7 Days in Granada: Alhambra, Tapas & the Sierra Nevada

Granada, Spain · 7 days, 6 nights · budget · from about $950 per person · best in March, April, May

Granada punches far above its weight. The Alhambra is Spain's greatest Islamic monument, the Alpujarra villages hide in the Sierra Nevada, and here—unlike Barcelona or Madrid—a drink still comes with a free tapa. You'll spend less and see more travellers who actually live their trips.

What to expect

Explore the Alhambra's stalactite ceilings and Generalife gardens
Eat for pennies: every beer or wine comes with jamón, cheese, olives
Walk the hillside Albaicín quarter; watch sunset from Mirador de San Nicolás
Day hike to Las Alpujarras villages or ski slopes in winter
Browse the Royal Chapel where Catholic monarchs are buried

Day by day

1: Arrival & Albaicín

Arrive and settle into a guesthouse in central Albaicín.

Climb narrow Albaicín alleys; shop for ceramics and textiles.

Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás, then tapas crawl in Plaza Nueva.

2: Alhambra Palace

Arrive early at Alhambra (book online); tour Nasrid Palaces.

Explore Generalife gardens, Alcazaba fortress, and Charles V palace.

Dinner of espetos (grilled fish) or rabo de toro in Realejo neighbourhood.

3: Royal Chapel & Cathedral

Visit Capilla Real to see tomb of Isabella and Ferdinand.

Tour Cathedral; browse Corral del Carbón (medieval inn, now cultural space).

Flamenco show in a peña or bar in Sacromonte caves.

4: Sacromonte & Abbey

Hike to Sacromonte Abbey for city views and calm courtyards.

Explore cave dwellings and white-washed walls of the gypsy quarter.

Return to city centre; dinner at a vegan or vegetarian restaurant.

5: Las Alpujarras Villages

Minibus or car to Órgiva (1 hour); explore the white villages of Alpujarras.

Hike between Pampaneira and Capileira (3–4 hours, easy to moderate).

Sleep in a village guesthouse or return to Granada.

6: Sierra Nevada or Local Markets

Drive to Pampaneira market, or winter: take ski bus to Pradollano (1.5 hours).

Walk forest trails at altitude; winter: beginner ski runs.

Return to Granada; final tapas and wine in Plaza de la Trinidad.

7: Markets & Departure

Browse Mercado de San Agustín food market; pick up jamón and local cheese.

Last coffee in a café or shopping in Alcaicería bazaar.

Depart or extend.

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