There is no need to say that Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. As Machado said, all cities have their charm, but Granada has its own and that of all the others. It is a must stop on your trip to Spain, and that is why we are going to help you out with the planning of a day in this city of incomparable Arab aroma. Open your eyes and do not miss any details!
We have just arrived at Granada and it’s 9 in the morning. The best way to start the day is, of course, with a good breakfast. We recommend starting our way at the Kiosko Las Titas, which we find on the Paseo de las Bombas, in the heart of Granada, surrounded by gardens and the Genil River. We relax with a coffee on its terrace because an intense day awaits us.
After breakfast, we take advantage of its location and take a walk through the Historic Center of the city, visiting its Cathedral and the Capilla Real, masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance. Before heading towards the Alhambra, we also pass through the Fuente de las Batallas and the Carrera de la Virgen.
We walk through the district of El Realejo, the old Jewish Quarter, on our way to The Alhambra. Once we get there, we recommend to take a guided tour of its palaces, gardens and fortresses. Do not forget to take your ticket including the Gardens of the Generalife, which are outside the walls of the Alhambra and were a Recreational Estate of the Nasrid Sultans until the Reconquest of the Kingdom by the Catholic Monarchs.
It is time for lunch and the Parador, within the enclosure of the Alhambra, seems a perfect place to satisfy our appetite. We can enjoy typical dishes such as the Nasrid Breua, monkfish in Mozarabic sauce, Alpujarras-style goat, or the cake of the convent of San Francisco, in a quiet and authentic environment. After the meal we can take the opportunity to visit the palace of Charles V and the Museum of the Alhambra, one of the most visited in Andalusia.
The descent to Granada is done down the Cuesta de los Chinos (Slope of the Tiny Stones), named for its paved ground. After turning left on the bridge that crosses the river we reached the Paseo de los Tristes (Walking of the Sad ones), so named for being the place where the Funeral Processions passed by, on the way to the cemetery. For many, this street that borders the Darro River and offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra is one of the most beautiful in Granada.
After seeing the historical buildings, terraces and shops where we can buy souvenirs on the Paseo de los Tristes, we enter the Albaicín, a neighbourhood with an enormous Arab influence declared a Historical Patrimony of Humanity. The Tea Shop El Bañuelo is a good option to make a little break and recover strength. It is a small and very old place with an ideal location that allows us to enjoy some sweet Arabs and tea in front of the palaces of the Alhambra. Then we can take a walk along the street Caldedería and visit their typical markets where we can buy souvenirs or spices and it looks like the Little Marrakech.
The afternoon is on the verge of falling, so we go up to the Mirador de Nicolás to enjoy a beautiful sunset, right in front of the Alhambra and probably enlivened by some countryman who sings and plays the guitar.
We now enter La Cueva de la Rocío, in Sacromonte, on the hill of Valparaiso, a picturesque and idyllic place and traditional Arrabal of the Gypsies of Granada. We will enjoy dinner over there and an authentic Flamenco Show by the Mayan family, a gypsy family with great tradition and the cradle of great artists in the flamenco world.
To end the day we go to El Huerto of Juan Ranas and enjoy a drink on its terrace with amazing views.
After this intense visit to the city, we are probably looking forward to having a rest. We recommend the 5* Hotel Palace of Santa Paula, an old Moorish house built in the 12th century. It is just a pleasant 10 minute walk, and this way we can end a fantastic day in this city full of charm and mystery.