Sometimes known as “The Moorish Jewel”, Granada is a well-known tourist spot in Spain, known for being rich in its presentation of Spanish history. Besides containing some of the most monumental landmarks and UNESCO heritage sites like the Alhambra, Granada, unlike other parts of Spain, offers a respite from the merciless summer heat, especially with its multitudes of palaces, making it a sheltered and enclosed area. When it comes to accommodation, you can go for a cave hotel. There are plenty of comfy Airbnb vacation rentals as well. For many, coming to Granada means exploring magnificent views - from gardens and catholic churches to palaces and gypsy neighbourhoods, every nook and cranny of Granada contains vestiges of its past. If you’re an avid explorer and a lover of all things historical, wait no more and come on down to Granada. Continue reading for the best day trips from Granada, Spain.
Tip from tour guide
Apart from the historic attractions, Granada also has the most complex dome in Islamic architecture. It's made with extreme perfection inside Alhambra's The Hall of the Two Sisters (Sala de Dos Hermanas). It’s developed from a concentric eight-pointed star, repeated continuously following mathematical formulas and the Cordoba proportion. The light from the windows plays in a chiaroscuro that changes continuously during the day. More than 5,400 muqarnas crystallize in a cosmogony of a starry universe in a unique dome. The only way to see them all simultaneously is from the central source. The dome at Hall of the Two Sisters (Sala de Dos Hermanas) is also the best example of Nasrid architecture.
1. Cordoba (from USD 46.0)
A day tour from Granada, Spain, to Cordoba makes for an exciting journey. Cordoba is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, cultural treasures, and warm Andalusian hospitality, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking history, culture, and authentic Spanish charm. Explore the mesmerizing Mezquita, a stunning mosque-cathedral with iconic horseshoe arches and intricate mosaics.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, with its whitewashed buildings, charming courtyards, and vibrant shops. Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a magnificent fortress palace with lush gardens and stunning views of the Guadalquivir River. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the local markets, where you can taste traditional Andalusian cuisine and sample local delicacies.
Best of Cordoba Guided Tour
Duration: 4 hours
2. Alpujarras (from USD 87.0)
Also known as “Las Alpujarras”, Alpujarras is a natural region in Spain on the south slopes of Sierra Nevada. Revel in the fresh air and morning sun of the countryside when you visit Alpujarras, and unwind from the mundane hustle-bustle of city life. Make a stop at the White Villages of Alpujarras, Spain, to capture the unique beauty of these 500-year-old villages made up of flat-roofed white cottages concentrated near one another. The picturesque white walkway and potted plants of the White Village make for a good photo spot for those who wish to preserve memories. In fact, the various villages at the White Village consist of locals who specialize in different aspects- from cafe bars at Soportujar to chocolate shops at Pampaneira, there is something for everyone.
Tip from tour guide
The region is also famous for the Osel boy's story, which is fit for a movie and has been adapted into an HBO documentary. Learn more about Osel Hita Torres, a child who was believed to be the reincarnation of Lama Yeshe himself. He was born in Bubión to a Buddhist woman and a lord of the Alpujarras. Blessed by the Dalai himself, Osel was taken away from this family to the East. Finally, he ended up resigning from his position and becoming a monk to lead a normal life.
Las Alpujarras and Lanjaron Full-Day Tour from Granada
Duration: 10 hours
3. Ronda (from USD 347.0)
Situated in the Spanish province of Malaga is another renowned village known as Ronda. Ronda is known for its remaining ancient settlements which date back to the Neolithic Age, allowing travelers to experience for themselves the prehistoric era. Here in Ronda, quaint architecture is prevalent all around- head down to Old City, a name that appropriately encapsulates Ronda’s entire setting, or even the divine Parroquia Santa Maria La Mayor church. The unique symmetry and craftsmanship of cliffside constructions at the Old City will leave you wanting to uncover the stories behind these ancient walls. If you wish to opt for a more relaxed day trip, consider the Museo Joaquin Peinado, a museum that displays artworks by Peinado, a friend of the well-known Picasso.
Ronda Private Day Trip from Malaga
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
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4. Seville (from USD 48.77)
While planning your travel itinerary around Granada, do consider keeping Seville in it. Consisting of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain, home to the Alcazar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. The UNESCO sites are perfect to visit on a day trip in Seville as they remain some of the most prominent monuments in Spain. Opened daily, the Cathedral remains the world’s largest Gothic church; a trip down there allows you to see for yourself the majestic scale of the cathedral itself and take in the seamless amalgamation of Moorish and Renaissance architecture. Just across the Cathedral is the Alcazar Palace, another place worth visiting for its regal palaces and gardens, with the highlight being the Mudejar Palace of King Pedro I and its ceiling decorated with symbols of Spanish royalty.
Seville: Alcazar Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Tickets
Duration: 69.0 to 1.5 minute
Granada (Province) Tour Guide
Asier Garmendia
Hi! I’m Asier, welcome to Granada, the most wonderful and charming city in the world. I am a licensed tour guide, with a degree in Art History and specialized in the Alhambra. Let me show you as a local our traditions, food and heritage. The city of the Alhambra will not disappoint you !. Please don`t hesitate to contact me for private and flexible tours. My job is my passion!
Tours by Asier
5. Malaga (from USD 27.1)
A day tour from Granada to Malaga promises a great time. This place may be more popularly known as the city of Costa del Sol, but it is actually more of a seaside city as it is a place where you are able to gain further insights into Spain’s Islamic past. Also, it is the birth town of Pablo Picasso and there are also museums here for you to dive into the mind of an artist - to show what inspired him to be the great artist that he is and what inspired most of his highly acclaimed artworks. Malaga Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress-palace and it is a valuable monument from the Islamic era. You can also head down to Casa Natal, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Minutes away, there is a Picasso Museum where you will be able to marvel over the extensive collection of his artworks.
Malaga: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
6. Nerja (from USD 162.58)
Nerja is a family resort on the Eastern edge of the Costa de Sol and it has so much to offer - from exploring natural or man-made landmarks to having fun in a water park, there is just so much to do! Being bordered by two large natural parks, there are ample opportunities for you to get into close contact with nature as you immerse yourself in the dense forest and get ready to spot some wildlife in their natural habitat. Besides that, Nerja is known for its beach, Playa de Burriana. It is the largest and most well-equipped beach in the resort as there are even floating slides in the water for kids, and there are also chiringuitos (Spanish bars), and Spanish eateries featuring scrumptious Spanish food lined along the beach.
From Málaga: Skip-the-Line Nerja Cave and Frigiliana
Duration: 7.0 hour
7. Sierra Nevada (from USD 107.3)
Sierra Nevada, just 21 kilometers (13 miles) alway from Granada, is a popular destination as it has many mountains available, giving rise to numerous ski resorts to set up base there during winter. Also, you can visit the Sierra Nevada National Park, which has been declared a biosphere reserve. This is where you stand a good chance of spotting wildlife such as nimble mountain goats! You can also see the peak of Mulhacen, which is the highest mountain on the Iberian Peninsula.
Sierra Nevada Small Group E-Bike Tour
Duration: 5.0 hour
8. Cadiz (from USD 37.93)
Populated with alluring beaches and a vast array of fresh seafood, Cadiz, only an hour and thirty minutes’ drive from Seville, is one of the most ancient inhabited cities of Western Europe. As mentioned, beaches in Cadiz are tourist hotspots and one of which you should certainly make a trip to is La Caleta Beach. Located between two castles, a boardwalk separates the beach from the city, allowing the waves to swoosh gently between the walls. Not only that, the beach consists of amenities like a cafe and restaurants for one to grab a bite as and when you’re hungry! Beaches aside, do drop by the Cadiz market to browse through Cadiz’s very own local products consisting of fresh food and flowers.
Cádiz: Guided Bike Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
9. Sacromonte (from USD 302.69)
A traditional city located on the east side of Granada, Spain, Sacromonte is renowned for its rustic architecture, magnificent caves and seemingly run-down districts. Many compare the scenic views of Sacromonte to that of a fantasy movie, so why not come on down and take a look for yourself? Take a trip down to the Sacromonte Caves Museum to explore the 10 recreated caves that mirror gypsy caves as they were 100 years ago. The informative ethnographic museum allows one to delve into the history of early 18th-century gypsy settlers and their lifestyles. If you’re up for more adventures, check out the Alhambra, a unique palace-fortress complex that has since been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip from tour guide
We are on the Fuente del Avellano in Granada’s Sacromonte. It’s a place where time stops and you enter another world of legends and myths. It was famous even in Muslim times for its purity and slightly salty water. Legend has it that this is because the water in the fountain flowed from the tears of Aixa, the mother of Boabdil (Granada's last Nasrid ruler), who wept bitterly after being rejected by her husband, the sultan. Even the writer Ángel Ganivet formed a fraternity of intellectuals here, composed of Granada's cultural elite.
Albayzín and Sacromonte: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
10. Almeria (from USD 17.0)
Almeria is a beautiful city bordering the Mediterranian sea and it started as a flourishing country in the 10th and 11th centuries. However, due to the Spanish civil war, which was then overlapped by World War II, Almeria has experienced much destruction and devastation to its land and its people. Recuperation efforts were fast though, and within a few centuries, Almeria has regained most of its past glory. The most popular place to visit when in Almeria is none other than the Alcabaza, which is a magnificent old fortress built in 955, and it was intended to be where the government can reside. In addition, other popular historical sites include Almeria’s Air Raid Shelters, where you can take a peek into the suffering of the population during the times of strife - where 40,000 civilians huddled in these shelters to avoid being bombed.
Almeria: Camel Rides and Visit of the Farm
Duration: 1.5 hour
11. Marbella (from USD 25.05)
Marbella is a luxurious beach destination as there are Michelin-star restaurants, marinas filled with high-end yachts, golf courses and many sandy beaches. Many of the famous and the wealthy have chosen Marbella as the place to go for their holiday destination as it is just such a glamourous city to be! One of the most popular places to visit would be the old town, where there are narrow pavements laid with red tiles winding around white-washed buildings topped with terracotta roofs. The streets of the old town are also decorated with some of the prettiest bougainvilleas. Just a stone’s throw away is another popular destination to go - Alameda Park. Known for its greenery and unique benches clad with classic Andulasian hand-painted tiles, this park is another cultural hotspot as you’ll be able to relax and immerse yourself in this rich culture.
Puerto Banus, Marbella Bike Tour: Port, Parks & Shopping
Duration: 3 hour
12. Murcia (from USD 248.0)
Murcia is a hidden gem that combines history, gastronomy, and natural beauty, providing a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. Explore the historic city center with beautiful architecture, charming squares, and vibrant streets.
Visit the stunning Murcia Cathedral, known for its unique Baroque façade and impressive interior. Wander through the picturesque streets of the old town and discover hidden gems such as the Real Casino de Murcia and the colorful Plaza de las Flores. Immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling Murcia’s renowned cuisine, including the famous Murcian tapas and traditional dishes like zarangollo and caldero.
Murcia Private Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Explore these beautiful places in Spain
Spain is the land of wonder and the land that has a very rich culture. So, head down and experience them all and you will be able to get the full feel of what it is like to be living in Spain. Plan a full-day tour from Granada today.
Tip from tour guide
The city of Granada is full of exciting surprises and a long history. Did you know that, at one point, the main access to the city was through Puerta de Elvira? Its name refers to the disputed origin of the city. According to one of the main theories, Granada was born as an urban center in the Atarfe area and was called Iliberis (an Iberian name) or Medina Elvira. However, during the Muslim era, there was a large movement of population and institutions to the Albaicín hill, reestablishing the city as Medina Garnata or Granada, and Elvira fell into oblivion, leaving us with a gate named after it.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Granada
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