Flights To Granada Guide

The main airport operating in Granada is the Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX). It is located to the west of Granada’s city centre. Tourists can find flights from the UK to Granada with airlines like easyJet and British Airways, departing from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR). The typical direct flight to Granada from the UK takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Alternatively, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is another option for tourists who fail to find direct flights to GRX. This facility is situated 125 km from the city centre of Granada and caters to flights from major air carriers. Passengers can reach Granada from Málaga in about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or taking a bus.

To assist your journey with convenience, Woking Travel provides transportation services from the airport to your hotel upon landing in Granada. For more information and to book a transfer for your trip, visit our Transfers page.

Woking Travel presents a handpicked assortment of accommodations in Granada. You can explore and book hotels that are best suited for your preferences by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or browse our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

Here are the top rated hotels in Granada, categorised by star rating to cater to every individual visitor’s budget and liking:

1. Palacio de Santa Ines: A 5-star palace that lets guests set foot into a bygone era in the 16th-century. Luxuriate in Alhambra views, a sparkling pool, and exquisite dining.
   
   
2. Hotel Casa 1800 Granada: This 5-star hotel amalgamates mystique with indulgence. Pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa, beat the heat in the rooftop pool, or simply gaze at panoramic cityscapes.
   
   
3. Barceló Granada Congress: This 5-star hotel is where modernity intersects with convenience for corporate professionals on the go. Loosen up at the rooftop pool, savour on-site dining, or conquer your workload.
   
   
4. Áurea Washington Irving: This 5-star art deco elegance awaits close to the Alhambra. Guests can take a swim in the outdoor pool, explore culinary delicacies, or simply bask in the stylish ambiance.
   
   
5. Catalonia Granada: At this 4-star hotel, modern design complements rooftop comfort. Take a dive in the pool, unravel the city, or simply relax in this sleek haven.
   
   
6. Hotel NH Collection Victoria: History dazzles in this elegant 4-star hotel. Enjoy rooftop Alhambra spectacles, impeccable hotel service, and all the city centre has to offer from the hotel’s convenient location. 
   
   
7. Hotel Granada Center: This 4-star hotel provides present-day convenience with a rooftop flair. Guests can repose by the pool, tour nearby attractions, or unwind in this comfortable haven.
   
   
8. Hotel ibis Granada: This 3-star budget-friendly choice offers a pleasant stay near the city centre, ideally constructed for tourists to conveniently explore Granada.
   
   
9. Exe Bib Rambla: This 3-star lodging is a charming retreat in the midst of the city. Guests can take in the rooftop scenery, enjoy excellent on-site dining, and cosy comforts for a delightful vacation.
   
   
10. Hotel Carmen de Aixa: This traditional 3-star hotel is based in the Albaicín district and has an exquisite rooftop terrace with enthralling views of the Alhambra. It features a restaurant and a bar.

Granada has a myriad of transportation options available to cater to every individual traveller. The city has airport buses, metros/tram, a city bus network, taxis, bike and car rental services and more. Here is the detailed information on transit options in Granada:

• City Buses: One of the most convenient modes of transportation in Granada is the city bus network operated by Transportes Rober. The network has 28 lines that connect most of the city, including the Alhambra, Albaicín, and Sacromonte regions. 

• Metro/Tram: This system has a single tram line connecting north and south of Granada. Although the tram is a great way to travel across the city, it does not cover all the popular tourist attractions. Tourists are advised to purchase a Granada Card to get easy access to main monuments and unlimited miles on public transport.

• Taxis: Taxis can be sighted all over the city and are a considerable option if tourists need to travel short distances or carry luggage. 

• Airport Bus: A regular bus service links the airport to the centre of the city, taking about 45 minutes.

• Car Rental: Car rentals can be a good option for travelling to surrounding areas however, this can turn out to be a costly decision and parking may be a hassle.

• Bike Rental: Granada is a bike-friendly destination with multiple bike rental companies running in the city. 

1. Alhambra: It is a magnificent palace and fortress registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site and is among the most visited attractions in Spain today; it has intricate Islamic designs and beautiful gardens that provide panoramic views of the city.
   
   
2. Generalife: Located close to the Alhambra, Generalife used to be a summer residence for the Nasrid ruling family. Its calm gardens, elegant fountains, and picturesque patios offer an oasis amidst the city’s hustle.
   
   
3. Albaicín: A maze-like network of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and quaint squares like any ancient Moorish neighbourhood would have; therefore, tourists should walk around these cobblestone alleyways where they will come across hidden cafes, artisan shops and breathtaking vistas looking out towards the Alhambra.
   
   
4. Sacromonte: Located on the slopes of Granada’s hillsides, Sacromonte is known for cave dwellings alongside flamenco culture. You can watch authentic flamenco performances at small venues within caves.
   
   
5. Cathedral of Granada: The cathedral, built on top of what used to be a mosque, has distinct Spanish Renaissance architectural features. Admire its grand façade adorned with ornate chapels, which are imposing altarpieces.
   
   
6. Royal Chapel of Granada: This gothic mausoleum, next to the cathedral, contains the remains of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Its exquisite marble sculptures and richly decorated interiors are truly magnificent.
   
   
7. Mirador de San Nicolás: This picturesque viewpoint in Albaicín affords the best view of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada Mountains backdrop. Many people also come here to watch sunsets in Granada.
   
   
8. Corral del Carbón: One of the most complete examples of Nasrid architecture (14th century Moorish inn) in Granada is known as ‘Corral del Carbon’. Today, it organises cultural events and houses a small museum.
   
   
9. Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) is excellent for families and science enthusiasts. It has interactive exhibits related to astronomy, biology, and technology. The open-air botanic garden and planetarium should also be visited.
   
   
10. Carmen de los Mártires: This romantic garden is located inside Alhambra’s grounds. It has tranquil ponds, exotic plants, and views overlooking the city. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the crowds.

1. Los Patos – Hospes Palacio de los Patos: This exclusive venue with a terrace offers nutritional, seasonal tapas with cocktails and wines. It is set up in a beautiful historic palace.
   
   
2. Restaurante Faralá: This Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a modern take on Andalusian dishes in a stylish ambience. Tourists can look forward to creative dishes and excellent service at this eatery.
   
   
3. Restaurante Versos Sueltos: This eatery offers a distinctive and innovative take on Spanish delicacies, with an emphasis on fresh, regionally-sourced ingredients.
   
   
4. Divino Ristorante Italiano: This restaurant deserves to be at the forefront of your must-visit eateries list if you are a fan of Italian cuisine. This restaurant serves classic dishes made with high-quality ingredients along with a wide selection of wine.
   
   
5. Restaurante Palacio Andaluz Almona: This traditional restaurant provides visitors with an authentic Moroccan experience, serving Moroccan specialties, a simple homemade lemonade, and shisha.
   
   
6. El Mercader: This quirky restaurant is set in a simple and cosy building and is run by a hospitable family. The restaurant offers different cuisines, including Spanish, Moroccan, Mediterranean, and more. 
   
   
7. El Trillo Restaurante Granada: Serving magnificent views of the Alhambra along with delicious Mediterranean fare, El Trillo is a top rated restaurant, offering an ancient dining setting to visitors. 
   
   
8. Papas Elvira: This humble eatery serves exceptional Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine at reasonable prices, meeting all standards. The restaurant offers comfort food along with freshly baked goods, providing a home-like atmosphere to visitors.
   
   
9. Restaurante Los Manueles: Offering a chic and modern ambience, Restaurante Los Manueles serves Andalusian specialties like paella & croquettes along with al fresco tables.
   
   
10. El Fogón de Galicia: This casual restaurant serves Galician specialties, particularly seafood, with impeccable service. The restaurant is particularly famed for its Galician octopus, a local favourite. 

1. Visit Alhambra: Wander through this iconic palace/fortress combination with its rich history, Islamic artworks on display, and beautiful gardens.
   
   
2. Flamenco Show: You can experience flamenco’s passion and intensity by attending live performances at small venues located within caves or tablaos, which are traditional to Granada.
   
   
3. Wander in the Albaicín: Get lost in the streets and narrow paths of Granada’s ancient Moorish area, beholding its whitewashed houses, beautiful plazas, and breathtaking views of the Alhambra.
   
   
4. Hike at Sierra Nevada: Put on your hiking boots and discover the magnificent beauty of Sierra Nevada mountains, which have trails for every level of hikers.
   
   
5. Tap into Tapas: Enjoy the culinary heritage of Granada by hopping to various bars where different flavoursome tapas are usually freely served with drinks.
   
   
6. Take part in a Tapas Tour: Join a tour to taste some of the best cuisine Granada offers while getting insight into the city’s culture and history from an experienced local guide.
   
   
7. Take a Cooking Class: Dig deeper into Spanish cuisine by joining a cooking class that teaches you how to make traditional dishes like paella, gazpacho, and tortilla española.
   
   
8. Albayzín at Night: Walk through Albayzín at night for atmospheric streets illuminated by moonlight and view the charming sights of Alhambra.
   
   
9. Day Trip to Alpujarras: Try escaping from the overcrowded city environment into the picturesque Alpujarras area, known for its picturesque white villages scattered around terraced hillsides near it and mountainous scenery.
   
   
10. Magical Hammam in Granada: Granada takes pride in its  rich Moorish heritage, and a visit to a Hammam (Arab Baths) to soak in the thermal waters is a refreshing way to teleport in time and experience a centuries-old tradition.

Granada has a warm Mediterranean climate with distinct yet delightful seasons. Here is a glimpse of what to expect when visiting Granada:

• Spring (March-May): Temperatures in Spring range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) with moderate rainfall. Tourists can comfortably enjoy the beauty of Granada’s streets in the spring season. Visit archaic landmarks such as Alhambra, and lovely neighbourhoods like Sacromonte and Albaicín, hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains or picnic in the pleasant gardens of the Generalife.

• Summer (June-August): Granada’s summers are typically hot and dry and rise up to 30°C (86°F) or higher with scarce rainfall. To find relief from the summer heat, Alhambra’s cool interiors act as a sanctuary for tourists. Tourists can also take a swim in the Alpujarras natural pool, relish a siesta in a classic Spanish courtyard house, or enjoy the magical evenings, taking in the Spanish charm.

• Fall (September-November): Milder temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F) with increasing rainfall is what fall brings to Granada. Tourists can carry out outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or exploring the natural beauty of Granada. Granada also hosts fun festivals and fall events like Granada International Jazz Festival or the Film Festival for tourists and locals to enjoy.

• Winter (December-February): Winter is the chilliest season with temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (54°F) and experiences the most rainfall of all seasons. Snow precipitation in Granada is not likely to occur but in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s not unusual. Visitors can warm up in tapas bars and devour Spanish cuisine, tour historical sites and museums.  Moreover, winter brings some of the best flight deals and accommodation discounts out of all seasons.
  
  

For updated and live weather information, tourists can check out the AEMET’s Weather Guide.

• Standard Time: Granada is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Daylight Saving Time: During daylight saving time, Granada is 1 hour ahead of BST.

Currency:

• The official currency used in all kinds of transactions is the Euro (€). Debit and credit cards are commonly accepted in all transactions by all establishments. However, carrying some cash for places that do not accept cards can be helpful.
  
  

Language:

• Spanish is the official language used in Granada, Spain. However, many people directly related to the tourism industry speak English to varying extents. Knowing a few conversational Spanish phrases can assist tourists to comfortably communicate in Granada.

Local Customs:

In Granada, the city stops all operations for a midday siesta from 2-5pm. The locals of Granada prefer a handshake and a peck on the cheek when greeting friends and family. Lunch and dinner are often served with traditional tapas. Moreover, classic Spanish music, flamenco, and festivals like Semana Santa are heartily celebrated, and residents of Granada tend to dress in neat attire, especially in the evenings. 

Laws:

To be informed about the laws and regulations of Granada and for travel and tourism advice, browse through the sites below for a smoother journey:

• Official Tourism Website for Granada City Council
• Granada’s City Council Website
• UK Travel Advice for Granada

Granada is a definite spot on your travel wishlist! The city has a rich history that has been heavily influenced by its Moorish past, as seen in the iconic Alhambra palace and quaint neighbourhoods like Albaicín. Moreover, the stunning architecture of the city deserves to be viewed and acclaimed by visitors. From the grandeur of the astonishing Alhambra to intricate details on churches and palaces, Granada offers a variety of visually striking architectural styles. The city not only has incredible architecture, it also exhibits awe-striking natural beauty. Granada’s location at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it an attraction site with breathtaking landscapes, such as snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the picturesque Alpujarras region. It also boasts a renowned culinary scene famous for delicious tapas, including traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and gazpacho. Local wines/sherries are also produced there. In addition, with its bustling plazas, lively street markets and vibrant nightlife, Granada exudes energy and charm, making it an exciting place to visit.

Experience Granada with Woking Travel. Book now!