new and I don't know what I'm doing with 4G so couldn't get it to function. I didn't tell the guide this and think he assumed I was poor as I like to travel incognito and am not rich anyway). It took ages to pick up people all along the Costa Del Sol and we finally arrived in Gibraltar at 10.20, about 3 hrs and 20 mins after we left Malaga. We were given till 3pm to either pay (again) for the shopping tour or go on the bus's own tour of the island. Mr guide did his best to sell us the tours (I had explained I had no interest in shopping (he thought I wasn't taking it because it was too expensive - 25 euros to be guided around a few touristy shops is too expensive, but the truth is I hate shopping, hate it) , but he didn't get I preferred to do my own thing, necessary as a photographer, and not wanting to go on the tour. I found John Guy hanging around in a square and in fact paid him to take me to see the apes. John is famous for his singing of 'If I was a rich man' with ape accompanists (BBC) and was also shot on film in the Bond film, 'The Living Daylights'. I am famous for talking about goats and a hostel in Montserrat during Hurricanes Irma and Maria (BBC etc) so we had a bit in common. I had been planning to catch the cable car up the rock, but it was about to be closed due to high winds. A friendly cop (actually, Johns Uncle Arthur) informed us. Nevermind, I got to take a photo of John's Uncle in full police uniform on a motorbike....with his very own rabbit ears. We didn't go all the way up the rock as we both had limited time and it was more interesting to play with the apes, though you musn't touch them first the park ranger explained. They like to be in control. They are golden apes and have orange coats. There is a monkey in charge of the States who also looks like that, I'm told. However, John had trained a female ape to jump on his client's shoulders which gave me a bit of a fright. It was also a bit smelly, but had a soft coat and beaufitul golden fur. It sort of ambushes Johns' clients. One minute you're talking to John about the weather, the next minute you've got a parrot on your shoulder, sorry, I mean a monkey. Aaaaaargh. Pirate! Anyway, so that was what I did on my shopping trip to Gibraltar. I did buy a fridge magnet with a map of Gibraltar, Spain and North Africa on it, complete with lucky coin, and a nice solar charged revolving hummingbird on an artificial sunflower. So far, it's either not sunny enough to charge in the UK or simply it doesn't work and I was ripped off. Gibraltar is a rather odd place and the people seemed somewhat strange. I did like the man whose dog played the piano by hitting the keyboard with its head outside the church or Cathedral in Main Street. G and T's, taken with my breakfast and as a substitute for lunch, having eaten friend bread for breakfast at a rather overcrowded establishment, turned out to be 6 pint buckets. They do things a little different in Gibraltar! Drinks are cheaper that than the UK, food is more expensive (I think though I only had bread and avocado so don't take my word). We were told to be back at the bus at 2.45pm to leave at 3pm. I got there about 2.40pm and nearly everyone had already returned. So don't know if that was a comment on shopping or touring Gibraltar. I would recommend their tour as it was about the same price as mine, but I would recommend finding John Guy hanging around just past the Cathedral as he is an interesting guide and good at his job. I could probably have got a bus myself to Gibraltar for less, but this was the relatively laziest way to get there. Make sure you phone them to confirm as I would never have found the meeting place without their direction in Malaga. As for their tour guide, he seemed quire kind, but you can never judge a book by its cover! He was definitely German.

2. Sierra Nevada Day Trip from Granada

Plaza Mariana Pineda, 18009 Granada, Spain Discovering Spain
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

A destination inhabited by more than a hundred species of flora and fauna, you won't want to miss our magnificent excursion to this national park. We take care of transportation from Granada. Discover one of the most renowned destinations on a trip to the Sierra Nevada National Park. With this guided and interpreted itinerary, discover the secrets of this mountain range, the Alps and the Himalayas. Engage all your senses with the murmur of streams, legendary lagoons and waterfalls, snow tunnels and high mountain meadows. In this enchanting park you can touch snow even in August and fill your lungs with fresh air at an altitude of more than 2,600 meters. A refreshing experience in one of the world's most unique ecosystems, explore the legendary forests and cinematic landscapes of this beautiful national park.

Inclusions: - Mountain guide throughout the tour, - Transportation

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 344royk

This walk is almost a must. The beautiful view is something unique to Spain and it is amazing that it is possible to walk there.

3. Discovering Las Alpujarras, departures from Málaga

Paseo de la Farola, 29016 Málaga, Spain Travel Factory Andalucía
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

In Las Alpujarras de Granada we find the perfect framework for a better understanding of the idiosyncrasy of an environment through the many cultures and traditions that called it home and, how each and every one of them, have left their mark both on earth and in those who today they inhabit this natural historical paradise. Between the magic and the legends, our steps will lead us to discover the secrets of the cultural miscegenation that give the shape of today on this region. To accomplish it we will visit: -Departure from the meeting point in Malaga or Granada -We enter through Tablate, a determining point in local history -We head to Lanjarón -From here we will go to Soportujar, where we will visit the cave of the witches -Our last stop will take place in the streets of Pampaneira -From here we will return to the meeting

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Snacks

Reviewed By frannunpal

It was a really good overall experience, very enjoyable, the hosts were very kind and helpful in every way 100/100 would go again :)

4. Semi Private Tour to the Alhambra from Nerja

29780 Nerja, Málaga, Spain Oletrips
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

La Alhambra is the most visited monument in Andalusia, reason why it should be on your list when visiting this lovely region of Spain. This magnificent monument is the greatest example of our Arabic past and the perfect witness of our interesting history since its creation. With our official guide you will learn about all this past and heritage, in a small group of maximal 8 participants. You will be able to take your time to enjoy this magnificent monument and our guide will be always available to you. After this incredible visit, we will take you to the Albayzin, the oldest and most beautiful neighborhood in Granada. It is a typical Andalusian neighbourghood with its white houses and narrow streets, and has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994. There, you will have free time to eat some tapas (so typical from Granada!) and will enjoy afterwards a guided visit in this georgeous neighbourgood.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Ticket entrance to the Alhambra

Exclusions: Our guide will recommend you the best places to have some tapas in El Albayzin

Reviewed By Q7408QGcatherineb

A first class private tour to Antequera. Our day trip to El Torcal, El Alcazaba and the Dolens of Antequera was a wonderful experience after a year of lockdowns and is not to be missed! Cipriano is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide who picked us up on time from Cómpeta. We will definitely book Oletrips again very soon.

5. Malaga to Granada: skip-the-line at Alhambra & Nasrid Palace - for cruisers only

Malaga Day Tours
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4.8 based on 72 reviews

Swap the cruise port of Malaga for the UNESCO-listed sights of the Alhambra on this full-day shore excursion to Granada (tour is only available for cruise passengers). With an expert guide and a skip-the-line ticket, head directly inside the 13th-century palace complex — one of the world's most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture. Wander along its ancient walkways and learn about the kings and sultans who once resided there. Then, enjoy a tranquil stroll through the paradisiac Generalife Gardens. Time permitting, end your excursion with free time in the city center on your own. Numbers limited to 18, ensuring a small-group experience.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Expert English speaking guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee, Skip-the-Line Alhambra, Nasrid Palace, and Generalife Gardens ticket in Granada

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Anaco_Angler

Our escort/non-guide was Miguel. We had an extensive tour of the countryside on the way to our two stops and Miguel was informative during the drive. There was a walking tour/orientation in Ronda and then we were given free time to enjoy the town. We picked up a sandwich to eat on the bus and that worked out well. Special thanks to our driver who patiently followed a slow truck for quite a distance on the road to Mijas, never risking passing on the very winding road until he had a clear path ahead. We arrived in Mijas and again had some free time after a walking tour/orientation from Miguel. Everyone was on time getting back on the bus, though we had to wait for Miguel. We arrived back at the ship with plenty of time to spare.This tour was a great way to see more of the countryside.

6. Alpujarrras Day Trip from Granada

Plaza Mariana Pineda, 18009 Granada, Spain Discovering Spain
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4.7 based on 31 reviews

Join us as we explore the most emblematic towns of the Alpujarra Granadina, stroll through its winding streets and discover the highlights of the Andalusian legacy. Enjoy the journey and we'll take care of transportation from Granada, just two hours away. Join us as we travel to the province of Granada, where we will start by discovering Lanjarón, the first city of the Alpujarra, as we head south. Then, pass through impressive landscapes until we reach Pampaneira, one of the highest cities in Spain and Europe. Here we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Poqueira Valley and you can take stunning pictures as the perfect souvenir. Our next stop will be Bubión, where we will walk through narrow streets and white houses as we begin our descent. Here you'll learn about the architecture and way of life in this town before continuing along the route to Capileira, one of the most picturesque villages of the Alpujarra and Andalusia.

Inclusions: - Local guide, - Semi-private transportation (minivan), - Local tapa (snack) and drink, - Cheese and local product tasting, - Chocolate Tasting

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By lkaiser311

It was a great day out exploring the mountains, doing some relatively light hiking, and eating a (well-deserved) local meal. Highly recommended!

7. 7-Day Southern Spain Tour: Granada, Toledo, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Ronda

Julia Travel Costa Del Sol
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4.3 based on 9 reviews

Get to know Spain in just seven days on this tour from Torremolinos to Madrid and Andalusia's most famous cities: Granada, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville and Ronda! You’ll visit beautiful sites like the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra palace, the Generalife Gardens and Seville's Alcazar, and you’ll hear interesting commentary from your guide. Enjoy sightseeing tours of Toledo and Madrid and have free time in Seville, Madrid and Ronda to explore the cities at your own pace.

Inclusions: Local guide, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Transport by air-conditioned

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Carolyne33

In all fairness, I only booked the Malaga Shopping Trip as I wanted to see the Barbary Apes and visit the other Rock, as I'd lived on the rock in Montserrat (Caribbean) for 16 years. The bus arrived at in a timely manor and was comfortable. The German guide was very precise, in the way only Germans can be, and didn't like the fact I couldn't show him my ticket - I explained I had no wifi on my phone. (Not because I couldn't afford it, but because the phone is new and I don't know what I'm doing with 4G so couldn't get it to function. I didn't tell the guide this and think he assumed I was poor as I like to travel incognito and am not rich anyway). It took ages to pick up people all along the Costa Del Sol and we finally arrived in Gibraltar at 10.20, about 3 hrs and 20 mins after we left Malaga. We were given till 3pm to either pay (again) for the shopping tour or go on the bus's own tour of the island. Mr guide did his best to sell us the tours (I had explained I had no interest in shopping (he thought I wasn't taking it because it was too expensive - 25 euros to be guided around a few touristy shops is too expensive, but the truth is I hate shopping, hate it) , but he didn't get I preferred to do my own thing, necessary as a photographer, and not wanting to go on the tour. I found John Guy hanging around in a square and in fact paid him to take me to see the apes. John is famous for his singing of 'If I was a rich man' with ape accompanists (BBC) and was also shot on film in the Bond film, 'The Living Daylights'. I am famous for talking about goats and a hostel in Montserrat during Hurricanes Irma and Maria (BBC etc) so we had a bit in common. I had been planning to catch the cable car up the rock, but it was about to be closed due to high winds. A friendly cop (actually, Johns Uncle Arthur) informed us. Nevermind, I got to take a photo of John's Uncle in full police uniform on a motorbike....with his very own rabbit ears. We didn't go all the way up the rock as we both had limited time and it was more interesting to play with the apes, though you musn't touch them first the park ranger explained. They like to be in control. They are golden apes and have orange coats. There is a monkey in charge of the States who also looks like that, I'm told. However, John had trained a female ape to jump on his client's shoulders which gave me a bit of a fright. It was also a bit smelly, but had a soft coat and beaufitul golden fur. It sort of ambushes Johns' clients. One minute you're talking to John about the weather, the next minute you've got a parrot on your shoulder, sorry, I mean a monkey. Aaaaaargh. Pirate! Anyway, so that was what I did on my shopping trip to Gibraltar. I did buy a fridge magnet with a map of Gibraltar, Spain and North Africa on it, complete with lucky coin, and a nice solar charged revolving hummingbird on an artificial sunflower. So far, it's either not sunny enough to charge in the UK or simply it doesn't work and I was ripped off. Gibraltar is a rather odd place and the people seemed somewhat strange. I did like the man whose dog played the piano by hitting the keyboard with its head outside the church or Cathedral in Main Street. G and T's, taken with my breakfast and as a substitute for lunch, having eaten friend bread for breakfast at a rather overcrowded establishment, turned out to be 6 pint buckets. They do things a little different in Gibraltar! Drinks are cheaper that than the UK, food is more expensive (I think though I only had bread and avocado so don't take my word). We were told to be back at the bus at 2.45pm to leave at 3pm. I got there about 2.40pm and nearly everyone had already returned. So don't know if that was a comment on shopping or touring Gibraltar. I would recommend their tour as it was about the same price as mine, but I would recommend finding John Guy hanging around just past the Cathedral as he is an interesting guide and good at his job. I could probably have got a bus myself to Gibraltar for less, but this was the relatively laziest way to get there. Make sure you phone them to confirm as I would never have found the meeting place without their direction in Malaga. As for their tour guide, he seemed quire kind, but you can never judge a book by its cover! He was definitely German.

8. Cordoba and its Mosque Tour from Granada

Plaza Mariana Pineda, 18009 Granada, Spain Discovering Spain
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4.3 based on 16 reviews

Discover the most symbolic monuments of Córdoba, including the Mosque-Cathedral. Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most emblematic cities of Andalusia and experience the culture of the city, flamenco and the iconic bulls that Córdoba has to offer, just 2 hours from Granada. Córdoba, capital of Muslim Spain, is the main city in a territory located in the heart of Andalusia. North of the city the wild landscape stretches to the summits of the Sierra Morena, with a dense forest and abundance of wild game. The province of Córdoba, which still retains traces of its Iberian, Roman and Muslim past, is rich in traditions, with an outstanding architectural heritage and a resurgence in its culinary scene, thanks to the rebirth of a range of traditional dishes of the region.

Inclusions: Tickets and guided tour at the Mosque. , Transportation from Granada with a local guide to accompany you on the entire trip, A paper guide to make you enjoy better your free time in the city

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By lkaiser311

It was a great day out exploring the mountains, doing some relatively light hiking, and eating a (well-deserved) local meal. Highly recommended!

9. Skip the Line: Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Half-Day Tour

Welcome Visitor Center, Paseo de la Sabica, 15, 18009 Granada, Spain Granavision
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4.2 based on 1,649 reviews

Explore Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens on this 3-hour skip-the-line walking tour, led by a professional local guide. This tour guarantees you'll have an Alhambra ticket and allows you to visit UNESCO-listed Alhambra with minimum fuss. Admire stunning Moorish architecture in the Nasrid Palaces and gain a glimpse into the lavish lives of the sultans who once lived here.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if it is option selected), Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress and the Generalife gardens, Professional guide, Preventing service Covid-19: Social distancing in the walking tour and bus, Hand sanitizer, Single use headsets to hear the tour guide clearly

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Silvia F

If you decide to visit the Alhambra you should definitely ask for Emilio to guide you. He is the real sultan in that palace!

10. Andalusia with Costa del Sol and Toledo - 5 Day Tour

Julia Travel
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4.1 based on 256 reviews

Take your time on a 5-day tour of Spain that guides you round Andalusia’s most famous cities: Seville, Cordoba, Toledo and Granada. Visit the birthplace of flamenco in Seville, see the home city of El Greco in Toledo and be amazed by the Moorish gardens of the Alhambra. You’ll also see Spain’s oldest bullring in Ronda on this five days in Spain itinerary, and soak up the beauty of Spain’s resort coast, the Costa del Sol. Highlighting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Toledo, this tour takes you deep into the heart of Andalusia, Spain’s most colorful and distinctive region. Dinner and breakfast are included, and enjoy a choice of standard or superior hotel accommodation for all four nights.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Guided visits in Seville, Toledo, Granada and Cordoba, Local guide, 4 nights accommodation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner), Travel insurance, Tour escort during the tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and beverages, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop off

Reviewed By globaltraveler85

The guide was SO informative and interesting. You get to see the whole church, skip the long line and learn a ton of history about the Sagrada Familia. Worth every penny.

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